Prambanan Temple
One of the most iconic landmarks in Jogja is the magnificent Prambanan Temple. Located around 17 km northeast of Yogyakarta, this incredible Hindu temple complex dates back to the 9th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the key highlights include the soaring 47-meter-high central building inside the complex, as well as the statue of Durga Mahisasuramardini depicting the goddess Durga slaying the bull demon.
Address: Jl. Raya Yogyakarta – Solo Km 16, Kranggan, Prambanan, Klaten, Central Java
Opening Hours: 6 AM – 5 PM daily
Ticket Price: IDR 30,000 (US$2.50) per person
Borobudur Temple
The world’s largest Buddhist temple, Borobudur Temple is another must-visit attraction when in Jogja. Built between AD 750 and 842, this magnificent temple complex features over 2,700 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. Some of its main highlights are the breathtaking sunset views and the chance to learn about Buddhist teachings as you walk through this massive monument.
Address: Magelang, Borobudur, Central Java
Opening Hours: 6 AM – 5 PM daily
Ticket Price: IDR 40,000 (US$2.70) per person
Malioboro Street
Located in the heart of Yogyakarta, Malioboro Street is the city’s most famous street. Stretching over 1.5 km long, the street is packed with hundreds of shops, street food carts, and becomes a popular gathering spot in the evenings. It’s one of the best places to shop for souvenirs, sample local cuisine, and experience the lively urban energy of Jogja.
Address: Malioboro Street, Yogyakarta, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 24 hours daily
Sultan Palace (Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat)
Within the royal historic core of Yogyakarta lies the magnificent Sultan Palace, home to the reigning sultan of Yogyakarta. Built in 1756, this grand palace exemplifies traditional Javanese architecture with its vibrant pavilions and ornate carvings. Visitors can tour sections of the palace grounds and see artifacts from past royal ceremonies.
Address: Jl. Rotowijayan No. 1, Panembahan, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55132
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 2 PM daily (closed on national holidays)
Ticket Price: IDR 15,000 (US$1)
Taman Sari Water Castle
Constructed in 1758, Taman Sari was a royal garden and leisure park built for the Sultan. This unique water castle features remnants of towers, underground tunnels, and pools that exemplify ancient Javanese engineering. Visitors can explore the ruins of this palace and admire its mixed architectural styles spanning across Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese, and Javanese influences.
Address: Jl. Taman No. 1, Panembahan, Kecamatan Kraton, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55131, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 3 PM daily
Ticket Price: IDR 15,000 (US$1)
Gembira Loka Zoo
Founded in 1956, Gembira Loka Zoo is Indonesia’s oldest zoo and a beloved local attraction in Yogyakarta. Home to over 351 species, key highlights of the zoo include the Komodo dragon habitat, orangutan sanctuary, elephant show, and reptile exhibits featuring crocodiles and snakes. It’s a fantastic family-friendly activity for animal lovers of all ages.
Address: Jl Kebun Raya No.2, Rejowinangun, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55143
Opening Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM daily
Ticket Price: IDR 25,000 (US$1.70) per person
Merapi Volcano
Towering 2,911 meters above sea level, Mount Merapi is an active stratovolcano located 28 km north of Yogyakarta. Visitors can join organized Jeep tours up the mountain for unforgettable views of its smoldering crater. For a safer way to admire this volcano, head to Kaliurang or Kemiren for breathtaking vistas of Merapi.
Address: Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Opening Hours: Jeep tours available daily
Parangtritis Beach
Located 25 km south of Yogyakarta, Parangtritis Beach is a gorgeous sandy beach along the Indian Ocean coastline. Popular activities here include swimming, sandcastle building, fishing, and watching an incredible sunset over the horizon. Many locals believe the mystical legend that Nyai Rorokidul, the Queen of the South Seas, dwells here.
Address: Parangtritis, Kretek, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Jalan Malioboro Street Food Tour
No trip to Yogyakarta is complete without sampling iconic local street food along the bustling Malioboro Street. Must-try bites include Gudeg Yogya (a sweet jackfruit stew), Angkringan (grilled foods like satay), and classic Javanese snacks like Geplak (a coconut pancake) and Bakpia (bean-filled pastry). Go on an evening food tour to feast on these and many more dishes!
Kotagede
Just 6 km south of Jogja lies the historic district of Kotagede, once the capital of the Mataram Kingdom in the 17th century. Today, Kotagede is famed for its traditional Javanese houses and silver handicrafts. Visitors can explore the narrow lanes, browse the artisan shops and see silver smiths at work, and admire the important 16th century Masjid Agung Kotagede mosque.
Address: Kotagede, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, Indonesia
So there you have it, 10 incredible places in Yogyakarta that are worth adding to any Indonesia itinerary. With its UNESCO temples, natural landscapes like Merapi Volcano, centuries-old royal palaces, beaches, local cuisine, and handicrafts shopping, Jogja offers wonderful diversity for all types of travelers. Plan your trip soon to this cultural and artistic hub of Indonesia!