Solo

For solo travel, see Travelling alone.

Solo the short name for Surakarta, is a major city in Central Java. Together with Yogyakarta, these two great cultural centres are heirs of the Mataram kingdom that was split in 1755. Both centres are good bases for trips to nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites like the temple complexes of Borobudur and Prambanan.

Understand

Solo lies some 100 km (62 mi) south of Semarang and some 60 km (37 mi) east of Yogyakarta. As the 'twin' brother of Yogyakarta, this city looks much like the latter. But because Solo is not a provincial capital, this city has preserved much of its Javanese character. This also means that Solo is less touristy than Yogyakarta. The town is a centre of art and education and offers some good shopping. It is said to be the least westernised city in Central Java.

The formal name for the city is Surakarta. Less formal but widely used is Solo. From time to time you may see it written as Sala. This is because of a pronunciation quirk in Javanese that means final and penultimate -a are pronounced -o as in hot.

History

Historically, the Kasunanan Kingdom was the true heir of the Mataram Sultanate which ruled all of Java from the 16th century to the late 17th century. In 1745 the Sultanate moved its court to Solo. However, by the end of the 18th century it suffered from internal court intrigues, rebellions and foreign manipulation by the Dutch East India Company (VOC). In 1755 the Sultanate split, with the Kasunanan Kingdom ruled by the reigning sovereign (Pakubuwono II) based in Solo and the Yogyakarta Sultanate, led by the rebel prince Mangkubumi (later Sultan Hamengkubuwono I), in Yogyakarta. In 1757, another rebel prince, Raden Mas Said, formed the Mangkunegaran Principality, motivated by disappointment with the king, who had collaborated with the VOC. During the following Dutch colonial rule the kingdoms, called Vorstenlanden (Land of the Princes) in Dutch, enjoyed a certain degree of autonomy and were recognized as vassal states of the Dutch empire.

Like Yogyakarta, Solo is one of the few Indonesian cities that is still ruled by a traditional monarch, in this case known as the Susuhunan. The current Susuhunan of Solo is Pakubuwono XIII, who has reigned since 2004.

Culture

Wayang puppet or shadow puppet

Solo is a centre of Central Javanese culture, notable for performances of wayang kulit (shadow puppet plays) and wayang wong (tales from the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics performed by actors on stage), accompanied by the traditional gamelan orchestra.

Population

Today's Solo is a bustling economic centre of around 550,000 people, with 800,000 including suburbs.

Climate

The weather in July and August is hot and humid, with temperatures up to 33 °C (91 °F). Humidity levels are normally between 75% and 100%.

Tourist information

• 1 Tourist Information Centre, Jl Brigjend Slamet Riyadi, Sriwedari, Laweyan (in the Radya Pustaka museum complex.), ☏ +62 271 711435. (updated Nov 2017)

Talk

The languages primarily spoken in Surakarta are Javanese and Indonesian. Public signs are written in Indonesian, occasionally with English, and occasionally with Javanese script. English is not widely spoken, although hotel and airline staff generally speak an acceptable level of English.

Get in

By plane

Solo International Airport Interior

• 1 Adisumarmo International Airport (SOC  ^IATA) (14 km (8.7 mi) north of the city). Direct flights from Jakarta (one hour), Bali (one hour) or Kuala Lumpur (two hours).  

One-way flights from Jakarta cost around Rp 500,000. Up to 20 flights per day from Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta and Halim Perdanakusuma airports operated by Garuda, Citilink, Lion Air, Batik Air, and Nam Air.

Getting into the city

• Bus — the rapid transit bus Batik Solo Trans goes to the city centre, calling at the train and bus stations. It operates daily from 06:00-18:00 and costs Rp 20,000 per trip. It departs about every 20 minutes.
• Taxi — there is a fixed fare service, booked at the taxi counter. Name your destination, pay, and you will be assigned a taxi.
• Airport Train — The train goes from the airport to the main station Solo Balapan for 20 minutes. Ticket costs Rp 7,000.

By train

Stasiun Solo Balapan

Surakarta is almost midway between Jakarta in the west, Yogyakarta in the south, and Surabaya in the east. Train from either Jakarta or Surabaya takes 6-8 hours, while a commuter train from Yogyakarta only takes 1.5 hours. Semarang is the northern metropolis from Solo, and it's around twice as far as Yogyakarta.

You will arrive into one of Solo's four railway stations:

• 2 Balapan Station (Stasiun Kereta Api Solo Balapan), Jl Wolter Monginsidi No. 112, Kestalan. Solo's largest station, opened in 1873. Mainly serves the executive and business class services, as far as Jakarta in the west and Surabaya in the east, including Argo Lawu, Argo Dwipangga, Bima and Gajayana from Jakarta, Lodaya from Bandung, Argo Wilis and Turangga between Bandung and Surabaya and Sancaka from Surabaya. Serves a limited number of economy and commuter trains, including the southern line from Jogja. (updated Nov 2017)
• 3 Purwosari Station (Stasiun Kereta Api Solo Purwosari), Jl Slamat Riyadi No. 502, Laweyan. Serves economy and commuter trains running on the southern line through Jogja and Purwokerto on to Cirebon, Bandung and Jakarta to the west, and Blitar, Malang and Surabaya in the east. Built in 1875. (updated Nov 2017)
• 4 Jebres Station (Stasiun Kereta Api Solo Jebres), Jl Ledoksari No. 1, Purwadiningratan. Serves all trains, of whatever class, that use the line north to Semarang. (updated Nov 2017)
• 5 Kota Station (Stasiun Kereta Api Solo Kota), Jl Sungai Sambas, Sangkrah. A small station only serving the commuter line to Sukoharjo and Wonogiri to the south. (updated Nov 2017)

Yogyakarta and Solo are connected by the KRL commuter train. In Solo, it stops at Balapan and Purwosari stations. There are eleven trains every day in each direction. A one-way trip costs Rp 8,000. To ride the train, you can use a refillable multi-trip card that can be purchased at a ticket counter or vending machine at the station for Rp 30,000 (initial balance contains Rp 10,000). The multi-trip card is also valid for KRL commuter trains in Jakarta. Electronic money or bank-issued prepaid cards are a better alternative, as any credits are also usable for purchases at major retailers and convenience stores, the toll road, parking, and other public transportation (MRT and Transjakarta in Jakarta). Bank Mandiri's e-money or e-toll card, BCA's Flazz, BNI's tap-cash, BRI's BRIZZI, or Bank DKI's JakCard, are obtainable at the respective banks and minimarts such as Alfamart and Indomaret.

By bus

Solo's Tirtonadi bus station

You will arrive at:

• 6 Tirtonadi Bus Terminal (Terminal Tirtonadi), Jl A. Yani, Gilingan. In the centre of town, close to the Balapan train station. Services from across Java, and beyond. It is connected to the Balapan railway station by a pedestrian bridge. (updated Nov 2017)

From Jepara, multiple companies have minibus to Solo like Bejeu and Rimbaraya. about Rp 120,000, 5h duration, multiple times a day but if after ferry, only departure around 17:45.

By car or motorcycle

• From Semarang/Salatiga/Boyolali via national route 16, go to Kartasura or Surakarta.

• From Jakarta via the Trans-Java Toll Road, then exit towards Solo.

Get around

The city's main avenue, Jalan Slamet Riyadi has pavements (sidewalks) courtesy of Mayor Jokowi (who is now the president of Indonesia). On Sundays, it is closed to traffic between 06:00 and 09:00 for various leisure activities for the town's citizens. Many hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and tourist attractions are on this street. At the end of the street is the entrance to the alun-alun (palace square) and the royal palace complex.

Because it is still quite small, travelling within Solo is relatively easy, but quickly getting frustratingly slow due to the weight of traffic.

By ride-hailing app

Go-jek and Grab are all active in Solo. It is worth getting an Indonesian SIM card with data, to allow you to use the apps. It is also good to have a little Indonesian or Javanese, as the driver will normally call you after taking the job, to confirm your location.

By taxi

Taxis are cheap, and you can book for the whole trip. You can negotiate for the price. Ask at your hotel reception if they can arrange one for you. Taxis are available on the airport and train stations.

Flagfall for the first kilometre is Rp 5,500 and Rp 3,750/kilometre. Minimum payment Rp 25,000 for order by phone.

Their phone numbers are:

• Kosti Solo, ☏ +62 271 856300. 
• Solo Sentral (or Central), ☏ +62 271 728728. 
• Bengawan, ☏ +62 271 734666. 
• Gelora, ☏ +62 271 7004999. 
• Sakura, ☏ +62 271 644194. 
• Angkasa, ☏ +62 271 781315. 
• Mahkota Ratu, ☏ +62 271 655666. 
• Aravia, Jl Kratonan, ☏ +62 271 636468. 

By bus

Batik Solo Trans, the only scheduled bus that serves the inner city. It goes to and from the airport and along Jl Slamet Riyadi.

The Batik Solo Trans (BST) bus network is subsidized by the local government, and is the cheapest transport in town, Rp 4,500. There are eight corridors.

By car

Driving in Indonesia is rarely rewarding, especially in Java. Either opt with a taxi or rent a driver to easily navigate within the city.

Charter with driver

• Citra Persada, Jl Pagelaran 69-B, ☏ +62 271 780433. 
• Riz, Jl Dr Rajiman 354., ☏ +62 271 742926. 
• Solo, Jl Yosodipuro 38, ☏ +62 271 7076610. 
• Yan, Jl Sriwijaya 11 RT 002/03, ☏ +62 271 717541. 

By becak, ojek and andong

Becak drivers in front of Pasar Gede

These pedicabs, motorcycle taxis and horse-drawn carriages are found across the city, and used for short journeys. Becaks and andongs are also popular for leisure jaunts. The ojek ride-sharing service, such as Go-jek and Grab, are available in Solo, with booking through an app.

See

Kraton complex

The Kasunanan Palace, or Keraton. The clock tower is called Panggung Songgobuwono

• 1 Northern alun-alun (Alun-alun lor). Large open field associated with the royal palace. A favourite place for walking, jogging, hanging out during free time. Usually has food stalls. Best times of the day are early morning, late afternoon or in the evening. Closed for renovation until further notice at May 2024. (updated May 2024)

Mangkunegaran Palace. Also called Pura Mangkunegara

• 2 Keraton Kasunanan (Karaton Surakarta Hadiningrat). Palace of the Pakubuwono Kings. A large and beautiful palace built in 1675 that combines traditional Javanese and classical European styles. Facility: museum, art and cultural centre. Domestic Rp 35,000, international Rp 60,000, camera professional Rp 50,000. Guide included. (updated May 2024)
• South Alun-alun (Alun-alun kidul). the King's ground. Closed for renovation until further notice at May 2024. (updated May 2024)
• 3 Museum Keraton (Palace's museum). (updated Mar 2021)
• 4 Puro Mangkunegaran. Palace of the Mangkunegara Princes. A beautiful palace built in 1757 with an awe-inspiring main audience hall. Facility: museum, art and cultural centre. Entry fee: Rp 20,000 for domestic tourist, Rp 50,000 for international tourist, photo fee Rp 3,500. Guide included, tip expected. (updated Apr 2024)
• Pamedan Mangkunegaran, or the Mangkunegara's ground.

Museums

• 5 House of Danar Hadi (Danar Hadi batik museum), Jl Slamet Riyadi No. 261, ☏ +62 271 714326. 09:00-16:00. The 10,000-piece collection of batik magnate Santosa Doellah, the owner of Batik Danar Hadi, said to be the biggest in Indonesia. A variety of batik from different cultural influences and periods: Javanese, Chinese, Indian and colonial Dutch. An interesting piece is the Dutch-influenced "Snow White" and "Little Red Riding Hood" batik, which depict fairytale scenes. Adjacent is a batik shop and the Soga Café. Behind the museum is a workshop where you can see the process of batik making from start to finish. The building is a 19th century mansion of a Javanese noble family, called Ndalem Wuryaningratan with an architectural style that combines traditional Javanese and classical European styles. About an hour visit. Photos/videos not allowed. Rp 35,000 including a guided tour in English, Student Rp 15,000. (updated May 2024)
• 6 National Press Monument (Monumen Pers Nasional), Jl. Gajah Mada No. 59, ☏ +62 271 712734, +62 271 710118, fax: +62 271 716008, mpn@mail.kominfo.go.id. 09:00-15:00. A monument and museum to the national Indonesian press. Formally established in 1978, more than 20 years after it was first proposed, the complex consists of an old society building, which was constructed in 1918 and used for the first meeting of the Reporters Association of Indonesia (Persatuan Wartawan Indonesia, or PWI), as well as several subsequent expansions; it is listed as a Cultural Property of Indonesia. The National Press Monument has a collection of over a million newspapers and magazines, as well as a variety of exhibitions and artefacts related to the history of the press in Indonesia. Facilities include a multimedia room, free-to-read newspapers, and a library. (updated May 2024)
• 7 Radya Pustaka Museum, Jl Slamet Riyadi No. 275. Tu-Su 09:00-15:00. Various cultural and historical artifacts including Hindu-Buddhist sculptures, wayang kulit (leather puppet), kris (Javanese daggers) and old texts. (updated Nov 2017)
• 8 Sangiran Early Man Site Museum (Museum Purbakala Sangiran), Kalijambe, Sragen, Krikilan, Kabupaten Karanganyar (16 km (9.9 mi) north of Solo.), ☏ +62 271 681-1463. 07:30-16:00. The museum is very clean, luxurious, modern, air-conditioned, and professionally built. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an archeological treasure trove of fossils and remnants from the prehistoric era. The most important discovery however was the skeleton of the Java Man (Pithecanthropus erectus) an important predecessor of the modern human. The site contains a museum housing the archaeological finds as well as an archaeological park. (updated Nov 2017)
• 9 Pabrik Gula Colomadu (Colomadu Sugar Factory), Jl Adi Sucipto 2-12, Paulan Wetan, Malangjiwan, Kec. Colomadu, Kabupaten Karanganyar. Tu-Th 11:00-18:00, F-Su 10:00-21:00. This sugar factory was built in 1861 and was turned into a museum in 2018 after 20 years of neglect. The museum contains old machines used to process sugarcane into sugar. Rp35,000. (updated Mar 2021)

Historical buildings and monuments

• 10 Fort Vastenburg (Benteng Vastenburg). An 18th-century Dutch fort. It is a square shaped fort with four bastions, surrounded by 6 meter high bearing wall and dry moat. The main function of the fort was to house the resident (colonial administrator) and the Dutch East Indies garrison for the region of Central Java. Closed until further notice at May 2024. (updated May 2024)
• 11 Taman Monumen 45 Banjarsari (Villa Park Banjarsari). This park was a horse racing ground. The area surrounding the park was turned into villas for Dutch plantation workers. Monumen 45 was built on November 10, 1976 on the park grounds to commemorate the Four-Day General Assault which happened on the park from August 7 to August 10, 1949. (updated Mar 2021)

Religious buildings

• 12 Tien Kok Sie Temple (Wihara Sudiroprajan, Klenteng Sudiroprajan, Vihara Avalokiteśvara), Jl RE Martadinata No.14, Sudiroprajan (to the south side of Pasar Gede). Temple combining elements of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism (sometimes known as tridharma), built in 1745. (updated Jul 2015)
• 13 Masjid Agung Surakarta (Solo Grand Mosque). The royal mosque of the Surakarta Sunanate. It was built by Sunan Pakubuwono III in 1763. (updated Nov 2017)
• 14 Sahasra Adhi Pura (Pura Sonosewu), Sonosewu, Wirun, Mojolaban, Sukoharjo Regency (5 km (3.1 mi) southeast of Solo), sahasraadhipura@gmail.com. A new Javanese Hindu temple and Kundalini yoga centre with 50 miniatures of sacred sites from around the world. Offers Ganesha fire meditation M and Th at 17:00. 

Parks

Wayang Wong in Taman Sriwedari

• 15 Taman Sriwedari, Jl Brigjend Slamet Riyadi No.275, Sriwedari, Laweyan, ☏ +62 852 5948-9703. Watch classical Javanese theatre in the form of shadow play wayang kulit or wayang wong performed by actors on a stage at this amusement park. Tales from the Hindu epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata, accompanied by a live gamelan orchestra. Also has a children's playground and a food court serving Javanese food. (updated Nov 2017)
• 16 Jurug Zoo. Facility: zoo, aquarium. (updated Nov 2017)
• 17 Taman Balekambang (Balekambang Park). Closed until further notice at May 2024. (updated May 2024)

Events

Solo holds numerous events and festivals every year. Listed below are major, routine events which showcase the city's unique value (exact date and venue may vary, but the information shown would be quite close to assume future events)

Chinese New Year Celebration

Solo Batik Carnival, an annual summer carnaval

Solo Batik Fashion, an annual open air fashion show

Event	Date	Venue
Sekaten and Grebeg Mulud	Every Rabbi' al-awwal month of the Islamic calendar)	Kraton Kasunanan Royal Palace Northern Courtyard (alun-alun lor). A week-long festival to commemorate the birthday of prophet Muhammad. Noted for its distinct Javanese elements and pasar malam.
Solo Great Sale	February	Various stores, shopping malls, and services across the city
Imlek and Grebeg Sudiro	Chinese New Year	Pasar Gede Hardjonagoro. A festival to celebrate the new year of lunar calendar. The grebeg is the accompanying parade showing Chinese variety arts and models of mountain made of foods which will be fought over by people attending the event
Solo Karnaval	February	Jl Slamet Riyadi
Festival Jenang Solo	February	Jl Ngarsopuro
Solo 24 Jam Menari (Solo Dances for 24 Hours)	April	Indonesia Institute of Arts (Institut Seni Indonesia/ISI)
Solo Keroncong MusicFestival	July	Fort Vastenburg
Solo Batik Carnival	June	Fort Vastenburg
Solo City Jazz Festival	September	Various locations across the city
Solo International Performing Arts (SIPA) festival	September	Fort Vastenburg
Kirab Malam Satu Suro	Islamic New Year	Kraton Kasunanan Royal Palace and Pura Mangkunegaran Palace
Indonesia International Mask Festival	October	Location varies every year
Rock in Solo	Held in October or November	Location varies every year

Do

• Mandi lulur A traditional skin-care done by rubbing special spices to the skin to exfoliate it. Very relaxing. Many hotels offer this service. Or ask your hotel reception for a reputable place.
• Sepoor Kluthuk Ride in an old train, with stops at Loji Gandrung and Kampung Batik Kauman, costs about Rp 100,000. Check the schedule at the Tourist Information Centre.
• Masangin (masuk antara dua beringin = passing two ficus trees). This simple and fun game is held at South Alun-alun (Sultan's square). The participant is blindfolded and he/she must walk straight to pass two ancient ficus trees. Even though it sounds like an easy task, most participants usually fail. After that, you can go to the food stalls around the corner, relax a bit and have a sip of warm Wedang Ronde (ginger drink).
• Sunday Morning at Solo Car Free Day (or Solo CFD), every Sunday, the wide main boulevard of Slamet Riyadi in Solo is crowded with thousands of people doing all sort of things. Wake up early at 5-7AM and head to the Slamet Riyadi to do a bit of exercise. After that, you can taste many kind of foods sold by stalls there. The menu includes Liwet Rice, Bubur Ayam (Chicken Porridge), and Soto. Don't forget to check the batik stalls nearby.
• Becak or Andong ride, take a short trip around the town using Becak or Andong cart.
• Shop at Traditional Market, witness local habits by visiting Solo's traditional market such as Pasar Gede and Pasar Klewer.
• Reflexology, achieve soothing experience by having a short reflexology massage.

Buy

Batik

The gate of Pasar Klewer

You can buy anything made with batik in Solo, in fabrics from silk to cotton. Hand drawn batik (tulis) is more expensive than those made using 'stamp' (batik cap).

• 1 Pasar Klewer (Klewer Market), Jl. Supit Urang, Baluwarti, Kec. Ps. Kliwon, (by the west gate of the northern alun-alun.). A traditional market for textiles, mostly batik. Make sure to haggle. (updated Nov 2017)
• 2 Pusat Grosir Solo (Solo Wholesale Centre) (near the Keraton and Pasar Klewer). 5-stories of clothing and batik at competitive prices. (updated Nov 2017)
• Batik Danar Hadi, Jl. Dr. Rajiman No.164, Kemlayan, Kec. Serengan, ☏ +62 271 644126. 
• Batik Keris, Desa Cemani Selatan Laweyan, ☏ +62 271 721217. 
• Batik Semar, Jl Laksda Adisucipto 101, ☏ +62 271 722937. 
• Kampung Batik Laweyan, Jl. Dr. Rajiman Laweyan. 
• Kampung Batik Kauman (near Kraton Kasunanan). The batik products of Kauman village are made from natural silk and weaving silk materials, and premmisima cotton. 

Antiques

• 3 Pasar Triwindu (Triwindu Market). Slightly overpriced, but you can find some pretty interesting things here. (updated Jul 2015)
• Windujenar. A popular antique market in Solo. Beware of counterfeits but, if you look carefully, you might find an item from the palace. (updated Nov 2017)
• Ngarsopuro Saturday Night Market, Jl Slamet Riyadi. Night Market with beautiful lamps. Located at the same place with Windujenar above. (Only open every Saturday night)

Traditional markets

Pasar Gede, kind on your wallet and your shoes

• 4 Pasar Gede (Pasar Gede Harjonagoro), Jl Urip Sumoharjo, Sudiroprajan (opposite the city hall (Balaikota)). All day, every day. In contrast to some wet markets, this one is quite dry underfoot, and the smell isn't too bad. Great for browsing, to see the variety of goods and foodstuffs that are traded. The building was designed by Thomas Karsten and opened in 1930. Look out for roasted cashewnuts at good prices. If going by taxi or bécak, ask for (PAH-sar GUH-day). You can continue your sightseeing at the Tien Kok Sie Chinese temple on the southern side of the market. (updated Nov 2017)

Malls

The older malls are in the centre of town:

• 5 Solo Square, Jl Slamet Riyadi No. 451. (updated Nov 2017)
• 6 Solo Grand Mall, Jl Slamet Riyadi No. 313. (updated Nov 2017)
• 7 Solo Paragon Mall, Jl Yosodipuro 133. Including Hotel and Apartment (updated Mar 2021)

The newer and more upmarket malls are in the southern expansion area for Solo, Solo Baru, including 8 Hartono Mall, Jl Raya Solo Baru. (updated Mar 2021)

• Solo Center Point, Jl Slamet Riyadi 373. Computer Market with Condotel by Aston
• Singosaren Plaza, Jl Gatot Subroto
• Luwes Mall, Jl Veteran
• Ratu Luwes, Jl S. Parman
• Sami Luwes, Jl Honggowongso
• Gading Luwes, Jl Veteran
• 9 Beteng Trade Center (next to Pusat Grosir Solo). (updated Mar 2021)

Eat

The food of Solo can be typified through the use of frying, coconut milk, and a mix of sweet and savory flavours. Some dishes may be plant-based (e.g. pecel) but being vegetarian cannot be guaranteed due to the widespread use of shrimp paste (terasi). The selection of meat available, and the preparation, will be based on halal precepts. Solo's culinary life is 24 hours, with some stalls only opening at 02:00 and being sold out by 05:00. Nasi Liwet, similar to "Nasi Uduk" from Jakarta or West Java, is rice cooked in coconut milk. Jl Keprabon is famous for it, particularly Bu Lemu.

Solo offers a rich varieties of snacks, from dry: (onde-onde ceplus, kripik cakar, kripik paru, kerak nasi goreng) to keleman (fresh snack) (solo, wajik, jadah, kue ku, lapis, cara bikang). Sosis Solo is chopped beef with spices wrapped in a thin egg pancake. You can find many varieties of traditional fresh snacks in Pasar Gede.

For those that need it, there are fast food outlets, Kentucky Fried Chicken on Jl Jend A Yani, McDonalds on Jl Dr Rajiman, Pizza Hut on Jl Slamet Riyadi and Oishi Bento in Solo Grand Mall.

Budget

Galabo, an open-air night market

• Galabo Night Food Court (near Beteng Trade Center/Pusat Grosir Solo), ☏ +62 271 656406. after 18:00. Street of food vendors. Hundreds of tables under umbrellas. Closed if raining. Orders are placed with the food vendor and they bring it to your table. 
• Kusuma Sari, Jl Yos Sudarso 81, ☏ +62 271 656406. Good food and reasonable price. Try the guava juice. 
• Wong Solo, Jl Brigjen Slamet Riyadi 299, ☏ +62 271 713931. 
• Ayam Tim Goreng Bu Better, Jl Raya Palur 229, Palur Kulon, ☏ +62 271 826019. 

Soto is a sort-of clear soup made from vegetables, spices, chicken or beef. You can find various kinds of soto in Solo:

• Soto Bangkong, Jl Dr Rajiman 536 RT 002/05, ☏ +62 271 707-3924. Branch of famous restaurant in Semarang 
• Gading, Jl Brigjen Katamso 75, ☏ +62 271 665526. 
• Kendit, Jl RM Said 227 RT 001/06, ☏ +62 271 712952. 
• Kuali, Jl Beteng Bl D/6, ☏ +62 271 657261. 
• Prawit, Jl Kapt P Tendean 172, ☏ +62 271 722653. 
• Bakmi Jawa Padmasari, Jl Pulanggeni no 46, Tipes, ☏ +62 271 730364. Bakmi Jawa are fried or soupy noodles found across Java. Traditionally cooked on a charcoal stove (anglo) to give it the distinctive taste. Approximately Rp 12,000. 

Sate buntel

• 1 Sate Kambing-Buntel Pak H. Kasdi, Jl. Monginsidi No.107, Kestalan, Banjarsari (across from Solo Balapan Railway Station), ☏ +62 815 483 00095. Try Sate buntel, a type of satay made from minced mutton wrapped in goat fat and then grilled. Originating from Solo. Start from Rp 25,000. 
• Timlo Solo, Jl Jend Urip Sumoharjo 94, ☏ +62 271 646180. Timlo is made from seasoned chicken liver, eggs and fried pastry with meat filling (sosis Jawa). Approx Rp 50,000. 
• Timlo Sastro, Jl Kapt Mulyadi 28, ☏ +62 271 654820. 
• Tirai Bamboe, Jl Ronggowarsito62, ☏ +62 271 668738. Go early for dinner. It can be full by 19:00. 

• Gudeg Margoyudan (Gudang Ceker), Jl Wolter Monginsidi. 01:00-05:00. Gudeg is worth a try in Solo, even though the gudeg of Jogja is acclaimed as being the original and best. Gudeg from Jogja is considered drier and sweet, while that from Solo is saltier with more sauce. This one is very popular and often crowded. (updated Nov 2017)
• Adem Ayem, Jl Slamet Riyadi 342, ☏ +62 271 712891. 
• 2 Serabi Notosuman Nyonya Lidia (Mrs Lidia's Serabi Notosuman), Jl Mr. Moh. Yamin No.28, Jayengan, ☏ +62 271 651852. 06:00-17:00. Serabi are pancakes made from rice flour and coconut milk. Extremely popular as oleh-oleh carry-home gifts, but are much better eaten warm from the shop. There are many versions including with chocolate sprinkles. This is the original shop for this brand, but there are branches across Central Java and beyond. (updated Nov 2017)
• 3 Mie Toprak Gading Yu Sri, Jl. Veteran No.89 Joyosuran Ps. Kliwon, ☏ +62 822 258 49875. 07:00-15:00. Mie toprak is a specialty noodle dish from Solo. 
• Nini Thowong, Widuran
• 4 Selat Solo Tenda Biru, Jl. Dr. Wahidin No.26, Purwosari, Laweyan, ☏ +62 821 366 59775. 08:00-21:30. A specialty dish of Solo, selat Solo, veggies, meat, and egg in gravy. (updated Nov 2022)
• 5 Pasar Gede, Jl. Jend. Urip Sumoharjo, Sudiroprajan, Jebres. Eat some traditional Solo food such as cabuk rambak, rice cake with special sauce and crackers, also brambang asem kangkung, water spinach dish with gembus (Javanese tofu dregs). (updated Mar 2023)

Mid-range

• Soga Restaurant & Lounge, Jl Slamet Riyadi 261, ☏ +62 271 727020. 11:00-22:00. In the House of Danar Hadi complex. This is a proper casual dining restaurant, the cuisine offered is a blend of traditional Javanese as well as some western/Dutch colonial cuisine. Dishes are presented elegantly and the atmosphere is grand and cosy, with colonial antiques and batik decorating the interior as well as TVs. Live piano and music every night. An alternative to the street food culture prevalent in Solo. The food is moderately priced and delicious, 
• 6 O Solo Mio, Jl Sutowijoyo No.9 (opposite the Novotel), ☏ +62 271 734714. 11:00-23:00. Wood-fired pizza. 
• Diamond, Jl Brigjen Slamet Riyadi 392, ☏ +62 271 715007. 
• Orient, Jl Brigjen Slamet Riyadi 397, ☏ +62 271 714963. 

Drink

Dawet: coconut milk, palm sugar and little green jelly things

Because of Islamic dietary laws, most eating places do not offer alcohol, and only few licensed hotels and restaurants will offer national and international brands of beer and wines. Solo's local alcohol is called ciu, a local adaptation of Chinese wine, made from rice. Drink it at your own risk.

The folks of Solo love sweet drinks combining natural fruits with coconut water or coconut milk, and palm sugar. Dawet (known as cendol in West Java and Jakarta) adds little green jelly worms into the mix. Usually served with ice.

Gempol plered is made from coconut milk with rice flour balls, with a sweet and slightly salty taste.

Sleep

Budget

• Arini (Hotel Syariah Arini Solo), Jl. Slamet Riyadi No.361, Purwosari, Kec. Laweyan, ☏ +62 271 716525, +62 271 739214. Approx Rp150,000. (updated May 2024)
• Kusuma, Jl Rajiman No. 374, ☏ +62 271 712740, +62 271 726153. Approx Rp 180,000. 
• Istana Griya, Jl KH Dahlan No. 22, ☏ +62 271 632667, rudi_istanagriya@tripod.com. 18 room homestay minutes from the public bus station. Standard, deluxe and suite in Solonese architectural style. Very friendly staff. 
• Mandala Wisata, Jl Perintis Kemerdekaan No. 12, ☏ +62 271 712270. A few minutes from the airport. A/C, TV, hot/cold water, and free wifi. Approx Rp200,000. 
• Omah Gading Guesthouse, Cluster Gading Regency D2, ☏ +62 271 799-3904. Cable TV, kitchen with cooking appliances and family rooms. Approx Rp450,000 for a house with 2-3 A/C bedrooms. 

Mid-range

• 1 De Solo Boutique Hotel, Jl Dr. Sutomo No. 8-10, ☏ +62 271 726788, fax: +62 271 714887, desolohotel@tahoo.com. 19 rooms and suites. 20 min to the airport, 15 minutes to Balapan train station or Tertonadi bus station. From Rp 500,000. 
• 2 Ibis Hotel, Jl Gajah Mada (next to Novotel), ☏ +62 271 724555, fax: +62 271 724666. 3 star. (updated Dec 2016)
• 3 Novotel, Jl Slamet Riyadi No. 272, ☏ +62 271 724555, fax: +62 271 724666, reservation@novotelsolo.com. 4 star. Business centre, meeting rooms and a ballroom. Outdoor swimming pool and fitness centre, massage therapy and a restaurant and bar. Close to shopping centres, traditional markets, buses and trains close by. 
• 4 Riyadi Palace Hotel, Jl. Slamet Riyadi 335, ☏ +62 271 717181, +62 271 713300. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. 3 star. Rp 220,000. (updated Feb 2022)
• 5 Rumah Turi Eco-Hotel, Jl Srigading II No. 12, Turisari (close to the northeast corner of Solo Paragon Mall), ☏ +62 271 736606, fax: +62 271 712928, sales@rumahturi.com. The region's first green boutique hotel steeped in modern minimalist style. Winner of the ASEAN award for energy efficiency. Has a no smoking/no noise/no food policy in the elevated pendopo on the roof with soft teak floor, for use as a meditation space, for yoga practice or relaxing. 
• 6 Kusuma Sahid Prince Solo, Jl Sugiyopranoto No. 20, ☏ +62 271 646356. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. 4 star. 
• 7 Sahid Jaya Solo, Jl Gajah Mada 82, ☏ +62 271 644144. 4 star. Next to Mangkunegaran Palace.  
• 8 Sunan Hotel Solo (previously the Quality Inn Solo), Jl Ahmad Yani No. 40, ☏ +62 271 731312, fax: +62 271 738677, info@thesunanhotelsolo.com. 4 star with coffee shop, meeting room, music room, fitness centre, and Japanese restaurant. 5 km (3.1 mi) from the Pasar Klewer, 15 minutes from the airport and five minutes from Balapan station. Business, conference and banqueting facilities. 127 rooms including a presidential suite, two suites, eight junior suites, 14 executive business rooms and 102 deluxe rooms.  

Splurge

• 9 Alila Solo, Jl Slamet Riyadi No. 562, ☏ +62 271 677-0888. 5-star hotel and the tallest building in Solo. Rp 1,000,000. (updated Dec 2016)
• 10 Baron Indah Hotel, Jl Dr Radjiman No. 392, Laweyan (behind Solo Grand mall), ☏ +62 271 729071, info@baronindahhotel.com. 27 standard and 10 deluxe rooms, free airport transfer, spa, free wi-fi in the lobby and restaurant, business centre, meeting rooms. Rp462,000. 
• 11 Lorin Solo, Jl Adisucipto No. 47, ☏ +62 271 724500, fax: +62 271 724400, sales@lor-in.com. A 5-star hotel close to the airport. Spa. Rp 1,000,000.  
• 12 Roemahkoe Heritage Hotel, Jl Dr Rajiman No. 501, Laweyan, ☏ +62 271 714024, info@roemahkoe.com. Bijou boutique hotel in a former wealthy batik merchant's house, built in 1938, in the Laweyan batik district. Set behind walls on a busy road, the splash of fountains helps to deaden the noise of traffic. (updated Oct 2017)

Connect

The local area code for Solo is 0271.

Internet

There are many internet cafes which offer access to the internet. Some hotels provide wifi in the lobby. There is free wifi on Jl Slamet Riyadi.

The 24-hour Indomarts and Alfamarts sometime offer free wifi and charging points, but can be a little noisy.

Cope

Emergency

• Ambulance, ☏ 118. 
• Police, ☏ 110. 
• Solo Police HQ., Jl. Adisucipto 2, Manahan, ☏ +62 271 712600. 
• Surakarta Police station, Jalan Slamet Riyadi 376, ☏ +62 271 740683, +62 271 713003. 

Hospitals with 24 hr emergency room (Ruang Darurat)

• Regional General Hospital Dr. Moewardi (RSUD Moewardi), Jl. Kol. Sutarto 132. Jebres, ☏ +62 271 634634.  
• RS Dr. Oen I, Jl. Brig Katamso No 55, ☏ +62 271 643139, fax: +62 271 642026. 
• RS Dr. Oen II, Komplek Perum Solo Baru, ☏ +62 271 620220, fax: +62 271 622555. 
• Kasih Ibu General Hospital (RSU Kasih Ibu), Jl. Slamet Riyadi no, 354, ☏ +62 271 714422, fax: +62 271 717722.  
• Panti Waluyo Hospital (RS Panti Waluyo), Jl A. Yani No. 1, ☏ +62 271 712077.  
• Brayat Minulya General Hospital (RS Brayat Minulyo), Jl Dr Setiabudi 106, ☏ +62 271 716646, fax: +62 271 727309, rsbmslo@indosat.net.id.  

Services for handicapped people

Solo has a long history of supporting handicapped people, and was designated as the host of ASEAN Paralympic Games 2011. It has handicap-friendly bus stops and walkways, something rare in Indonesia, and is home to the Dr. Soeharso Hospital, a centre for Training on Rehabilitation for Physically Handicapped Persons, which shares information with other developing countries.

Smoking

Smoking in government buildings is banned in Solo.

Go next

• Prambanan temple complex is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia. It lies 50km to the west, just before entering Yogyakarta.
• Yogyakarta (old spelling: Jogjakarta) is a more tourist city located close to Solo. The easiest is by car, or charter a taxi (approx. 90 - 120 min) depending on traffic. Taking the train can also be an option, the KRL commuter train leaves frequently during the day (usually catering for the commuter workers) from Solo Balapan and Purwosari Station. The ticket costs Rp 8,000 one way. The train ride is about one and half hour with around 10 stops in between Solo-Jogja, including to Prambanan. The last stop will be in Tugu Station in Yogyakarta right on the northwestern side of Malioboro.
• Borobudur Temple Compounds is a series of three Buddhist temples, most famous of them is Borobudur Temple, which is a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist monument comprises six square platforms topped by three circular platforms and is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. The main dome, located at the center of the top platform, is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside perforated stupa. A particularly scenic route would be to travel through the Selo and Ketep Pass in Boyolali, located between Mount Merapi and Mount Merbabu with breathtaking views of both mountains and directly to Magelang, without going through Yogya. The whole journey should take around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours with a rented or private car.
• Tawangmangu, a hill station located on the slopes of Mount Lawu, a dormant volcano that straddles the border between Central Java and East Java. It is an hour drive from Solo, and is a popular weekend getaway for the Solonese. Tawangmangu is also famous for its natural scenery, with waterfalls (Grojogan Sewu and Jumog Waterfall) and breathtaking views. For those who are not faint-hearted, it is also possible to climb to the top of Mount Lawu (3,265 m) from Tawangmangu, which is a 7 hours hike to the peak. Located near Tawangmangu, Candi Sukuh and Candi Cetho are atmospheric Javanese-Hindu temples built in the 15th century, high on Mount Lawu. Candi Sukuh is 900m above sea level, and Cetho is higher still at 1,500m.
• Mount Merapi, an active volcano looming over the city.
• Wonogiri, see the largest dam in Central Java, Waduk Gajahmungkur.
• Semarang, the largest city north of Solo. Located in the same province, and the seat of province capital of Central Java.
• Jakarta, Bandung to the west. Located in West Java.
• Surabaya, Malang to the east. Located in East Java.
• Bali to the east of Surabaya. Travel by plane, or rent a car from Surabaya.