City

Solo

Royal Javanese City of Palaces and Tradition

Solo isn't trying to impress anyone. And that's exactly why it should be at the top of your Indonesia list. This royal Javanese city moves at its own pace, where becak drivers still navigate narrow streets between centuries-old palaces and locals gather for dawn prayers at Masjid Agung. You won't find the Instagram crowds of Yogyakarta here. Instead, you get something rarer: an Indonesian city that feels completely, authentically itself. The Sultan's palace still hosts traditional ceremonies. Street vendors serve gudeg that's been perfected over generations. And your biggest decision each day? Whether to explore another kraton or find that perfect warung tucked down a side alley.

Itineraries coming soon

We're working on adding amazing itineraries for Solo. In the meantime, try the app to create your own!

Jalan Slamet Riyadi is your main artery through Solo's heart. Stay anywhere along this boulevard and you're walking distance to Keraton Surakarta and the city's best eating. Hotel Sahid Jaya puts you right in the action with rooms from 400,000 rupiah. But here's what locals know: the real charm lives in the kampungs just off the main drag. Homestays in Kampung Batik Laweyan cost half the price and drop you into daily Javanese life. You'll wake up to the call to prayer echoing between narrow houses, then step outside to find women hand-drawing batik patterns in their doorways. Pasar Klewer area gets loud early with textile traders, but the energy is infectious. And if you need quiet? The neighborhoods around Taman Balekambang offer tree-lined streets and colonial architecture, though you'll need a becak to reach the center.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Eat at warungs where locals eat – meals cost 15,000-25,000 rupiah versus 50,000+ at tourist restaurants
  • 2.Stay in kampung homestays rather than hotels along Jalan Slamet Riyadi to cut accommodation costs in half
  • 3.Use angkot minivans (3,500 rupiah) instead of becak for longer distances across the city
  • 4.Shop for batik at Pasar Klewer rather than tourist shops – same quality, fraction of the price
  • 5.Buy snacks and drinks from street vendors instead of convenience stores to save 30-50%
  • 6.Book Trans Jateng buses for day trips rather than private drivers when traveling solo

Travel Tips

  • •Learn basic Javanese greetings – locals appreciate the effort more than standard Indonesian
  • •Carry small bills (5,000 and 10,000 rupiah notes) for street food vendors and angkot rides
  • •Visit kratons in the morning when they're less crowded and the light is better for photos
  • •Bring a sarong or long pants for entering mosques and traditional palaces
  • •Download offline maps – WiFi can be spotty in the older parts of the city
  • •Try to time meals with locals (lunch around noon, dinner after 6 PM) for the freshest food
  • •Keep your phone charged – power outlets aren't common in traditional warungs and markets

Frequently Asked Questions

Three to four days gives you time to explore the main kratons, wander through traditional markets, take a day trip to nearby temples, and really soak up the city's slower pace without rushing.

Explore Solo

Things to Do in SoloWhen to Visit Solo3 Days in Solo7 Days in Solo

Ready to explore Solo?

Get a personalized itinerary in seconds with Takeoff.

Free on iOS. No credit card required.