- The city's name derives from the Javanese words 'sura' (shark) and 'buaya' (crocodile), originating from a local myth about a battle between the two creatures.
- Surabaya is known as 'Kota Pahlawan' (City of Heroes) due to the pivotal 1945 Battle of Surabaya, which became a significant rallying point for Indonesian independence.
- The city is home to one of the largest Chinatown districts in Indonesia, reflecting centuries of trade relations between Javanese merchants and Chinese migrants.
- It features a unique mix of architecture ranging from Dutch colonial buildings to the distinct Arab-style alleys found within the Sunan Ampel neighborhood.
- Surabaya was once one of the busiest ports in the Dutch East Indies, acting as the primary exit point for sugar and tobacco exports during the 19th century.
About Surabaya
Surabaya is the second-largest city in Indonesia and a pivotal port hub serving as the economic capital of East Java. The city serves as a historical melting pot where modern commercial centers contrast with traditional districts like the Sunan Ampel Religious Tourism Area. Visitors can explore the colonial-era naval history at the Monumen Kapal Selam Surabaya or pay respects to the national struggle at the Monumen Tugu Pahlawan dan Museum Sepuluh Nopember Surabaya. Outdoor leisure is centered around urban green spaces like Bungkul Park, which offers a respite from the city's intense pace. It remains a primary gateway for travelers heading to the volcanic landscapes of Mount Bromo.
Highlights of Surabaya
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Zoos
This zoological garden is one of the oldest in the country and houses a diverse range of tropical species.
Museums
This memorial commemorates the pivotal 1945 independence battle through an extensive collection of historical weaponry and artifacts.
Temples
This historic mosque is a center of regional Islamic heritage and attracts pilgrims from across the archipelago.
Museums
Visitors can walk through the interior of a retired KRI Pasopati 410 submarine to understand naval life.
Parks
A popular urban park recognized for its green space, community activities, and local food stalls.
Places of interest
This multi-functional public square serves as a central hub for arts, culture, and social gatherings.
Parks
This riverfront park offers a peaceful atmosphere with paddle boat rentals and educational displays.
Places of interest
This iconic statue represents the city's namesake animals and serves as the most recognizable landmark of the region.
Top things to do in Surabaya
The 4,287 highest-rated places in Surabaya, ranked by travellers.
1
Venues
Gelora Delta Stadium is a multi-purpose sports venue in Sidoarjo, East Java, serving as the primary home ground for the...
2
Parks
Bungkul Park is an award-winning urban green space located in the heart of Surabaya, serving as a primary community hub....
3
Zoos
Surabaya Zoo, locally known as Kebun Binatang Surabaya, is one of Indonesia's oldest zoological gardens, established dur...
4
Parks
Alun-Alun Kabupaten Sidoarjo serves as the central public square and administrative focal point for the Sidoarjo Regency...
5
Museums
Monumen Tugu Pahlawan is a 41.15-meter tall inverted nail-shaped monument commemorating the Battle of Surabaya on Novemb...
6
Temples
Namira Mosque is a modern architectural landmark in Lamongan, East Java, known for its distinct design reminiscent of th...
7
Temples
The Sunan Ampel Great Mosque is one of the oldest and most significant historical religious sites in East Java, built in...
8
Parks
Alun-Alun Mojokerto is a central public square in East Java that underwent a significant renovation in 2022 to modernize...
9
Museums
Monumen Kapal Selam, or Monkasel, is a decommissioned Soviet-era Whiskey-class submarine preserved as a museum in the he...
10
Places of interest
Alun-Alun Surabaya is a public multipurpose space located directly beneath the Balai Pemuda complex in the heart of the...
11
Parks
Alun-Alun Gresik serves as the primary town square and central civic plaza for the city of Gresik in East Java. The park...
12
Parks
Suroboyo Park is a public waterfront space located on the coast of Kenjeran, Surabaya. The park is defined by a massive...
13
Parks
Alun-Alun Bangil is the central civic square of Bangil, Pasuruan, functioning as the primary social and religious hub fo...
14
Temples
The Sunan Ampel Religious Tourism Area centers on the tomb of Sunan Ampel, one of the Walisongo credited with spreading...
15
Parks
Taman Flora Bratang is an urban green space in Surabaya designed as an educational ecological park featuring a substanti...
16
Temples
Al-Akbar National Mosque, also known as Masjid Nasional Al-Akbar, is the second-largest mosque in Indonesia by building...
17
Venues
Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium is the largest multi-purpose sports complex in Surabaya, East Java, serving as the primary home...
18
Parks
Taman Apsari is a prominent urban park in Surabaya characterized by the prominent statue of Governor Suryo, the first go...
19
Amusement parks
Carnival Park Surabaya is a large-scale outdoor amusement park located in the southern part of Surabaya, East Java. It f...
20
Parks
Taman Prestasi is a riverfront recreational space situated along the banks of the Kalimas River in central Surabaya. The...
21
Temples
Muhammad Cheng Hoo Mosque in Surabaya is a unique religious site built in the style of traditional Chinese architecture...
22
Places of interest
The Suro and Boyo Statue is the official icon of Surabaya, representing the mythological battle between a shark (Suro) a...
23
Parks
Taman Tugu Pahlawan is a commemorative park centered around the 41.15-meter-tall Heroic Monument dedicated to the victim...
24
Temples
Masjid Agung Sidoarjo is the primary congregational mosque for the Sidoarjo Regency, functioning as a vital center for r...
25
Temples
Masjid Al Falah is a prominent community mosque located on the main thoroughfare of Jalan Raya Darmo in Surabaya. It ser...
26
Parks
Kebun Bibit Wonorejo is a functional green urban space serving as a nursery and recreational park in East Surabaya. The...
27
Historical places
Monumen Bambu Runcing is an iconic urban landmark in Surabaya featuring a collection of sharp, vertical pillars designed...
28
Parks
Taman Pelangi is a municipal park in Surabaya notable for its tall, colorful, fan-shaped steel structure that creates a...
29
Parks
Taman Mundu is a prominent urban green space situated directly across from the Gelora 10 November Stadium in the Tambaks...
30
Places of interest
Mangrove Wonorejo Ecotourism is a 200-hectare conservation site located on the eastern coast of Surabaya, serving as a v...
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Surabaya on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Surabaya
May to September, which covers the dry season, providing stable weather for visiting outdoor monuments and parks.
2-3 days, sufficient to cover the primary historical monuments and cultural districts.
The city is primarily navigated by car, motorcycle, or app-based ride-hailing services, as there is no extensive metro or light rail system.
Stay in the Gubeng or Tunjungan areas for convenient access to major shopping centers, museums, and colonial-era architecture.
Budget-friendly; affordable local street food and reasonably priced hotel accommodations are widely available.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 4,287 curated attractions in and around Surabaya, ranked by traveller ratings.
Gelora Delta Stadium is the highest-rated place to visit in Surabaya right now.
The largest category is temples, with 3,724 places to explore.
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