Things To Do
in Surakarta
Surakarta, also known as Solo, is a city located in Central Java, Indonesia. It is famous for its rich Javanese cultural heritage and traditions. Surakarta is known for its beautiful batik fabrics, traditional dance performances, and exquisite Javanese architecture.
The city is also home to the iconic Surakarta Palace, a historical landmark that showcases the grandeur of Javanese royal history.
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Apa kabar?" - How are you?
- "Sama-sama" - You're welcome
- "Selamat malam" - Good evening
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $60
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $2 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $0.70
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $40
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Keraton Surakarta, the royal palace that showcases Javanese culture. Marvel at the intricate architecture and learn about its history.
Visit the Batik Museum to see the traditional art of batik making. You can also shop for authentic batik items in nearby markets.
Enjoy a traditional Javanese dinner at a local restaurant. End your day with a leisurely stroll around the city center.
Begin the day with a visit to Pasar Klewer, the largest textile market in Surakarta. Explore the vibrant stalls filled with textiles and handicrafts.
After lunch, head to the Danar Hadi Batik Museum. Learn about the batik-making process and the significance of various designs.
Try a local dish such as Nasi Liwet at a nearby eatery. Sit back and enjoy live music performances reflecting the local culture.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history, with traditional Javanese architecture and art.
- Known for its vibrant batik industry and traditional markets.
- Friendly and welcoming local community.
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger Indonesian cities.
- Beautiful natural surroundings, including mountains and rivers.
- Traffic congestion can be an issue, especially during peak hours.
- Limited public transportation options compared to bigger cities.
- Potential for air pollution from vehicle emissions and local industries.
- Some areas may lack modern amenities and infrastructure.
- Occasional flooding during heavy rain seasons.
Best Activities in Surakarta
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A beautiful park with a lake, gardens, and playgrounds, perfect for picnics and leisurely walks.
An ancient temple located on the slopes of Mount Lawu, offering stunning views and a sense of serenity.
An impressive waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, ideal for hiking and nature enthusiasts.
Tours
Uncover the best of Surakarta with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Surakarta
Visit one of these nice places.
Taman Balekambang is a beautiful park located in Surakarta with stunning views of the lake, traditional joglo buildings, and lush greenery, making it a perfect spot for photo opportunities.
Taman Sriwedari is a cultural park where visitors can enjoy traditional Javanese performances and also capture beautiful moments amidst the traditional architecture and vibrant surroundings.
Keraton Surakarta, also known as the Surakarta Palace, offers a glimpse of the region's royal history and provides picturesque backdrops with its intricate architectural details and well-maintained surroundings.
Food in Surakarta
Surakarta Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk, served with various side dishes such as chicken, tempeh, and egg, commonly found at street food stalls and local eateries.
Must-Try!
A Javanese traditional dish made from young unripe jackfruit, slow-cooked with palm sugar, coconut milk, and spices, often served with rice and chicken or tofu.
Hand-pulled Javanese noodles served with a savory broth, vegetables, and choice of chicken, beef, or pork, available at local noodle stalls and warungs (small restaurants).
Unique Experiences
Get to know Surakarta better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the oldest and most vibrant markets in Solo, offering a wide range of street food stalls selling local delicacies such as sate, bakso (meatball soup), and various types of traditional snacks.
A bustling market known for its street food vendors offering a variety of traditional Javanese snacks, desserts, and refreshing drinks, providing an authentic culinary experience.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Surakarta, it is customary to greet others with a polite handshake and a slight bow. Addressing people with their correct titles and using formal language is also important for showing respect.
Showing respect for elders is highly valued in Surakarta's culture. It is important to use polite language and gestures when interacting with older individuals, and to defer to their opinions and decisions.
When visiting religious sites or attending traditional events, it is important to dress modestly and respectfully. Wearing appropriate attire, such as clothing that covers the shoulders and knees, is considered polite and respectful.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Surakarta with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Surakarta
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Surakarta, Indonesia. It is not expected in most restaurants, hotels, or other service establishments.
In Surakarta, Indonesia, cash is the primary method of payment, although some larger establishments may accept credit cards. It is advisable to carry sufficient cash for daily transactions as not all places may accept cards.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Surakarta.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect heavy rainfall, high humidity, and occasional flooding. Not the best time to visit due to inclement weather.
Best time to visit with lower humidity, minimal rainfall, and more favorable weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Surakarta at Night
Hiking in Surakarta
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
One of the popular hiking spots near Surakarta, Gunung Merbabu offers stunning views and various trails that cater to different skill levels.
Located east of Surakarta, Gunung Lawu is well-known for its lush scenery and spiritual significance, making it a favorite destination for hikers.
This area provides several hiking trails with beautiful waterfalls and panoramic views, perfect for nature lovers.
Although a bit farther away, this iconic volcano offers striking blue flames at night and a challenging hike for adventurous visitors.
Located near Purwokerto, this area features easy to moderate trails leading to beautiful landscapes and hot springs.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Surakarta through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Surakarta by plane.
The nearest international airport to Surakarta, located approximately 13 km away, servicing domestic and limited international flights.
Located about 90 km from Surakarta in Surabaya, this is one of the major international airports in East Java, offering numerous international and domestic flights.
Situated approximately 65 km from Surakarta, it serves both domestic and international passengers and is a significant airport for the Yogyakarta Region.
Located around 570 km from Surakarta in Jakarta, it is the largest and busiest international airport in Indonesia, offering extensive international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Surakarta, known for their rich cultural heritage and traditions.
A significant minority known for their contributions to commerce and cultural diversity in Surakarta.
Another ethnic group present in the region, contributing to the cultural landscape.
Although a smaller population, they add to the diversity of Surakarta with their unique cultural practices.
Including Batak, Minangkabau, and others, these groups represent a smaller section of the population.
The Soul of Surakarta
Discover the essence of Surakarta through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Badminton is one of the most popular sports in Surakarta, with many local clubs and competitions.
Football has a significant following in Surakarta, with various local teams and leagues.
Basketball is growing in popularity, especially among the youth in Surakarta.
As a traditional martial art, Pencak Silat is widely practiced and celebrated in Surakarta.
Volleyball is a common sport played in schools and communities throughout Surakarta.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Surakarta.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many local eateries and restaurants in Surakarta offer vegetarian and vegan versions of traditional dishes, with ample choices of plant-based ingredients such as tofu, tempeh, and fresh vegetables.
While gluten-free options are not as commonly advertised, traditional rice-based dishes like nasi liwet and some soto varieties can be gluten-free. It's advisable to communicate dietary needs clearly when ordering.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Surakarta with these cultural adventures.
