Surabaya, Indonesia’s vibrant second-largest city, is full of history, food culture, and modern lifestyle experiences. For many travelers, planning a trip can feel overwhelming because there’s so much to see and do. That’s why a set of supporting guides becomes essential: they provide practical travel tips, local insights, and ready-to-use itineraries that make your journey more enjoyable.
Whether you are visiting for a weekend, preparing for a full city tour Surabaya, or connecting Surabaya with nearby destinations like Malang and Bromo, these 8 key guides for travelers will help you plan with confidence.
1. How to Reach Surabaya: Airports, Trains, and Bus Terminals
Surabaya is well-connected and easy to reach.
- By Air: Juanda International Airport (SUB) serves both domestic and international flights. It’s only 30–45 minutes from the city center.
- By Train: Surabaya has major stations like Gubeng and Pasar Turi, with direct links to Yogyakarta, Jakarta, and Malang.
- By Bus: Purabaya (Bungurasih) Terminal connects Surabaya with East Java and beyond.
For travelers planning a city tour Surabaya, knowing your entry points is the first step toward a smooth journey.
2. 3-Day Itinerary for Exploring Surabaya Like a Local
To really feel the pulse of Surabaya, a three-day plan is perfect:
- Day 1: Visit Heroes Monument, House of Sampoerna, and enjoy Rujak Cingur for lunch. Evening walk at Tunjungan Street.
- Day 2: Explore Bungkul Park, Surabaya Zoo, and Mangrove Ecotourism at Wonorejo. Try street food at night markets.
- Day 3: Discover Chinatown, Arab Quarter, and shop for souvenirs before sunset at Kenjeran Beach.
This local-style city tour Surabaya mixes history, culture, food, and relaxation.
3. Where to Stay in Surabaya: Best Hotels & Accommodations
Surabaya offers a range of stays:
- Luxury Hotels: Majapahit Hotel and JW Marriott for history and 5-star comfort.
- Mid-Range: Harris Hotel or Swiss-Belinn for modern style with value.
- Budget: Capsule hostels and guesthouses near Gubeng Station.
When booking a city tour Surabaya, many packages also include hotel recommendations that match your budget.
4. Surabaya + Beyond: Tour Packages to Malang, Bromo, and Madura
Many travelers extend their Surabaya visit with nearby adventures:
- Malang: Famous for cool weather and Batu theme parks.
- Bromo: Sunrise tours from Surabaya are very popular.
- Madura: Cross the Suramadu Bridge to enjoy beaches and sate Madura.
These combined itineraries allow a city tour Surabaya to become a gateway for exploring East Java’s most iconic destinations.
5. Shopping in Surabaya: From Luxury Malls to Traditional Markets
Retail therapy in Surabaya is diverse:
- Luxury Malls: Tunjungan Plaza and Pakuwon Mall offer global brands.
- Traditional Markets: Pasar Atom and Pasar Genteng are great for batik, snacks, and souvenirs.
- Specialty Stores: Sambal Bu Rudy and Almond Crispy Cookies make perfect edible gifts.
Many city tour Surabaya routes include shopping stops so you can take home a piece of the city.
6. Top Instagrammable Spots in Surabaya
Travelers love to capture the essence of Surabaya through photos. Don’t miss:
- Red Bridge (Jembatan Merah): A landmark of Surabaya’s history.
- Hotel Majapahit Courtyard: Elegant colonial charm.
- Kenjeran Park Pagoda & Beach: Perfect for sunset shots.
- Colorful Villages: Kampung Bulak with vibrant murals.
Adding photo stops makes your city tour Surabaya both memorable and shareable.
7. Surabaya by Night: Nightlife, Culinary Adventures, and Entertainment
As the sun sets, Surabaya comes alive:
- Street Food Tours: Tahu Tek, Lontong Balap, and satay.
- Nightlife: Rooftop lounges and local bars for music and views.
- Night Markets: Chinatown and G-Walk Citraland for food, shopping, and social vibes.
For a complete city tour Surabaya, don’t skip the nightlife—it reveals another side of the city.
8. Getting Around Surabaya: Suroboyo Bus, Taxis, and Ride-Hailing Apps
Transportation inside the city is easy if you know your options:
- Suroboyo Bus: Pay with used plastic bottles, a unique eco-initiative.
- Online Ride-Hailing: Grab and Gojek are reliable and affordable.
- Traditional Options: Becak and angkot (minibuses) offer local charm.
- Taxis: Bluebird is the trusted choice.
This guide ensures that your city tour Surabaya is smooth and efficient from one destination to another.
Conclusion
Planning a trip to Surabaya is not just about choosing attractions—it’s about knowing how to move, where to stay, what to eat, and when to go. These 8 key guides for travelers act as your ultimate travel companion, making your city tour Surabaya stress-free and rewarding.
From arrival at the airport to tasting Surabaya’s legendary street food at night, these supporting articles empower travelers to discover the city in a deeper, smarter way. Surabaya is not just a stopover—it’s a city waiting to be explored, experienced, and remembered.