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

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

Most people spend two to four days in Yogyakarta during their visit. The historical city offers amazing highlights such as the famous sights and museums, the many shops, the historic old town, and the cuisine.

Yogyakarta is often called "Jogja" by locals. It's located on the island of Java and it is a rich cultural city that is filled with temples, palaces, and night markets. Visitors often use it as a base for exploring nearby Borobudur Temple.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Yogyakarta? 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 Yogyakarta?

The popular city of Yogyakarta has many activities and attractions for visitors. Three days is just right for checking out pretty much everything in Yogyakarta. Most visitors prefer to spend two to four days here, and we have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting. Also, Yogyakarta is popular with backpackers which enjoy visiting because the city offers activities specifically for them.

How to spend 3 days in Yogyakarta

When visiting Yogyakarta, you absolutely can't miss Borobudur Temple as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to fully experience it.

The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Yogyakarta Cooking Class and Market Tour ($45)
  • Small-Group Walking and Food Tour by Night in Yogyakarta ($39)
  • Yogyakarta Day Food Tour ($48)

Yogyakarta is famous for it's world-class attractions, museums, and landmarks. You'll want to spend at least a day exploring one or more that you're interested in the most. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Java Culture Museum - Admission Ticket ($30)
  • Palace Becak Tour in Yogyakarta ($65)
  • a day visiting The temple and Javanese culture museum (07.00am-05.00pm) ($135)

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.

Shopping in Yogyakarta 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 is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Yogyakarta.

Is 4 days enough time in Yogyakarta?

Four days is more than enough time to see everything that Yogyakarta has to offer. After all, it's not such a huge city. Many visitors prefer to spend two to four days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the famous sights and museums, the many shops, the historic old town, and the cuisine 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.

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How to spend 4 days in Yogyakarta

Having 4 days in Yogyakarta will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.

The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Yogyakarta Night Delight Walking Tour ($30)
  • Yogyakarta Countryside Walking Tour ($68)
  • Yogyakarta Day Historical Walking Tour ($31)

Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.

Is 5 days enough time in Yogyakarta?

Five days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Yogyakarta, as it's not as large as some other cities. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. Explore the museums and famous sights, go shopping, learn about the history of the town, and dine out at amazing restaurants. You could also use Yogyakarta as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.

How to spend 5 days in Yogyakarta

With 5 days in Yogyakarta, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.

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


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Borobudur and Prambanan: Private Guided Day Trip With Transfer From Yogyakarta ($68)
  • Day Trip to Merapi and Temples from Yogyakarta ($165)

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Yogyakarta.

More Info

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

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