Things to do in Yogyakarta

Activities, attractions and tours

Prambanan featuring a ruin and heritage architecture
Yogyakarta which includes heritage architecture and heritage elements
Affandi Museum which includes art and interior views
Yogyakarta showing food
Malioboro Street which includes land animals as well as an individual male
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Top places to visit

1. Malioboro Street

Visit the innumerable shops, markets, cafés and restaurants of Malioboro Street (Jalan Malioboro), an enthralling and entertaining district. Malioboro Street dissects the heart of Yogyakarta’s city center while its adjoining side streets offer further retail and dining options. During the colonial years, the street was the center for the Dutch government. It was later used as a ceremonial boulevard for the Yogyakarta Sultanate. The name is said to come from the Duke of Marlborough, a prominent figure during the British rule of Indonesia.
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Malioboro Street

2. Gembira Loka Zoo

The Gembira Loka Zoo is a vast complex containing many animal enclosures, a botanical garden and scenic grounds. Spread out across a picturesque region of 54 acres (22 hectares), the zoo contains around 470 animals. Bring the kids to the children’s park for a fun day out with the family.
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Gembira Loka Zoo showing zoo animals and bird life

3. Tugu Yogyakarta

The Tugu Monument is an elaborate obelisk in the heart of the city that has special meaning for the people of Yogyakarta. The 18th-century structure was built by the first sultan of the city in a symbolic location between the Indian Ocean, Mount Merapi and the Kraton Complex. Use the monument as a practical gathering point to meet friends and family during your vacation here.
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Tugu Monument featuring a sunset

4. Taman Sari

With its pools, waterways and ornate features, the Water Castle of Tamansari is a majestic former palace complex for the sultans of Yogyakarta. It had many purposes, serving as a resting area, a meditation complex, a defensive fortification and a hiding place. Delve into the dark tunnels to find the mosque. Capture photos of the intricate details throughout the site.
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Water Castle showing a pool and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people

5. Royal Palace of Yogyakarta

The Kraton Complex comprises the majestic grounds of the palace for the sultan of Yogyakarta. A museum, gardens and a mosque are among the intriguing and scenic facets of the vast grounds. Take a guided tour of this walled compound for a deeper understanding of the city’s royal history.
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Kraton Complex showing interior views and heritage elements

What to do in Yogyakarta

Popular places to visit

Malioboro Street which includes night scenes

Malioboro Street

3.5/5(6 reviews)

Spend a day exploring Yogyakarta’s liveliest commercial district, which is famous for its batik stores, street food and historic landmarks.

Malioboro Street
Gembira Loka Zoo which includes dangerous animals and zoo animals

Gembira Loka Zoo

Cross the bridges on the Gajahwong River to see the Komodo dragons, orangutans and hippos that inhabit this eclectic zoo.

Gembira Loka Zoo
Tugu Monument featuring modern architecture

Tugu Yogyakarta

3.5/5(9 reviews)

Capture spectacular night photos of the popular and luminous White Monument that holds geographical and spiritual value for the locals.

Tugu Yogyakarta
Water Castle showing a pool and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people

Taman Sari

The majestic water pools and fountains in this luxury palace were built to hide and pamper the sultan and his concubines.

Taman Sari
Kraton Complex showing interior views and heritage elements

Royal Palace of Yogyakarta

Watch a puppet performance and listen to traditional music in the cultural and political heart of the city of Yogyakarta.

Royal Palace of Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta Presidential Palace featuring a statue or sculpture, a garden and chateau or palace

Yogyakarta Presidential Palace

Browse the art galleries in the president’s home and learn about the decisions made here relating to the struggle against Dutch settlers.

Yogyakarta Presidential Palace
Fort Vredeburg Museum which includes art and interior views

Fort Vredeburg Museum

See the fascinating dioramas showcasing significant events in Indonesian history and wander through the pretty gardens of this Dutch colonial fortress.

Fort Vredeburg Museum

Malioboro Mall

3/5(5 reviews)

During your trip to Yogyakarta, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Malioboro Mall. Experience the museums and entertainment venues in this culturally rich area.

Malioboro Mall

Alun Alun Kidul

Explore the great outdoors at Alun Alun Kidul, a lovely green space in Kraton. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

Alun Alun Kidul

Areas of Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta featuring art and interior views

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
Kraton Complex showing a lake or waterhole and a garden

Central Yogyakarta

3.5/5(13 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
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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
Photo by Marion MacQueen

Sewon

Photo by Yasmin

Ngampilan

Catur Tunggal

Catur Tunggal

Photo by Lynn Yamin

Salakan

Frequently asked questions

Is Yogyakarta worth visiting?
With a mix of shopping and dining, there's no shortage of things to do in Yogyakarta. When you're here, check out Gembira Loka Zoo, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Yogyakarta?
Kick your day off with a visit to Gembira Loka Zoo and Palace of Yogyakarta. Then, tour different parts of Yogyakarta for tasty eats and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Yogyakarta?
Gembira Loka Zoo is one of the top tourist attractions in Yogyakarta and should feature high on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Yogyakarta?
You can easily enjoy top sights like Gembira Loka Zoo, Palace of Yogyakarta and Kids Fun Park with a three-day stay in Yogyakarta. On average, most travellers plan three days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a bit longer and venture to Catur Tunggal.
Is Yogyakarta a walkable city?
Some major attractions in Yogyakarta, like Gembira Loka Zoo and Palace of Yogyakarta, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.32 kilometres from central Yogyakarta is Central Yogyakarta and Malioboro is 0.32 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Yogyakarta with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Check out our ideas for what to do in Yogyakarta with kids.

What to do in Yogyakarta for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Yogyakarta, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Malioboro Street or Masjid Jogokariyan.
Are there free things to do in Yogyakarta?
From enjoying parks to wandering around hip neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Yogyakarta. If you're in need of ideas, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Museum Sasmitaloka Panglima Besar Jenderal Sudirman is a great spot for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.

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