Yogyakarta is a royal city and a university town at once, known for classical Javanese arts and crafts, and for a large student population that keeps it lively and affordable. For a visitor, that mix means the main sights cluster in a compact centre, while the streets around them offer accommodation at every level.
The city spreads out from the kraton, the palace of the reigning sultan, and from Jl Malioboro, the main street that runs north to Tugu train station. Most places to stay sit either in the alleys just off Malioboro or in the Prawirotaman area, about 3 km to the south of the centre. This guide covers which of those areas to base yourself in, and what each is like for different kinds of traveller.
Best areas to stay in Yogyakarta
1. Malioboro and Sosrowijayan
This is the central option: the alleys around Gang Sosrowijayan sit close to Tugu train station and Jl Malioboro, and are 10 to 15 minutes on foot from the station. It is the classic base for backpackers and first-time visitors who want to walk to the main street and the museums, and it holds the densest concentration of budget accommodation in the city, from simple losmen to places with air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms and televisions.
Two practical points: the gangs are a short walk from the station, but if you follow one of the touts advertising cheap accommodation your stay may end up more expensive, because they take a commission for bringing you there. Gang-3 is a red light area.
2. Prawirotaman
About 3 km south of the centre, Prawirotaman is the other main budget quarter, with a slightly quieter feel than the Malioboro alleys. It suits travellers who want cheap rooms without the station crowds, and it also has a growing number of mid-range places, including some of the more modern establishments in the city, alongside restaurants and tour agencies.
It is further from the train station than Sosrowijayan, but it remains a practical base for the southern sights, and it is well connected by bus.
3. Around Gadjah Mada University
The main road towards Gadjah Mada University has its own cluster of homestays, shaped by the large student population and the university itself. This area suits longer stays and travellers who want a residential, everyday side of the city rather than the tourist centre.
4. South of Prawirotaman
Just south of Prawirotaman, around Karangkajen and towards Alun Alun Kidul, you find mid-range guesthouses and small hotels with gardens and pools, in a calmer setting. This suits travellers who want more space and quiet while staying within reach of the centre by bus.
5. Sleman, to the north
Further out to the north, in Sleman, the accommodation shifts to villa-style and boutique places on the road towards Pakem and Turi. This suits visitors who prefer a rural setting and are happy to trade proximity to the centre for it.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: losmen and guesthouses, often in the alleys off Malioboro or in Prawirotaman, with fan or air-conditioned rooms, shared or en-suite bathrooms, and dorm beds in a few hostels. This is the largest category in the city.
- Mid-range: guesthouses and small hotels, including modern rooms in Prawirotaman and garden or pool properties south of it, plus homestays on the road to Gadjah Mada University.
- Splurge: the major international and national chains are represented in the city, alongside boutique villa-style properties, particularly to the north in Sleman.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in Malioboro and Sosrowijayan. It puts you within walking distance of the main street, the museums, the Sultan's Palace and the Water Castle, and a short walk from Tugu train station for onward trips. It also has the widest choice of budget rooms, so it works whatever your plans turn out to be.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is closest to the train station?
The alleys around Gang Sosrowijayan, off Jl Malioboro, are 10 to 15 minutes on foot from Tugu train station. Prawirotaman is about 3 km further south.
Where do budget travellers usually stay?
Most budget accommodation is on Jl Sosrowijayan, adjacent to Jl Malioboro, and in the Jl Prawirotaman area to the south of the centre.
Is it worth taking a room offered by a tout?
Be cautious. If you follow one of the touts advertising cheap accommodation, your stay may end up more expensive, because they receive a commission for bringing you there.
Which area suits travellers who want somewhere quieter?
Prawirotaman is calmer than the Malioboro alleys, and the areas south of it, around Karangkajen and towards Alun Alun Kidul, are quieter still while remaining connected to the centre by bus.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.