Top 4 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Surabaya [Latest 2026 Edition]! Exploring the Deep ‘City of Heroes’ Where History and Redevelopment Intersect

Surabaya, Indonesia’s second-largest city. While known as a business hub, this city is also celebrated as the ‘City of Heroes’ (Kota Pahlawan), a major battleground during the Indonesian War of Independence.

In recent years, Surabaya has rapidly enhanced its appeal as a tourist destination, moving beyond being just a transit point. With the redevelopment of its Old Town, retaining European charm, a dramatically renovated zoo, and even the chaotic sight of a real submarine parked in the city center, Surabaya is full of profound attractions that reveal more the deeper you explore.

This article will thoroughly explain 4 must-visit tourist spots and provide real local insights, ensuring both short-term visitors and long-term residents can experience 120% of Surabaya’s current charm.

Kota Lama Surabaya (Surabaya Old Town)

📍 Address: Jl. Rajawali Jl. Jembatan Merah, Kota Lama, Kec. Krembangan, Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Indonesia

The ‘Surabaya Old Town’ (Kota Lama), which dates back to the 17th-century Dutch colonial era, is where you can most deeply experience Surabaya’s historical beauty. While parts of the area once had a somewhat uninviting atmosphere, recent large-scale redevelopment has transformed it into a remarkably clean and sophisticated tourist spot, with wide, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks.

The Old Town is primarily divided into four zones: the ‘European Zone,’ ‘Arab Zone,’ ‘Chinatown Zone,’ and ‘Malay Zone,’ but the European Zone is overwhelmingly popular among travelers. The scenery, lined with historical colonial architecture, makes you feel as if you’ve stumbled into a European street corner. You can enjoy nostalgic activities such as renting classical Dutch colonial dresses for commemorative photos or exploring the area in vintage cars or jeeps.

The best time to visit is during the ‘Golden Hour’ after 4 PM, when the intense sunlight begins to soften. A cool breeze starts to blow, and the old streetscape bathed in the evening sun becomes a perfect photo opportunity. As night falls, the streetlights cast a romantic glow, and enjoying local delicacies around the nearby Kembang Jepun area is another luxurious way to experience this unique area.

Surabaya Zoo

📍 Address: Jl. Setail No.1, Darmo, Kec. Wonokromo, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60241 Indonesia

Surabaya Zoo (KBS), one of Southeast Asia’s largest, is a miraculous zoo that has wonderfully reinvented itself, shaking off its past negative image. Although it once gained an unfortunate global reputation for poor conditions, it has now undergone extensive renovation. The grounds are meticulously clean, with virtually no unpleasant odors. Strict management systems are in place for animal welfare, such as double fences to prevent visitors from feeding animals without permission.

The primary reason to visit here is, without a doubt, Indonesia’s unique and rare animals. The ‘Komodo dragons,’ specifically, are a must-see, housed according to their growth stages. You’ll be awe-struck by the sheer power of these giant reptiles, a sight you won’t easily find elsewhere. Furthermore, the iconic ‘Shark (Suro) and Crocodile (Boyo) Statue’ near the entrance, symbolizing the origin of Surabaya’s name, is an unmissable photo op.

Although the zoo spans a vast 15 hectares, it is lush with green trees, providing ample shade and allowing for a relatively leisurely stroll even in the tropical heat. The entrance fee is an incredibly low 15,000 Rupiah (cash or QRIS payment only). It’s a recommended leisure spot where you can blend in with local families and soak up a peaceful, local atmosphere.

Heroes’ Monument

📍 Address: Jl. Pahlawan, Alun-alun Contong, Kec. Bubutan, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60174 Indonesia

To understand why Surabaya is revered across Indonesia as the ‘City of Heroes,’ you must visit the ‘Heroes’ Monument’ (Tugu Pahlawan). This massive monument was erected to commemorate the ‘Battle of Surabaya,’ which took place on November 10, 1945, and served as a catalyst for the Indonesian War of Independence.

Beneath the towering monument in the center of a spacious park, the ‘November 10th Museum’ is located. Here, dioramas, photographs, and historical documents detailing the arduous struggle for independence are neatly displayed. Of particular interest to Japanese travelers are the exhibits concerning the period of Japanese military occupation. You can delve into the raw, untold aspects of history not found in textbooks, such as the episode where Indonesia’s declaration of independence was broadcast via radio using local languages like Javanese and Madurese to prevent the Japanese military from understanding its content.

While strolling through the park itself is free, entering the museum costs 15,000 Rupiah for foreigners (cash or QRIS payment only; credit cards are not accepted). QR codes are provided for exhibit explanations, allowing visitors to easily translate and gain a deeper understanding with their smartphones. Please note that the museum is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.

Surabaya Submarine Monument Museum

📍 Address: Jl. Pemuda No.39, Embong Kaliasin, Kec. Genteng, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60271 Indonesia

Walking along the Kali Mas River in the heart of Surabaya, a massive submarine suddenly appears on land. This is the ‘Surabaya Submarine Monument Museum’ (colloquially known as Monkasel). It’s a remarkably unique spot, showcasing the whiskey-class submarine ‘Pasopati’ (KRI Pasopati 410), built in the Soviet Union in 1952 and actually operated by the Indonesian Navy, now preserved entirely as a museum.

The greatest appeal of this museum is the opportunity to step inside a real operational submarine and freely interact with its instruments and equipment. You can observe torpedo tubes, cramped beds, and complex engine rooms preserved as they were during active duty, and even peer through a real periscope to view the outside world. Russian script, a remnant of the Cold War era, remains throughout the ship, making it an irresistible space for military enthusiasts and mechanics.

While the tour itself can be completed relatively quickly, the key is to enjoy the surrounding environment as well. In the evenings, the riverside is beautifully lit up, bustling with locals enjoying a cool stroll. If you book in advance through the ‘Tiket Wisata Surabaya’ official website, you can also take a tourist boat ride on the Kali Mas River from the pier next to the submarine, allowing you to experience a romantic Surabaya night different from the daytime.

Practical Tips for 120% Enjoyment of Surabaya Tourism

Here’s practical information to help you enjoy Surabaya’s attractions efficiently and without stress. First, many public tourist facilities (such as museums and the submarine) use Indonesia’s tourism booking site, ‘Tiket Wisata Surabaya’. As on-site registration is often required, be sure to have a smartphone with internet access (local SIM or eSIM) ready.

Next, regarding ‘payment methods.’ E-money ‘QRIS’ (Kris) is widely used in Indonesia, and many places, such as the Heroes’ Monument museum and the zoo’s entrance, accept ‘cash or QRIS only,’ with credit cards often not accepted. For short-term travelers, it’s strongly recommended to always carry plenty of small denominations (10,000 Rupiah and 50,000 Rupiah notes).

Finally, ‘climate and transportation’ tips. Surabaya’s sunlight is even more intense than Jakarta’s, making it uncomfortably hot to walk during the day. For exploring the Old Town and similar activities, always shift to cooler late afternoons, and carry a parasol or sunscreen. For getting around the city, using ride-hhailing apps (Grab or Gojek) is the safest and most reliable option, rather than looking for a street taxi. We encourage you to deeply explore the enchanting city of Surabaya, where the weight of history and modern redevelopment coexist, on foot.