Best things to do in Surabaya

Kota Surabaya Essentials

Surabaya, Indonesia's "City of Heroes," preserves its revolutionary and colonial history through landmarks like the Dutch-era Hotel Majapahit and the House of Sampoerna museum. The city's religious landscape includes the massive Al-Akbar Mosque with its distinctive blue domes and the ancient Sunan Ampel Mosque. As a major maritime hub, Surabaya features the KRI Pasopati submarine museum and the 30-meter Jalesveva Jayamahe statue. Modern development is represented by Pakuwon Mall and Tunjungan Plaza, two of the largest shopping complexes in the country.

Kota Surabaya Essentials — Map

Haffata Yahfitu / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

House of Sampoerna

Housed in a 19th-century Dutch colonial building, this museum explores the history of Indonesia’s clove cigarette industry. Visitors can view historical artifacts and observe workers hand-rolling cigarettes on the upper floor.

Lasthib / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Masjid Nasional Al-Akbar

One of Indonesia's largest mosques, notable for its five turquoise domes and a 99-meter minaret accessible to visitors. The architecture features modern Islamic design with intricate calligraphy and a vast prayer hall.

Midori / CC BY 3.0

C

Submarine Monument

A decommissioned Soviet-built Whiskey-class submarine, the KRI Pasopati 410, served the Indonesian Navy before being converted into a museum. Visitors can explore the interior sections, including the torpedo rooms, command center, and engine room.

AaronCanton / CC-BY-SA-4.0

D

Monumen Jalesveva Jayamahe

This 30.6-meter copper statue of a naval officer stands atop a building within the Indonesian Navy base. It commemorates the country's maritime history and houses a museum showcasing naval uniforms and equipment.

Gerard Pieter Adolfs / CC BY-SA 3.0 de

E

Ampel Mosque

Ampel Mosque is an ancient mosque located in the Ampel sub-district, district Semampir, Surabaya, East Java.

F

Hotel Majapahit

The Hotel Majapahit is a historic hotel in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia, opened in 1911.

Simon Dowel / CC BY-SA 4.0

G

Tunjungan Plaza

Tunjungan Plaza is a superblock in Surabaya and is the second-largest shopping center in Indonesia after Pakuwon Mall, both owned-and…

Kent961 / CC BY-SA 4.0

H

Pakuwon Mall

Pakuwon Mall is a shopping mall in Surabaya, Indonesia. It is the largest mall in Indonesia with a net leasable area of 200,000 m2.

Lasthib / CC BY-SA 4.0

I

Museum Bank Indonesia, Surabaya

Bank Indonesia Museum is a bank museum located in Surabaya, Indonesia.

Albertus Aditya / CC BY-SA 4.0

J

Church of the Birth of Our Lady

The Church of the Birth of Our Lady, also known as the Kepanjen Church, is a Roman Catholic church in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia.

Lasthib / CC BY-SA 4.0

K

Hong Tiek Hian

One of the oldest Chinese temples in Surabaya, believed to date back to the 13th century. Located in the city's Chinatown, it features traditional architecture and frequently hosts traditional Potehi puppet performances.