Visiting Yogyakarta (Jogja) as your travel destination in Indonesia might be an unforgettable experience. Known as a city rich in history, culture, and tradition, Yogyakarta is perfect for those who want to learn more about Indonesia. The city offers numerous historical sites such as the Keraton (Royal Palace), museums, and temples. Additionally, traditional art performances like the Ramayana Ballet, Wayang (shadow puppets), street arts, and others are held almost daily in Yogyakarta.
What about its natural attractions? Yogyakarta also boasts stunning natural beauty that rivals Bali and other destinations in Indonesia. In the northern part of the city, you can enjoy the refreshing atmosphere by exploring the slopes of Mount Merapi. There are plenty of exciting activities you can do while visiting Yogyakarta. Many visitors express a desire to return to this enchanting city after their first visit.
So, if you only have three days, where can you go in Yogyakarta? Here, I will outline a 3-day itinerary that allows you to explore historical sites, enjoy cultural performances, immerse yourself in nature, and even get some culinary recommendations as a bonus.
3-Day Yogyakarta Itinerary
Spending three days in Yogyakarta is enough to explore several attractions in the city center and its surrounding areas. All you need is a well-organized schedule to ensure your three days are enjoyable and not rushed.
Prioritize your destinations based on your interests, and pay attention to the distances between locations. This will help you plan everything from choosing accommodations and transportation to maximizing your time without getting exhausting.
Day 1: Explore History and Performances
Your first day in Yogyakarta can be a relaxed and enjoyable start to your trip. After a long journey, begin by checking in at your accommodation.
Lunch at Malioboro
Once you’ve settled in, take a Grab ride to Malioboro Street. Malioboro Street is a famous spot for buying unique Yogyakarta souvenirs and enjoying a fun shopping experience. If you plan to shop here, remember to bargain to get the best prices.
You can also try having lunch around this area, especially near Beringharjo Market, where you’ll find street food like Sate Kere and Pecel. You must try Bakpia, a traditional snack filled with mung beans.
If street food isn’t your thing, consider dining at The House of Raminten, located in Hamzah Batik which offers a variety of unique dishes. Personally, I recommend the Ayam Koteka, chicken cooked inside bamboo—it’s both delicious and memorable!
First Destination Sonobudoyo Museum
After lunch, head to your first destination, the Sonobudoyo Museum. Located south of the KM 0 landmark (towards the Yogyakarta Royal Palace), this museum showcases historical artifacts and other fascinating exhibits. You can even try your hand at batik-making (traditional Indonesian fabric) and enjoy many other attractions. Entry is affordable, costing only IDR 20,000 (USD 1,23) for international visitors.
In the evening, traditional art performances or wayang performances are held at the museum at 8 PM. Tickets are reasonably priced, starting from IDR 50,000 to IDR 100,000 (around USD 3,09 – USD 6,17).
This is the Wayang Panji Mask Show we attended last Friday at the Sonobudoyo Museum.
If you’re visiting with family, especially with kids, consider adding Taman Pintar to your list. It’s located near KM 0, very close to the southern end of Malioboro Street and Sonobudoyo Museum.
Evening at Prambanan Temple and Ramayana Ballet
In the late afternoon, visit Prambanan Temple to watch the Ramayana Ballet. Located in Klaten Regency, it’s just a 30-minute drive from Yogyakarta city center during light traffic. It’s advisable to book your tickets in advance, as they sell out quickly. You can book tickets online via Klook or Traveloka. Don’t buy them on Instagram where people offer tickets in comments, it’s a scam.
Opt for tickets that include the gala dinner—a slightly more expensive option, but well worth it for the experience.
The Ramayana Ballet is not held directly within the Prambanan temple complex but next to it, so if you want to visit Prambanan itself, make sure to arrive well before it closes. The Hindu temple of Prambanan is quite similar to the temples in Dieng, so if Dieng is already on your travel itinerary, you might consider skipping Prambanan to save time. This way, you can focus on other unique experiences during your trip.
Transportation Tip: To get to Prambanan, take the Trans Jogja Bus (route to Prambanan) and return using an online taxi. For more details on public transportation, check out our guide: Public Transportation in Yogyakarta
Day 2: Explore Attractions Outside Yogyakarta City
On your second day, you’ll likely feel refreshed after recovering from the long journey. This time, you can spend the whole day exploring areas outside Yogyakarta City. It’s highly recommended to rent a car with a guide/driver or rent a motorbike for the day.
For the second day, I prefer heading south to explore the beaches. There are over 10 beaches in the Gunung Kidul region, but of course, it’s impossible to visit them all in one day. Choose one or two beaches, as it takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the coast.
It’s best to start your trip early, around 6 or 7 AM, before the sun gets too hot and the waves grow bigger. Typically, the sea level rises around 2 PM, so be cautious if you decide to swim near the beach.
Read more about Exploring the TOP Beaches of Yogyakarta
For surfing enthusiasts, Wediombo Beach is the perfect choice with its steady waves. There’s also a hidden gem—a lagoon where you can swim. After enjoying Wediombo Beach, have lunch at one of the eateries nearby. Then, continue your journey to your next destination, Sadranan Beach, located about 30 minutes from Wediombo. Personally, it’s my favorite. I’ve been there several times to enjoy the beach, go snorkeling, or kayak.
However, if you’re up for more adventure, try snorkeling at Nglambor Beach or crossing to a small island using the gondola at Timang Beach.
Lastly, on your way back to the city, ask your driver to take the Indrayanti Beach route so you can enjoy the beach views. Stop to grab some fried shrimp or other seafood sold along the roadside near Indrayanti Beach.
When you return to your accommodation, freshen up and take a short rest before venturing out to enjoy the night. Here are three options for spending your evening:
- Grab a drink at one of the bars around Prawirotaman Street.
- Try Kopi Joss (charcoal coffee) and local street food from the angkringan (food stalls) near the Gedung Kedaulatan Rakyat in the northern part of Malioboro.
- Enjoy local delicacies around Alun-Alun Kidul (South Square).
Personally, I prefer the third option—enjoying the food and atmosphere around Alun-Alun Kidul. It’s just a 5-minute walk from where I stayed at Ndalem Diajeng. There, I can sip Wedang Ronde (warm ginger drink with various toppings), snack on street food, relax in the middle of the square, and ride the Odong-Odong (bling-bling car). There’s also a cozy coffee shop called Cerita Kopi, which has a traditional building concept, a cool atmosphere, and affordable prices.
Day 3: Learn History and Culture
On your last day, let’s spend the time comfortably and at a relaxed pace. Start your day a bit later, around 8:30 or 9 AM, allowing you to pack your belongings and enjoy breakfast.
Visit the Yogyakarta Royal Palace (Keraton)
On your third day, you can visit Keraton Yogyakarta. If you’re staying near Alun-Alun Kidul, it’s just a 15-20 minute walk via Jalan Wijilan. Using a map is helpful, as it will guide you through narrow alleys surrounded by old houses—a truly authentic experience.
At the entrance gate, you can buy a ticket for only IDR 25,000 (USD 1,54). Arrive between 9 and 10 AM to catch the cultural performances held inside the palace. You can also hire a tour guide to show you around for a tip of IDR 50,000 – IDR 100,000 (around USD 3,09 – USD 6,17). Plan to spend about 1 to 2 hours here.
Afterward, visit the Museum Kereta Kuda (Horse Carriage Museum) located just outside the palace. You don’t need a guide here, and a quick visit will suffice.
Taman Sari (Water Castle)
Next, head to Taman Sari, the former royal bathing complex. Once you leave the Keraton area, you’ll likely be offered a becak (pedicab) ride. The distance from Keraton to Taman Sari is only 13 minutes on foot or 9 minutes by becak. Choose whichever option you prefer, but make sure to clarify the price with the becak driver before starting the ride.
Enter Taman Sari through the Kenari Gate, located on the eastern side near the main bathing area. Tickets cost about IDR 25,000 (USD 1,54), and hiring a guide for IDR 50,000 – IDR 100,000 (around USD 3,09 – USD 6,17) is highly recommended. The guide will help you navigate the complex, which has many alleys and connects directly to local residences, making it easy to get lost.
Culinary Experience at Bale Raos
Before leaving the Keraton area, don’t forget to enjoy traditional royal cuisine at Bale Raos, located behind the palace. Along with savoring the food once served to the royals, you can also view the royal family’s collections displayed at Bale Raos.
Why Didn’t I Include Borobudur in This 3-Day Trip?
That was an overview of a relaxed 3-day, 2-night itinerary in Yogyakarta. Why I didn’t mention Borobudur?
Visiting Borobudur requires a long trip from Yogyakarta, and you need to leave early, especially if you plan to catch the sunrise. However, if you decide to skip the southern beaches, Borobudur can be a great destination for your second day, which you can follow up with a Lava Tour at the base of Mount Merapi.
Dive into our guides about Borobudur and the Merapi Lava Tour for detailed information.
Important Tip: I don’t recommend visiting Prambanan Temple and Borobudur on the same day. It would be extremely tiring unless you’re rushing to tick off all destinations quickly.
How Long Should You Stay in Yogyakarta?
Yogyakarta offers so many exciting activities that a 3-day trip might not be enough. Many visitors say they spend up to a week or more to fully explore and enjoy everything the city has to offer.
Beyond watching performances and learning about history, you can try fun hands-on activities like, batik-making workshops, crafting silver jewelry in Kotagede, playing Gamelan music, or cooking traditional food.
These activities are not only enjoyable but also give you the chance to interact with friendly locals.
If you extend your stay, you can explore Yogyakarta’s natural attractions, such as watching the sunrise over Borobudur, taking the Merapi Lava Tour, snorkeling in natural pools such as Umbul Ponggok, cave tubing at Pindul Cave, visiting Jomblang Cave, and many more outdoor adventures!
Staying longer in Yogyakarta is a great idea since everything here is very affordable. Taking your time allows you to truly immerse yourself in the city’s culture, history, and unique experiences.
If you’re short on time, a 3-day visit is perfect for covering the highlights, especially if you’re traveling around Indonesia. But for your next trip, consider spending more time in Yogyakarta to fully enjoy its charm, 5 days or even one week will be perfect.
Tips to Enjoy Your Vacation in Yogyakarta
To fully enjoy your journey in Yogyakarta, here are some tips for you to have the best experience while visiting Yogyakarta.
Avoid Visiting on Mondays
Many historical sites such as Keraton, Sonobudoyo Museum, and Taman Sari Water Castle are closed on Mondays. For a 3-day, 2-night trip, it’s best to start your journey on Thursday or Friday so you can fully enjoy all the activities around the city’s attractions.
Check Performance Schedules
If you’re interested in attending cultural performances at places like Sonobudoyo Museum, Prambanan Temple, or Keraton, visit their official Instagram accounts for up-to-date schedules and plan your visits accordingly, in order to experience all different shows.
- At Sonobudoyo Museum, you can enjoy different shows every evening, including Wayang Kulit (shadow puppets), Wayang Golek (wooden puppets), and Wayang Topeng Panji (Panji mask performances).
- At Keraton Yogyakarta, you can enjoy different shows in the morning, like Gamelan Show, Traditional dance show, Wayang Kulit and Ramayana Ballet.
- At Prambanan Temple, the famous Ramayana Ballet also features various legendary stories in its performances.
Where to Stay in Yogyakarta
Choosing accommodation in Yogyakarta can be quite challenging because the city offers a wide variety of options. From budget-friendly stays to luxurious hotels at surprisingly affordable prices, there’s something for everyone. What about the facilities? Many accommodations offer attractive amenities. However, it’s essential to pick a place that is strategically located for your plans.
During my recent visit to Jogja last week, I stayed at Ndalem Diajeng, located near the Alun-Alun Kidul (South Square). Its location was ideal—not too far from the city center, close to dining spots, yet quiet and pleasantly cool. The room rates were affordable and included breakfast.
Ndalem Diajeng was love at first sight! Check out my review to see why I think it’s the best budget homestay in Yogyakarta.
Apart from Alun-Alun Kidul, another great area to stay in Jogja is Prawirotaman. Although it’s slightly farther from the city center, this area offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury to budget-friendly options. Prawirotaman is known for its proximity to local eateries, a more relaxed atmosphere, and its lack of crowds. You’ll also find bars along the main road in this area.
Looking for the best places to stay in Yogyakarta? Dive into our Complete Guide to Accommodation in Yogyakarta for top tips and hidden gems on where to stay!
Summary
This has been a suggested 3-day, 2-night Yogyakarta trip itinerary designed to keep you from getting exhausted. Enjoying your holiday in Yogyakarta is best done slowly and calmly. If you have extra time, you can explore additional destinations in Yogyakarta.
Most visitors, both international and local, often want to return to Yogyakarta after their first visit. Believe me, once you’ve been to Jogja and experienced your trip at a relaxed pace, the memories of your journey in Jogja will always stay with you.
Don’t miss our detailed guides about Yogyakarta: