Skip Bali and Jakarta--discover Surabaya, Indonesia's underrated gem. This vibrant East Java capital seamlessly blends rich history, modern energy, and authentic culture, all without the crowds of tourists. Explore colonial architecture, savor street food rivaling Bangkok's, and dive into its revolutionary spirit as the "City of Heroes." With a thriving arts scene and bold culinary innovations, Surabaya surprises at every turn.
Historical Treasures Beyond the Guidebooks
House of Sampoerna Museum
Indonesia Cigar Heritage Visit this well-maintained Art Deco house to learn about the history of cigarettes in Indonesia. The House of Sampoerna provides the key to a traditional kretek production process, complete with live productions of skilled workers who roll the cigarettes by hand, at an almost lightning-fast speed. The nostalgic equipment used at the museum, along with the historical photos available, narrates the story of one of the most recognizable brands in Indonesia. The attached cafe serves decent coffee, with the scenery being the production factory.
Gubeng Station Heritage Area
Although Gubeng Station is a transportation hub, most visitors do not visit the heritage district around it. The area features some of the best colonial architecture in Surabaya, including the Railway Museum, located in an old Dutch building, which is quite striking. It is like the 1920s, when stationed in these streets, featuring huge frontage and small details, which withstand the blaze of new cities.
Cheng Hoo Mosque
It is an architectural wonder because it is an excellent blend of Chinese and Islamic designs, making Surabaya a unique one. The mosque, established by Chinese Muslim philanthropist Lauw Chuan Tho, features pagoda-style roofs and standard Islamic elements. The courtyard of the Kawi Inclusion Center offers a respite amidst urban pressure, and the story of the mosque is a testament to Surabaya's rich Indonesian heritage, which is diverse and rich in culture.
Culinary Adventures Off the Beaten Path
Pasar Atom Night Market
Forget the sanitized food courts—Pasar Atom delivers raw, authentic flavors that locals have cherished for generations. This bustling night market is vibrant at night when it is set ablaze by tens of food stalls offering all kinds of food, such as bubur ayam (chicken porridge) and even the strangest fruit juices. The disorderly energy and unbelievable olfactions in the market tell a visual impression that the city of Surabaya is to be captured by its scent.
Rawon Nguling
Hidden in a narrow alley in the Genteng district, this humble warung serves what many consider the best rawon in Java. The black beef soup is made rich and very dark by adding keluak nuts and contains flavors that are refined over three generations. Come early - usually sells out by noon.
Gang Dolly Heritage Walk
This former red-light district has transformed into an unexpected cultural quarter filled with traditional food stalls and local artisans. The narrow alleys now showcase authentic Javanese snacks like klepon and onde-onde, while small galleries display works by emerging local artists.
Cultural Experiences That Locals Love
Tunjungan Street Weekend Performances
Tunjungan Street is also transformed into an open-air cultural street every Saturday evening, where local artists perform traditional Javanese arts. In the shadow puppet performances (wayang kulit) and the modern dance performances, these are free performances that allow close interaction with the East Javanese culture, minus the tourist price.
Ampel Mosque and Sunan Ampel Tomb
This is a mosque complex dating back to the 15th century and is one of the most significant Islamic pilgrimage sites in Java. The nearby Arab Quarter is very lively, as pilgrims and locals can pass by shops offering traditional Muslim goods, including Islamic necessities, Middle Eastern dates, and handwoven prayer rugs. The region has a genuine Middle East uniqueness, which provides a fascinating cultural difference in Indonesia.
Sanggar Agung Temple
Perched on the outskirts of the city, this Chinese Buddhist temple offers stunning views of Surabaya's skyline alongside intricate religious artwork. The tranquil gardens of the temple provide a respite for meditation, and the dramatic ceremony images of the Chinese New Year make them perfect subjects for photography.
Natural Escapes Within the City
Kebun Binatang Surabaya
Other than the usual walk-in zoo, Surabaya Zoo also hosts the Komodo dragon breeding program, as well as possesses a vast botanical garden with rare tropical plants. Early mornings have the best viewings of wildlife, and the creatures are most active at these times of the day, and the crowds have not come at all.
Taman Prestasi
This is a secret park in the Sukolilo district that features jogging tracks, outdoor fitness equipment, and a small lake where you can rest in the afternoon. It is a great place to see the daily life of Indonesians outside tourist areas, as local families come together to enjoy picnics.
Mangrove Center Wonorejo
Located on Surabaya's eastern edge, this conservation area protects crucial mangrove ecosystems while offering boat tours through winding waterways. The center's elevated walkways provide excellent bird-watching opportunities, especially during early morning hours when herons and kingfishers are most active.
Shopping and Artisan Discoveries
Pasar Turi Traditional Market
This is an accurate wet market that showcases the breathtaking richness of Indonesian produce, featuring rare and exotic fruits and spices that typify Javanese cuisine. The chaos and the sellers create a friendly atmosphere, making the market more immersive. The nearby section with textiles sells high-quality Beijing batik at affordable prices.
Jalan Kembang Jepun Antique Street
Treasure hunters will love browsing this street lined with antique shops selling everything from colonial-era furniture to vintage Indonesian artifacts. The knowledgeable shop owners often share fascinating stories about their pieces, offering insights into Surabaya's rich and layered history.
Hidden Architectural Marvels
Gereja Kepanjen
This is a portico belonging to a 19th-century Catholic church with magnificent Gothic Revival works that are hardly distinguishable in Indonesia. The spikes of the building and the dotted stained glass windows bear a European theme, right in the Middle of tropical Java, and the calm interior provides a retreat in an oasis of the bustling streets.
Balai Kota Surabaya
The city hall building represents one of Indonesia's finest examples of Indonesian Art Deco architecture. The building's geometric patterns and modernist lines reflect the optimistic spirit of post-independence Indonesia, while guided tours reveal hidden details about the city's governance and history.
Final Thoughts
Explore Surabaya's hidden gems on foot. Engage with friendly locals for directions and recommendations. Spend at least three days navigating all the diverse attractions that the city has to offer, and best suited on mornings (when it is cool) or late afternoons. Surabaya rewards the inquisitive visiting tourists with the uncommon and familiarizes itself with the notion of a city that is aware of its past, welcoming modernity, and presents some architectural and gastronomic surprises—the urban secret of the best places to visit in Indonesia.
