Things to do in Surabaya: Best Places and Attractions

Having a vacation in Surabaya is a brilliant way to spend your holiday. This city has many tourist attractions. Moreover, it is close to famous holiday destinations, e.g., Malang, Kota Batu, and Mount Bromo. Therefore, you can visit those cities after experiencing the best things to do in Surabaya.

Surabaya is East Java Province’s capital city. This city offers various tourist spots, such as cultural attractions, shopping centers, parks, and natural attractions. Therefore, holidaymakers will have varied holiday experiences in this town.

Places to Visit and Things to Do in Surabaya

Surabaya is a busy metropolis. The city is bustling with various business activities. Many multinational companies have offices in this city. Moreover, many restaurants in this city offer local and international menus. In addition, it has countless tourist attractions.

These conditions make Surabaya worth visiting during a holiday. Below are the best tourist attractions in Surabaya you must not miss.

1. Shopping on Tunjungan Street

Tunjungan Street is one of the commercial centers in Surabaya. You can find many restaurants, shopping malls, business offices, and a traditional market along this street. You must visit Tunjungan Plaza and Tunjungan Market while exploring this street.

In addition, Tunjungan Street offers an attractive city landscape with a combination of modern and Dutch colonial architecture. Therefore, exploring this street is one of the must things to do in Surabaya.

2. Enjoy the Beautiful Landscape in Surabaya North Quay

Those who prefer spending a holiday near the sea must visit Surabaya North Quay. This tourist attraction is about 7 km from the city center. Moreover, it offers a spectacular sea landscape with its passing ships and calm atmosphere.

Surabaya North Quay is a great place to watch the sunset, enjoy seafood, and stroll in the evening. You can also find attractive events on this waterfront.

3. Refresh Your Energy in Keputih Bamboo Forest

In the middle of Surabaya’s commercial buildings, you will find the Keputih Bamboo Forest. This small forest is a perfect place to escape from the bustling city. Moreover, it has a scenic view and a cool atmosphere.

Some people think the Keputih Bamboo Forest looks like the Sagano Forest in Japan. You can do various activities, such as taking photos, strolling along the forest path, and enjoying a stunning flower garden, in this bamboo forest.

4. Go to Kenjeran Beach

One of the best things to do in Surabaya is visit Kenjeran Beach. This coastal area is only 3 km from the city center. Moreover, it has an enchanting view of greenish waters. Holidaymakers will also find attractive Chinese buildings along the coastline.

Kenjeran Beach offers various facilities, including a playground, boat riding activities, and a dock. This beach is also close to other tourist attractions, such as Kenjeran Beach Temple, The Four-Faced Buddha Statue, and Kenjeran Park.

5. Admire Old Architecture in Old Town

The Old Town is a picturesque area located in the center of Surabaya. This region covers a relatively large area, including Tunjungan Street.  The Old Town is full of old Dutch buildings, such as Hotel Majapahit, De Javasche Bank, and The Red Bridge.

Many of them are over 100 years old. Meanwhile, the oldest building dates back to the 1600s.

Holidaymakers who love taking photos of old architecture must visit the Old Town. In this area, you can also find shops selling unique souvenirs.

6. Have fun with Family in Taman Bungkul

Those who travel to Surabaya with families must not miss Taman Bungkul or Bungkul Park. Surabaya has several city parks and Taman Bungkul is one of the most popular parks. This park is not far from the city center, only about 4 km away.

Taman Bungkul is an ideal place to relax after exploring the city. This park offers various facilities, e.g., jogging tracks, skateboarding ramps, and beautiful fountains. Holidaymakers can also find many food stalls in this park.

7. Learn Indonesian History in the Submarine Museum

Aside from having many parks, Surabaya also has many museums and monuments. One of these museums is the Submarine Museum. This museum displays a large submarine, where visitors can enter and explore it.

In addition, the Submarine Museum also educates visitors on the struggle of Indonesians to liberate themselves from the Dutch occupation. Aside from learning Indonesian history, you can also ride a boat exploring Kalimas, enjoy live music, and hang out in the museum’s café.

8. Exploring the Chinatown

The Chinatown in Surabaya is an attractive place to visit. This area is busy with commercial activities. You can find various commodities sold at a more affordable price in Chinatown. Therefore, it is ideal for shopping.

This tourist attraction is also perfect for those who love photography. They will find many attractive spots in Chinatown. Buildings in this area have a strong Buddhist cultural influence. Therefore, they look different from those in the Old Town.

You can also visit other attractions while you are in Chinatown. One of them is Kong Co Kong Tik Cun Ong Tempel. It is Indonesia’s biggest Buddhist temple.

Planning a vacation to Surabaya requires careful preparation because the city has numerous attractions. Hopefully, the list of things to do in Surabaya above can help you plan the itinerary for your upcoming Surabaya holiday.