Things to do in Surakarta

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Surakarta Attractions

Find out what makes Surakarta tick with the most popular tours & day trips. Scroll through our {5 fun activities in Surakarta fun activities in Surakarta}, and book with confidence knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.


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What to do in Surakarta

Free Things to Do in Surakarta

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

Universitas Sebelas Maret - Take in the creativity and design of this fantastic example of modern architecture.

Gede Market - Make room in your to-do list to stroll around this place of local importance.

Things to Do in Surakarta with Kids

Surakarta is a wonderful destination for a family getaway. Take the youngsters along and enjoy these popular family friendly experiences together:


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Surakarta? 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 Surakarta

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Surakarta

At the museum no photos are allowed which is really unfortunate as it was well worth the visit and the guided tour is definitely not to be missed. In the museum there are even Batik made from the Dutch era which depicts stories like Little Red Riding Hood and Snow White!

I enjoyed the tour v much and at the end of the tour we were brought to this room where the artisan were working on hand drawn batik.

Below is an excerpt from Wikipedia for anyone interested in learning more about the process of batik making.

Firstly, a cloth is washed, soaked and beaten with a large mallet. Patterns are drawn with pencil and later redrawn using hot wax, usually made from a mixture of paraffin or bees wax, sometimes mixed with plant resins, which functions as a dye-resist. The wax can be applied with a variety of tools. A pen-like instrument called a canting (IPA: [tʃantiŋ], sometimes spelled with old Dutch orthography tjanting) is the most common. A canting is made from a small copper reservoir with a spout on a wooden handle. The reservoir holds the resist which flows through the spout, creating dots and lines as it moves. For larger patterns, a stiff brush may be used. Alternatively, a copper block stamp called a cap (IPA: [tʃap]; old spelling tjap) is used to cover large areas more efficiently.

After the cloth is dry, the resist is removed by scraping or boiling the cloth. The areas treated with resist keep their original color; when the resist is removed the contrast between the dyed and undyed areas forms the pattern. This process is repeated as many times as the number of colors desired.

The most traditional type of batik, called batik tulis

Solo City Centre

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the museums and zoo in Solo City Centre. You might want to make time for a stop at Solo Paragon Lifestyle Mall or Keprabon Park.

Solo City Centre
At the museum no photos are allowed which is really unfortunate as it was well worth the visit and the guided tour is definitely not to be missed. In the museum there are even Batik made from the Dutch era which depicts stories like Little Red Riding Hood and Snow White!

I enjoyed the tour v much and at the end of the tour we were brought to this room where the artisan were working on hand drawn batik.

Below is an excerpt from Wikipedia for anyone interested in learning more about the process of batik making.

Firstly, a cloth is washed, soaked and beaten with a large mallet. Patterns are drawn with pencil and later redrawn using hot wax, usually made from a mixture of paraffin or bees wax, sometimes mixed with plant resins, which functions as a dye-resist. The wax can be applied with a variety of tools. A pen-like instrument called a canting (IPA: [tʃantiŋ], sometimes spelled with old Dutch orthography tjanting) is the most common. A canting is made from a small copper reservoir with a spout on a wooden handle. The reservoir holds the resist which flows through the spout, creating dots and lines as it moves. For larger patterns, a stiff brush may be used. Alternatively, a copper block stamp called a cap (IPA: [tʃap]; old spelling tjap) is used to cover large areas more efficiently.

After the cloth is dry, the resist is removed by scraping or boiling the cloth. The areas treated with resist keep their original color; when the resist is removed the contrast between the dyed and undyed areas forms the pattern. This process is repeated as many times as the number of colors desired.

The most traditional type of batik, called batik tulis

Banjarsari

While visiting Banjarsari, you might make a stop by sights like Solo Paragon Lifestyle Mall and Balekambang City Park.

Banjarsari

 

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 Surakarta

Frequently asked questions

Is Surakarta worth visiting?
Known for its history and culture, finding awesome things to do in Surakarta is easy. Remember to add Mangkunegaran Palace to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Surakarta?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Mangkunegaran Palace and The Heritage Palace. Then, tour different parts of Surakarta for tasty eats and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Surakarta?
The top tourist attraction in Surakarta is Mangkunegaran Palace, so don't forget to include it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Surakarta?
Three days in Surakarta is more than enough to enjoy the city's main attractions. Many travelers stay for two days on average. Mangkunegaran Palace, The Heritage Palace and De' Tjolomadoe are among the most popular sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a while longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Salatiga.
Is Surakarta a walkable city?
It depends on what you'd like to see and do in Surakarta. Several sights, like Mangkunegaran Palace and Balekambang City Park, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Surakarta's neighborhoods, Solo City Centre is 1 mile away from downtown, while Banjarsari is 2 miles away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Surakarta with kids?
If you're looking for sights and activities for all of your group, check out these awesome ideas for what to do in Surakarta with kids.

What to do in Surakarta for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor explorer, there are loads of things to do in Surakarta for adults including Danar Hadi.
Are there free things to do in Surakarta?
One of the simplest ways to learn about free things to do in Surakarta is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on exciting neighborhoods, parks and other top attractions you can experience without opening your wallet. Balekambang City Park is one sight that doesn't charge an entrance fee.