Solo’s Enchanting Attractions and Legendary Culinary Delights

Solo’s attractions may not be as famous as those in other Central Java cities like Semarang with Lawang Sewu or Yogyakarta with Jalan Malioboro.

Yet, few knew that this modest city, formally known as Surakarta, boasts a rich history intertwined with Java’s development. While similar to Yogyakarta, Solo offers you an easily accessible glimpse into deeply rooted Javanese cultural heritage.

It is no surprise that history and culture enthusiasts often favor this city, which covers a mere 46.7 square kilometers. Among its top attractions are the Solo Palace and Mangkunegaran Palace Complex.

Recently, Solo has gained popularity for embracing a slow-living lifestyle. Unlike the fast-paced rhythm of urban life, Solo’s residents exude a sense of tranquility, inviting visitors to slow down and savor life’s simple joys.

As a result, many tourists from big cities like Jakarta are drawn to Solo to experience its unique slow living lifestyle. They seek to rediscover the true meaning of a vacation by exploring every corner of the city while indulging in its legendary culinary delights.

Exploring Solo: Recommended Places to Visit

Pracima Tuin

Pracima Tuin is a garden within the Mangkunegaran Palace Complex, the residence of Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Adipati Arya Mangkunegara X. Located to the west of the complex, it has been around for over 100 years.

With numerous historical and cultural collections, Pracima Tuin Garden was officially opened to tourists and locals in early 2023.

In addition to enjoying the beauty of the Mangkunegaran Palace Complex, you can also savor various traditional dishes at the restaurants. The menu offers a wide variety, ranging from appetizers to main courses, making you feel like dining in royalty.

Triwindu Market

If you love antiques, this is your paradise. Located near the Mangkunegaran Palace Complex, it houses many rare collections, ranging from wood carvings and statues to photos of national figures.

What’s unique is that you can also make transactions using a barter system. Bring your antiques and exchange them for the items you want. Very cool, right?

The market, which has existed since 1945, is open every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Although antiques are typically associated with high prices, you can bargain here.

Solo Safari

Located at Jalan Ir. Sutami No. 109 Kentingan, Jebres, Surakarta, formerly known as Taru Jurug Wildlife Park (TSTJ), Solo Safari spans an area of 13.9 hectares. After revitalization, it officially changed its name to Solo Safari in January 2023.

Solo Safari is home to approximately 347 animals, including 87 endangered and protected Indonesian endemic species. You can encounter Komodo dragons, Javan gibbons, lions, siamangs, bearcats, wallabies, and other animals.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque

Since its inauguration in November 2022, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque has become an icon of Solo and a symbol of the friendship between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Indonesia.

In terms of its architectural design, the mosque was built to resemble the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, UAE, with the only distinction being its smaller size.

Situated on a 3-hectare plot of land, the Sheikh Zayed Solo Mosque boasts a main building area of approximately 8,000 square meters. It features 4 towering minarets, 1 main dome, and 81 smaller domes adorned with natural stone embellishments.

Despite replicating the UAE’s iconic Middle Eastern-style mosque, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque Solo blends local cultural elements. You may notice a pattern of the traditional kawung batik on certain parts of the floor.

Must-Try Culinary Delights in Solo

After exploring the various destinations, it’s time for you to savor some of Solo’s legendary culinary delights. Here are some flavorful dishes to try:

Tengkleng

Tengkleng (mutton rib soup) is a must-try dish during your vacation in Solo. This dish is made from goat or mutton bones cooked with various spices. Served with a yellow gravy like tongseng (stew), tengkleng is best enjoyed with warm rice.

Finding this dish in Solo is quite easy. However, here are a few recommended places:

• Tengkleng Bu Pon at Shelter Loji Wetan, Jalan Kapten Mulyadi
• Tengkleng Klewer Bu Ed at Klewer Market
• Tengkleng Rica Pak Manto at Jalan Honggowongso, Sriwedari, Laweyan
• Tengkleng Bu Jito Dlidir at Jalan Kolonel Sugiyono, Kadipiro
• Tengkleng Yu Tentrem at Kampung Ngadisono, Jalan Letjen Sutoyo, Kadipiro

Timlo Sastro

Apart from tengkleng, Timlo Sastro is quite popular and has become a favorite among tourists. It combines Solo-styled sausage, chicken pieces, boiled eggs, liver, and gizzards served with a clear broth like soto.

For a taste of this dish, visit the famous spot on Jalan Kapten Mulyadi, Gede Market. Prices range from Rp7,000 to Rp18,000.

Serabi Notosuman

The last culinary delight is a snack made from rice flour. Although it’s not a full meal, Serabi Notosuman is just as popular as other Solo culinary delights.

With its soft texture and authentic taste, it comes in two flavors that you must try: original and chocolate.

To satisfy your curiosity, head to SerabiNotosuman Ny. Lidia at Jalan Moh. Yamin Nomor 28, Jayengan, Serengan, Surakarta.

So, are you even more impressed by Solo? Plan a family vacation to this culturally rich and historic city.

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