Solo City Centre

Surakarta

At the museum no photos are allowed which is really unfortunate as it was well worth the visit and the guided tour is definitely not to be missed. In the museum there are even Batik made from the Dutch era which depicts stories like Little Red Riding Hood and Snow White! I enjoyed the tour v much and at the end of the tour we were brought to this room where the artisan were working on hand drawn batik. Below is an excerpt from Wikipedia for anyone interested in learning more about the process of batik making. Firstly, a cloth is washed, soaked and beaten with a large mallet. Patterns are drawn with pencil and later redrawn using hot wax, usually made from a mixture of paraffin or bees wax, sometimes mixed with plant resins, which functions as a dye-resist. The wax can be applied with a variety of tools. A pen-like instrument called a canting (IPA: [tʃantiŋ], sometimes spelled with old Dutch orthography tjanting) is the most common. A canting is made from a small copper reservoir with a spout on a wooden handle. The reservoir holds the resist which flows through the spout, creating dots and lines as it moves. For larger patterns, a stiff brush may be used. Alternatively, a copper block stamp called a cap (IPA: [tʃap]; old spelling tjap) is used to cover large areas more efficiently. After the cloth is dry, the resist is removed by scraping or boiling the cloth. The areas treated with resist keep their original color; when the resist is removed the contrast between the dyed and undyed areas forms the pattern. This process is repeated as many times as the number of colors desired. The most traditional type of batik, called batik tulis (written batik), is drawn using only the canting. The cloth need to be drawn on both sides and dipped in a dye bath three to four times. The whole process may take up to a year; it yields considerably finer patterns than stamped batik. Source: Wikipedia
At the museum no photos are allowed which is really unfortunate as it was well worth the visit and the guided tour is definitely not to be missed. In the museum there are even Batik made from the Dutch era which depicts stories like Little Red Riding Hood and Snow White! I enjoyed the tour v much and at the end of the tour we were brought to this room where the artisan were working on hand drawn batik. Below is an excerpt from Wikipedia for anyone interested in learning more about the process of batik making. Firstly, a cloth is washed, soaked and beaten with a large mallet. Patterns are drawn with pencil and later redrawn using hot wax, usually made from a mixture of paraffin or bees wax, sometimes mixed with plant resins, which functions as a dye-resist. The wax can be applied with a variety of tools. A pen-like instrument called a canting (IPA: [tʃantiŋ], sometimes spelled with old Dutch orthography tjanting) is the most common. A canting is made from a small copper reservoir with a spout on a wooden handle. The reservoir holds the resist which flows through the spout, creating dots and lines as it moves. For larger patterns, a stiff brush may be used. Alternatively, a copper block stamp called a cap (IPA: [tʃap]; old spelling tjap) is used to cover large areas more efficiently. After the cloth is dry, the resist is removed by scraping or boiling the cloth. The areas treated with resist keep their original color; when the resist is removed the contrast between the dyed and undyed areas forms the pattern. This process is repeated as many times as the number of colors desired. The most traditional type of batik, called batik tulis (written batik), is drawn using only the canting. The cloth need to be drawn on both sides and dipped in a dye bath three to four times. The whole process may take up to a year; it yields considerably finer patterns than stamped batik. Source: Wikipedia

Popular places to visit

Solo Paragon Lifestyle Mall

During your trip to Surakarta, you can enjoy retail therapy at Solo Paragon Lifestyle Mall. Experience the museums and musical theatre in this culturally rich area.

Solo Paragon Lifestyle Mall

Mangkunegaran Palace

Mangkunegaran Palace is just one of the places to see in Surakarta, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the museums and musical theatre in this culturally rich area.

Mangkunegaran Palace

Radya Pustaka Museum

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Radya Pustaka Museum in Surakarta. Take some time to visit the shops in this culturally rich area.

Radya Pustaka Museum

Keprabon Park

Explore the great outdoors at Keprabon Park, a lovely green space in Surakarta. Experience the area's museums and art scene.

Keprabon Park

Nakamura Klinik

You can take time to visit Nakamura Klinik during your travels to Surakarta. Experience the museums and musical theatre in this culturally rich area.

Nakamura Klinik

Universitas Sebelas Maret

Explore the campus of Universitas Sebelas Maret during your trip to Surakarta. Take in the musical theatre in this culturally rich area.

Universitas Sebelas Maret

Things to do

Solo Vintage Tour with Sukuh and Cetho Temple from Yogyakarta

Solo Vintage Tour with Sukuh and Cetho Temple from Yogyakarta

RM511
per adult
Solo Vintage Tour with Sukuh and Cetho Temple from Yogyakarta
Solo Palace Tour with Sukuh and Ceto Temple from Yogyakarta

Solo Palace Tour with Sukuh and Ceto Temple from Yogyakarta

RM441
per adult
Solo Palace Tour with Sukuh and Ceto Temple from Yogyakarta
Surakarta Village cycling tour

Surakarta Village cycling tour

RM244
per adult
Surakarta Village cycling tour
Solo Vintage Tour with Sukuh and Cetho Temple from Yogyakarta

Solo Vintage Tour with Sukuh and Cetho Temple from Yogyakarta

RM503
per adult
Solo Vintage Tour with Sukuh and Cetho Temple from Yogyakarta
Solo Palace Tour with Sukuh and Ceto Temple from Yogyakarta

Solo Palace Tour with Sukuh and Ceto Temple from Yogyakarta

RM434
per adult
Solo Palace Tour with Sukuh and Ceto Temple from Yogyakarta
Surakarta Village cycling tour

Surakarta Village cycling tour

RM237
per adult
Surakarta Village cycling tour
See all activities in Surakarta

Top hotels in Solo City Centre

Novotel Solo

Novotel Solo

4 out of 5
Jalan Slamet Riyadi 272 Surakarta Central Java
The price is RM114 per night from 20 Feb to 21 Feb
RM114
RM138 total
20 Feb - 21 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Surakarta. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Danar Hadi and Radya Pustaka Museum are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (113 reviews)
I like to staying in this place very nice people.

Reviewed on 29 Aug 2025

Novotel Solo
The Royal Surakarta Heritage - Handwritten Collection

The Royal Surakarta Heritage - Handwritten Collection

5 out of 5
Jalan Slamet Riyadi No. 06 Surakarta Central Java
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM112 per night from 21 Feb to 22 Feb
RM112
RM136 total
21 Feb - 22 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Surakarta. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Mesjid Agung and Gede Market are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (167 reviews)
It’s our third times staying at Heritage for the last 6 years love the location, friendly staff and great breakfast. It’s good to know the hotel is practicing eco system. My disappointment was there is no hand towels and extra toilet paper(I have to request them). The bath M

Reviewed on 20 Dec 2025

The Royal Surakarta Heritage - Handwritten Collection
ibis Styles Solo

ibis Styles Solo

3 out of 5
Jalan Gajah Mada 23 Surakarta Central Java
The price is RM85 per night from 3 Mar to 4 Mar
RM85
RM103 total
3 Mar - 4 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Surakarta. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Radya Pustaka Museum and Danar Hadi are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (103 reviews)
Perfect place for transit.......... Pool is delightful Bubur Ayam for breakfast 😍

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

ibis Styles Solo
FIM by Zigna

FIM by Zigna

3 out of 5
31 Jl. Yosodipuro Surakarta Jawa Tengah
Stay at this spa hotel in Surakarta. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Nakamura Klinik and Mangkunegaran Palace are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
The hotel is an excellent place to stay. The hotel itself is not special or fancy, but it is well-run, clean, and located in the center of Solo. The breakfast buffet is excellent, the restaurant is good, and the hotel also has a nice cafe with an outside seating area. They featured life music at ...

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

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FIM by Zigna
Comfort Centre Residence Solo

Comfort Centre Residence Solo

2 out of 5
Jalan RM. Said Surakarta Jawa Tengah
The price is RM62 per night from 9 Mar to 10 Mar
RM62
RM75 total
9 Mar - 10 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Surakarta. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Nakamura Klinik and Mangkunegaran Palace are located ...
Comfort Centre Residence Solo
Loji Hotel Solo by Wstay

Loji Hotel Solo by Wstay

3 out of 5
Jl. Hasanudin 134, Surakarta Surakarta Central Java
The price is RM57 per night from 18 Feb to 19 Feb
RM57
RM68 total
18 Feb - 19 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Surakarta. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Nakamura Klinik and Mangkunegaran Palace ...
7/10 Good! (17 reviews)
The room and bed were big and comfortable, but no fridge and no safebox. Breakfast was really good, though. The hotel is very close to the Balapan train station, which is nice. It’s a decent budget place, but what makes me unable to recommend is because how dangerous the roads are around the hotel. ...

Reviewed on 12 Sept 2025

Loji Hotel Solo by Wstay
See all 277 properties in Solo City Centre
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.

Other neighbourhoods around Solo City Centre

At the museum no photos are allowed which is really unfortunate as it was well worth the visit and the guided tour is definitely not to be missed. In the museum there are even Batik made from the Dutch era which depicts stories like Little Red Riding Hood and Snow White! I enjoyed the tour v much and at the end of the tour we were brought to this room where the artisan were working on hand drawn batik. Below is an excerpt from Wikipedia for anyone interested in learning more about the process of batik making. Firstly, a cloth is washed, soaked and beaten with a large mallet. Patterns are drawn with pencil and later redrawn using hot wax, usually made from a mixture of paraffin or bees wax, sometimes mixed with plant resins, which functions as a dye-resist. The wax can be applied with a variety of tools. A pen-like instrument called a canting (IPA: [tʃantiŋ], sometimes spelled with old Dutch orthography tjanting) is the most common. A canting is made from a small copper reservoir with a spout on a wooden handle. The reservoir holds the resist which flows through the spout, creating dots and lines as it moves. For larger patterns, a stiff brush may be used. Alternatively, a copper block stamp called a cap (IPA: [tʃap]; old spelling tjap) is used to cover large areas more efficiently. After the cloth is dry, the resist is removed by scraping or boiling the cloth. The areas treated with resist keep their original color; when the resist is removed the contrast between the dyed and undyed areas forms the pattern. This process is repeated as many times as the number of colors desired. The most traditional type of batik, called batik tulis

Banjarsari

If you're spending some time in Banjarsari, Solo Paragon Lifestyle Mall and Balekambang City Park are top sights worth seeing.

Banjarsari

Solo City Centre

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