Where To Stay In Yogyakarta First Time 2024 - 6 Best Areas
In this article, we dive deeper into your question about where to stay in Yogyakarta first time.
To make it as simple as possible for you as a reader, we start with an overview of all the recommended areas we cover followed by a short description.
Then, we briefly answer a few commonly asked questions:
Where to stay in Yogyakarta first time?
Where to stay in Yogyakarta with family?
Where to stay in Yogyakarta for backpackers?
Where to stay in Yogyakarta for couples?
Where to stay in Yogyakarta to visit Borobudur Temple
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Overview of the best areas to stay in Yogyakarta
| Name of the area in Yogyakarta | Description of the recommended area |
|---|---|
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This is the heart of Yogyakarta’s tourism scene where you can find plenty of shops, street vendors, restaurants, and hotels. Staying in this area puts you within walking distance of Malioboro Market, the Sultan’s Palace (Kraton), many street food stalls, and other conveniences. It’s the most desired area among tourists. *You can click on the purple or blue link to directly navigate to that part of the article to read in-depth information about that specific area. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This area is located south of the city center and has become popular among tourists due to its laid-back atmosphere, nice hotels, and unique cafes. Prawirotaman is close to attractions like the Taman Sari Water Castle and the art galleries of Jalan Tirtodipuran. It’s one of the great alternatives to the crowded Malioboro Street. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This area is located near the airport and offers a good range of accommodation options, including budget hotels and guesthouses. Although you can find plenty of affordable hotels in the city center, this area is particularly known for its budget-friendliness. From here, you have also good access to cultural sites such as the Prambanan Temple complex and, of course, the Adisucipto International Airport. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Adjacent to Malioboro, Sosrowijayan is known for its budget accommodations, making it an ideal choice for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers. Despite its affordability, Sosrowijayan offers good access to Malioboro’s attractions and a vibrant nightlife. If you’re a backpacker, this is one of the best options you have. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Located on the outskirts of Yogyakarta, Pendowoharjo offers a quiet escape from the city center while still providing easy access to attractions like the Borobudur Temple and the Merapi Volcano. This area features eco-friendly resorts and homestays surrounded by beautiful rice fields. Especially families and couples will appreciate a stay here. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This area is located between Malioboro and Prawirotaman and offers a quieter alternative to the bustling city center while remaining close to popular attractions. Again, families and couples will appreciate a stay here. |
Where to stay in Yogyakarta first time
The best areas to stay in Yogyakarta first time are Malioboro Street and Prawirotaman.
These two areas are by far the most convenient ones.
Malioboro Street is the tourist epicenter of the city where you can find an abundance of restaurants, shops, and street food vendors.
You can walk from here to the Sultan’s Palace and other attractions, and it’s incredibly easy to book a tour of the Borobudur Temple and the Prambanan Temple.
Prawirotaman is another popular area and a great alternative to the crowded Malioboro Street area.
Here, you can find a more laid-back atmosphere and you have good access to the Taman Sari Water Castle and the art galleries of Jalan Tirtodipuran.
There are, however, several alternatives worth considering.
Kotabaru is a budget-friendly area near the airport where you have great access to the Prambanan Temple complex.
Sosrowijayan is the ideal area for backpackers and is located near Malioboro Street.
Pendowoharjo is a quiet area on the outskirts of Yogyakarta and offers great access to the Borobudur Temple and you can find homestays surrounded by beautiful rice fields.
Another quieter alternative is Ngampilan, which is located near popular attractions.
These latter two areas are ideal for families and couples.
Where to stay in Yogyakarta with family
The best areas to stay in Yogyakarta with family are Prawirotaman, Pendowoharjo, and Ngampilan.
Prawirotaman is a quieter area compared to the bustling Malioboro Street.
While Malioboro Street is the tourist epicenter of the city, and it comes with a lot of convenience, Prawirotaman is more family-friendly while still having good access to the major attractions of the city.
Pendowoharjo is located on the outskirts of Yogyakarta and offers great access to the Borobudur Temple and you can find beautiful guesthouses here with views of the rice fields. This area is also considered a quiet and family-friendly area.
If you as a family prefer to stay close to Malioboro Street, consider staying at Ngampilan instead.
It’s a quieter alternative while having good access to the comforts of Malioboro Street.
Where to stay in Yogyakarta backpackers
The best areas to stay in Yogyakarta for backpackers are Sosrowijayan, Kotabaru, and Malioboro Street.
Sosrowijayan is the backpackers’ area of Yogyakarta and offers good access to the bustling parts of the city as well as its nightlife scene.
You can find an abundance of affordable accommodation options here as well as like-minded travellers.
For a quieter experience, consider staying at Kotabaru, which is located near the airport.
Again, you can find a lot of affordable accommodations here and you have good access to the Prambanan Temple complex.
For ultimate convenience, stay around Malioboro Street, Yogyakarta’s tourist epicenter.
Although it’s not a budget area in particular, you will find plenty of hostels and guesthouses here.
From Malioboro Street, you can easily visit the city’s highlights, on foot or via a tour organized by one of the many tour operators.
Where to stay in Yogyakarta for couples
The best areas to stay in Yogyakarta for couples are Prawirotaman, Pendowoharjo, and Ngampilan.
Prawirotaman is a quieter area compared to the bustling Malioboro Street.
While Malioboro Street is the tourist epicenter of the city, and it comes with a lot of convenience, Prawirotaman is more couples-friendly while still having good access to the major attractions of the city.
Pendowoharjo is located on the outskirts of Yogyakarta and offers great access to the Borobudur Temple and you can find beautiful guesthouses here with views of the rice fields.
You can find romantic accommodations here with beautiful views combined with a secluded feeling.
If you as a couple prefer to stay close to Malioboro Street, consider staying at Ngampilan instead.
It’s a quieter alternative while having good access to the comforts of Malioboro Street.
You can, however, also just stay at Yogyakarta’s tourist epicenter (Malioboro Street) where you can find many restaurants and shops.
But the quieter areas offer better accommodation options for couples.
Where to stay in Yogyakarta to visit Borobudur Temple
The best areas to stay in Yogyakarta to visit the Borobudur Temple are Malioboro Street and Pendowoharjo.
Malioboro Street is the tourist epicenter of Yogyakarta and you can easily book your trip to the Borobudur Temple via one of the many travel agents.
Many of these tour operators offer early trips to this famous temple where you can see the sunrise.
After you visit the Borobudur Temple, you usually visit the Prambanan Temple in the afternoon as well.
Pendowoharjo is also a great area because you’re located closer to the Borobudur Temple compared to Malioboro Street.
Especially when you want to visit the Borobudur Temple at your own pace, it’s a great area.
However, the sunrise tours are all organized and you fully depend on the tour operator to experience it.
1. Malioboro Street
Malioboro Street is the tourist epicenter of the city and by far the most popular and most desired area among travellers.
It’s located in the heart of Yogyakarta and there making it an excellent base for exploring the city’s attractions.
Many of Yogyakarta’s top sights, such as the Sultan’s Palace (Kraton), Taman Sari Water Castle, and Fort Vredeburg, are within walking distance or a short drive away.
There are tons of things to do.
It’s a great area to buy souvenirs, street food, batik clothing and so much more.
Foodies should most definitely check out the local specialties such as gudeg (jackfruit stew), nasi goreng (fried rice), and sate (grilled skewers).
You can also find proper nightlife scenes and discover bustling night markets.
The area is home to beautiful traditional Javanese architecture.
From Malioboro Street, you can easily arrange tours of the famous temples.
The area is well-connected to major transportation hubs, such as Tugu Railway Station.
What’s not to like about this area?
First of all, it’s incredibly touristy.
Those seeking a more authentic experience should stay in the alternative areas.
Also, the area suffers from heavy traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.
Lastly, those seeking an upscale experience should also check out the other areas as it’s mainly home to budget and mid-range accommodation options.
But for the majority of the tourists, Malioboro Street is the most convenient area to stay in to fully explore Yogyakarta and the famous temples.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Yogyakarta in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
2. Prawirotaman
Prawirotaman retains a traditional Javanese atmosphere with its narrow streets, historic buildings, and unique cafes.
The area is located slightly south of the city center, yet it still has good access to several of Yogyakarta’s main attractions, including the Kraton (Sultan’s Palace), Taman Sari Water Castle, and Malioboro Street from this area.
One of the biggest differences between Prawirotaman and Malioboro Street is that you can find upscale accommodations, including unique hotels inside traditional Javanese buildings.
Yogyakarta is known for its art scene and in Prawirotaman, you can find many art galleries.
In the evenings, Prawirotaman comes alive with live music performances, cozy bars, and vibrant street food stalls.
It offers a more laid-back experience compared to the popular Malioboro Street.
Especially families and couples will appreciate Prawirotaman as their base to explore the city.
You also have good access to natural attractions, such as Parangtritis Beach, Mount Merapi, and the Prambanan Temple complex.
Keep in mind that you’re located further away from the city center.
Also, younger travellers who want to enjoy nightlife will appreciate Malioboro Street more.
But for a quieter and laid-back experience with proper hotels and access to main and natural attractions, Prawirotaman is an excellent choice!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Yogyakarta in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
3. Kotabaru
Kotabaru is a neighborhood located near the Adisucipto International Airport in Yogyakarta.
While it might not have the same tourist-centric atmosphere as areas like Malioboro or Prawirotaman, it still offers several advantages for travellers.
The main advantage is the proximity to the Adisucipto International Airport.
The second advantage is that the area is home to affordable hotels.
It’s quite easy to reach the city center by taxi (or ride-hailing services) as well as public transportation.
You can visit the Prambanan Temple complex from here quite easily too.
Those seeking a local experience should also consider staying here.
The last reason why should consider staying here is its peaceful environment.
Now, there are a few disadvantages too.
The first one is the distance from the city center, as it’s far from ideal compared to Malioboro Street.
Another disadvantage is the fewer dining and entertainment options in this part of Yogyakarta.
Those traveling on a strict budget, wanting to experience a quiet and local adventure in Yogyakarta, or needing to catch an early flight should consider staying in Kotabaru.
But you do find budget-friendly areas and hostels in the city center too.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Yogyakarta in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
4. Sosrowijayan
Sosrowijayan is known for its budget-friendly accommodations, including guesthouses, hostels, and homestays.
Because of that, it mainly attracts backpackers and travellers who are looking for inexpensive lodging options in Yogyakarta.
This area is located near Malioboro Street, one of Yogyakarta’s main tourist hubs.
That automatically means that you can enjoy Malioboro’s shopping opportunities, dining options, and cultural attractions.
But you’re staying in an area that attracts travelers from around the world and it’s incredibly easy to meet like-minded individuals.
And as you can expect from a backpacker area, you can find a good nightlife scene here as well as a proper street food scene.
As you’re located in the heart of the city, it’s easy to travel to other parts of Yogyakarta by taxis, becak (pedicabs), and ride-hailing services.
It’s also incredibly easy to book tours to the Borobodur Temple and the Prambanan Temple Complex.
What’s not to like?
Well, if you’re not a backpacker, it doesn’t make much sense to stay here.
That also applies if you’re a budget-minded traveller who is not into nightlife.
But if you are a backpacker, make sure to stay here!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Yogyakarta in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
5. Pendowoharjo
While Yogyakarta has many beautiful areas, Pendowoharjo is particularly beautiful when it comes to scenic views.
It’s located on the outskirts of the city where you can find beautiful rice fields and countryside scenery.
It’s a great option for those seeking to escape the urban noise and enjoy the slower pace of life.
You can walk and bike ride through the countryside where you can find coconut palms, traditional Javanese architecture, and natural beauty.
In other words, you have the chance to experience authentic Javanese village life.
Despite its rural setting, Pendowoharjo is within easy reach of several popular attractions, including the Prambanan Temple complex.
Many accommodations here are traditional Javanese homestays.
It particularly attracts families and couples.
You don’t find that many restaurants here and nightlife doesn’t exist.
Also, tourist amenities are limited.
For that, you have to visit the city center.
But that’s not what Pendowoharjo is about.
It’s an area where you enjoy the natural beauty away from the noise of the city center.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Yogyakarta in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
6. Ngampilan
The last area that we recommend is Ngampilan.
It’s located between the tourist epicenter (Malioboro) and Prawirotaman, the cultural and laid-back hub of the city.
That means that Ngampilan is strategically located between these two popular areas.
You have good access to several major attractions, including the Sultan’s Palace (Kraton), Malioboro Street, and Fort Vredeburg.
It’s an area where you can find traditional Javanese architecture, local markets, and unique eateries.
Ngampilan is well-connected to transportation hubs, making it easy for you to explore other parts of Yogyakarta and its surrounding areas.
The big difference between Ngampilan and Malioboro Street is that Ngampilan mainly caters to locals and not tourists.
Malioboro Street is the tourist heart of the city.
Prawirotaman is the cultural heart of the city.
Ngampilan is a convenient area located near these two popular places, but it’s mainly a residential area.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Yogyakarta in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.