Solo City Guide

Solo is a city steeped in history and rich in Javanese tradition, is famous as the birthplace of Indonesia’s current president, Joko Widodo. Explore its grand palace, historic buildings, and vibrant arts scene, including traditional dance, music, and shadow puppet plays in this Solo City Guide. Solo is also a hub for Batik trade and artisanal crafts, offering a unique shopping experience. With its warm hospitality, intellectual charm, and convenient access to nearby attractions like Borobudur and Prambanan, Solo City promises an authentic and affordable Javanese experience.

Where is Solo City (Surakarta)

The city’s official name is Surakarta, but it is commonly known as Solo City and is found in Eastern Central Java, roughly covering around 50 square kilometres. It lies on the Solo River, 55km North-East of Yogyakarta, and is renowned as the birthplace of Indonesia’s current president Joko Widodo. During WWII, Solo was occupied by the Japanese and there is still a strong Dutch influence dating way back to the 1800s. The main languages spoken throughout Solo City are Indonesian and Javanese. 

Why visit Solo City

Solo is a much-loved Javanese city and a cultural hotspot filled with vibrant dance, music, shadow puppet plays and performances rooted in local literature and legends. The city boasts wide tree-lined streets, a grand palace and numerous historic buildings. Museums, libraries and a university also add to its intellectual charm. Traditional artisanal skills shine through in wood and bone carving, pottery and the crafting of unique Indonesian artefacts like musical instruments, puppets, daggers and various other handicrafts. Solo City is also a hub for Batik trade within Indonesia and offers a range of shopping experiences from bustling malls to one-of-a-kind shops,

The Central Java region is also rich in agriculture, producing rice, tobacco, sugarcane, fruits and vegetables as well as rubber. The natural landscape, not far from the city, provides a serene atmosphere which is easily accessible by road, rail and air, making it a convenient base for excursions to Borobudur and Prambanan.

Compared to its bustling neighbour Yogyakarta, Solo City exudes a more traditional ‘Javanese character’ and the locals, known as ‘Solonese’ are renowned for their warm and welcoming hospitality. Overall, Solo offers better value than other cities in Java such as Yogyakarta and Jakarta, so you can enjoy your rupiah going even further!

Throughout the year, there are plenty of festivals and cultural events including the Solo Batik Carnival, Satu Suro, International Ethnic Music Festival and Solo International Performing Arts Festival and more. It’s a city that invites exploration and celebration of its rich cultural tapestry!

How to get to Solo City

From Yogyakarta 

The cheapest and fastest way to travel to Solo City is by train which usually takes around 45 minutes and costs around IDR 25,000. Taxis offer convenient door-to-door service, but are a more expensive option at approximately IDR 400,000. If you have decided to hire a car or bike, expect the journey to take around 1 hour.

From Jakarta 

The cheapest travel option from Jakarta is by bus, however be warned that the travel time takes 7-10 hours, but if you’re not in a hurry it’s a great way to see the surrounding countryside. Flying from Jakarta takes just over an hour and there are many domestic carriers to choose from, such as Batik, Citilink, Garuda and Super Air Jet. From Jakarta you can also catch a train, transferring at Yogyakarta or Semarang, which has a travel time of between 8-9 hours.

From Bali 

Solo City is only a short 1 hour flight from Bali, making it an easy option for travellers with Lion Ari, Air Asia and Garuda being some of the more popular domestic airline carriers to make this journey. For those who aren’t in a rush, you can also opt for a bus from Bali which takes anything between 13 and 16 hours, including the one hour ferry ride from Gilimanuk in Bali to Banyuwangi in Java.

Best time to visit Solo City

The most humid months are July and August, with the wet season usually making an appearance from October to March. Yet even in the wet season, a world of possibility awaits! Explore the bustling malls, savour tasty local delights at restaurants, or immerse yourself in the enriching activities that the many museums have to offer. Rain or shine, Solo City always pulses with life, ensuring that there is something to explore.

Where to stay in Solo City

Hotels are scattered all throughout the city and the area is relatively easy to navigate. Here we have selected some prime areas which serve as excellent starting points for delving into the city’s many attractions.

Kartosuro

• Near the Heritage Palace and Kartasura traditional market.

Jalan Yos Sudarso 

• You will find a variety of budget guest houses here.

City Centre

• An ideal place to base yourself for walking to many of the city’s key attractions.

Recommended Stays

Budget: Amarelo Hotel from AU$18

Midrange: Roemahkoe Heritage Hotel from AU$48

Family: Aston Solo City from AU$75

Luxury: Alila Solo from AU$148

Getting around Solo City

Navigating Solo City is a breeze with manageable traffic and wide, well-maintained streets, complemented by pedestrian-friendly walkways, allowing you to stroll effortlessly to many of the city’s attractions.

There is also a robust bus and train system, along with double-decker buses offering city tours, or for a more authentic experience, consider taking a ride on a becak (traditional pedicab).

For those that prefer the freedom to explore independently, renting a car or motorbike is an option, as well as hiring a private driver. Solo City certainly offers plenty of diverse and accessible means of transportation to suit the preference of any adventurous traveller.

Places to visit in Solo City

• Pasar Gede traditional market – Jl Urip Sumoharjo, Sudiroprajan (right opposite the City Hall (Balaikota) –  The market runs throughout the day and night and isn’t a ‘wet market’ so no need to worry about any interesting smells as you explore.
• Tien Kok Sie – Chinese temple on the southern side of Pasar Gede.
• Keraton Surakarta Hadiningrat – The official palace of the Surakarta Hadiningrat Sunandom which was founded around 1743 as a replacement for the destroyed Kartasura Palace.
• Pura Mangkunegaran – A palace built in 1757 as a residence for the Duke of Mangkunegaran.
• Pasar Triwindu – Antique market with heaps of trinkets, souvenirs and traditional crafts for you to discover. 
• Laweyan Batik Village – Here you can see the process of how batik cloth is made and even purchase some to take home with you. Traditionally wealthy batik sellers lived in this area so you can enjoy the beautiful architecture and well-maintained streets.
• Mangkunegaran Palace and Kasunanan Palace – Take a walk around the serene grounds.
• Grand Mosque Kraton Surakarta – This large and airy mosque is one of the most famous landmarks in Solo City.
• Jaladara Steam Train – Ride a 100-year-old steam train from Purwosari Station, through the city to Sangkrah Station – be sure to make a reservation as this is a popular activity!
• Nagasopuro Saturday Night Market – A great opportunity to sample local foods and shop for souvenirs, crafts and clothing.
• De Jolemandoe – Old sugar factory which has been converted into a museum and where you can learn about the history of sugar cane processing.
• Museum Danar Hadi – Traditional batik museum. 
• Solo Paragon Mall – Shoppers will love this mall with its many department stores.
• Solo Grand Mall – This city centre mall also has a supermarket and food court.
• The Park – For high-end shopping, this upmarket mall has plenty of shopping options and even a cinema.

Day Trips from Solo City

The outskirts of Solo offers picturesque hilly landscapes and abundant agriculture, with numerous enchanting spots to explore. The area is also scattered with cultural landmarks as a result of the area’s rich history.

• Tawangmangu – 40 kms east of Solo on the slopes of Mt Lawu and around 1 hour from Solo City. There are temples and national parks nearby, as well as the Grojogan Sewu waterfall. Breathe in fresh mountain air as you enjoy views of the picturesque surrounding area, swimming pools and bungalow-style accommodation. 
• Cetho Temple – Located on the slopes of Mt Lawu at 1400m above sea level. It is around 1.5 hours from Solo City.
• Sukuh Temple – A one hour drive from the city will take you to this stunning 15th century Javanese-Hindu Temple, on the Western Slope of Mt Lawu.
• Jumog Waterfall – One of the area’s most popular attractions due to the beautiful landscape and easy access from the city, taking approximately 1 hour. 
• Yogyakarta – A city very rich in Javanese culture. Around 2 hours from Solo City but definitely worth a trip if you have time in your itinerary.
• Prambanan Temple – Indonesia’s biggest and most beautiful Hindu temple is around 1 hour and 20 minutes from Solo City.
• Sangiran Museum – Just a 50 min drive from Solo City and you can see firsthand the ancient fossils of Javanese cavemen.
• Cengklik Reservoir – Watch sunset with Mt Merapi and Mt Merbabu in the background. Only 35 minutes from Solo City, this is a great activity to do and take-in the stunning beauty of Mother Nature.

Things to do in Solo City

There are many cultural activities you can take part in when visiting Surakarta (Solo City). Here are some of our favourites:

• Take part in a craft workshop – There are plenty of workshops available where you can learn how to make traditional handicrafts such as batik and leather puppets, as well as dagger and mask-making workshops. 
• Shop for batik at Klewer Market.
• Find hidden antique gems at Pasar Triwindu.
• Watch the Wayang Wong puppet show at Sriwedari Park – This show takes place every evening from Monday to Saturday and comprises of around 60 performers using a variety of traditional masks and puppets.
• See the sacred White Buffalos near the palace. A traditional parade is held with the Buffalos on the first day of the month of the Javanese/Islamic calendar, also known as Suro. 
• Attend one of the city’s many festivals.

Foods to try in Solo City

There are plenty of traditional dishes, snacks and drinks to sample during your time in Solo City. The Solonese people are very passionate about their food and you will find a variety of traditional and global cuisine just waiting to be tried.

Local dishes to try include;

• Nasi Liwet – One of the most iconic dishes of Solo City! Consisting of rice steamed in coconut milk and chicken broth – we’d recommend visiting Liwet Wongso Lemu for an authentic taste of this deliciously hearty meal.
• Timlo Solo – A unique traditional soup made with chicken liver, spices and egg.
• Cabuk Rambak – Ketupat (Javanese rice cake) served in sesame sauce and often enjoyed as a snack or small meal.
• Sate Buntel – Satay made of minced mutton wrapped in a layer of fat.
• Selat – Braised beef tenderloin served with a watery broth made from garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce and spiced with nutmeg and black pepper for a slight Western influence.
• Pecel – Vegetables and salad served with a peanut sauce.
• Tengkleng – A mutton-based dish made with coconut milk which has a curry-like flavour.
• Jajanan Pasar – Traditional Javanese cakes.  
• Serabi Notosuman – Pancake made from rice flour with shredded coconut.

Travel tips

• We would recommend putting aside 3-5 days as a good amount of time to spend exploring Solo City.
• You can travel there any time of year, as there are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to entertain you.
• It is very easy to navigate your way around the city, so you should be able to fit a lot of attractions into your day.
• Opt for dining at reputable restaurants or food courts within malls to ensure high food standards. It is advisable to refrain from sampling street food.
• The city has a low crime rate, making it notably safer than many other cities in Java.
• The people are generally welcoming and courteous. Even though most people probably won’t speak English, they will be happy to offer a helping hand. 
• Make an itinerary before you go so that you can plan to get the most out of your trip.