Best Things To Do in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Are you looking for what to do in Yogyakarta?

PLACES TO SEE

  • Hiking to the Merapi Volcano- one of the most interesting things to do in Yogyakarta.
  • Water Castle- A alluring royal home surrounded by artificial lake and a must-visit on the Yogyakarta trip planner.
  • Ramayana Ballet Purawisata- a Javanese music and dance performance based on Hindu epic Ramayana. A must do activity in Yogyakarta and every visitor should have it on their Yogyakarta itinerary.
  • Kota Gede- an ancient neighbourhood
  • Tugu Monument- an important tourist attraction in Yogyakarta and a local favourite!
  • Imogiri- royal graveyard for Islamic rulers      
  • Affandi Museum- a former home and art gallery of great painter and artist Affandi.
  • Indonesian Air force Museum

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

  • Plaosan Temple    
  • Jomblang Cave
  • Cinema 21
  • Gua Pindul
  • Taman Pintar Science Park
  • Tembi Rumah Budaya
  • Pantai Sundak
  • Sonobudoyo Museum
  • Gembira Loka Zoo
  • Sumur Gumuling
  • Sewu temple

Below we have a list of things to do in Yogyakarta and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Yogyakarta getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Yogyakarta with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Yogyakarta

Here is the list of things to do in Yogyakarta and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Prambanan Temple

    4.7 (3317 Votes)
    Prambanan Temple

    Religious Site, Temple, Outdoors, Historical Site

    A 9th century Hindu temple complex in Central Java , the Prambanan temple is a UNESCO world heritage site and is largest Hindu temple sites in Indonesia and is one of the biggest in Southeast Asia. Dedicated to the Trimurti – Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh; it is located at a distance of 17 kilometres from the city of Yogyakarta. The structure is characterised by its tall and pointed architect...Read more
  2. Water Castle

    Heritage Building

    Taman Sari also known as Tamansari Water Castle is a site of a former royal garden of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta built by portugese's invisible hand in 18th century. It is located about 2 km south within the grounds of the Kraton Yogyakarta. The Taman Sari had multiple functions, such as a resting area, a workshop, a meditation area, a defense area, and a hiding place. It has a big pool inside...Read more
  3. Merapi Volcano

    Hiking Trail, Adventure, Volcano

    Mount Merapi, which is situated within a straight line which also connects the Palace of Yogyakarta and the Indian Ocean, holds an important role in Javanese society. The three places are believed to be a cosmologic trinity; all of them are closely connected to each others. Merapi is believed to symbolize fire, Indian Ocean to symbolize water, while the Palace is the balance between the two. Li...Read more
  4. Tugu Monument

    Landmark, Monument

    Tugu Jogja is the most popular landmark of Yogyakarta. This monument is located right in the center of the crossroad between the Mangkubumi, Soedirman, and A.M. Sangaji and Diponegoro roads. The Tugu Jogja that is almost 3 centuries old has a very deep meaning and it keeps some history records of Yogyakarta. Tugu Jogja was built around one year after the construction of Yogy...Read more
  5. Jalan Malioboro

    Street Market, Streets

    A great place for shopaholics, Jalan Malioboro or Molioboro Street is well-known as a shopper’s paradise in Yogyakarta. Lying around the north-south axis in line with Yogyakarta Kraton and Mount Merapi, it is an important tourist centre dotted with hotels, restaurants and stores. The sidewalks are flooded with small stalls offering budget goodies. Several open-air street food joints known...Read more
  6. Ullen Sentalu Museum

    4.7 (1308 Votes)
    Ullen Sentalu Museum

    Museum

    A museum dedicated to Javanese culture and art, the Ullen Sentalu museum displays a collection of relics and artefacts from royal houses and kratons of Java province (Yogyakarta, Pakualam, Surakarta, Mangkunegaran). This private museum was initiated by Haryono family and is now managed by Ulating Blencong foundation. Worth a quick visit!
  7. Ratu Boko

    4.6 (2182 Votes)
    Ratu Boko

    Landmark, Ancient Ruin, Historical Site

    The Ratu Boko Palace ruins are the remains of the 8th century golden age of the Javanese kingdoms. Overlooking the magnificent Prambanan temples and the Mount Merapi, Ratu Boko is located at a distance of 17 kilometres from Yogyakarta city centre. A perfect blend of Hindu and Buddhist architecture, the site is named after the legendary King Boko of the famous folklore of Roro Jonggrang. This fo...Read more
  8. Sewu Temple

    4.6 (2129 Votes)
    Sewu Temple

    Religious Site, Temple

    Located on close proximity of Prambanan temple, this is the second largest Buddhist temple complex in Java. Dating back to 8th century, the temple complex is said to be built at the end of Rakai Panangkaran’s administration- a popular king from the old Mataram kingdom. The complex is a Mandala which manifests the universe in the central temple of Mahadev and is surrounded by four rings of...Read more
  9. Ramayana Ballet Purawisata

    Entertainment, Performance

    This is an art performance uniting Javanese dance, arts, drama, and music on one stage to present the Hindu epic Ramayana. With an amazing presentation of this grand story, the show is a must-watch for the dance movements, gamelan music, enthralling backdrop and special prop acts.
  10. Plaosan Temple

    Religious Site, Temple, Historical Site, Statue

    Located about a kilometre away from the Prambanan temple complex, the Plaosan temple is spread over an area of 2000 square meters at an elevation of 148 metres above sea level. Surrounded by verdant paddy fields of banana and corn, the Dengok River provides ample water to the vegetation adding to the allure of the sight. It was built in mid-9th century by Sri Kahulunnan or Pramodhawardhani; the...Read more
  11. Kota Gede

    Historical Site, Architecture

    Kota Gede is a silent witness of the rise of the Islamic Mataram Kingdom that ruled almost the entire Java. The cemetery of Islamic Mataram Kingdom forefathers, the fort's ruins, and the other historical remains can be found in Kotagede. A former capital and then reconstructed by different rulers the renovation made it huge and was hence named as ‘Kota Gede’ which means ‘Big c...Read more
  12. Taman Pintar Science Park

    Science Museum, Outdoors, Park, Educational Site

    A tourism project developed specially for the kids, the Taman Pintar Science Park focuses on the spirit of expression, appreciation and creation among kids. The centre strives for the scientific education of kids and young generation through imaginations, trails and games. It works on the principles of Ki Hajar Dewantara- Niteni (to understand), Niroake (to follow) and Nambahi (to improve). Att...Read more
  13. Pasar Beringharjo

    4.5 (1133 Votes)
    Pasar Beringharjo

    Market

    An inseparable part of the Kraton, the Beringharjo is the oldest market of Yogyakarta. It has immense historical and philosophical importance. The word Beringharjo literally means banyan tree forest which is believed as the good luck charm by locals. Great variety of batik, traditional snacks, ancient money, child and adult clothing, fast food, the basic ingredients of traditional herbal medici...Read more
  14. Gembira Loka Zoo

    4.5 (111 Votes)
    Gembira Loka Zoo Image
    ©

    Zoo

    A zoological garden opened in 1956, the Gembira Loka Zoo comprises botanical garden, orchid nursery, artificial lake, children’s park and numerous bridges across the Gajahwong River. The zoo boasts a collection of approximately 470 animals including Komodo dragons, orang-utans, gibbons and a hippopotamus. Spread over 54 acres area, the zoo is a must-visit for family and kids!
  15. Affandi Museum

    4.5 (742 Votes)
    Affandi Museum

    Art And Culture, Art Museum, Art Gallery

    A home of Indonesia’s world renowned painting maestro, it is also a display of his works and the collection from other artists of the world. Comprising of three unique galleries displaying the masterpieces, there is also a in-house painting school for gifted children. Apart from the beautifully constructed and intricately designed residence which has the personal rooms and belongings of t...Read more