Surabaya Guide

Surabaya Local Market Tours: Taste Indonesia's Culinary Heart

Dive into Surabaya's vibrant markets with guided tours, uncovering authentic flavors, local crafts, and the true pulse of East Java.

12+ tours
From $$30
3-4 hours

Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city, is a bustling metropolis brimming with history and culture. While skyscrapers define its modern skyline, its true soul resides in its labyrinthine local markets. These aren't just places to buy produce; they are vibrant hubs of daily life, where the aromas of exotic spices mingle with the calls of vendors, and centuries-old traditions are on full display. Local Market Immersion Experiences in Surabaya offer a unique opportunity to step beyond the tourist trail and connect with the authentic heart of this dynamic city. These guided tours are designed for travelers eager to experience Surabaya like a local. Forget sterile supermarkets; imagine navigating the lively aisles of Pasar Atom or the sensory overload of the traditional Ampel market. You'll have the chance to sample incredible street food, from savory *nasi goreng* to sweet *es campur*, learn about local produce and their uses, and perhaps even find unique souvenirs handcrafted by local artisans. It's a chance to engage your senses fully and gain a deeper understanding of Indonesian daily life, culinary heritage, and the warm hospitality of its people. These experiences often go beyond simple sightseeing, incorporating elements of culinary discovery and cultural exchange, making them a cornerstone of any enriching visit to Surabaya.

Featured Local Market Immersion Experiences Tours

Discover our top picks for local market immersion experiences in Surabaya

Surabaya Shore Excursion For Cruise Passengers
From $85
Free Cancellation

This tour is designed and suitable for cruise traveller that stop at surabaya. This tour is sharing with other pasengger from the same ship. our team will pick directly at surabaya port, meet with other participant and together we will explore surabaya, (There's no minimum traveller for this trip, The tour will still run no matter how many person join) During this city tour you will have the chance to explore Surabaya, along with it’s history, culture and food. we will visit historical buildings, Temples, Arabtown, etc, and you will have the chance to try some of our delicious fruit and types of food. This tour is perfect for those travellers who want to experience and learn new things about our culture, history, the way local people live. And most important your group will back to the port on time

4.5(46)
4h
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Surabaya Private Tour
From $78
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Surabaya city tour During this city tour you will have the chance to explore Surabaya, along with it’s history, culture and food. Your private tour guide will show you around the city most interesting destinations such as Arab town, historical buildings, Temple/mosque, Traditional market, etc. and dont miss the lunch/dinner at a nice restaurant, This tour is perfect for those travellers who want to experience and learn new things about culture, history, the way local people live. With pick up from airport/hotel/port. Since its private tour you can request and modify the itinenary based on your interest.

4.9(82)
4h
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Private Day Tour Surabaya Historiculture
From $72.98
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Visit the Heritage town of Surabaya with this Private day tour. we will pick you up from your hotel or cruise port and take you all around the town, stopping in traditional neighborhoods, historical places and cultural society of interests, with plenty of time to try out local food or shop in a local market. We will be strolling down to historical and cultural destinations in Surabaya and we are going to figure out from Europe Quarter, Arabian Quarter, and Chinese Quarter. The duration of the tour is 4-5 hours.

4.7(79)
4h
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Trowulan Tour Ruin of Majapahit Kingdom from Surabaya
From $85
Free Cancellation

Trowulan area is archeology site, located in mojokerto which is 1,5 hours from Surabaya city. There are many historical relics from Majapahit kingdom you will visit and learn the historical. this tour is suitable for traveller that looking for unique experience while visiting in Surabaya and interest with archeology. We provide knowledgeable tour guide, speaking good english for this tour, as you need to learn a lot of historical story during this tour. We will pick up at any Hotels in Surabaya or Cruise port. this tour will be in private for pick up from hotel or shared small group for cruise passangers if pick up from cruise port.

5.0(25)
6h
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Mount Bromo Sunrise Shared Guided Tour from Surabaya
💸Special Offer
$70From $63
Free Cancellation

Discover the beauty of Mount Bromo with ease as our English-speaking guide leads you through breathtaking viewpoints and the volcanic terrain, making this an unforgettable journey from Surabaya city. The adventure starts in the midnight at 00:05 Am from your hotel, airport or train station in Surabaya city. The guide will assist you with convenient pickup and then a thrilling ride on 4WD to the hill, witnessing the spectacular sunrise of Mount Bromo. At 6:00 Am the adventure continues to Mount Batok where the jeep will park and you will hike up to the top of Mount Bromo. Enjoy the ambience of Tengger Mountains with sand sea and Widodaren walls. After everything has been explored, you will return to the jeep, and return to our hub. Afterward, heading back to your hotel in Surabaya or Malang city around 02:00 Pm.

4.7(13)
12h
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Probolinggo City Tour For Cruise Passengers
From $78
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

Start your Probolinggo City Tour with a hands-on batik crafting experience, where you'll learn and create your own traditional masterpiece, then continue to explore the city’s rich heritage with visits to the oldest Buddhist temple, the historic red church, a local museum by traditional rickshaw, and a bustling traditional market. This tour is specially designed as a shared tour experience with fellow cruise passengers from the same ship, offering a fun and cultural way to explore Probolinggo together. with a guaranteed return to the port on time.

4.2(13)
5h
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Tumpak Sewu : 1 Day Private Trip from Malang or Surabaya
From $63.86
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

We strongly recommend to start at 5AM for the best views and experiences. Starting from your hotel or train station or anywhere within our pickup area, for 2 to 3-hour ride through dense areas, tradisional markets, and the mountainous winding roads. After arriving, we will see the waterfall panorama from the above. Take a walk down through a thousand steps and enjoy the tumpak sewu from the bottom. Take tons of pictures and continue to Telaga Biru for a dip-in. Climb up to the beautiful Goa Tetes, a hiden place that a few knows about and back to the parking lot. Bottled mineral water is available on board for free, and a pit stop for coconut at the end of the trip. Meals is not provided, but you can ask to stop by and try Malang local foods in your way back to hotel. Other option is to take a 2 hours atv rides near waterfall for 600k/pax/atv. Get 15% off with direct booking. We treat our clients as travel partners

5.0(43)
7h
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1 Day - Bromo Afternoon Siesta Tour start MALANG or SURABAYA // 11:00 - 18:00
From $79.06
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

- Avoid the crowds at Bromo Sunrise. Save you time by sleeping at night without worry cant get all spots in Mount Bromo. - Explore breathtaking landscapes surronding the mountain, including: View point (Penanajakan/Kingkong hill), Widodaren (Dinosaur valley), Pura Luhur Poten temple, Mount Bromo's crater, the black-sand desert and savannah. - Take a beautiful picture with stunning views of nature. - Enjoy the convenience of transfer service to and from your hotel in Malang

4.9(110)
6h
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3D2N - Mount Bromo, Tumpak Sewu, Kawah Ijen Crater start from Malang or Surabaya
From $200.69
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

- Explore the perfect beauty of East Java's paradise with Top rate #1 Best travel agency in East Java "Smartway Indonesia Tours." >> instagram: @smartway.id - Visiting Indonesia's most beautiful waterfall and mountain: Tumpak Sewu waterfall and Mount Bromo. - Catching the blue fire in Kawah Ijen crater. - Accommodation, breakfast/brunch, ticket entrance, friendly English-speaking guide, and private transport are included.

4.8(104)
72h
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 Car and Walking Private Tour of Surabaya
💸Special Offer
$72.98From $59.84
Free Cancellation👤Private TourNew

Discover Surabaya through a private city tour designed just for you. Travel at your own pace as you explore powerful historical landmarks, atmospheric old quarters, and vibrant cultural districts that tell the story of the city’s past and present. Walk through heritage streets, see traditional markets full of local life, and visit iconic sites linked to Indonesia’s independence. With a private guide, every stop comes alive through stories, hidden details, and local insight—making Surabaya not just a city you see, but a city you truly experience.

8h
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Active Volcanoes Bromo and Ijen - Start Surabaya 3 Days and 2 Nights
From $325
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Mt. Bromo & Mt. Ijen are 2 worthy highlights of East Java. Visit 2 spectacular active volcanoes in 3 days. You will have to wake up early each morning to get the best of both sites. You will get rewarded tough with a grey-greyish unbelievable moonlike landscape at mount Bromo and the most acidic green blueish lake in the world at Ijen... The sulphur miners at the crater lake, will be working from early morning till about noon.   After the tour you will be dropped in Ketapang/Banyuwangi. Or, you can return to Surabaya. You will spend the night in Cemara Lawang in Cafe Lava hotel (or similar) and in Bondowoso in Ijen View Hotel.  All included except personal expenses, all lunches and dinners, horse riding at mount Bromo, optional tours. If you book the tour for 4 or more travelers, an English speaking guide is added to the tour.

4.9(292)
72h
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4D3N Mount Bromo, Ijen Crater & Surabaya Night Market
From $325.79
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

This retreat will bring you up close to two of the most majestic volcanic landscapes in the Indonesian Ring of Fires; Ijen crater and Mount Bromo. Be mesmerize by the electric blue flames of Ijen which can only be seen in the wee hours. Savour the beauty of the turquoise colored acidic lake and witness the indomitable spirit of the miners as they battle the treacherous terrain to haul heavy loads of mined sulphur to make a living. Hop on a 4WD to catch the rising sun casting its first rays over the surreal landscape of Tigger Caldera. The fuming Mount Bromo rising from the flat volcanic sand bed of the gigantic caldera will be a sight to behold. The top of Mount Bromo can be reached via 253 concrete steps making it one of the most accessible active volcanos in the world. End the trip with a visit to Surabaya, home to many of the nation’s fiercest independence fighters and thus known to locals as Kota Pahlawan (City of Heroes).

5.0(4)
96h
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East Java Tours: 2 Days Surabaya and Madura island Tours start from Surabaya
From $150

Visit the charming town of Surabaya ,madura island and Van Den Bosch in 2 days with a Confortable Car , Your guide will pick you up from your hotel or cruise part and take you to Explore the key point spot at Surabaya and Mandura island , 7 destination in two days visit House of Sampoerna, Submarine Museum, Tunjungan Plaza, Suramadu Bridge, Jaddih Hill, Arosbaya, and Fort Van Den Bosch . stopping in the Biggest of shopping mall in Surabaya is Tunjungan Plaza with plenty of time to try out local food or shop in a local market.

48h
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Tumpak Sewu waterfall & volcano Bromo - start Surabaya // 2 days & 1 night
From $250
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour🔥Likely to Sell Out

Tumpak Sewu waterfalls are also called the Indonesian Niagara waterfalls.... Check for yourself! Depending on the season, the water flow is more or less. The height is about 120 m. Combined with unforgettable moments in the Bromo area this 2 days tour is unique. The active volcano Bromo lies in an ancient caldera of 10 km in width. The caldera is partly a black volcanic Sand Sea and partly a lush savanna. The viewpoint Pananjakan shows the greatness of Earth.

4.8(29)
48h
View Details
Surabaya - Mount Bromo – Tumpak Sewu Waterfall – Ijen Bluefire Tour - Bali 4d3n
From $500
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

This tour is very good for travelers who have a short time of holiday in Indonesia. So, they have made everything a little bit rush but it’s worth it. Mount Bromo, Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, ​and Ijen Crater are the 3 most amazing places that you will visit for 4 days 3 nights.

5.0(350)
96h
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Why Choose Local Market Immersion Experiences in Surabaya?

Authentic Culinary Delights

Taste genuine Surabaya street food and traditional dishes that are often missed by independent travelers.

Local Insights

Gain a deeper understanding of Indonesian culture, traditions, and daily life from knowledgeable local guides.

Unique Souvenirs

Discover handcrafted items and local specialties that make for truly memorable keepsakes.

Navigating Bustling Markets

Effortlessly explore crowded and complex markets with a guide who knows the best stalls and hidden corners.

Vibrant Photo Opportunities

Capture the colorful scenes, lively interactions, and delicious food that define Surabaya's market life.

Safe and Enjoyable

Benefit from a curated experience that prioritizes safety, hygiene, and a positive interaction with local vendors.

Types of Local Market Immersion Experiences in Surabaya

Culinary Market Explorations

These tours focus on the gastronomic heart of Surabaya's markets. Participants learn about local ingredients, participate in tasting sessions, and often enjoy a meal at a renowned local eatery within or near the market.

Street food tastingLocal ingredient explanationCulinary history insightsOptional cooking class add-onMeal at a local warung

Sensory Market Treks

Experience the full spectrum of sights, sounds, and smells of Surabaya's most famous markets. Guides will highlight unique products, explain vendor interactions, and lead participants through the most engaging sections.

Guided market walkIntroduction to local produceArtisan crafts discoveryVendor interaction focusPhoto-friendly stops

Historical Market & Cultural Walks

Combining market exploration with historical context, these tours often visit areas like the Ampel district. They delve into the cultural influences that shaped the markets and the surrounding neighborhoods, offering a more comprehensive view of Surabaya's heritage.

Market visitHistorical site explanationCultural significance explorationReligious site context (if applicable)Interaction with local communities

What to Expect on Local Market Immersion Experiences Tours

Duration

Most market immersion tours in Surabaya typically last between 3 to 4 hours, allowing ample time to explore and experience the market's atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Weather

Surabaya has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity year-round. Expect warm weather, and be prepared for potential rain showers, especially during the wet season (typically October to April). Comfortable, breathable clothing is recommended.

Group Size

Tours usually range from small, intimate groups of 4-6 people to slightly larger ones of up to 10-12 travelers. This ensures a personalized experience and easier navigation through busy market areas.

What's Included

Typically includes the services of a local English-speaking guide, planned food tastings, and entrance fees to specific attractions if part of the itinerary. Some tours may include bottled water.

Meeting Point

Meeting points are usually specified in the tour details and are often located at a central, easily accessible spot near the market, such as a well-known landmark or the entrance to the market itself. Hotel pick-up and drop-off might be offered on select, longer tours.

Costs

Prices vary based on the tour's length, inclusions, and the operator, generally ranging from $30 to $70 USD per person. Additional food purchases beyond tastings or personal shopping expenses are usually not included.

Expert Tips for the Best Experience

1

Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you'll be on your feet for most of the tour.

2

Bring a reusable water bottle; staying hydrated is crucial in Surabaya's warm climate.

3

Carry small denominations of Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) for any personal purchases or extra snacks you might want to buy.

4

Learn a few basic Indonesian phrases like 'Terima kasih' (thank you) and 'Berapa?' (how much?). It's always appreciated by locals.

5

Be open to trying new foods! This is your chance to experience authentic Surabaya flavors.

6

Dress respectfully, especially if visiting religious sites within or near markets. Shoulders and knees should ideally be covered.

7

Ask your guide questions! They are a wealth of knowledge about local culture, history, and market dynamics.

8

Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas, just as you would in any busy public space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Are these tours suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

A: Many tours offer vegetarian options, and some can accommodate vegan diets with advance notice. It's always best to check the specific tour details or contact the operator to confirm before booking.

Q:What's the best time of day to visit Surabaya markets?

A: Morning is generally the most vibrant time, especially for fresh produce. Evening can offer a different atmosphere with food stalls coming alive. Your guided tour will likely be scheduled for optimal experience.

Q:Can I negotiate prices at the market?

A: Yes, bargaining is common in traditional markets, especially for non-food items. Your guide can help you navigate this process and advise on fair prices.

Q:What should I do if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?

A: Inform the tour operator of any dietary restrictions or allergies well in advance. They can usually communicate this to vendors or suggest suitable alternatives.

Q:Is it safe to eat street food on these tours?

A: These tours focus on reputable stalls and vendors vetted by the guides, prioritizing hygiene and quality. It's generally safe to try food recommended by your experienced guide.

Q:Do I need to tip my guide?

A: Tipping is not mandatory but is always appreciated for excellent service. If you enjoyed your experience, a small tip reflecting your satisfaction is a kind gesture.

Q:Can I take photos in the market?

A: Photography is generally allowed, but it's polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their products. Your guide can help you with this.

Q:What if it rains during my market tour?

A: Most market tours are designed to operate rain or shine. Many market stalls offer shelter, and guides are experienced in navigating the markets even in wet weather.

Don't Miss the Perfect Surabaya Experience

Book your local market immersion experiences today - 12+ tours with instant confirmation & best price guarantee!

Why Visit Surabaya?

Discover East Java's vibrant capital, Surabaya, a hub for history and bustling local life.

Explore the colonial architecture and lively markets that define Surabaya's unique charm.

Experience authentic Indonesian street food and warm hospitality in this dynamic city.

Uncover historical landmarks from Dutch colonial times to Indonesia's independence struggle.

Immerse yourself in the energetic pace of a major Javanese port city.

Surabaya offers a genuine glimpse into modern Indonesian urban culture and heritage.

Best Time to Visit

Weather

Surabaya experiences a tropical rainforest climate, characterized by high temperatures and humidity year-round. Expect consistent rainfall, especially during the wet season, with sunny spells often interspersed with brief, heavy downpours.

Best Months

The dry season, from June to September, offers the most pleasant weather with less rain, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions and historical sites.

Peak Season

The peak tourist season generally aligns with the dry months, especially July and August, coinciding with school holidays. Expect larger crowds and potentially higher accommodation prices during this period.

Off Season

The wet season, typically from October to May, sees more rainfall. While occasional downpours can occur, it's also a great time to visit for fewer crowds and lower prices on flights and hotels.

Plan Your Surabaya Trip

Transportation Tips

Getting around Surabaya is an adventure! For short distances, becak (pedicabs) and ojek (motorcycle taxis) are common and affordable, though agree on the price beforehand. For longer trips or more comfort, ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab are widely used and offer both car and motorbike options. Local minibusses called 'angkot' are the cheapest but can be confusing for newcomers. Taxis are also available. Renting a car with a driver is a good option for exploring further afield or for groups wanting flexibility.

Car Rental Deals in Surabaya

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Where to Stay

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Best Hotel Deals in Surabaya

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