Old Town Surabaya is a heritage tourism destination that offers a journey back to the colonial era, featuring magnificent architecture and an increasingly vibrant atmosphere after dark. The area has undergone a mature revitalization process, transforming former settlements and Dutch-era buildings into aesthetic and functional public spaces. For those seeking historical tourism experiences without sacrificing modern comfort, this location offers a perfect blend of past nostalgia and contemporary lifestyle. Boasting a 4.8 rating from over 4,300 reviews, the area has proven itself as a must-visit cultural gem in the City of Heroes.
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Why Visit This Destination
Old Town Surabaya is more than just a collection of old buildings; it is a historical district thematically divided into four unique zones: the European Zone, the Arab Zone, the Chinese Zone, and the Malay Zone. Its primary distinction lies in the preservation of robust colonial architecture, notably the iconic Internatio Building and the famous Red Bridge. The area's revitalization successfully created a pedestrian-friendly environment with wide, clean sidewalks, allowing you to explore every corner with ease. The atmosphere here stands in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of modern shopping centers; instead, you are treated to romantic visual beauty and a tranquil ambiance.
Experiences to Enjoy
The primary experience you can enjoy is visual exploration and photography across each zone, which features distinct architectural character. In the European Zone, you can take photos in front of the AWS Mallaby car replica while enjoying warm yellow lighting that evokes a classic European ambiance. Numerous local photographers are ready to help capture your moments, and traditional costume rental services, such as Javanese kebaya or Dutch-era "noni" attire, are available for a more immersive photo experience. To navigate the fairly extensive area, you can rent a tourist pedicab or a vintage bicycle, offering a leisurely ride while enjoying the evening breeze. Beyond photography, the district offers a vibrant nighttime culinary scene, particularly in the Chinese Zone or Kya-Kya. You can take a leisurely stroll from the Heroes Monument area, passing through Turi Market, to the heart of Old Town, immersing yourself in the distinctive atmosphere of Surabaya. Supporting facilities such as comfortable seating areas, clean restrooms, and free Wi-Fi access are also available, making this an ideal spot for quality hangouts with family or a partner.
Culinary Scene
Old Town Surabaya boasts a diverse and affordable culinary ecosystem, dominated by local MSMEs offering a wide variety of food and beverage options. You can find a legendary ice cream cart operated by an elderly vendor at a highly accessible price of approximately Rp5,000, renowned for its rich and authentic flavor. In the Kya-Kya area, the nighttime atmosphere comes alive with numerous street food stalls for you to sample. For main dishes, Depot Legend serves Rawon Merah, a distinctive variation of the traditional soup featuring a savory, reddish broth. Refreshing drinks such as sweet and invigorating es siropen are widely available at various points along the pedestrian route, perfectly complementing the serene evening ambiance.
Pricing and Admission
Access to the Old Town Surabaya area is completely free for all visitors. There is no admission fee required to appreciate the architectural beauty, stroll along the sidewalks, or enjoy the nighttime atmosphere. However, optional additional costs apply if you wish to utilize specific services, such as costume rentals for photos, professional photographer services, pedicab or bicycle rentals for sightseeing, and jeep rentals for a faster tour. The estimated costs for these supplementary activities generally remain affordable and accessible to a wide range of visitors.
Operating Hours
Old Town Surabaya is open 24 hours a day, from Saturday through Friday. This accessibility allows you to visit at your convenience. However, the best experience is generally found from late afternoon into the evening when streetlights and building illumination come on, creating a highly photogenic and romantic ambiance. During the day, the area is equally pleasant to visit, particularly for those wishing to explore architectural details without the glare of direct sunlight.
Getting There
Old Town Surabaya is strategically located on Jl. Rajawali and Jl. Jembatan Merah, in the Krembangan District, Surabaya, East Java 60175. The location is easily accessible from various points throughout the city. You can utilize public transportation such as the Suroboyo Bus, alighting at either the Heroes Monument or Turi Market stops, and continue your journey on foot along the beautifully landscaped streets. For those driving private vehicles, well-organized parking areas are available around the district, though it is worth noting that weekend parking slots may fill quickly and require patience. Excellent road accessibility and clear signage ensure a smooth journey to this destination.
Practical Tips for Visitors
For the best experience, it is recommended to arrive in the late afternoon as dusk approaches, roughly between 18:00 and 20:00 WIB. During this time, Surabaya's air tends to be cooler, and the yellow streetlights begin to illuminate the area, creating a striking contrast with the colonial architecture. Wear comfortable and aesthetically pleasing attire, as every corner of this district is highly "instagramable." Ensure your camera or smartphone is fully charged, as you will likely take numerous photographs. If you plan to rent costumes or hire a photographer, make a reservation or arrive early to secure the best photo session before the area becomes crowded.
Visitor Reviews
"Old Town Surabaya is one of the tourist attractions in the city, and its unique feature is the Dutch-style architecture. It's a fantastic place for exploration, and friends don't need to worry about food and drinks since there are numerous local MSMEs selling them. My favorite part when visiting here is buying ice cream from the elderly vendor's cart; it's only 5,000 IDR but tastes delicious. Additionally, there are costume rental spots available, so friends who want to take photos in a Javanese kebaya can rent one right on-site."
"Honestly, Old Town Surabaya is incredibly magical at night! The warm yellow streetlights make the colonial buildings here look even more majestic and romantic. It truly feels like wandering through an old European city. My favorite area is definitely the European Zone, around the Internatio Building and the Red Bridge. The architecture is stunning for photography enthusiasts. If you want to go all out, there are also Dutch-style 'noni' costume rentals available. It's so much fun to play around and take photos with friends."
"Old Town Surabaya is a historical heritage that records the long history of Surabaya's people since the 17th century during the Dutch colonial era. The Old Town area is divided into 4 sections: the European Zone, Arab Zone, Chinese Zone, and Malay Zone. Facilities here include free Wi-Fi, traditional costume rentals for family or couple photos against a historic building backdrop, souvenir shops, and jeep rentals for touring the Old Town Surabaya area."
"First time trying to walk around the old town using the Suroboyo bus..... Get off at the Heroes Monument - Turi Market stop.... The walk begins from the majestic Heroes Monument.... Continue toward the outskirts of Turi Market.. there are many cobblers... secondhand goods sellers, and there's a food court too.... fun... keep walking a bit and you'll reach the police station... almost there to the old town.... lots of historic buildings... aesthetic... perfect for photos... tired from walking around, bought some es siropen... refreshing and delightful."
"One of the most memorable places during my trip to Surabaya is the Old Town area. If you appreciate the aesthetic ambiance of historic buildings, this place is truly a must-visit. The area is now much tidier, well-organized, and incredibly comfortable for a leisurely stroll. It is highly recommended to visit in the late afternoon as evening approaches. Besides the cooler air, the streetlights turn on, making the atmosphere even more serene and romantic. We can see many old buildings that still stand strong and are now being repurposed into cafes or other creative spaces."
Old Town Surabaya has successfully established itself as a tourism destination that harmoniously blends history, culture, and modern lifestyle. With easy access, adequate facilities, and strong visual appeal, the area offers an unforgettable travel experience for all visitors. You are invited to come, explore every historical corner, and create beautiful memories amidst a well-preserved colonial atmosphere. Schedule your visit here to experience the other side of Surabaya, one filled with charm and meaning.
