Surakarta (Solo) walking tour & city guide
A royal Javanese city of batik and tradition.
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Surakarta, known as Solo, is one of Java's two royal cities, along with Yogyakarta. It keeps strong traditions of court culture, batik, gamelan music and dance.
Palaces
The Kraton Surakarta is the palace of the Susuhunan, and the Mangkunegaran Palace has a large pavilion where dance rehearsals take place. Both show Javanese court life.
Batik and markets
Pasar Klewer is one of the largest batik markets in Indonesia, and the Kauman and Laweyan neighborhoods are home to batik workshops. The mysterious Candi Sukuh temple is on the slopes of Mount Lawu.
A day in Solo
Solo, as Surakarta is usually called, is quieter than Yogyakarta but just as rich in Javanese culture. Visit the Kraton Kasunanan and the Pura Mangkunegaran palace, with its elegant pavilion.
Walk through the Pasar Klewer textile market and the Kampung Batik Laweyan, where you can see batik being made. In the evening, Galabo food street is full of local specialties.
Good to know
Solo is about an hour from Yogyakarta by train. It is a good base for visiting the Sukuh and Cetho temples on the slopes of Mount Lawu.
Try nasi liwet, rice cooked in coconut milk, and serabi, a coconut pancake. The city is calm and friendly.
Top sights in Surakarta (Solo)
- 1
Kraton Surakarta
The royal palace.
- 2
Mangkunegaran Palace
A palace with a grand pavilion.
- 3
Pasar Klewer
A huge batik market.
- 4
Kampung Batik Laweyan
Traditional batik workshops.
- 5
Candi Sukuh
A temple on Mount Lawu.
Food markets & where to eat in Surakarta (Solo)
Galabo night market
Street food in the center.
Pasar Gede
A historic market.
Angkringan stalls
Small evening food carts.
Food to try in Surakarta (Solo)
Nasi liwet
Coconut rice with chicken.
Serabi Solo
Coconut pancakes.
Timlo
A clear soup with meat and egg.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Surakarta (Solo)
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- Hotels in Surakarta (Solo)Compare places to stay and prices.
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