Surabaya is Indonesia's second-largest city and a historic port on the northeastern coast of Java, with a trading heritage stretching back centuries. It is a working, commercial city rather than a resort town, and its appeal for visitors lies in its old quarters, its food scene and its role as a gateway to East Java.
For a visitor, the city spreads out around a few distinct pockets: the historic north around the old port and Ampel, the central commercial and shopping district around Tunjungan, and the area around Gubeng railway station, which is the main arrival point for many travellers. This guide covers which of these areas to base yourself in, and what kind of accommodation you will find at each budget level.
Best areas to stay in Surabaya
1. Around Tunjungan and Embong Malang (city centre)
This is the central commercial and shopping district, built around Tunjungan Plaza and the streets immediately around it. It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to be within walking distance of malls, food courts and the city's main commercial addresses.
Accommodation here spans the full range, from an old colonial-era place on Jalan Pasar Genteng, where the street becomes a night market after dark, to large international hotels on Jalan Embong Malang. It is also where you find the city's historic colonial-era hotel on Jalan Tunjungan. The trade-off is that this is a busy, built-up part of the city rather than a quiet residential one.
2. Around Gubeng railway station
Gubeng is the practical choice if you are arriving or leaving by train, or using Surabaya as a base for trips further into East Java. It suits budget travellers and independent travellers who value transport connections over sightseeing on the doorstep.
You find small private-room guesthouses and backpacker places within a short walk of the station, including options on Jalan Kayon and Jalan Simpang Dukuh. Staying here puts the station within walking distance, but it is not the historic or commercial heart of the city, so you will rely on taxis or rides to reach the main sights.
3. The historic north around Ampel
Northern Surabaya is the oldest part of the city, centred on the Ampel area and its mosque, established by the Islamic preacher Sunan Ampel. It suits travellers who want to be close to the historic quarter and the old port atmosphere rather than the modern city.
Accommodation in this part of the city is at the simpler end, with budget rooms near the Kota station area, such as those on Jalan Bongkaran. The advantage is proximity to the historic core; the practical point to weigh is that this is a different part of town from the shopping and business districts, so plan on transport for anything in the centre.
4. Darmo and the southern commercial area
Darmo is a commercial and residential area to the south of the centre, with restaurants, banks, shopping and entertainment, and it is where you find serviced residences and larger hotels with resort-style facilities. It suits families and longer stays, and anyone who prefers a quieter base with easy road access.
From here the central business district on Jalan Basuki Rachmat is a short drive away, and the major toll roads and highways are close, which makes it convenient if you are moving on to other parts of the region. It is also near the golf courses in the Darmo area. The trade-off is that you are not within walking distance of the historic sights.
5. Around Surabaya Plaza and Jalan Sumatera
This pocket near Surabaya Plaza and Jalan Sumatera is a conventional business-hotel area, convenient for Gubeng railway station as well as the mall. It suits business travellers and anyone who wants a straightforward, well-connected base.
You find established business hotels here, some with dining on site. It is a practical location rather than a scenic one, and it sits between the centre and the station area, which makes it useful if your plans involve both.
6. West Surabaya and the Waru side
The western edge of the city, towards Waru and Sidoarjo, is a suburban area with homestay-style accommodation. It suits travellers with their own transport, or those whose business or onward route takes them west.
Rooms here tend to be simple and inexpensive, with air-conditioning, WiFi and breakfast sometimes included. The practical point is distance: this is away from the centre and the historic quarter, so it works best if you are not planning to spend your days in the middle of town.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: guesthouses, homestays and backpacker places, often with private rooms rather than dorms, and sometimes with shared or basic facilities. You will find them near the Kota station area, around Gubeng station, near City Hall, and on the western side of the city. Air-conditioning, WiFi and simple breakfasts are common but not universal.
- Mid-range: business hotels and serviced residences, including larger chain properties, some with pools and restaurants. These cluster in the city centre, around Surabaya Plaza and Jalan Sumatera, in the Darmo commercial area, and near Gubeng.
- Splurge: large international hotels and a colonial-era boutique property, concentrated around Tunjungan and Embong Malang and in the Darmo area, with full facilities and, in some cases, resort-style grounds.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself around Tunjungan and Embong Malang. It puts you in the middle of the city's shopping, dining and commercial life, with the widest choice of accommodation across all budgets and the historic colonial-era streets within the same district. From there, the northern historic quarter and the station area are a short ride away.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best if I am arriving by train?
Gubeng. There is budget accommodation within walking distance of the station, including on Jalan Kayon and Jalan Simpang Dukuh, and the area around Surabaya Plaza and Jalan Sumatera is also convenient for the station.
Where should I stay if I want to be near the historic sights?
The northern part of the city around Ampel, where the historic quarter and the Ampel mosque area are located. Budget rooms are available near the Kota station in this part of town.
Which area suits families?
The Darmo area in the south, where you find serviced residences and larger hotels, along with restaurants, shopping and entertainment, and easy access to the toll roads. Some hotels in the city also have pools with waterslides.
Is it better to stay in the centre or on the edge of the city?
The centre around Tunjungan and Embong Malang keeps you close to shopping, dining and the main commercial addresses. The western side towards Waru and Sidoarjo is quieter and cheaper but away from the centre, so it suits travellers with their own transport or a reason to be on that side of the city.
Compare live prices for the areas that suit your plans using the booking tools on this page.