Temple

For most tourists heading to Yogyakarta, Borobudur Temple is the main attraction and often the main reason for visiting the city or even the whole of Indonesia. Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is indeed a world-class monument. You’ll get the most out of Borobudur only when you climb right up onto the temple structure itself, amongst the stone reliefs, stupas and statues of the Buddha. That is precisely why it is important to choose…

Temple

Along with Borobudur Temple, this is one of the most famous sights in the whole of Indonesia and should be a ‘must-see’ when visiting Yogyakarta. Although these are quite touristy places, we definitely recommend visiting both of these famous temples. Prambanan is a 9th-century Hindu temple complex; as well as the main temple, the site also features the smaller temples of Sewu, Bubrah and Lumbung, all of which are accessible with a single ticket…

Palace, Museum

Right in the city centre, you will find the Sultan’s Palace, Keraton Yogyakarta – often written as Kraton– whose full official name is ‘Keraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat’. The Keraton is effectively a city within a city; within its walls you will find people’s homes, a market, shops, a mosque and schools. Some of the people living within the Kraton are employees of the Sultan. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Yogyakarta" https://www.booking.com…

Fortress, Museum

Originally a Dutch colonial fort, Vredeburg has been converted from a military site into the Museum of the Struggle for Independence. The fort was built in 1787 and completely rebuilt following the earthquake of 1867. The name translates as ‘Fortress of Peace’, which refers to the peaceful coexistence of Dutch colonial rule with the local sultan. [btn "The best hotels near Malioboro" https://www.booking.com/city/id/yogyakarta.en.html?aid…

Palace

Gedung Agung is one of the 6 presidential palaces located in Indonesia, and as such serves as the residence of the president when he is in Yogyakarta. As the former capital during the struggle for Indonesian independence, Yogyakarta enjoys a privileged position and the President stays here for several weeks a year. [btn "Best hotels near Malioboro" https://www.booking.com/city/id/yogyakarta.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-yogyakarta-vredeburg] …

Archaeological site, Mosque, City Quarter, Cemetery

Kota Gede was once the capital of the ancient Islamic kingdom of Mataram and, as such, is a wonderful place to explore ancient Javanese architecture and its unique layout. Today, Kotagede is also known, amongst other things, as the ‘silver village’, and many locals will try to entice you into their silver shops. Where to go in Kotagede? The most interesting place is undoubtedly the Great Mosque, surrounded by the tombs of the Mataram kings. …

Monument

The Tugu Monument is about a 30-40 minute walk from the Kraton Palace along Jalan Malioboro and then Jalan Margo Utomo, which connects to the main street. The Tugu Monument is at its best after dark when it is beautifully lit up. [btn "Book a hotel in Yogyakarta in advance" https://www.booking.com/city/id/yogyakarta.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-yogyakarta-tugu] The monument is one of the icons of the city and is the most important place in…

Temple

If after Borobudur and Prambanan you still don't feel that you've had enough of temples, the Buddhist temple of Candi Plaosan located just a kilometre from Prambanan is certainly worth a visit. Plaosan was built in the 9th century as a symbol of the union of two rival families through a marriage between a prince from the Hindu Sanjayan dynasty and Queen Sri Kahulunnan of the Buddhist Sailendra dynasty. [btn "Show cheapest hotels in Yogyakarta"…

Palace, Lookout, Archaeological site

Just 3.5 kilometres from Prambanan lie the ruins of Ratu Boko Palace. Thanks to its hilltop location, you can take stunning photos of this archaeological site from here, and it also offers the best views of the sunset in the whole of Yogyakarta. [btn "Book a hotel in Yogyakarta now" https://www.booking.com/city/id/yogyakarta.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-yogyakarta-ratuboko] The Ratu Boko archaeological complex contains many remains of buildings…

Palace, Castle

The Taman Sari Water Castle was the site of the royal gardens and a favourite retreat for the sultan and his family, who still reside in the Keraton, 2 km away. Today, Taman Sari is open exclusively to tourists, and all its areas are accessible. In our opinion, it is one of the most beautiful places in Yogyakarta itself, and we definitely recommend including Taman Sari in your plans. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Yogyakarta" https://www.booking…