Things To Do
in Surakarta
Surakarta, or Solo, sits along the Bengawan Solo River with a royal heritage that shapes its temples, palaces, and markets. The city is famous for batik, traditional cuisine, and a lively street-food culture centered around Pasar Gede and Jalan Slamet Riyadi. Its two historic palaces—the Kraton Surakarta and the Mangkunegaran Palace—display elegant Javanese architecture and cultural performances.
Modern cafés, markets, and riverfront walks sit alongside centuries-old neighborhoods, making Solo a welcoming blend of tradition and urban energy.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Keraton Surakarta, the royal palace that showcases the rich Javanese culture and history. Stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, marveling at the intricate architecture that reflects the grandeur of the Sultanate. Don’t forget to stop by the museum inside to view traditional artifacts and learn about the royal lineage.
After a morning steeped in history, head to Pasar Gede Market, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. Here, sample delicious traditional snacks like klepon and get lost in the bustling atmosphere of vendors selling spices, textiles, and handicrafts. Take some time to shop for souvenirs and experience the lively interactions between locals.
As dusk approaches, unwind at the Alun-Alun Kidul, a public square where you can enjoy a leisurely walk surrounded by locals. Try your hand at the popular 'masangin' game, where you attempt to walk between two banyan trees while blindfolded. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant that serves authentic Javanese cuisine, savoring dishes like gudeg.
Dedicate your morning to learning about the traditional art of batik at a local workshop, where skilled artisans will guide you through the intricate process of wax-resist dyeing. You will have the opportunity to create your own batik piece, which makes for a unique souvenir to take home. Engaging with the artists provides insight into the cultural significance of this UNESCO-recognized craft.
After lunch, visit the Museum Batik Danar Hadi, which houses an impressive collection of batik textiles that narrate the history and evolution of this art form. Wander through the exhibits, appreciating the variety of styles and techniques used throughout Indonesia. Take a moment to converse with the knowledgeable staff, who can share fascinating stories behind the pieces on display.
In the evening, head to a traditional dance performance at the nearby cultural center, where you can witness the beauty and grace of Javanese dance. The vibrant costumes and rhythmic music will transport you into the heart of Indonesian heritage. Following the show, indulge in a dinner featuring local delicacies, enjoying the flavors of Surakarta.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $1-3 |
| 🚕One-way local transport | $0.50-2 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $25-60 |
| 🛍️Local crafts/souvenirs | $5-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich royal history and vibrant batik culture
- Delicious and affordable local cuisine
- Friendly locals and easy-to-navigate city center
- Traffic congestion during peak hours
- Heat and humidity can be intense outdoors
- Public transit outside the core area is limited
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Berapa harganya?" - How much is this?
- "Tolong" - Please / Help
- "Di mana kamar mandi?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Apakah Anda bisa bahasa Inggris?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Surakarta
Visit one of these nice places.
Grand ceremonial grounds and ornate Javanese architecture with courtyards and processional spaces ideal for wide shots and detail textures.
Colorful traditional houses and artisans at work create vibrant street photography opportunities and cultural portraits.
A historic park with landscaped gardens, lakes, and viewing points—great for peaceful nature and cityscape photos.
An active market neighborhood with bright stalls, local foods, and daily life scenes that capture the rhythm of Solo.
Sleek interiors and curated textile displays offering elegant, colorful photography subjects and textile detail shots.
Food in Surakarta
Surakarta Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fragrant coconut rice cooked in pandan and served with shredded chicken, egg, and side dishes on a banana leaf; a staple at traditional stalls around Pasar Gede.
Must-Try!
Clear broth soup with sliced meat, egg, vegetables, and meatballs, often served with toast or small nasi liwet components; a comforting, iconic Solo dish.
Traditional Indonesian pancake-like dessert made with coconut milk and palm sugar, often enjoyed with a sprinkle of grated coconut.
Herbal broth-based soups with tender meat, served with rice or crackers; a common everyday meal found in many street stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market district offering fresh produce, spices, snacks, and a variety of street foods to sample or take away.
Vibrant evening avenue with a range of hawkers offering skewers, noodles, and traditional snacks; great for a casual dinner stroll.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly when visiting palaces and religious sites; remove hats and speak softly in sacred spaces. Always ask permission before photographing people, especially elders.
A warm greeting (Selamat pagi/siang/sore) and a smile go a long way. Offer and accept tea or coffee as a gesture of hospitality.
Safety
Tipping in Surakarta
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in restaurants and nicer cafés (roughly 5–10%). In markets and less formal eateries, rounding up is common rather than leaving a formal tip.
Cash is widely accepted (IDR). Many urban shops and larger restaurants accept cards and mobile wallets (e-wallets like GoPay/OVO); smaller street stalls typically operate on cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Most sunny and warm days; ideal for outdoor sightseeing and street photography. Stay hydrated and plan earlier starts to avoid the afternoon heat.
Frequent short showers; carry a compact umbrella or rain jacket. Humidity is higher, so protect gear and plan indoor activities after rain.
Shoulder months can offer comfortable temperatures and lush green landscapes, with occasional rain; good for balanced outdoor and cultural activities.
Surakarta at Night
Hiking in Surakarta
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular hiking and sunrise viewpoints on the highlands near Solo; challenging routes with rewarding views and cool air.
Accessible nature trail and waterfall nearby; great for a mixed nature walk and photography.
Airports
How to reach Surakarta by plane.
Main airport serving Surakarta; roughly a 20–45 minute drive from central Solo depending on traffic. Connects domestically and to some international destinations; taxis, ride-hailing, and airport transfers are common options.
Major nearby hub located west of Solo; typically reached by road or rail for longer multi-city trips in central Java. Useful for additional international and domestic connections beyond Solo.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Major ethnic group; many residents have deep ties to traditional crafts, palaces, and local markets.
A significant portion of the population includes students, batik artisans, and craftspeople contributing to the city’s cultural economy.
Many neighborhoods are residential and active with family culture and community events.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely followed and played in schools and neighborhoods; local matches and informal leagues are common.
A popular pastime and competitive sport, easy to find courts and clubs around the city.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Surakarta.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many traditional dishes use meat or broth, so look for vegetable-filled versions or ask for plant-based takes; prioritize tofu, tempeh, and vegetable stews; in markets, request meat-free options and clarify ingredients.