Things to do in Yogyakarta

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Prambanan
Yogyakarta
Affandi Museum featuring art and interior views
Yogyakarta
Malioboro Street

Yogyakarta Attractions

Yogyakarta is the cultural heart of the island of Java, and its many heritage-filled ancient structures and buzzling streets attest to that fact. Its history stretches back to the 8th and 9th centuries, when the magnificent UNESCO-listed temples of Borobudur and Prambanan were built, and extends through the 16th and 17th centuries when it was the seat of the Mataram kingdom. Elements of its storied past can be found throughout the modern city, which still overflows with traditional flavor in its markets and arts. As the gateway to the wonders of Central Java, Yogyakarta is filled with things to do, from hiking majestic Mount Merapi to tasting Javanese flavors on a food-filled walk through Jalan Malioboro.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Yogyakarta

With UNESCO-listed temples and a multitude of historic sites within the city, Yogyakarta has no shortage of sightseeing destinations. Immerse yourself in the amazing heritage of the city and the surrounding region as you explore each incredible spot.


Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.

Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.

One Key members save 10% or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.


Most popular activities in Yogyakarta

Tours & day trips

See all 108 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 23 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 11 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 9 activities

Shows & concerts

See all 8 activities

What to do in Yogyakarta

Free Things to Do in Yogyakarta

They say the best things in life are free. Be sure to explore the following around Yogyakarta:

Museum Sasmitaloka Panglima Besar Jenderal Sudirman - Wander around and marvel at the thought-provoking exhibits and carefully curated collections at this popular museum.

Lapangan Karang Kotagede - Let the kids play or be a big kid again yourself — this attraction just screams fun.

Bank Indonesia - Pay a visit to this local landmark and take in its splendid design.

Gadjah Mada University - Amble around this historic site and find out a couple of secrets from yesteryear.

Alun Alun Kidul - Discover why locals and visitors alike love the atmosphere of this place.

Bringharjo Market - Chat to a local resident and discover why many travelers call in at this place.

Sambisari Temple - Toss some spirituality into your trip by paying a visit to this sacred site.

Lapangan Karang Kotagede - Whether you can distinguish your geraniums from gerberas, you'll find beauty in this stunning display.

Kotagede

- Established in the 16th century as the first capital of the Mataram Sultanate, Kotagede is a historic neighborhood. Although only a few parts of the royal palace remain, the area is still home to the Kotageded Royal Cemetery and the Great Mosque, which you can explore by bike. Kotagede is famous for its ornate silverwork crafts, with many stores lining the main street of Jalan Kemasan, and its delicious local Javanese cuisine.

Prambanan - The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Prambanan, also known as Candi Rara Jonggrang, is an ancient Hindu temple compound from the 9th century. Visit the impressive 3 main Trimurti temples, which honor the deities Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, and admire the smaller Vahana temples among other well-preserved structures that display intricate Hindu architecture.

Kraton - The Kraton of Yogyakarta, formally called the Keraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, is a walled palace complex and the main seat of the Sultan of Yogyakarta. The area acts as a political and cultural focal point for the city, and a large part of the palace is used as the Museum Kereta Keraton. Tour through the grounds, stopping by the Alun-Alun green square in front of the palace, and see the nearby Taman Sari water castle.

What to See in Yogyakarta

Aside from Prambanan, Yogyakarta is full of astonishing temples rich in history. Borobudur, the world's largest Buddhist temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was constructed in the 9th century and boasts breathtaking Javanese Buddhist architecture that tells the story of Buddhist cosmology. Thanks to its elevated location, the site is a popular spot for watching the sunrise, and the nearby Pawon and Mendut temples make the area worth a visit. Immerse yourself in Javanese culture as well by watching a performance of Ramayana traditional ballet, which tells the ancient epic poem of Ramayana.

Sightseeing in Yogyakarta

Along with its incredible temples, one of Yogyakarta's charms is its proximity to wonders of nature. The stratovolcano of Mount Merapi is a popular destination for hikes, with sunrise journeys offering spectacular views of the region. Go caving in the Jomblang Cave, or Goa Jomblang, an enormous sinkhole and tunnel created by thousands of years of rainwater and underground rivers, and discover the vast Goa Grubog cavern where sunlight pours in from far above. Yogyakarta city itself also features an abundance of cultural and exciting experiences. The area is prized for its beautiful batik fabrics, with the market in Beringharjo being one of the most famous places to find the exquisite textiles, and there are many opportunities to try your hand at making your own. Get engaged with local culture by exploring bustling markets and shops on the major shopping street of Jalan Malioboro, near the old Dutch fortress of Fort Vredeburg. Yogyakarta is also famous for its sumptuous street foods and local cuisine, including traditional Javanese dishes like the jack fruit-based gudeg yogya, flavorful ayam goreng kalasan, and sweet kipo.

Things to Do in Yogyakarta with Kids

There's fun for all the family in Yogyakarta. Here are some family friendly experiences to enjoy together that are certain to make your trip a blast:


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Yogyakarta? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 


Discover the most popular places to visit in Yogyakarta

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Yogyakarta

Kraton Complex

Central Yogyakarta

4/5(42 area reviews)

Yogyakarta's city center is an enchanting district with a sultanate palace, colonial relics, lively markets and venues for Javanese dance and gamelan music.

Central Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta

Malioboro

You'll enjoy the museums and monuments in Malioboro. You might want to make time for a stop at Malioboro Mall or Pasar Beringharjo.

Malioboro
Default Image

Kampung Ketandan

Kampung Ketandan might not have many top sights, but Pasar Beringharjo and Malioboro Mall are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Kampung Ketandan

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Popular day trips from Yogyakarta

Frequently asked questions

Is Yogyakarta worth visiting?
Providing a blend of shopping and dining, there are many things to do in Yogyakarta. While you're here, head to Gembira Loka Zoo, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Yogyakarta?
After you've checked off top attractions like Gembira Loka Zoo and Palace of Yogyakarta, spend the rest of your day discovering Yogyakarta's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Yogyakarta?
The top tourist attraction in Yogyakarta is Gembira Loka Zoo, so make sure to put it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Yogyakarta?
Three days in Yogyakarta is plenty of time to enjoy the city's main highlights. Many travelers stay for three days on average. Gembira Loka Zoo, Palace of Yogyakarta and Kids Fun Park are highly rated sights. Want to see more? Stick around a while longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Catur Tunggal.
Is Yogyakarta a walkable city?
That comes down to what you plan to see and do in Yogyakarta. Several top sights, like Gembira Loka Zoo and Palace of Yogyakarta, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Yogyakarta's best neighborhoods, Central Yogyakarta is 0.2 miles away from downtown, while Malioboro is 0.2 miles away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Yogyakarta with kids?
What to do in Yogyakarta for adults?
Malioboro Street and Ramayana Ballet are just a couple of the things to do in Yogyakarta. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Yogyakarta?
In Yogyakarta, Museum Sasmitaloka Panglima Besar Jenderal Sudirman is a popular spot for anyone wishing to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the local parks and neighborhoods, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a great way to explore the best free things to do in Yogyakarta.