Most of the interest for visitors is focused on the two-kilometre-wide strip of land between the two westernmost rivers, Kali Winongo and Kali Code - this is the site of the Kraton , the historic heart of the city. A kilometre north of the Kraton walls, the budget travellers' mecca of Jalan Sosrowijayan (known as Jalan Sosro) runs west off Malioboro to the south of the train station. There's a second, more upmarket cluster of tourist hotels and restaurants on Jalan Prawirotaman , in the suburbs to the southeast of the Kraton.

The tourist office is at Jl Malioboro 16/175 (Mon-Thurs & Sat 8am-7pm, Fri 8am-1pm & 3-6pm; tel 0274/566000) and keeps plenty of information on local events, language and meditation courses.