The Ultimate 3 Days 2 Nights Yogyakarta Itinerary: What To Do, See and Eat

Yogyakarta, or Jogja as it’s lovingly known is one of the most fascinating cities in Indonesia. This bustling university town is also the cultural heart of the country attracting artists and bright minds from across the land. Its proximity to some of Java’s most famous sights makes it a great base to explore the island from. However, with its burgeoning café culture, vibrant food scene and rich history, there are also plenty of reasons to linger. Follow my Yogyakarta itinerary to get the most out of your visit!

---

The Ultimate  3D/2N Yogyakarta Itinerary: What to Do, See and Eat

Day 1 (morning)

Explore the Kraton

At the heart of Yogyakarta is the Kraton – a huge walled palace complex that’s been home to Jogja’s Sultans for centuries. You can wander around the main palace compound, check out traditional Javanese architecture and some museum exhibits on the history of Yogyakarta. The Golden Pavilion (Bangsal Kencana) is particularly impressive and there are daily cultural performances too. I watched a gamelan (traditional Javanese music) performance but there is puppetry, Javanese dancing and even poetry readings too! These are all included in your ticket.

Entrance Fee: 15,000 IDR plus 1,000 IDR camera permit

Hours: 08:30 – 14:00 Saturday to Thursday, 08:30 – 13:00 Fridays

Visit the Taman Sari Water Castle

Just a short walk from the Kraton are the former royal gardens of the Sultan of Yogyakarta. While not much of the 18^th century compound has survived, the highlight is undoubtedly the bathing complex. Once you walk through the ornamental gates, you’ll find yourself next to the private pools used by the Sultan and his family. The complex is surrounded by buildings including the tower from which the Sultan liked to observe his wives and concubines. The place is popular with tourists but is well worth visiting! I spent a while here partly because I found myself getting interviewed by local university students about my travels (if you are not Indonesian, expect a LOT of attention in Java – the locals are super friendly).

Entrance Fee: 15,000 IDR

Hours: 09:00-15:00

Discover an underground mosque

Technically part of the Taman Sari complex, it’s easy to miss the underground mosque (Sumur Gumuling) as it’s not that well signposted. Originally built on a small island, it was only accessible by underwater passages. Today, it’s a bit easier to explore its surreal web of entrances, staircases and platforms. It’s mysterious and really looks like something you would see in Game of Thrones but the throng of tourists takes away a bit of its magic. Try and get here first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Entrance Fee: 15,000 IDR (includes entry to Taman Sari Water Castle)

Hours: 09:00 – 15:00

Day 1 (Lunch)

Try a signature Jogja dish

A visit to Yogyakarta offers a chance to try some traditional Indonesian food with a local spin. One of the most famous dishes is the gudeg – an authentic Javanese jackfruit curry. There are plenty of places in the city to sample this spicy and fragrant dish. Wijilan Street, which runs just to the east of the Kraton has a multitude of warungs and street stalls selling Gudeg. I recommend Gudeg Yu Djum Wijilan 167 or Gudeg Wijilan Bu Widodo. Almost every doorway on the street is a Gudeg restaurant so there are plenty of options! These places are also great for cooling down with an iced coffee during the hottest time of the day!

Day 1 (Afternoon)

Prambanan

Along with Borobudur, Prambanan is one of the must-see sites in and around Yogyakarta. The UNESCO-listed Hindu temple complex was also built in the 9^th century and is the largest in Indonesia. Remains of 244 temples are said to be scattered around the site much of which has been destroyed by earthquakes and looting over the centuries. What remains, however, is well worth seeing. The main courtyard contains candis (temples) and smaller shrines you can wander around and even enter. The main ones are dedicated to gods Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma and are absolutely stunning.

Prambanan can get extremely busy but very few explore the outer reaches of the complex. I suggest you make the effort to see the further-afield Candis Lumbung, Bubrah and Sewu which are incredible but practically devoid of tourists. Coming late in the day helps too and you may want to time your visit to catch the sunset.

Entrance Fee: 337,500 IDR (adults), 202,500 IDR (students and children)

Opening Hours: 06:00 – 17:00

Combo ticket for both Prambanan and Borobudur is 520,000 IDR

Day 1 (evening)

Stroll along Malioboro Street

Jalan Malioboro – Yogyakarta’s busiest shopping street – is a kilometre long and is bustling 24 hours a day. You can find pretty much anything along its length, from crafts and souvenirs to street food stalls and live entertainment. There is also some interesting colonial architecture along the street. It does get pretty crowded but is worth walking down at least once to experience it. You can catch a bus or taxi from Prambanan direct to Malioboro after sunset to catch the street at its most vibrant.

Day 2 (Morning)

See in the sunrise at Borobudur

Words can’t really describe the experience of watching the sunrise at Borobudur. Watching the sun come up over the mountains in the distance among the stupas of the 9^th century temple complex is worth the early start. Borobudur is the largest Buddhist monument in the world and exploring its spectacular platforms, terraces and stupas is a special experience. The UNESCO-listed site does get crowded but is an absolute must-see.

Entrance Fee: Tickets to Borobudur aren’t cheap but worth every cent. Tickets cost 450,000 IDR and can be booked through your accommodation in Jogja or locally. The price includes entry to the site from 4:30 am, a torchlight and a light snack after the visit. If you don’t want to see the sunrise from Borobudur (you really do), the entrance fee is 325,000 IDR. If you are going to be visiting both Borobudur and Prambanan, it’s worth considering a combo ticket (520,000 IDR).

Day 2 (afternoon)

Check out Jogja’s awesome art scene

Yogyakarta’s artistic streak is evident pretty much everywhere you go. Street art beautifully adorns walls, shopfronts, alleyways and even cars. Sculptures and public art spaces can be seen scattered around the city and galleries pop up in the unlikeliest of places. If art is your thing, you can happily lose a couple of days exploring Jogja’s vibrant art scene.

Walk between the twin banyan trees

Just south of the Kraton is a huge square with two massive beringin (banyan) trees. The legend goes that if a person can walk between the trees with their eyes closed, they will have good luck and prosperity. Those that fail are said to be impure of heart! The spot is popular with young people in the evenings when friends and couples come down to try their luck at the challenge or just relax with food from nearby stalls and live entertainment.

Day 2 (Evening)

Try authentic Javanese satay

Java is considered by many to be the birthplace of satay. The delicious grilled meat skewers you can find here are really a cut above. Just off Jalan Prawirotaman is the Sate Bar 81. You really haven’t tasted satay until you’ve eaten here! The friendly Dutch owner knows Javanese cuisine inside out and can recommend everything from sides to sauces! The freshly-made fruit juices are amazing too!

Day 3 (Morning)

Hike Mount Merapi

Gunung Merapi (translated as Fire Mountain) is the most active volcano in Indonesia and Yogyakarta is a great base for visiting it. Hiking up to the 2930 m summit can be challenging – it can take six to eight hours – but is well worth the effort for the amazing sunrise views. It was one of my favourite experiences in Indonesia and I definitely recommend it. It really does live up to its name too – it erupted just three weeks after I stood at the top! It’s pretty easy to book a tour through your accommodation or various travel agents in Jogja. Get ready for an early start though!

Day 3 (Afternoon)

Cafe hop around Prawirotaman

After catching some sleep after your hike, it’s time to make up all those calories you’ve lost! And what better way to do it than exploring Jogja’s vibrant cafe scene.

One of Yogyakarta’s trendiest areas is located on and around Jalan Prawirotaman. In close proximity to hotels and guesthouses, it does attract a few tourists but many locals also choose to hang out here. There are loads of cool cafes, like Lotus Mio which has a great selection of coffee and cakes. Il Tempo del Gelato has some of the best gelato EVER and the throngs of locals, tourists and celebrities that flock here seem to agree. Move On is a hip coffee shop/craft beer bar hybrid and is one of the coolest spots in the area. They have an extensive western menu too so if you are missing home, this is a great place to visit. The interior is stylish and there is a great vibe throughout the day.

This area has some trendy shops, bars and live music venues so it’s well worth exploring in the evenings!

Day 3 (Evening)

A perfect way to end your day – and your Jogja stay – is with a relaxing massage. You’ve definitely earned it today and there are a few places that will help soothe those aching muscles. I got a whole body massage at Rest and Relax Spa Massage & Reflexology – if you are staying at Ostic House (see below), they’ll even arrange a free transfer to the front door!

---

Where to Stay in Yogyakarta

Ostic House has to be one of my favourite hostels in the whole of Asia! Its location south of the Kraton makes it a good base to explore the city from and it’s also close to plenty of great cafes and restaurants along Prawirotaman. Dorms start from 100,000 IDR (£5/$6.70) including breakfast. The staff are some of the most attentive you will ever meet – they will help you book tours, activities and onward travel. Really can’t fault this place!

---

Getting To and Around Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta Adisutjipto International Airport is conveniently located about 6 km (3.7 miles) from the city centre. There are regular domestic flights to and from Jakarta and Bali as well as international flights.

Yogyakarta’s main train station is also a popular way to arrive to the city. Trains serve key cities like Jakarta, Surabaya and Banyuwangi and are a great way to explore the rest of Java. If you are heading to Mount Bromo or Kawah Ijen, you can easily continue your journey from here. The station is also commonly referred to as Tugu station. You can book tickets for travel around Indonesia on reliable and easy-to-use Tiket.com.

Jogja is pretty walkable (depending on where you are staying) but it’s easy and cheap to take a taxi. Arrange one through your accommodation or use the popular Grab app (like Uber) to get around quickly.

---

Pin it for later:

• 

•