Top Tour in Solo City & Surround

1. Keraton Surakarta Hadiningrat (Royal Palace of Solo)

• What to see: The main palace of the Surakarta Sultanate, with Javanese architecture, cultural relics, royal heirlooms, and historical photos.
• Tip: Wear modest clothing; guided tours available.

2. Pura Mangkunegaran

• What to see: Another royal residence, smaller but rich in culture and art collections (gamelan, keris, batik).
• Highlight: Evening performances and cultural shows.

3. Pasar Klewer

• Why visit: The largest textile market in Solo, famous for affordable Batik Solo and traditional fabrics.

4. Ngarsopuro Night Market

• When: Saturday & Sunday nights.
• What to find: Street food, souvenirs, and live performances.

5. Sriwedari Park & Wayang Orang Theater

• Highlight: Traditional wayang orang (human puppet drama) performed regularly.

6. House of Danar Hadi (Batik Museum)

• Details: A world-class batik museum with thousands of rare collections.
• Good for: Learning batik-making techniques.

 Nature & Surroundings (Near Solo)

7. Tawangmangu (on Mount Lawu) – 1.5 hours from Solo

• What to see: Cool mountain air, pine forests, waterfalls (Grogo Sewu).
• Activity: Hiking trails and scenic views.

8. Cetho Temple & Sukuh Temple (Mount Lawu slopes)

• Cetho Temple: A Hindu temple with terraced architecture and mystical atmosphere.
• Sukuh Temple: Often called “the erotic temple,” with unique carvings resembling Mayan pyramids.

9. Kemuning Tea Plantation

• Location: Near Tawangmangu.
• Activities: Walks among tea fields, tea tasting, and photo spots with mountain views.

10. Sangiran Early Man Site – UNESCO World Heritage

• Highlight: Archaeological museum with fossils, hominid skulls, and prehistoric collections.

11. Grojogan Sewu Waterfall

• Details: Popular waterfall destination with monkeys and trekking paths.

 Shopping in Solo

• Pasar Gede – Traditional market, good for snacks, spices, and kitchenware.
• Solo Grand Mall & The Park Mall – Modern shopping centers.
• Triwindu Market (Pasar Antik) – Antiques, vintage items, old coins, and wayang puppets.

 Culinary Highlights (Must-Try Foods in Solo)

• Nasi Liwet Solo – Rice with coconut milk, chicken, and chayote.
• Serabi Notosuman – Traditional pancake with coconut and chocolate toppings.
• Tengkleng – Spicy goat soup with bones.
• Timlo Solo – Clear soup with chicken, sausage, and egg.
• Wedangan / Angkringan – Traditional street stalls serving tea, coffee, and snacks.
• Gudeg Ceker Solo – Sweet jackfruit stew with chicken feet.

 Cultural Events

• Sekaten Festival (Maulid Nabi) – Gamelan, markets, and cultural rituals.
• Solo Batik Carnival – Parade with flamboyant batik costumes.
• Wayang Kulit Performances – Traditional shadow puppetry at cultural centers.