Things to Do in Surabaya, Indonesia: See Tripadvisor's 108,513 traveler reviews and photos of Surabaya tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in December. We have reviews of the best places to see in Surabaya. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Surabaya, the third-largest city in Indonesia, is one of the country's cleanest and greenest holiday destinations. It is bountiful in friendly people and known for its delicious Java food. The city and its people played an important role during the Indonesian War against the Dutch empire. Surabaya is famous for Rawon, Rujak cingur, Semanggi, Lontong Balap, clams satay, mussels, and rice cake. Rujak cingur: a marinated cow snout or lips and noses (cingur), served with boiled vegetables and shrimp crackers. It is then dressed in a sauce made of caramelised fermented shrimp paste , peanuts, chili, and spices. See most popular tourist places to visit in Surabaya, top things to do, shopping and nightlife in Surabaya, find entry timings, fees about various attractions in Surabaya, Indonesia Surabaya has been the chief trading centre of eastern Java since the 14th century. It was controlled by the Dutch from the mid-18th through the mid-20th century, except for a brief period under the British in the early 19th century. During World War II Surabaya was occupied by Japan (1942-45) and heavily bombed by the Allies. All in all, Surabaya is well known as a tourist destination on the domestic market, but unfortunately the international market has yet to catch up despite the myriad charms of this city. Let's explore the best things to do in Surabaya: 1. Visit the House of Sampoerna Cigarette Factory. Source: flickr. Written by Sahiri Loing. Edited by Laura Jodoin. While Surabaya might not be the obvious choice for travel, you're sure to fall in love with its colonial and scenic charm (just like Jakarta). Historical Significance. Surabaya holds a significant place in Indonesian history as it was the site of the country's battle for independence in November 1945, a crucial moment in the Indonesian National Revolution. cte7LA.