Is Yogyakarta worth visiting?
Yes, you'll find numerous reasons to visit Yogyakarta, and it's a city that everyone should see. We had an amazing time here.
Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the amazing museums and attractions and fantastic shopping.
Yogyakarta is often called "Jogja" by locals. It's located on the island of Java and it is a rich cultural city that is filled with temples, palaces, and night markets. Visitors often use it as a base for exploring nearby Borobudur Temple.
Yogyakarta, Indnesia
6 Reasons to Visit Yogyakarta
1. Museums and Attractions
The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.
Kraton Yogyakarta is known for its traditional Javanese architecture and cultural performances. ($1.50)
2. Shopping
The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.
3. Food
It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.
4. Nightlife
With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.
5. Historical Sights
Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.
Taman Sari Water Castle is known for its royal bathing pools and unique architecture. ($1.50)
6. The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Yogyakarta might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Yogyakarta here or see if Yogyakarta is expensive here.
Is Yogyakarta worth visiting in the Summer?
The peak season for travel is summer in Yogyakarta, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open.
This is a great time of year to browse the museums, admire the historic sights, and enjoy an evening out.
Is Yogyakarta worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Yogyakarta. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to browse around the old town and spend time at the museums.
Is Yogyakarta worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Yogyakarta. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks, the cuisine, and the historic old town. Also, you can experience the nightlife.
Is Yogyakarta worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Yogyakarta, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. This is a great time of year to browse the shops, wander through the museums, and admire the historic sights. Also, you can enjoy the evening activities.
Things to Consider Before Visiting Yogyakarta
Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.
Not As Romantic
For couples, this destination does not have a great vibe for romance compared to other places.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
Related
What is Yogyakarta most famous for?
Yogyakarta is most famous for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. People visit this impressive city for its great museums and attractions and shopping. It's also known for food, nightlife, and historical sights. It is often described as cultural, historical, colorful, and youthful.
What is the most famous sight in Yogyakarta?
The most popular sight in Yogyakarta is Borobudur Temple. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Yogyakarta on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Borobudur Temple and other attractions here.
How touristy is Yogyakarta? Is it a popular city to visit?
Yogyakarta is a popular city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Borobudur: Village Tour with Pottery and Tofu Making: $30
- Borobudur-Merapi Jeep Tour & Pramban Temple Day Trip: $70
- FUN Cycling Tour De Temples: $27
- Temples and Bike Tours in the Village: $55
- Cycling Tour in Yogyakarta with Lunch 3-Hour: $45
- Yogya Customized Tour: $38
- Yogyakarta Cultural Tour : Borobudur Temple & Prambanan Temple: $67
- Yogyakarta City tour and Ijo Temple Sunset: $65
How long should I spend in Yogyakarta?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Yogyakarta is two to four days. Since Yogyakarta has a variety of activities such as museums and attractions and shopping, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Yogyakarta? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Yogyakarta?.
More Things to Do in Yogyakarta
- Is Borobudur Temple Worth Visiting?
- Is Prambanan Temple Worth Visiting?
- Is Pindul Cave Worth Visiting?
- Is Kraton Yogyakarta Worth Visiting?
- Is Taman Sari Water Castle Worth Visiting?
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Indonesia and The Best Wildlife Tours to Indonesia.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Expert Advice from Local Travelers
We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Yogyakarta.
How can you save money during your time in Yogyakarta?
The public buses were cheap, but we wanted to get around to some of the temples. Booking one of the tours was actually cheaper than a private driver, and the guides were really good too. Borobudur was so epic.
It's amazing how cheap everything is here. And if you eat street food and find a small family-run hotel, everything gets even cheaper. We stayed at a small hotel that was clean and friendly and it was amazing!
What was your favorite thing about Yogyakarta?
I loved the temples but the most surprising thing to do was the cave tours! The Pindul cave was so amazing because we went through the underground river on a tube. The Jomblang cave was also gorgeous, it was like being in another world. Don't miss either of them.