With the largest collection of Homo erectus fossils in the world (the bones of 70 individuals), Sangiran is an important archaeological excavation site…
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Solo
Arguably the heartland of Javanese identity and tradition, Solo has a distinct character determined by the city’s long and distinguished past. As a seat of the great Mataram empire, it competes with its great rival, Yogyakarta, as the hub of Javanese culture. In contrast with its more contemporary and cosmopolitan neighbor, however, conservative Solo is less interested in courting foreign tourists, resulting in a refreshingly authentic urban experience.
Few visitors stay more than one night, which is a pity as there is much to explore. With backstreet kampung (neighborhoods) and an elegant kraton (walled city palace), traditional markets and gleaming malls, Solo has plenty of attractions. It's also an excellent place to experience traditional performing arts, as it attracts students and scholars to its renowned music and dance academies.
With a magnificent batik museum, Solo is arguably the best place to buy batik clothing. Batik cloth here is elevated to an art form.
Explore Solo
- SSangiran Museum of Ancient Man
With the largest collection of Homo erectus fossils in the world (the bones of 70 individuals), Sangiran is an important archaeological excavation site…
- HHouse of Danar Hadi
Danar Hadi is one of the world's finest batik museums. The handpicked favourites from the owner's private collection (1078 pieces from a collection of 11…
- RRadya Pustaka Museum
This small museum occupies a grand old Javanese building. Dating back to 1890, it is the second-oldest museum in the whole of Indonesia and contains a…
- Kraton Surakarta
Once the hub of an empire, today the Kraton Surakarta, established in 1745, is a faded symbol of a bygone era. It’s worth a visit, but much of the kraton…
- MMangkunegaran Palace
Built in 1757, the Mangkunegaran Palace in the centre of Solo is still a royal residence. Some rooms are dedicated to a delightful palace museum devoted…
- MMesjid Agung
On the western side of the alun-alun, Mesjid Agung, featuring classical Javanese architecture, is the largest and most sacred mosque in Solo.
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Solo.
See
Sangiran Museum of Ancient Man
With the largest collection of Homo erectus fossils in the world (the bones of 70 individuals), Sangiran is an important archaeological excavation site…
See
House of Danar Hadi
Danar Hadi is one of the world's finest batik museums. The handpicked favourites from the owner's private collection (1078 pieces from a collection of 11…
See
Radya Pustaka Museum
This small museum occupies a grand old Javanese building. Dating back to 1890, it is the second-oldest museum in the whole of Indonesia and contains a…
See
Kraton Surakarta
Once the hub of an empire, today the Kraton Surakarta, established in 1745, is a faded symbol of a bygone era. It’s worth a visit, but much of the kraton…
See
Mangkunegaran Palace
Built in 1757, the Mangkunegaran Palace in the centre of Solo is still a royal residence. Some rooms are dedicated to a delightful palace museum devoted…
See
Mesjid Agung
On the western side of the alun-alun, Mesjid Agung, featuring classical Javanese architecture, is the largest and most sacred mosque in Solo.
Guidebooks
Learn more about Solo
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