In the vibrant city of Yogyakarta, there are countless fun things to do. It’s the perfect place for art and culture enthusiasts looking to explore Java’s rich history. The city serves as the gateway to the magnificent Borobudur and Prambanan temples, UNESCO World Heritage sites that you absolutely must see. But Yogyakarta offers more than just ancient temples. Explore the lively Malioboro Street, where you can shop and sample street food. Or create your own hand-painted batik souvenir. Yogyakarta is a bustling city that has something for everyone. Are you curious about what to do, where to eat well, and where to stay? Here are our tips for Yogyakarta!
How to Get to Yogyakarta?
Most travelers start their journey through East Java in Yogyakarta. The city is easiest to reach from Jakarta or Bali, and below you’ll find the simplest routes.
From Bali to Yogyakarta
Take a domestic flight from Bali to Yogyakarta (JOG). JOG is the main airport and is located about 8 kilometers (5 miles) from the city. There is also a newer and more modern airport (YIA) that you can fly into, which is about an hour’s drive from the city. The flight takes approximately 1.5 hours in both cases. Compare different tickets and prices for your flight between Yogyakarta and Bali.
From Jakarta to Yogyakarta
From Jakarta, it’s very easy and comfortable to travel to Yogyakarta by train in about 6 hours. Check the various trains and prices. Of course, you can also fly this route. Many different flights operate daily, taking just over an hour. View flights and prices here.
Transportation in Yogyakarta
For shorter distances, it’s fun to use a traditional becak (rickshaw). This bicycle taxi is a charming way to get around Yogyakarta. The Grab taxi app works well here too, or you can ask your accommodation for a driver.
What to Do in Yogyakarta?
There are plenty of exciting activities to do both in the city center and outside of it. Here are the must-see attractions and activities in Yogyakarta.
Visit the Kraton Palace
Kraton is not just a palace; it is the cultural and political heart of Yogyakarta. The complex consists of multiple buildings and courtyards where the sultan and his family still reside. In this complex, which is over 200 years old, you’ll encounter intricate Javanese architecture. In the 1920s, some European elements were added, such as stained glass with Dutch influences. With your ticket, you can also enter the art exhibitions located throughout the complex. If you visit between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, you can attend one of the daily traditional performances, ranging from classical Javanese dance to shadow puppet shows. If you want more background information, you can also hire a guide here who can share fascinating stories and point out details you might otherwise overlook.
Explore Authentic Yogyakarta with the Bicycle Tour
If you want to experience the true essence of Yogyakarta, you should join the Authentic Yogyakarta Bicycle Tour. With a traditional sun hat on, you’ll cycle for 2-3 hours through the area around the Prambanan Temple (see the next section). Ride past lush rice fields and the unique Plaosan Temple, which combines Buddhist and Hindu elements. During this tour, you’ll also visit local entrepreneurs where you can make your own emping, see how tofu is made, and meet a local beekeeper who keeps stingless bees and produces delicious honey.
Tip: Java is predominantly a Muslim island. You will notice that few people wear short clothing in the streets. It’s appropriate to cover your shoulders and knees here.
The Taman Sari Bathhouse
Taman Sari, also known as the Water Castle, is located near the Kraton complex. This beautiful bathhouse was once the private paradise of the sultan and his harem. Taman Sari, meaning ‘flower garden,’ is a maze of baths, underground passages, and exotic gardens. Taman Sari is open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and it’s best to visit early in the morning as it gets busy quickly. Be sure to also check out the adjacent Taman Village, with its small artisan workshops where local artists are at work. Ultimately, you’ll walk back through the underground tunnels.
Shopping and Trying Street Food on Jalan Malioboro
You haven’t truly experienced Yogyakarta if you haven’t walked along Jalan Malioboro. This is the main street of the city, always bustling with activity. You can enjoy shopping during the day, and in the evening, many locals come out to sell their homemade delicacies. Be cautious in the shops selling art, as they often try to overcharge tourists. Fake batik artworks are frequently sold as authentic, commanding much higher prices than they’re worth. If you want to buy batik, do a little research beforehand on how to distinguish real batik from fake.
What is Batik Exactly? Batik is a traditional Indonesian textile art that has been practiced for centuries. Using a special technique with wax and dye, the fabric is manually colored, resulting in a unique pattern.
Create Your Own Souvenir with a Batik Workshop
Would you like to make your own unique Indonesian souvenir? Then the Batik Workshop is highly recommended. You can choose from pre-drawn designs or create your own drawing to bring to life. You’ll learn how to build different color layers on the canvas using special techniques with wax and dye, and you’ll get to work on it yourself. It’s a wonderfully relaxing and creative activity. You’ll be given an apron, but don’t wear your best clothes underneath, just in case you spill something. Drinks are included in the workshop, but bringing a snack could be handy. Below you can see the result of my fun workshop.
Visit Borobudur from Yogyakarta
Located just over an hour’s drive from Yogyakarta is the Borobudur temple complex. This is no ordinary temple; it’s the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Built in the 9th century, it consists of nine levels and is adorned with over 2,600 reliefs and more than 500 Buddha statues. The entire structure was built without a drop of cement but stands firm through a specific stacking technique and the use of keystone stones. The absolute highlight is the view from the top, where 72 stupas surround a central dome.
Tip: With the Borobudur and Prambanan Temple Tour, you can visit these two highlights of Yogyakarta in one day. Transportation and an enthusiastic guide are included.
Visit the Prambanan Temple
On the other side of Yogyakarta, there is another temple you should not miss. The impressive Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia. This architectural wonder also dates back to the 9th century and is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The Prambanan complex consists of several temples that are intricately carved.
You can visit the temple complex between 6:30 AM and 5:00 PM. The temple is particularly beautiful at sunset when the towers are bathed in golden light and the sky is colored in various warm shades. This not only provides great photo opportunities but also creates a magical atmosphere. Prefer not to wake up so early? Visit Prambanan just before 5:00 PM because those who are already inside can stay for an additional hour to experience the sunset. The grounds will only close at 6:00 PM for visitors who entered before 5:00 PM. You don’t need to reserve tickets for Prambanan online; you can purchase them at the temple itself.
Tip: Don’t miss the Ramayana Ballet performance on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday. These are held in the evening at 7:30 PM at the Prambanan complex. The (outdoor) performance combines traditional dance and music with Prambanan as the backdrop. During the rainy season or in bad weather, the performance takes place in another indoor venue. For the latest information and tickets, check out their Instagram account.
Shopping at Beringharjo Market
This large covered market is bustling with clothing stalls featuring affordable clothes and batik materials. From traditional attire to something more modern, all fitting within Indonesian culture. You’ll find beautiful batik fabrics, traditional Indonesian clothing, and even some contemporary variations featuring typical batik patterns. Much of it might be a bit too traditional and many items look similar, but if you look closely, you’re sure to find a great piece that will fit perfectly in your wardrobe.
Tips for Great Restaurants in Yogyakarta
- A&M Co – A cozy restaurant and bakery known for its artisanal coffee and delicious sandwiches, salads, sushi, and pastries. It’s especially lively in the evening when musicians often perform.
- Nanamia Pizzeria Jogja (North Area) – Artisan pizzas baked in a stone oven. The menu also includes tasty pastas and salads.
- Kesuma – Taste Javanese cuisine at an affordable price. They are known for their satay and nasi goreng.
- Fortunate Coffee Jogja – A vegan café where you can enjoy tasty burgers and smoothies. They serve good coffee and refill your teapot for free.
- Asmara Art & Coffee Shop – An artistic café where art and coffee come together. Enjoy specialty coffees, pizzas, snacks, and local dishes. In the evening, it’s a great spot for a drink with live music.
- Mediterranea Restaurant by Kamil – Enjoy Mediterranean dishes ranging from French to Italian cuisine, with an excellent selection of wines. Reservations are recommended.
- Lokabana – An industrial fusion restaurant that gives traditional dishes a modern twist.
- Easy Peasy Salad Bar – Ideal for a light, nutritious meal packed with vegetables and superfoods.
- Warung Lawas – A charming warung where you can enjoy Indonesian dishes in a cozy and trendy setting. Popular for dishes like nasi gudeg and soto.
- Kebon Ndalem Coffee & Eatery – A cozy café in a historic setting. Head here for excellent coffee and Indonesian comfort food. You can also enjoy rice tables and great desserts.
Where to Stay in Yogyakarta?
When visiting a larger city like Yogyakarta, it’s always smart to look up where it’s nice to stay. In Yogyakarta, the neighborhood around Jalan Prawirotaman is a great area to stay in. This is a district where travelers have been coming for decades, which means there are plenty of good restaurants, cafés, and shops. The first two accommodations we recommend below are just a few minutes’ walk from this street. The last one is a bit outside the center, but the unique location is worth a longer drive.
Our Favorite Spots in Yogyakarta
In Yogyakarta, you get a lot for your money when it comes to accommodations. However, you should book early if you want to stay at the nicer places. At Nextdoor Homestay, you’ll stay in a beautiful small hotel, just a 3-minute walk from the lively Jalan Prawirotaman. The decor is cozy, the owners are very friendly, and there’s a small pool to cool off in during hot afternoons. Looking for more space and luxury? Then the modern Green Boutique Hotel Prawiritaman is a wonderful base for exploring Yogyakarta. The courtyard is a true eye-catcher with tropical plants decorating the concrete around the large swimming pool. The rooms are comfortable, very clean, and well-equipped. Here too, you’ll be right in the middle of the same nice neighborhood with many good restaurants and cafés nearby. Lastly, we recommend Blue Garden Yogyakarta. This little paradise is slightly outside the center, hidden among rice fields and palm trees in a wonderfully peaceful spot. You will have to drive a bit longer when you want to explore Yogyakarta for the day, but for those who prefer to swap the hustle and bustle of the city for nature, this is the perfect place. Here you can completely unwind!
 Nextdoor Homestay |
 Green Boutique Hotel Prawiritaman |
 Blue Garden Yogyakarta |
