Things to Do in Surabaya, Indonesia on a Weekend

Most travelers fly straight past Surabaya on their way to Bali or the islands of the east, and for a long time that was exactly what I planned to do. Then I gave the city a weekend, and I found a place with a strong sense of history, excellent street food, and easy access to some of Indonesia’s biggest sights. These are the things to do in Surabaya that changed my mind.

Start at the House of Sampoerna

Surabaya grew rich on clove cigarettes, and the House of Sampoerna shows you how. This restored Dutch colonial complex holds a working factory where I watched women hand roll kretek cigarettes with astonishing speed, plus a museum of memorabilia and a cafe in the courtyard. It is free to enter, the old world architecture is lovely, and it gives you a clear sense of how the city made its money.

Visit the Heroes Monument

Indonesia’s independence is soaked in the story of Surabaya, and the Heroes Monument marks the battle that the city is remembered for. The soaring statue towers over the square, with a museum beneath it that tells the story of the fight for freedom through photographs and dioramas. I spent an hour there and left with a far better understanding of a history I had only skimmed in school.

Explore the Arab Quarter and Ampel Mosque

Near the port, the Ampel district is the oldest part of the city and a complete change of pace. I walked the narrow lanes lined with shops selling dates, prayer beads, and perfumes, following the crowds toward the Ampel Mosque, one of the most important in Java. Vendors offered glasses of sweet rose tea, and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming to visitors of every background.

Wander Tunjungan Street by Night

At dusk, the main boulevard of Tunjungan transforms. Traders set up food stalls, families come out to stroll, and the old colonial facades glow under colored lights. I joined the evening flow, eating grilled corn and fresh coconut drinks, and ended up at the Tunjungan Plaza for a wander through the arcades. This is modern Surabaya at its most lively.

Take the Madura Day Trip

Treat yourself to a ferry crossing to the island of Madura, just forty minutes from the port. I hired a driver for the day to see the bull racing tracks, the historic village of Tanjung Bumi with its batik workshops, and to eat the island’s famous grilled dishes. Madura felt a world away from the mainland even though it was so close, and it was easily my favorite excursion from the city.

Sample the Food Streets of Surabaya

The city eats spectacularly well, and the place to find it is a food street. I worked my way along a stretch where every stall sold something different, from cooked rice with rich chicken to skewers grilled over charcoal to a sweet layered cake that I lost count of. Surabaya’s cooking owes a lot to its Javanese, Chinese, and Arab communities, and the mix shows in every plate.

See the Submarine Monument

Tethered to the bank of the river, the Submarine Monument is a real decommissioned navy submarine that you can board and explore. I walked through the cramped compartments, poking my head into bunks and control rooms, imagining the crew living down there on long patrols. It is a quirky one of a kind attraction, and kids in particular loved it. Entry is cheap and it takes about an hour.

Enjoy the Waterfront at Kenjeran

For a softer side of the city, drive to the Kenjeran beach area on the north shore. I walked the new promenade toward the island shrine of Ampel, crossed by a decorative bridge, and watched fishing boats come home in the late afternoon. A seafood dinner at one of the floating restaurants rounded it off. It is not turquoise Bali water, but the fresh air and sunset are worth the trip.

Use Surabaya as a Base for the Banyuwangi Ferry

One of the biggest reasons to pause here: Surabaya is the gateway to the eastern islands. I caught the overnight train or quick flight to Bali, but the ferry port also connects to Madura and points east. Even better, the dramatic volcano of Bromo lies a few hours inland, and several operators run sunrise tours from the city. In Surabaya, adventure is never far away.

Shop the Old Chinese Quarter

South of the center, the area around the old welcoming arch is the historic Chinese quarter, lined with medicine halls, temples, and joss stick shops. I visited the Cheng Hoo mosque with its pagoda like roof, a place honoring the great explorer, and browsed the antiques market for old coins and textiles. It is a compact, atmospheric district that repays a few hours of poking around.

Plan Around the Climate

Surabaya is hot and humid most of the year, so I planned my outdoor walking for the early morning and after dark. The rainy season runs roughly November to March, with the dry season from about May to September. Whenever you come, dress light, carry water, and use grab ride apps to dart between air conditioned stops. A few cool breaks make the heat entirely manageable.