Surakarta, more commonly known as Solo, is a city full of history and culture.  It is located in the heart of Central Java, Indonesia and is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor Yogyakarta, Solo has deep history to share and is a great jumping off point to visit interesting areas around it.

It’s a city where tradition meets modernity, where the past is preserved in royal palaces and ancient temples, and where the surrounding natural landscapes offer lovely hikes and waterfalls. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, nature lover, or just looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Solo and it’s surroundings have something to offer.

In this Surakarta travel guide we share all the things to do in Solo and nearby – for example Mount Lawu hiking.  In addition we provide the best places to stay in Surakarta and of course where to eat in Solo.

Why Visit Surakarta (Solo)?

Solo is one of the two royal cities of Central Java (the other being Yogyakarta), and it serves as a cultural hub with a rich history that dates back centuries. The city is less commercialized than other tourist hotspots in Indonesia, allowing visitors to experience authentic Javanese culture.

Solo is known for its traditional art forms, including batik, gamelan music, and wayang kulit (shadow puppetry). The city’s laid-back atmosphere, combined with its proximity to stunning natural attractions, makes it an ideal destination for travelers looking to explore both cultural and natural wonders.

Our Surakarta travel guide provides all the things to do in Solo and it’s surroundings like Mount Lawu hiking.  We also share the best places to stay in Surakarta and where to eat in Solo.  Let’s dive into this Surakarta travel guide:

Map of Surakarta Travel Guide

This map shows you all the things to do in Solo and it’s surroundings including Mount Lawu hiking.  The best places to stay in Surakarta and where to eat in Solo is included on this map from our Surakarta travel guide:

Surakarta Travel Guide: Things to Do in Solo

1. Keraton Surakarta (Surakarta Palace) The Keraton Surakarta is the royal palace of the Surakarta Sultanate and remains the residence of the current royal family. This historic palace complex is a living museum of Javanese culture and history. Visitors can explore the palace grounds with a guide whom is appointed once you pay the entry ticket.  The guide fee is not included in the ticket and one pays what you think the services are worth.  Our guide was very knowledgeable, so we tipped him well.

The palace grounds include pavilions, courtyards, gardens and displays filled with royal artifacts, including traditional costumes, gamelan instruments, and royal carriages. The palace also hosts traditional ceremonies and cultural performances, offering a glimpse into the life of Javanese royalty.

2. Pura Mangkunegaran Pura Mangkunegaran is another royal palace in Solo, home to the Mangkunegaran royal family. Unlike the Keraton Surakarta, Pura Mangkunegaran is more accessible to the public, and visitors can tour the palace with a guide. The palace is an architectural masterpiece, blending Javanese and European styles.

The museum inside the palace houses a collection of priceless artifacts, including gold jewelry, antique weapons, and manuscripts. The palace also features beautiful gardens and a gamelan pavilion where traditional music performances are held.

3. Triwindu Market Located near the Mangkunegaran Palace, Triwindu Market is a treasure trove for antique hunters and collectors. This  market specializes in antiques, vintage items, and collectibles, ranging from old coins and jewelry to traditional puppets and ancient batik fabrics. Even if you’re not looking to buy, wandering through the stalls and browsing the eclectic offerings is an experience in itself.

4. Pasar Gede Pasar Gede is Solo’s largest traditional market and a vibrant hub of local life. The market offers a wide variety of fresh produce, spices, traditional snacks, and local delicacies. It’s also a great place to shop for souvenirs, such as batik textiles, wooden crafts, and Javanese herbs and spices. The market’s colonial-era architecture adds to its charm, making it one of the top things to do in Solo for those wanting to immerse themselves in the local culture.

5. Radya Pustaka Museum The Radya Pustaka Museum is one of the oldest museums in Indonesia and houses an impressive collection of Javanese artifacts. The museum’s exhibits include ancient manuscripts, traditional weapons, ceramics, and royal heirlooms. The museum also has a library with a collection of rare books and manuscripts that provide insights into Javanese history and culture.

Things to do in Solo Surroundings: Top Natural Attractions and Hikes

1. Mount Lawu Hiking Mount Lawu is one of the most prominent volcanoes in Central Java and a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. Located about 50 kilometers east of Solo, Mount Lawu offers several hiking trails that vary in difficulty. The most popular route is the Cemoro Sewu trail, which takes about 7-9 hours to reach the summit.

Along the way, hikers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and forests. The summit of Mount Lawu, known as Hargo Dumilah, is 3,265 meters above sea level and offers panoramic views of the sunrise and the distant landscape. Mount Lawu hiking is challenging but rewarding, especially for those seeking adventure and breathtaking natural scenery.

2. Tawangmangu Tawangmangu is a mountain resort town located on the western slopes of Mount Lawu, about 40 kilometers from Solo. The area is known for its cool climate, lush landscapes, and stunning waterfalls. The most famous waterfall in Tawangmangu is Grojogan Sewu, which translates to “Thousand Waterfalls.” This 81-meter-high waterfall is surrounded by dense forest, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. The area also has several hiking trails that lead to scenic viewpoints, tea plantations, and traditional villages.

3. Cetho Temple Cetho Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located on the slopes of Mount Lawu, near Tawangmangu. The temple dates back to the 15th century and is one of the last remaining Hindu temples in Java. The temple complex is built on terraced levels, with stone carvings and statues that depict scenes from Hindu mythology. The temple offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it a serene and spiritual place to visit.

4. Sukuh Temple Sukuh Temple is another Hindu temple located on the slopes of Mount Lawu, near Cetho Temple. Unlike other temples in Java, Sukuh Temple has a unique design that resembles a stepped pyramid, similar to those found in Central America. The temple is famous for its erotic carvings and statues, which symbolize fertility and the cycle of life. The temple complex is surrounded by lush greenery and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

5. Jumog Waterfall Jumog Waterfall is a hidden gem located in the Karanganyar Regency, about 40 kilometers from Solo. The waterfall is smaller than Grojogan Sewu but equally beautiful, with crystal-clear water cascading down a rocky cliff into a serene pool below. The area around the waterfall is well-maintained, with walking paths, picnic spots, and bridges that offer picturesque views of the waterfall and the surrounding forest. Jumog Waterfall is a great spot for a peaceful retreat into nature.

6. Kemuning Tea Plantation The Kemuning Tea Plantation is located in the highlands near Mount Lawu and offers stunning views of rolling tea fields, misty mountains, and lush valleys. Visitors can take a guided tour of the plantation, learn about the tea-making process, and sample freshly brewed tea. The area around the plantation also offers several hiking trails that lead to scenic viewpoints and traditional villages.

7. The Sky Bridge in Ngargoyoso The Sky Bridge in Ngargoyoso is an exciting new attraction located near the Kemuning Tea Plantation. This suspension bridge spans across a deep valley, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The bridge is part of a larger eco-park that includes hiking trails, zip lines, and adventure activities. Walking across the Sky Bridge (which has a see through floor) is a thrilling experience, especially for those who enjoy a bit of adrenaline with their nature excursions.

Things to do in Solo: Temples Around Surakarta Worth Visiting

1. Candi Cetho As mentioned earlier, Candi Cetho is an ancient Hindu temple located on the slopes of Mount Lawu. The temple’s remote location and spiritual atmosphere make it a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking a connection with nature and history. The temple complex is surrounded by mist-covered mountains, and the terraces offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Candi Cetho is also a place of pilgrimage for local Hindus, and visitors are welcome to join in the rituals and ceremonies held at the temple.

2. Candi Sukuh Candi Sukuh is another unique Hindu temple that is well worth a visit. The temple’s unusual pyramid-like structure and erotic carvings set it apart from other temples in Java. The temple complex is surrounded by lush greenery, and the views from the top are breathtaking. Candi Sukuh is a fascinating site for those interested in ancient history and architecture.

3. Candi Plaosan Candi Plaosan is a Buddhist temple complex located near Prambanan, about 50 kilometers from Solo. The temple complex consists of two main temples, Plaosan Lor and Plaosan Kidul, which are surrounded by smaller stupas and shrines. The temples are known for their intricate carvings and statues, which depict scenes from Buddhist mythology. The temple complex is set amidst rice fields and offers a peaceful and serene environment for visitors.

4. Candi Prambanan While technically located closer to Yogyakarta, the Prambanan Temple complex is accessible from Solo and is well worth the visit. Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex consists of several towering temples dedicated to the Hindu gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The intricate carvings and statues that adorn the temples are some of the finest examples of ancient Javanese art and architecture.

Best Places to Stay in Surakarta (Solo)

1. The Royal Surakarta Heritage The Royal Surakarta Heritage is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Solo, offering a blend of traditional Javanese design and modern amenities. The hotel’s rooms and suites are elegantly decorated with batik motifs, wooden carvings, and traditional art. The hotel also features a swimming pool, spa, fitness center, and several dining options. The Royal Surakarta Heritage is a great choice for travelers seeking comfort and convenience in the city center.

2. Alila Solo Alila Solo is a modern luxury hotel located in the business district of Solo. The hotel offers spacious rooms with contemporary design, panoramic city views, and top-notch amenities. Alila Solo also features a rooftop bar, infinity pool, spa, and fitness center. The hotel’s restaurants serve a variety of international and Indonesian cuisine, making it a great place to relax and unwind after a day of exploring the city.

As Hyatt Globalists we were upgraded to a suite and received a very generous breakfast (with a chef cooking me an amazing vegan breakfast daily), free lounge access with drinks and delicious food in the evening on the top floor of the skyscraper overlooking all the volcanoes that we mentioned above.  Truly an exceptional experience!

3. Rumah Batu Boutique Hotel Rumah Batu Boutique Hotel is a charming eco-friendly hotel located on the outskirts of Solo. The hotel is set amidst lush gardens and offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. The rooms are designed with natural materials and feature traditional Javanese decor. The hotel also has a swimming pool, spa, and a restaurant that serves organic food. Rumah Batu is perfect for travelers looking for a tranquil and environmentally conscious place to stay.

Where to Eat in Solo

1. Warung Selat Mbak Lies Warung Selat Mbak Lies is a popular local eatery that serves traditional Javanese dishes with a unique twist. The restaurant is famous for its Selat Solo, a Javanese-style beef salad served with a tangy dressing, boiled eggs, and vegetables. The restaurant’s quirky decor, featuring antique furniture and vintage items, adds to its charm. Warung Selat Mbak Lies is a must-visit for anyone looking to try authentic Solo cuisine.

2. Mrs. Lydia’s Serabi Notosuman Serabi Notosuman is a legendary street food stall that has been serving traditional Javanese pancakes (serabi) for decades. The pancakes are made from rice flour and coconut milk and are cooked over charcoal, giving them a unique flavor. Serabi Notosuman offers both sweet and savory versions of the pancake, and they are best enjoyed fresh off the griddle. This iconic eatery is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

3. Soga Restaurant & Lounge Soga Restaurant & Lounge is an upscale dining venue located within the Danar Hadi Batik Museum. The restaurant offers a fine dining experience with a menu that combines Indonesian and international cuisine. The restaurant’s elegant decor and tranquil garden setting make it a perfect spot foirr a special dinner or a leisurely lunch.

Pro Tips for Visiting Surakarta (Solo)

• Plan Ahead for Transportation: Solo is not a walkable city, and most of the attractions are located outside the city center. It’s advisable to hire a private driver or rent a car to explore the area. Public transportation is limited, and taxis or ride-hailing apps like Grab are your best options for getting around.

Our hotel (Alila) provided a modern air conditioned SUV with a driver who took us for the day to many of the sites that we mentioned above and the cost was only $60 USD (with a generous tip included).

• Combine Your Visit with Yogyakarta: Solo is located just 60 kilometers from Yogyakarta, making it easy to combine the two cities in one trip. You can take a train, bus, or private car between the cities, allowing you to experience the best of Central Java’s cultural and natural attractions.

However, please note that even though 60 kilometers may seem like a short distance, the drive from Yogyakarta to Solo was 2.5 hours.

• Visit During the Dry Season: The best time to visit Solo and its surrounding natural attractions is during the dry season (May to September). The weather is cooler, and the trails are less muddy, making it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.

Wrap Up – Surakarta Travel Guide

Surakarta (Solo) in Central Java offers an enriching blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. There are so many things to do in Solo and even more options in the surrounding areas!  From exploring royal palaces and ancient temples to Mount Lawu hiking and discovering hidden waterfalls, Solo provides a wealth of experiences for every type of traveler.

The city’s authentic Javanese atmosphere, combined with its accessibility to stunning natural attractions, makes it an interesting destination for those looking to go beyond the typical tourist trail. Whether you’re staying in luxury or seeking local culinary delights, Solo promises a journey filled with discovery and serenity.

We hope that our Surakarta travel guide provides you with all the things to do in Solo and it’s surroundings including Mount Lawu hiking and other amazing nature destinations near Solo.  Hopefully our recommendations for the best places to stay in Surakarta and where to eat in Solo are also helpful.

Have you been to the island of Java? What was your favorite place here? We would love to hear from you in the comments!