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Also known as Surakarta, solo is often reffered to as the smaller, quainter version of Yogyakarta. As well as being a centre for traditional crafts and performing arts, the main attractions here include two beautiful palaces, the bigger of which is Kraton Surakarta, home to Solo's rulers from 1745 to 1939. The smaller Puri Mangkunegararan, home to the second houses of Solo, is very well maintained and has one of the largest pendopo (pavilions) in the country. Intricately decorated with figures of the Javanese zodiac, the pavilion is where guests are received, and banquets and gamelan performances are held. Two sets of 300-year-old gamelan instruments are on display and played once a week. The palace museun also has a large collection of antique costumes, jewelry, masks, silver and crystal wear and weapons. Beautifully kept gardens surround its central java courtyard.

Solo is also home to what is reputedly known as the oldest museum in Java, the Radya Pustaka Museum. A statue of Ronggowarsito, a Keraton poet of the past, stands in the front courtyard.