Where to Stay in Surabaya
Indonesia
|Pop. 2.9M
|4 neighborhoods covered
Surabaya at a Glance
8 categories
Top Tips for Surabaya
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Visit the House of Sampoerna (Museum) and take the accompanying Sampoerna trolley tour; it's a fascinating glimpse into Surabaya's history and a comfortable way to see some sights.
Getting Around
Traffic in Surabaya can be extremely heavy; always factor in extra travel time, especially during rush hours (morning and late afternoon/early evening).
Watch Out For
Overcharging by unregulated taxi drivers (use meters or apps)
Solo Female Travel
Generally safe, but exercise increased awareness, especially when using public transport or walking alone at night. Avoid displaying valuables and stick to well-lit, populated areas.
Hidden Gems in Surabaya
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Taman Bungkul
FREEThis vibrant park is a beloved local hangout, offering lush greenery, jogging paths, and a popular skate park. It's the perfect spot to relax, people-watch, and enjoy the bustling city atmosphere.
Ampel Mosque and Market Area
Beyond the beautiful Ampel Mosque, dive into the surrounding market, a sensory explosion of spices, traditional clothing, and street food. It's a deeply cultural experience, especially vibrant in the evenings.
House of Sampoerna
Step back in time at this beautifully preserved Dutch colonial building, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of clove cigarettes and local heritage. You can even see the women hand-rolling cigarettes, a traditional craft.
G-Walk Citraland
Known as 'Food Street', this lively area comes alive at night with countless food stalls offering a wide array of delicious Indonesian and international dishes. It's a fantastic place to sample local flavors in a buzzing environment.
Surabaya North Quay
FREEExperience a unique perspective of the city from this spot near the Tanjung Perak Port. Enjoy the sea breeze, watch ships dock, and take in the skyline, especially beautiful during sunset.
Heroes Monument (Tugu Pahlawan)
While a monument, its surrounding park and the 'Museum Perjuangan' offer a quiet escape and a powerful reminder of Surabaya's role in Indonesian independence. The architecture is impressive, and it’s a peaceful place for reflection.
What It Costs in Surabaya
Daily budget per person in IDR
💡One of the cheapest destinations worldwide
IDR 400000/day
IDR 800000/day
IDR 1500000/day
Where to Stay in Surabaya
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Citraland Waterpark15 min
- Central Market Citraland10 min
Pros
- +Abundant and diverse food options
- +Well-maintained and clean environment
- +Good for evening strolls and dining
Cons
- -Can feel a bit sterile and less 'authentic' Indonesian
- -Relatively far from historical city center attractions
Top stays in G Walk Citraland
Verwood Hotel & Serviced Residence Surabaya
$$Offers spacious rooms and apartment-style options in a modern setting.
Citraland Surabaya Home Stay
$Affordable apartment rentals for longer stays or families.
Grand Trawas Hotel
$$Comfortable accommodation with good amenities close to G-Walk.
Best for
Walk to
- Tunjungan Plaza5 min
- Grahadi Building10 min
- Sampoerna Museum15 min
Pros
- +Central location with easy access to many attractions
- +Rich historical significance and colonial architecture
- +Excellent shopping and dining options
Cons
- -Can be very crowded and chaotic, especially during peak hours
- -Traffic congestion is a significant issue
Top stays in Tunjungan
JW Marriott Hotel Surabaya
$$$A luxury option offering excellent service and amenities in the city center.
Yello Hotel Jemursari
$$A modern, trendy hotel with vibrant decor and good value.
Tunjungan Hotel
$A more budget-friendly option with a prime location.
Hotel Majapahit Surabaya
$$$Historic colonial landmark hotel with significant heritage.
Best for
Walk to
- Graha Famili Golf Course20 min
- Local cafes and restaurants10 min
Pros
- +Peaceful and safe environment
- +Well-planned infrastructure with parks
- +Exclusive atmosphere
Cons
- -Limited public transport options
- -Can feel isolated from the main city buzz
Best for
Walk to
- Rungkut Industrial Estate15 min
- Local markets and eateries10 min
Pros
- +More affordable accommodation and food options
- +Proximity to industrial and business areas
- +Authentic local experience
Cons
- -Can be noisy and polluted due to industrial activity
- -Less tourist-oriented infrastructure and attractions
Top stays in Rungkut
Favehotel Rungkut
$Clean, no-frills hotel with essential amenities for budget travelers.
Quest Hotel Darmo Sukomanunggal by Aston
$$Offers good value with modern facilities, though slightly north of Rungkut itself.
Oasis Surabaya
$A budget-friendly choice with basic comforts.
Areas to be cautious
- Very dense, unlit alleyways in older parts of the city at night: Increased risk of petty crime and potential for getting lost in labyrinthine streets.
- Areas immediately surrounding major train stations or bus terminals late at night: Can attract petty criminals and opportunists; better to use reputable transport directly to your accommodation.
Insider tip: Visit the House of Sampoerna (Museum) and take the accompanying Sampoerna trolley tour; it's a fascinating glimpse into Surabaya's history and a comfortable way to see some sights.
Safety in Surabaya
ModerateSolo Female Travel
Generally safe, but exercise increased awareness, especially when using public transport or walking alone at night. Avoid displaying valuables and stick to well-lit, populated areas.
At Night
Stick to main roads and well-populated areas like G-Walk or Tunjungan Plaza. Avoid poorly lit streets or deserted areas. Taxis or ride-sharing are recommended for late-night travel.
Emergency
112
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overcharging by unregulated taxi drivers (use meters or apps)
- 2Distraction thefts in crowded markets or malls
- 3Fake beggars who may attempt to pickpocket
Getting Around Surabaya
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
Taxi (approx. 150,000-200,000 IDR, 45-60 mins depending on traffic), Ride-sharing apps (Grab/Gojek - similar price, book from designated pick-up zones).
🎫
Day Pass
Not applicable for most systems; Trans Surabaya has affordable fares.
Single: Angkot: 5,000-10,000 IDR; Trans Surabaya: 3,500-7,500 IDR.
🚶
Walkability
Car NeededGrab, Gojek
📶
WiFi
Good15-50 Mbps in cafes
Public Transport
Angkot (public minivans, cheapest but confusing for tourists), Trans Surabaya (bus system, limited routes but modern), Taxis (Blue Bird is reputable).
Ride-share
Grab and Gojek are widely available and recommended for convenience and price transparency.
Transport Tip
Traffic in Surabaya can be extremely heavy; always factor in extra travel time, especially during rush hours (morning and late afternoon/early evening).
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Shopping malls, larger cafes, hotels
Coworking
Limited dedicated coworking spaces; cafes are the primary option. Some serviced offices might offer day passes, but not widely advertised for tourists.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: Jul, Aug, Sep
Hotels & Accommodation in Surabaya
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Who Is Surabaya Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
Foodie Adventurers
This area is a culinary hotspot offering a vast array of local and international street food and restaurant options.
History Buffs
The historical heart of the city, offering colonial architecture, museums, and significant landmarks.
Families seeking comfort
Provides a safe, green, and upscale environment with family-friendly amenities and a peaceful atmosphere.
Budget Travelers
Offers more affordable accommodation and dining, providing a more local and less touristy experience.
First-Time Visitors
Its central location and abundance of attractions make it an ideal starting point for exploring Surabaya.
Surabaya on TripAdvisor
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About Surabaya
Surabaya is the capital and largest city of East Java province and the second-largest city in Indonesia, after Jakarta. Located on the northeastern corner of Java island, on the Madura Strait, it is one of the earliest port cities in Southeast Asia. According to the National Development Planning Agency, Surabaya is one of the four main central cities of Indonesia, alongside Jakarta, Medan, and Makassar.
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Surabaya Guides by Traveller Type
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