Yogyakarta Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Prambanan
Yogyakarta
Affandi Museum featuring interior views and art
Yogyakarta
Malioboro Street

Yogyakarta Travel Guide Video

Discover ancient temples, traditional batik, wayang shadow puppetry and gamelan music in the city that holds the key to Java’s cultural heritage. 

The city of Yogyakarta is the perfect place to explore Java’s rich culture and traditions. Known for its protection of local heritage and customs, Yogyakarta is a hub for fine Javanese art, craft, music, poetry, ballet and puppetry. Explore the magnificent temples of Borobudur and Prambanan, and gain an insight into Buddhist, Hindu and Javanese culture.

Yogyakarta is one of the oldest cities in Indonesia. A short stroll around the historic district will bring you past the Sultan’s Palace (Kraton Ngayogyakarta) and its stately main court, mosque and museum. Admire the Central Post Office (Kantor Pos Besar) and the Tugu Monument. Grab a snack from a street vendor and watch the locals playing street chess near the Kraton complex.

To learn about Javanese culture and history, head to the Museum Sonobudoyo, the Museum Batik or Fort Vrederburg. Browse historical artifacts and traditional handicrafts such as batik, wayang puppets, masks and gamelan instruments. Discover Yogyakarta’s thriving art scene at the Affandi Museum and Cemeti Art House.

Don’t miss Yogyakarta’s breathtaking ancient temples, known locally as candi. Wander through numerous shrines and monuments at Prambanan, a collection of towering Hindu temples with intricately carved domes. The stunning Borobudur Buddhist temple dates back to the 9th century and is located in Magelang, 1 hour’s drive from Yogyakarta.

Relax with a massage treatment or sunrise yoga and meditation classes. Play a round of golf overlooking Mount Merapi. During your visit, try local cuisine, such as sweet curry with jackfruit, palm sugar, coconut milk and chicken. In January, the city celebrates Java’s Muslim culture with the traditional Sekaten festival.

Reach Yogyakarta by flying into Adisucipto International Airport, or catch the regional bus or train. In the city, get around by taxi, bus or tricycle rickshaw. Make sure you haggle and agree on a price before getting into the rickshaw. To make the most of Yogyakarta’s outdoor activities, visit during the dry season, from July to September.

Where to stay in Yogyakarta

Kraton Complex

Central Yogyakarta

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

Central Yogyakarta is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Pasar Beringharjo and Malioboro Mall.

Central Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta

Malioboro

You'll enjoy the museums and monuments in Malioboro. You might want to make time for a stop at Malioboro Mall or Pasar Beringharjo.

Malioboro
Default Image

Kampung Ketandan

While Kampung Ketandan may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Pasar Beringharjo and Malioboro Mall.

Kampung Ketandan
Swiss-Belexpress Yogyakarta
Swiss-Belexpress Yogyakarta
3 out of 5
99 Jl. Kusumanegara, Yogyakarta, Jogja
The price is NZ$39 per night from 29 July to 30 July
NZ$39
29 July - 30 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Yogyakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Malioboro Street and Sasana Among Rogo ...
6/10 (1 review)
"タオルがシャワー用のみ、2泊め提供されず請求に手間がかかった。 洗面扉が金庫にあたり完全に開かない。 駐車場が狭く送迎時に混雑して時間がかかる。 清潔なホテルですが、あまりお勧めしません。"

Reviewed on 4 Apr. 2025

Swiss-Belexpress Yogyakarta
Novotel Suites Yogyakarta Malioboro
Novotel Suites Yogyakarta Malioboro
4 out of 5
Jalan Malioboro 52 58 Suryatmajan, Danurejan, Yogyakarta, Special Region of Yogyakarta
The price is NZ$96 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$96
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Yogyakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Malioboro Street and Malioboro Mall are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (54 reviews)
"I mention names of employees here, hoping they do get recognition,--nobody solicited me for this review. I stayed at this hotel for five days and was pleasantly surprised by how much it offered, especially for the price. While the building is older, it’s very well maintained, and the rooms are clean ..."

Reviewed on 20 May 2025

Novotel Suites Yogyakarta Malioboro
Hotel Tentrem Yogyakarta
Hotel Tentrem Yogyakarta
5 out of 5
Jl. P. Mangkubumi 72A, Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta
The price is NZ$202 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$202
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Yogyakarta. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Malioboro Street and Tugu Yogyakarta are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (301 reviews)
"Good staff, great pool"

Reviewed on 1 Jul. 2025

Hotel Tentrem Yogyakarta
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
D'kraton Villa by Dparagon
D'kraton Villa by Dparagon
2.5 out of 5
62 Jl. Ngadinegaran, Yogyakarta, Jogja
Stay at this villa in Yogyakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Malioboro Street and Alun Alun Kidul are located ...
D'kraton Villa by Dparagon
Homestay Jogja 999
Homestay Jogja 999
3 out of 5
No.4 Blk. C, Yogyakarta, Jogja
Stay at this 3-star villa in Yogyakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Malioboro Street and Art and Culture in Yogyakarta ...
Homestay Jogja 999
Homestay Jogja dekat Malioboro by Simply Homy
Homestay Jogja dekat Malioboro by Simply Homy
3 out of 5
Jl. Tegal Panggung No. 32, Malioboro, Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta
Stay at this 3-star villa in Yogyakarta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Malioboro Street and Malioboro Mall are ...
Homestay Jogja dekat Malioboro by Simply Homy
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Yogyakarta