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Solo, also known as Surakarta, is a city in Central Java that often gets overlooked by travellers heading to nearby Yogyakarta. We didn’t spend a huge amount of time here, but we had enough time to explore some of the city, visit one of its palaces and, of course, eat plenty of Javanese food.
Solo (or Surakarta) has a very different feel from Indonesia’s bigger tourist destinations. There are fewer international visitors, plenty of street food and a strong connection to traditional Javanese culture. If you’re travelling through Central Java, it’s an easy place to add to your route for a couple of days.
Where to Stay in Solo
The Royal Surakarta Heritage
We stayed at The Royal Surakarta Heritage, right in the centre of Solo.
The location worked well for our short stay, with plenty of the city within easy reach. The hotel itself has a grand, traditional style with lots of Javanese details throughout the interiors.
For a first visit to Solo, staying centrally made exploring much easier, particularly when we only had a limited amount of time in the city.
Things to Do in Solo (Surakarta)
Visit Mangkunegaran Palace
If you only have time for a few sights in Solo, Mangkunegaran Palace (Pura Mangkunegaran) is well worth including.
Built in the 18th century, the palace is particularly interesting because Solo’s royal traditions aren’t simply part of its past. The Mangkunegaran royal family still exists today, and the palace remains their official residence, with the current ruler continuing the Mangkunegaran dynasty.
Parts of the palace are open to visitors, giving you a glimpse into both Solo’s royal history and a tradition that is still very much alive today. The complex combines traditional Javanese architecture with European influences, with large pavilions, courtyards and beautifully decorated interiors.
Allow some time to walk around rather than treating it as a quick photo stop. The details in the buildings, collections and interiors are a big part of the experience.
Wander Through Central Solo (Surakarta)
Solo is also an interesting city to explore on foot, particularly around the centre where you’ll come across a mix of traditional Javanese buildings and architecture dating from the Dutch colonial period. Old façades, grand public buildings and newer developments sit alongside busy streets, markets and small local businesses.
We enjoyed simply walking around and taking in the architecture between the city’s main sights. It’s another reminder of the different layers of history that have shaped Solo.
Where to Eat in Solo (Surakarta)
Food was a big part of our time in Solo, from a more formal meal inside the Mangkunegaran complex to eating our way through the city’s street food.
Pracimasana Mangkunegaran
While visiting Mangkunegaran Palace, we also ate at Pracimasana Mangkunegaran, located within the palace complex.
The restaurant serves traditional Javanese dishes in a beautiful setting within the palace complex. It makes a great addition to a visit to Mangkunegaran Palace, particularly if you want to try regional food surrounded by Solo’s royal heritage.
Try Solo’s Street Food
At the other end of the spectrum, don’t leave Solo without trying some of its street food.
Once evening arrives, food stalls and small roadside eateries appear across the city. This was a completely different experience from eating at Pracimasana and gave us another side of Solo’s food culture. There were plenty on the streets near The Royal Surakarta Heritage hotel.
Rather than searching for particular restaurants, we enjoyed simply walking around, seeing what was being cooked and trying different things along the way.
Have a Drink at the Alila Solo Rooftop
For a completely different view of the city, head up to the rooftop at Alila Solo (which would also be a good place to stay, but a little more outside the center).
The hotel is one of the tallest buildings in the city, and its rooftop gives you a fantastic view across Solo and the surrounding landscape.
We came here for drinks rather than staying at the hotel, and it’s a good place to finish the day, particularly around sunset when you can watch the city change from day to night below you.
How Long Do You Need in Solo?
For a first visit, we’d suggest one or two full days in Solo.
That gives you enough time to visit Mangkunegaran Palace, explore the centre, try some of the city’s food and spend an evening wandering around without rushing.
If you’re particularly interested in Javanese history and culture, you could easily stay longer and explore more of the palaces, museums and traditional neighbourhoods around the city.
Is Solo Worth Visiting?
Solo isn’t packed with major attractions, and that’s partly why we enjoyed including it in our trip.
Our time here was more about getting a feel for the city: walking around, eating street food, visiting Mangkunegaran Palace and seeing Solo from above with a drink at Alila.
If you’re travelling through Central Java and have a couple of days to spare, Solo is an easy addition to an Indonesia itinerary, particularly if you want to experience somewhere that sees fewer international tourists than nearby Yogyakarta.
