Yogyakarta, Indonesia Travel Guide

Discover Yogyakarta, Indonesia's cultural capital, where ancient temples, vibrant markets, and rich traditions await to enchant and inspire every visitor.

Welcome to Yogyakarta, a city where tradition and modernity blend harmoniously. Known for its rich cultural heritage, Yogyakarta is the soul of Java. It is home to the world-renowned Borobudur and Prambanan temples, which stand as testaments to the city's historical significance and architectural grandeur. As you wander through the bustling streets of Malioboro, you will be greeted by vibrant batik shops, local markets, and street food vendors. The aroma of traditional Javanese cuisine fills the air, inviting you to indulge in local delicacies such as gudeg and bakpia. The city's atmosphere is lively and welcoming, making every visitor feel at home. Yogyakarta is also a hub for arts and education. The city hosts numerous cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and traditional dance performances. Don't miss the chance to visit Taman Sari, the Water Castle, and the Sultan's Palace (Kraton), where you can learn about the city's royal history and see traditional Javanese architecture up close. Whether you are an adventurer, history buff, or art lover, Yogyakarta offers a unique and memorable experience for every traveler.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Yogyakarta.

Visit Borobudur and Prambanan temples early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the sunrise.
Explore Malioboro Street at night for a lively atmosphere and great street food.
Hire a local guide at the Sultan's Palace to gain deeper insights into Javanese history and culture.
Try traditional Javanese dishes like gudeg and bakpia in local restaurants for an authentic culinary experience.
Participate in a batik-making workshop to learn about this traditional Javanese art form.

Neighbourhoods in Yogyakarta

Prawirotaman

Kotagede

Malioboro

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Yogyakarta

Explore Yogyakarta: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Yogyakarta

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Browse the full guide

All Attractions

Borobudur Temple

Explore Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where ancient Buddhist architecture meets breathtaking beauty in Central Java, Indonesia.

4.7

Prambanan Temple

Explore the breathtaking Prambanan Temple, an architectural masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich in history and cultural significance.

4.7

Tebing Breksi

Discover the breathtaking beauty and artistic allure of Tebing Breksi in Yogyakarta, where nature meets creativity in an unforgettable experience.

4.5

Titik Nol Kilometer Yogyakarta

Discover the cultural heart of Yogyakarta at Titik Nol Kilometer, the city's geographical center and a vibrant hub of art and history.

4.8

Best landmarks in Yogyakarta

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Browse the full guide

All Landmarks

Prambanan Temple

Explore the grandeur of Prambanan Temple, Indonesia's largest Hindu temple complex, showcasing exquisite architecture and rich cultural heritage.

4.7

Beringharjo Market

Explore Beringharjo Market in Yogyakarta, a lively marketplace brimming with traditional crafts, delicious local cuisine, and a vibrant atmosphere.

4.6

Malioboro Yogyakarta

Explore Malioboro Yogyakarta, a vibrant hub of culture, shopping, and dining that captures the spirit of Indonesia in every corner.

4.8

Tebing Breksi

Discover the breathtaking limestone cliffs and rich cultural heritage at Tebing Breksi, a unique ecological park in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

4.5

Best restaurants in Yogyakarta

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Browse the full guide

All Restaurants

The House of Raminten

Experience the authentic flavors of Indonesian cuisine at The House of Raminten in Yogyakarta - where tradition meets taste.

4.5

Mediterranea Restaurant by Kamil

Savor authentic Mediterranean flavors at Mediterranea Restaurant by Kamil in Yogyakarta – a perfect blend of taste and ambiance.

4.7

Nanamia Pizzeria Jogja ( South Area )

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Nanamia Pizzeria Jogja – where every slice tells a story.

4.7

Gubug Makan Mang Engking Soragan Castle

Experience authentic Sundanese cuisine in a captivating castle setting at Gubug Makan Mang Engking in Yogyakarta.

4.5

Best bars in Yogyakarta

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Browse the full guide

All Bars

Liquid Bar And Kitchen

Experience the vibrant culinary scene and nightlife at Liquid Bar and Kitchen in Yogyakarta, where delicious grilled specialties meet lively entertainment.

4.5

Sakapatat Brew House & Resto

Discover the vibrant flavors of Yogyakarta at Sakapatat Brew House & Resto, where delicious grilled dishes and craft beers await in a lively atmosphere.

4.5

TapHouse Beer Garden

Experience the best of Yogyakarta's nightlife at TapHouse Beer Garden, a lively bar with an extensive craft beer selection and vibrant atmosphere.

4.3

Platinum Kitchen, Bar & Lounge

Discover an upscale nightlife experience at Platinum Kitchen, Bar & Lounge in Yogyakarta, where cocktails and music create unforgettable moments.

4.6

Best nightclubs in Yogyakarta

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Browse the full guide

All Nightclubs

Liquid Bar And Kitchen

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Yogyakarta at Liquid Bar And Kitchen, a perfect blend of dining, drinking, and dancing until dawn.

4.5

Boshe VVIP Club

Discover the electrifying nightlife at Boshe VVIP Club in Yogyakarta, where music, cocktails, and style collide for an unforgettable experience.

4.5

Platinum Kitchen, Bar & Lounge

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Platinum Kitchen, Bar & Lounge in Yogyakarta, where delicious cuisine meets an electrifying atmosphere.

4.6

Liquid Club

Discover the electrifying nightlife of Liquid Club in Yogyakarta, where music, dance, and unforgettable experiences await every night.

4.4

Best shops in Yogyakarta

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Browse the full guide

All Shops

Beringharjo Market

Discover the vibrant culture and authentic flavors of Yogyakarta at Beringharjo Market, a bustling hub of local crafts and cuisine.

4.6

Malioboro Yogyakarta

Discover the vibrant heart of Yogyakarta at Malioboro, a shopping and cultural paradise filled with local delights and historical treasures.

4.8

Plaza Ambarrukmo

Discover a vibrant shopping experience at Plaza Ambarrukmo, where local culture meets modern retail in Yogyakarta.

4.6

Malioboro Mall

Experience the dynamic shopping scene at Malioboro Mall, where culture meets modern retail in the heart of Yogyakarta.

4.5

Explore Yogyakarta on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Yogyakarta, mapped for you.

Yogyakarta Essentials

Yogyakarta is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The city's main entry point is Adisutjipto International Airport (JOG), which serves domestic flights from major Indonesian cities and some international flights. Alternatively, the newly opened Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) in Kulon Progo also serves international and domestic routes. From either airport, you can reach the city center by taxi, airport shuttle, or ride-hailing services. Yogyakarta is also accessible by train, with Tugu Station being the major railway hub connecting to cities like Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya. Buses from various parts of Java also serve Yogyakarta's main bus terminal, Giwangan.
Getting around Yogyakarta is convenient with various transportation options. Traditional becaks (pedicabs) and andongs (horse-drawn carriages) offer a unique way to explore the city. For more modern options, taxis, ride-hailing services like Grab, and motorbike taxis (ojek) are widely available. Public buses operated by Trans Jogja are an affordable option for traversing the city. For those looking for more independence, renting a scooter or bicycle is a popular choice. Traffic can be hectic, so always be cautious when driving or crossing streets.
The official currency in Yogyakarta is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). While credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are widely available throughout the city, and money changers can be found in tourist areas. It is a good idea to keep smaller denominations handy for easier transactions.
Yogyakarta is generally a safe destination for tourists, but it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded places like Malioboro Street. Be cautious in certain areas like Sosrowijayan, where petty crime can occur. Always stay aware of your surroundings and use reputable transportation options.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The main hospital in Yogyakarta is RSUP Dr. Sardjito, which provides comprehensive medical services. For minor health issues, numerous pharmacies are available throughout the city. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. In the event of a natural disaster, such as an earthquake or volcanic eruption, follow the instructions of local authorities and evacuate to designated safe areas if necessary.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes when entering mosques and temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight bow. A handshake is also common, but use your right hand, as the left hand is considered impolite. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Yogyakarta like a local, visit the vibrant Malioboro Street for shopping and street food. Explore the traditional markets like Beringharjo for a taste of local life. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don't miss the traditional Javanese dance performances at the Kraton (Sultan's Palace) or the Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan Temple. For a unique experience, take a sunrise tour of Borobudur Temple or hike up Mount Merapi for breathtaking views.

When is the best time to visit Yogyakarta?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Yogyakarta

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Yogyakarta. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHalo
  [ha-loh]
- GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [se-la-mat ting-gal]
- YesYa
  [ya]
- NoTidak
  [tee-dak]
- Please/You're welcomeSilakan
  [si-la-kan]
- Thank youTerima kasih
  [te-ri-ma ka-sih]
- Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [ma-af]
- How are you?Apa kabar?
  [a-pa ka-bar]
- Fine. And you?Baik. Dan kamu?
  [ba-ik. dan ka-mu]
- Do you speak English?Apakah kamu bisa berbicara bahasa Inggris?
  [a-pa-kah ka-mu bi-sa ber-bi-cha-ra ba-ha-sa Ing-gris]
- I don't understandSaya tidak mengerti
  [sa-ya tee-dak men-ger-tee]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseBoleh saya lihat menu, tolong
  [bo-le sa-ya li-hat me-nu, to-long]
- I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sa-ya tee-dak ma-kan da-ying]
- Cheers!Selamat minum!
  [se-la-mat mi-num]
- I would like to pay, pleaseBoleh saya bayar, tolong
  [bo-le sa-ya ba-yar, to-long]
- Help!Tolong!
  [to-long]
- Go away!Pergi!
  [per-gi]
- Call the Police!Panggil polisi!
  [pang-gil po-li-si]
- Call a doctor!Panggil dokter!
  [pang-gil dok-ter]
- I'm lostSaya tersesat
  [sa-ya ter-se-sat]
- I'm illSaya sakit
  [sa-ya sa-kit]
- I'd like to buy...Saya ingin membeli...
  [sa-ya in-gin mem-be-li]
- I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat-lihat
  [sa-ya hu-nya me-li-hat-li-hat]
- How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [be-ra-pa har-ga-nya]
- That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [i-tu ter-la-lu ma-hal]
- Can you lower the price?Bisa kurangi harganya?
  [bi-sa ku-ran-gi har-ga-nya]
- What time is it?Sekarang jam berapa?
  [se-ka-rang jam be-ra-pa]
- It's one o'clockSekarang pukul satu
  [se-ka-rang pu-kul sa-tu]
- Half past (10)Setengah (sepuluh)
  [se-ten-gah (se-pu-luh)]
- MorningPagi
  [pa-gi]
- AfternoonSiang
  [si-ang]
- EveningMalam
  [ma-lam]
- YesterdayKemarin
  [ke-ma-rin]
- TodayHari ini
  [ha-ri i-ni]
- TomorrowBesok
  [be-sok]
- 1Satu
  [sa-tu]
- 2Dua
  [du-a]
- 3Tiga
  [ti-ga]
- 4Empat
  [em-pat]
- 5Lima
  [li-ma]
- 6Enam
  [e-nam]
- 7Tujuh
  [tu-juh]
- 8Delapan
  [de-la-pan]
- 9Sembilan
  [sem-bi-lan]
- 10Sepuluh
  [se-pu-luh]
- Where's a/the...?Dimana...
  [di-ma-na]
- What's the address?Alamatnya apa?
  [a-la-mat-nya a-pa]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Bisa tunjukkan saya (di peta)?
  [bi-sa tun-juk-kan sa-ya (di pe-ta)]
- When's the next (bus)?Kapan yang berikutnya (bis)?
  [ka-pan yang be-ru-tun-ya (bis)]
- A ticket (to ....)Tiket (ke ....)
  [ti-ket (ke)]

History of Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta, often affectionately called 'Jogja', was founded in 1755 following the Giyanti Agreement. The treaty divided the Mataram Sultanate, giving rise to the Sultanate of Yogyakarta. Sultan Hamengkubuwono I became the first ruler and established his court in the heart of the city, where the Kraton (royal palace) still stands today.
During the Dutch colonial period, Yogyakarta became a center of resistance. The city witnessed numerous uprisings, most notably during the Java War (1825-1830) led by Prince Diponegoro. The prince's guerrilla warfare tactics caused significant disruptions to Dutch rule, although the war eventually ended in his capture.
In World War II, Yogyakarta fell under Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945. The Japanese presence disrupted Dutch control and inspired Indonesian nationalists. After the Japanese surrender, Yogyakarta played a crucial role in the Indonesian independence movement. Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX supported the Republic of Indonesia, and the city briefly served as the capital from 1946 to 1949 during the Indonesian National Revolution.
Yogyakarta has long been a cultural hub, particularly known for its batik, gamelan music, and wayang kulit (shadow puppetry). The establishment of Gadjah Mada University in 1949 further cemented its status as an educational and cultural center. The city's rich traditions continue to thrive, attracting artists, scholars, and tourists alike.
The region around Yogyakarta is known for its volcanic activity, particularly from Mount Merapi. Significant eruptions in 2006 and 2010 caused extensive damage and loss of life. Despite these challenges, the resilient spirit of Yogyakarta’s inhabitants has enabled the city to recover and rebuild, preserving its historical and cultural heritage.
Today, Yogyakarta is a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity. It is a bustling city that attracts tourists with its historical landmarks such as the Kraton, Prambanan Temple, and the iconic Borobudur Temple nearby. The city's vibrant arts scene, combined with its historical significance, makes it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a deep dive into Indonesian culture.