Yogyakarta, a city on the island of Java, briefly served as Indonesia’s capital from 1946–1948. These days, it’s far better known for its rich cultural heritage, incredible food scene, and some of the coolest Buddhist and Hindu temples you’ll ever see. Headed to Java? I highly recommend carving out a couple of days for this immensely interesting place.

Below is my suggested itinerary for about 2-ish days in Yogyakarta.

Day 1: Borobudur and Prambanan Temples

Most tours bundle these two UNESCO sites into one long day, and I’d absolutely choose that route. It’s timed perfectly, avoids transport hassles, and lets you make the most of your time.

For reference, I booked a GetYourGuide tour starting at 9am, lasting around 8 hours. While this is certainly a pricier option (around $95),  it included transport, guides, entrance fees, and hotel pickup/drop-off. If you’re short on time or don’t want the hassle, this option is worth it for the convenience alone.

Borobudur Temple:

Built in the 9th century, Borobudur is the largest Buddhist structure in the world and home to 504 Buddha statues, each carved from a single stone. The carvings are intricate, the views are stunning, and the atmosphere feels almost otherworldly.

A guide is required to climb the temple itself (included with your ticket), but you’re free to explore the grounds independently. Upon the start of the tour, you’ll be given slippers/sandals to wear while walking on the temple stones (these help preserve the structure). You’ll also get a cloth bag for your shoes. Both are yours to keep as souvenirs at the end of your visit!

Keep in mind:

• It’s very hot and sunny, so remember to bring a hat, sunscreen, water etc.
• No shorts, shoulders should be covered.
• The guided portion is about 1 hour.
• Borobudur is about 1-1.5 hours away from Yogyakarta (if you are not going on a day tour, I suggest booking a private driver).
• If going independently, book tickets in advance as there are limited daily spots.
• Price: 400,000 IDR (about  $25).

Prambanan Temple:

Prambanan is a massive Hindu complex, the second largest in Southeast Asia after Angkor Wat. It’s a maze of towers, shrines, and carved stones all holding stories. While a guide isn’t required, I’d recommend one to get a deeper understanding of what you’re seeing. 

After a tour or self-guided walk, make sure to take in the temple’s facade and observe the many people visiting and praying by the temple. We were lucky enough to end our day close to sunset and got to watch the sky change colors behind the stones.

Keep in mind:

• It is about 30 mins-1 hour away from Yogyakarta.
• Price: 37,000 IDR (about $25).
• A “Continuity Package” is offered for both temples at $45, you do not need to visit both in 1 day!
• No shorts, shoulders should be covered.

Evening: Malioboro Street & Alun-Alun Kidul

After the temples, head back into town for a stroll down Malioboro Street, Yogyakarta’s bustling main strip filled with shops, cafés, and endless street food. Consider taking a food tour near this area to learn more about the local cuisine, or try your hand at a self-guided food tour and try everything that looks good!

Not far from Marlboro Street, check out Alun-Alun Kidul (Alkid) – a lively square glowing with neon pedal cars and buzzing with families and street vendors. In the center are two banyan trees tied to a local myth: if you walk between them blindfolded, your wishes will come true. You’ll see plenty of people giving it their best shot (and plenty of blindfolds to rent nearby)!

Food to Try in Yogyakarta

For a self-guided food tour, I suggest kicking things off with Kopi Joss, or charcoal coffee – a true Yogya specialty. Yes, this drink is literally topped with a fiery piece of charcoal. The idea is that the coal helps neutralize the coffee’s acidity, making it easier to drink and even soothing on the stomach. Once you get your cup, let the charcoal sit for a minute or two, fish it out, and enjoy. Javanese coffee is already something special, but this extra Yogya twist is definitely worth trying. As a general rule of thumb for coffee in Java, be prepared for a layer of coffee grounds at the bottom of your cup, I wasn’t quite used to that part!

Other local foods to seek out:

• Gudeg– a sweet stew made with jackfruit, coconut milk, and spices often served with rice, chicken, and/ or boiled egg
• Bakmi Godog– a rich soup with boiled noodles
• Satay– grilled meat skewers
• Ayam Goreng– fried chicken
• Ayam Bakar– grilled chicken
• Nasi Goreng– an Indonesian fried rice dish
• Pepes– various fillings that are seasoned with spices and wrapped in a banana leaf before being steamed

If opting for a market/ street food vibe, make sure to get the full experience and grab a spot on a mat on the floor – be sure to remove your shoes first! 

And for added fun grab a ride back to your hotel on a becak, a local rickshaw-style mode of transportation found along most busy streets. (Note Grab or Gojek are app alternatives to grab a ride in Yogyakarta, I suggest price checking between the two!)

Day 2: Exploring Yogyakarta City

Day 2 is dedicated to the heart of Yogyakarta itself.

The city is the only region in Indonesia still ruled by a hereditary monarch. The Sultan of Yogyakarta also serves as the region’s governor, a unique arrangement that stems from the royal family’s support during Indonesia’s fight for independence.

The Kraton (Sultan’s Palace)

Located right in the city center is the Kraton, a complex that was built in the mid-18th century and encompasses a blend of Javanese architecture, royal pavilions, open courtyards, and family residences. Parts of it still function as the Sultan’s living quarters, while the rest operates as a museum showcasing royal regalia, traditional instruments, gifts from foreign leaders, and artifacts tied to the region’s history. The Kraton is still used for political and ceremonial purposes but is open to visitors in the mornings – except Mondays. Unfortunately, Monday was my only day here, so we didn’t get to tour it, but I’d recommend making time if you can. A short guided visit gives you a deeper sense of Yogyakarta’s political and cultural identity. Plus, there are occasional rotating cultural performances that take place in the courtyard!

Taman Sari (Water Castle)

Just a short walk from the Kraton is Taman Sari, often called the Water Castle. Built in the 18th century, it served as a royal garden, bathing area, meditation space, and as a bit of a royal hideaway.

The complex is a mix of photogenic pools, arched gateways, quiet courtyards, and underground passageways. It’s easy to wander around taking in the pastel walls and turquoise pools. At the entrance there are local guides offering tours for a decent price (which we opted to take for a chance to learn more about the complex). 

Keep in mind:

• Expect about 1–1.5 hours to explore.
• A guide isn’t required, but local guides inside the complex offer short, inexpensive tours that add a lot of context.
• There is an underground mosque area that is worth a look.
• Open daily, but mornings are best before the heat kicks in.
• Entrance fee: generally inexpensive (a few dollars).

After visiting Taman Sari, spend the rest of the day wandering the surrounding neighborhoods – colorful alleyways, small art shops, and cafés tucked between historic homes. Our local guide included this part in his tour and took us to a cafe serving Javanese coffee and a store selling Batik prints (Batik is a popular, labor-intensive Indonesian textile art where hot wax is applied to fabric to create patterns). 

Evening: Yogyakarta’s Anniversary Parade

We happened to visit during Yogyakarta’s 268th anniversary, and the entire city came alive with celebration. The streets were packed; truly one of the busiest crowds I’ve ever been in. I tried to make my way closer to the action and quickly found myself wedged in a sea of people, unable to move. It was a little overwhelming, especially since I don’t speak the language, but everyone remained patient and kind as we slowly shuffled down the sidewalk.

The anniversary parade itself is a huge point of pride for the city, featuring community groups, dancers, colorful homemade floats, and traditional performances. If you’re in town for it, I’d recommend finding a less crowded viewing spot and settling in early rather than pushing into the thick of the crowd like I did. From a comfortable distance, it’s a fantastic window into Yogya’s community spirit.

If you don’t land on a celebration, alternative activities include more street wandering and snacking your way through the different stalls, my favorite way to end a day!

General Tips:

• As mentioned, Grab and Gojek are the two ride-hailing apps to use for getting around.
• Always carry some Indonesian Rupiah, especially if you plan on buying street food or shopping at small stalls as many places are cash-only.
• Like much of Southeast Asia, expect immense heat and humidity so dress and plan accordingly!
• In terms of clothing, I felt more comfortable dressing a bit more modestly throughout my visit. Beyond the religious sites that require it, Yogyakarta is a Muslim-majority city where locals tend to dress conservatively.
• And finally, a visa is required for most travelers. You can apply in advance to skip lines at the airport, but a visa on arrival is also an option.

And there you have it – Yogyakarta’s highlights, neatly packed into two days that will leave you both inspired and satisfied. If you’re exploring Java further, you have to check out Mount Ijen and Mount Bromo… more on those coming next!