Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Surabaya?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Surabaya?

Many visitors spend one to two days in Surabaya during their visit. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because there's so much to see and do. This city offers a number of attractions to explore, including the big city activities, the many shops, the beaches, and the restaurant scene.

Surabaya is a port city on the island of Java. It's an often overlooked Indonesian city that some visitors pass through as a transportation stop when they're headed somewhere else. The city has a mix of skyscrapers and colonial architecture and it feels like a mix of unique neighborhoods that include a Chinatown and an Arabic Quarter.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Surabaya? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is 3 days enough time in Surabaya?

Three days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Surabaya, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. The big city activities, the many shops, the beaches, and the restaurant scene on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Surabaya as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding areas.

How to spend 3 days in Surabaya

Because Surabaya is a fairly large destination, you can spend at least a full day exploring the many neighborhoods, landmarks, and popular attractions found around town. It's the second biggest city in Indonesia, but it doesn't see a lot of tourists so you can enjoy wandering the tree-lined streets without the crowds of vacationers that you'll find in more popular places.

A few tour suggestions include:

Surabaya Shore Excursion For Cruise Passengers ($85)
Probolinggo City Tour For Cruise Passengers ($78)
Surabaya Private Customized Full-Day Tour with English Speaking Driver ($91)

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. It's a port city, and the cuisine reflexs this. You'll find a mix of different flavors that combine Javanese, Chinese, Arabic, Dutch, and Indian cuisines. Dishes include a lot of vegetables as well as tofu and tempeh. Many dishes are also sweet in flavor or incredibly spicy.

Surabaya is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. It's one of the more walkable cities in Indonesia and it has the feel of a bunch of neighborhoods combined together.

Shopping in Surabaya is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The city has a great mix of air-conditioned mega-malls and colorful street markets. Bratang Market has become a favorite but it's also worth checking out Tugu Pahlawan Market and Ampel Market.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. Like the rest of the city, the nightlife scene has a local vibe. There are night markets, fascinating neighborhoods, and some lively clubs and bars.

The beautiful beaches await you in Surabaya, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. You'll find a few beaches within a short drive of the city center. Some of the popular ones include Ria Kenjeran Beach, Bentar Beach, and Delegan Beach.

A few tour suggestions include:

Surabaya Shore Excursion For Cruise Passengers ($85)
Probolinggo City Tour For Cruise Passengers ($78)
Full day Tour to Pacitan Departure from Surabaya: Beaches, Cave and River ($169)

Is 4 days enough time in Surabaya?

Four days is more than enough time to see everything that Surabaya has to offer. After all, it's not such a huge city. Many visitors prefer to spend one to two days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the big city activities, the many shops, the beaches, and the restaurant scene at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.

Surabaya

How to spend 4 days in Surabaya

With 4 days in Surabaya, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.

After you've explored most of Surabaya, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

Is 5 days enough time in Surabaya?

Five days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Surabaya, as it's not as large as some other cities. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. Enjoy the city's energy, browse the shops, relax at the beach, and taste delicious cuisine. You could also use Surabaya as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.

How to spend 5 days in Surabaya

If you have more than 5 days in Surabaya, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.

Surabaya is such a huge city that you can easily spend another day in one of the neighborhoods that you haven't visited. Look for those hidden gems and local spots where most tourists don't go. Or, pick another neighborhood with local charm that you haven't fully explored yet.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Surabaya, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.