ID · Central Java · 7.57°S 110.82°E

solo

Royal Javanese city of batik markets, kraton palaces and nasi liwet.

Best time
May to September is driest.
How long
1–2 days
Getting there
Fly KL to Yogyakarta, about 2.5 hours, then about an hour by commuter train or road to Solo.
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ID · Central Javasolo7.57°S 110.82°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Royal Javanese city of batik markets, kraton palaces and nasi liwet.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingSoloID, Central Java
KLsolo
≈ 1,563 km from KL, as the crow flies
Kraton Solo

Photo: Muhammad rozaqa thoriqo · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Surakarta, better known as Solo, is Jogja's quieter twin and one of Java's two old royal cities. It has two working palaces, big batik markets and a food scene locals are proud of. It's also the hometown of former president Joko Widodo.

Makan

  1. Nasi liwetRice cooked in coconut milk with shredded chicken, egg and chayote, often eaten at night.Map ↗
  2. Selat SoloA Dutch-influenced dish of beef and vegetables in a sweet, thin gravy.Map ↗
  3. TengklengGoat bones and offal in a light curry broth.Map ↗
  4. Serabi SoloSmall coconut-milk pancakes cooked over charcoal.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Kraton SurakartaThe Susuhunan's palace, with a museum of royal heirlooms and carriages.Map ↗
  2. Pura MangkunegaranA smaller royal palace with a grand open pendopo hall.Map ↗
  3. Pasar KlewerThe huge batik market next to the kraton.Map ↗
  4. Kampung Batik LaweyanAn old batik merchants' quarter where you can watch batik being made and buy direct.Map ↗
  5. Candi Sukuh and Candi CethoUnusual 15th-century Hindu temples high on the slopes of Mount Lawu.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Solo is an easy day trip from Jogja, but staying a night lets you catch the evening food stalls.
  • Dress modestly when visiting the palaces.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.