3-Day Itinerary for Exploring Surabaya Like a Local
3-Day Itinerary for Exploring
If you’re planning a city tour Surabaya, one of the best ways to experience the city’s charm is by following a local-style itinerary. Surabaya, known as the “City of Heroes,” offers a balance of history, cultural diversity, mouthwatering food, and modern lifestyle. While many travelers rush through Surabaya on their way to Mount Bromo or Malang, spending three full days in the city allows you to see it from a local’s perspective. This guide provides a detailed 3-day itinerary that mixes famous landmarks, authentic culinary stops, and hidden gems—so you’ll enjoy Surabaya the way its residents do.
Day 1: Historic & Cultural Heritage
Morning – Heroes Monument & Museum 10 November
Start your first day at the Heroes Monument (Tugu Pahlawan), the iconic symbol of Surabaya’s role in Indonesia’s independence struggle. The attached Museum 10 November takes you through the dramatic events of the 1945 Battle of Surabaya with dioramas, photos, and wartime artifacts. It’s a perfect beginning to your city tour Surabaya since it explains why Surabaya is called the “City of Heroes.”
Midday – House of Sampoerna
Next, visit the House of Sampoerna, a beautifully preserved Dutch colonial building that now serves as a museum about Indonesia’s famous kretek (clove cigarette) industry. Beyond history, you can watch workers hand-roll cigarettes—a skill passed down for generations. The area also features galleries and a café, giving you a glimpse of Surabaya’s old-town atmosphere.
Afternoon – Old Town & Chinatown
Walk through Kembang Jepun Street, Surabaya’s Chinatown, lined with traditional shops, temples, and food stalls. Try a bowl of mie ayam (chicken noodles) or buy some traditional snacks. A guided walk here often comes included in a city tour Surabaya, connecting you with the city’s multicultural heritage.
Evening – Local Dinner & Nightlife
End your first day with rawon setan, the famous black beef soup, or satay at one of the popular warungs (street stalls). If you still have energy, check out Tunjungan Plaza, the city’s biggest mall, or enjoy coffee at a trendy café.
Day 2: Nature, Relaxation & Local Food
Morning – Surabaya Zoo
Start your second day at the Surabaya Zoo, one of the oldest and largest in Southeast Asia. It houses hundreds of species, from Komodo dragons to Sumatran tigers. It’s not only a family-friendly stop but also a historical landmark of the city.
Midday – Bungkul Park
Head to Bungkul Park, voted as one of Asia’s best urban parks. Locals love it for jogging, skateboarding, or just hanging out under shady trees. Around the park, street vendors sell favorite snacks like rujak cingur (fruit salad with fermented shrimp paste sauce). Eating here with locals is part of experiencing a city tour Surabaya authentically.
Afternoon – Keputih Bamboo Forest & Harmoni Park
Take a short ride to the Keputih Bamboo Forest, a beautiful green escape perfect for photos. Locals often compare it to Japan’s Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Right nearby, Harmoni Park offers more recreational spaces and Instagram-worthy corners.
Evening – Night Street Food Adventure
Surabaya comes alive at night with its famous street food stalls. Head to Jalan Dharmahusada or G-Walk in West Surabaya, where vendors serve satay, tahu tek (fried tofu with peanut sauce), and martabak. A city tour Surabaya often includes night food tours, giving travelers the chance to sample a variety of dishes while mingling with locals.
Day 3: Spiritual & Modern Lifestyle
Morning – Al-Akbar Mosque
Begin the last day of your trip with a visit to Al-Akbar Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Indonesia with stunning turquoise domes. Climb the viewing tower for a panoramic cityscape. Even if you are not Muslim, the mosque’s grandeur and peaceful atmosphere make it a highlight of any city tour Surabaya.
Midday – Sanggar Agung Temple
Next, stop at Sanggar Agung Temple, located by the sea. The temple is famous for its giant statue of Guan Yin, the goddess of mercy, which faces the ocean. Its blend of Javanese, Balinese, and Chinese influences reflects Surabaya’s multicultural spirit.
Afternoon – Shopping & Souvenirs
No trip is complete without shopping for local souvenirs. Visit Pasar Genteng or Pasar Atom, traditional markets selling almond crispy, sambal Bu Rudy, and jajanan pasar (traditional cakes). These gifts will remind you of your city tour Surabaya long after you return home.
Evening – Lifestyle & Farewell Dinner
Wrap up your trip at a trendy coffee shop or one of Surabaya’s seafood restaurants along the coast. Popular areas like Manyar or Kenjeran are filled with cafés, eateries, and live music venues where young locals hang out. A farewell dinner with fresh seafood or penyetan (spicy fried chicken with sambal) is the perfect way to say goodbye to Surabaya.
Tips for Maximizing Your 3-Day Itinerary
- Transportation: Use Grab or Gojek apps for convenient rides between attractions.
- Local Guides: Joining a city tour Surabaya package ensures smooth logistics and insider knowledge.
- Timing: Start your days early to avoid traffic and heat.
- Budgeting: Surabaya is affordable—street food meals cost less than $2, while taxis within the city rarely exceed $5.
Conclusion
Spending three days in Surabaya gives you a full taste of the city’s character: its heroic history, vibrant food scene, modern lifestyle, and spiritual landmarks. From the solemnity of Heroes Monument to the liveliness of Bungkul Park and the flavors of street food stalls, this itinerary balances popular attractions with local favorites.
By following this 3-day city tour Surabaya plan, you’ll explore the city not just as a tourist, but as a traveler immersed in local life. Surabaya is more than a gateway to East Java—it’s a destination worth savoring in its own right.