The Ubud Art Market is more than just your routine souvenir shopping run, but is an experience to have in itself. It’s everything from chaos to colour in the heart of the yoga capital of Bali, Ubud.
There are plenty of opportunities to shop in Bali, but Ubud’s market is a one-stop shop that’ll make you feel like you’re right on the set of “Eat Pray Love”.
Update 2024: The Ubud Art Market has reopened after undergoing revitalization!
How to Get to the Ubud Art Market
Ubud’s Art Market is hard to miss especially with the shopping frenzy that’s usually going on! It’s centrally located in Ubud town across the street from Puri Saren Ubud palace, on Jalan Raya Ubud.
However, if you’re feeling at all lost or confused, you can always ask a local to point you in the right direction (the Balinese name for the market is Pasar Seni Ubud).
Are There Any Entrance Fees to the Market?
There are no entry fees to get into Ubud’s market. The only money you’ll be spending is on the beautiful crafts you find inside!
However, if you drive there, the main spot to park right close by charges a small parking fee of IDR 2,000 for cars and scooters (in this case maybe make sure you have some small notes on hand). Otherwise, park a few streets away for free and walk over.
Ubud Art Market Opening Hours
The market is open every day of the week from around 8am to 5pm, but this can vary. Pretty much as long as there’s daylight, there’s a good chance some stalls are still open.
The Best Time to Visit
For this bucket list Bali shopping experience, I would recommend getting there sometime before 11 am. It’s quieter in the mornings and you can typically get much better prices if you’re a stall’s first buyer of the day.
However, if travel plans have you arriving during the busiest hours of the day, don’t stress! The crowds can actually contribute to the magic of this Bali market, so you really can’t go wrong.
Things You Can Buy at the Ubud Art Market
Upholding its reputation as the best art market in Bali, the streets are lined with an impressive amount of stalls and art displays. Anything and everything you’re looking for, crafted or handmade, can be found in the corners of this Art Market in Ubud.
Take your time wandering around, there’s so much to see and something for everyone here!
These are some of the most common items you’ll find:
Clothing
From shirts and sarongs to beachy dresses, and the classic flowy elephant pants, it’s a shopper’s paradise! The clothing is loose and flowy, perfect for the hot, humid weather in Bali.
They usually have more sizes than what’s on display so don’t be afraid to ask. Expect to spend anywhere between IDR 30,000-100,000 on these items.
Jewellery
If you’re hoping to find a new minimalistic piece of jewellery to remind you of your trip, this is the perfect place.
Primarily silver jewellery, you’ll be able to find bracelets, necklaces, anklets, earrings and my personal favourite, rings. Expect to spend anywhere between IDR 20,000-80,000.
Handbags
I still regret not buying a round rattan handbag when I was at this market. They are a staple piece here, and make a great handbag! There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to bags, each coming in different shapes, colours, and sizes.
There are some small backpacks you can find too which may be handy for travelling. Expect to spend anywhere between IRD 100,000- 200,000 for a medium-sized bag.
Homewares and Crafts
This is definitely where you’ll want to buy all your handmade, crafty souvenirs to take home. There are coconut bowls, cute silverware, bamboo straws, macrame dream catchers, beer openers, wooden carvings, toys, and a whole lot more to choose from.
The selection can be pretty overwhelming! Prices here will range quite a bit depending on the quality and size but expect around IRD 50,000- 150,000.
Shopping Tips for the Ubud Art Market
Something I wish I knew before my first time strolling the markets in Ubud, is how to bargain. If there isn’t a price clearly labelling an item (which goes for most markets in Bali) you’ll have to be ready to bargain.
If you’ve never done it before, it can feel odd or intimidating, but just remember it’s part of their culture and completely normal here. Be confident– you’ve got this!
Start by asking how much they want for the item, and give them a reasonable counter offer. It’ll be helpful to use the prices I’ve listed above to help you gauge how much you should be spending on each item.
Bali can feel pretty cheap, but it’s not dirt cheap– just remember to offer respectful prices and meet somewhere in the middle. Another great way to bargain is to go for a good 2-for-1 deal!
More Things to Do in Ubud
If you’re heading to Ubud to explore the best art market in Bali, it’ll be worthwhile to make a whole day or rather a whole couple of days out of it!
This area is full of cultural experiences, the most scenic views, and great hippie and health vibes. It’s no surprise it ended up being one of my favourite places in Bali.
Here are some other spots you should consider checking out if you’re in the area:
Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Just a bit of a drive north of Ubud, you’ll find these famous fields of rice paddies.
You can wander through the terraces, have lunch with a view, or try out one of the many fun swings in the area.
Best day tour: Waterfall, Rice Terraces & Monkey Forest Private Tour
Monkey Forest
Monkey Forest is one of Bali’s must-do attractions and it’s conveniently located just a 1km walk from the markets.
But, make sure you visit the monkey forest before you do any shopping– the monkeys here aren’t shy, and they like shiny things just as much as the rest of us!
Best day tour: Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace & Tanah Lot Private Tour
Saraswati Temple
This temple is dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of literature, learning, and art. Entry inside isn’t allowed, but it’s worth going just to see the impressive golden doorways.
You can find this picturesque temple right in the middle of town, lakeside, surrounded by frangipani flower trees.
Recommended Ubud tour: Bali Eat Pray Love Private Tour
Campuhan Ridgewalk
This ridge walk is one of the best free activities in Ubud. It’s an easy nature trek that takes about an hour to complete. It’s a concrete path lined with lush forest and a few small cafes along the way.
Something I’d highly recommend for anyone looking to get off a scooter and away from the busy streets for a bit.
If you like hiking, I also highly recommend checking out a sunrise trek to the summit of Mount Batur. It starts incredibly early but it's an unforgettable experience when visiting Bali.
Goa Gajah/Elephant Cave
This attraction is only 10 minutes outside of Ubud towel but is often missed by many visitors.
It’s a unique temple in a cave, where the entrance is actually a cavernous mouth of a demon! The name translates to elephant cave, but don’t expect to see any elephants.
Keep in mind, you will need to be dressed appropriately to enter this one.
Recommended spiritual tour: Full-Day Spiritual Cleansing and Shamanic Healing Tour
Ubud Royal Palace/Puri Siren Agung
The palace of the Ubud royal family is an important historical landmark in Balinese culture.
It’s also one of the main sites to view traditional dance performances right in the centre of town. Performances take place almost every night.
Top tour including traditional dance performance: Private Evening Tour with Legong Dance Performance
Gunung Kati Sebatu Temple
This is one of the more underrated temples in Bali, yet one of the most peaceful and beautiful. It’s a bit further outside of Ubud, but worth the trip.
It was built on a natural spring, so it is surrounded by several pools of water, some of which you can actually bathe in! If you’re looking for a temple with fewer tourists, this is the one.
Best Ubud tour: Full-Day Instagram Highlights Tour
Where to Stay In Ubud
There are so many amazing places to stay in Ubud, but these are my top 3 favourites.
They perfectly combine nature with luxury, offering cultural experiences, and are located near the center of Ubud:
Komaneka at Rasa Sayang Ubud
This hotel is located along Monkey Forest Road, just a 5-minute walk from Ubud’s Market!
Every room has its own private balcony and day bed, with a beautiful infinity pool onsite. But in my opinion, the best feature of this hotel is the free wood carving classes and dance lessons offered twice a week.
Adiwana Resort Jembawan
This resort is also centrally located, set among Ubud’s tropical greenery.
They have everything from bathrobe blow dryers for a comfortable stay. Here you can participate in a cooking class, yoga session, or Ayurvedic workshops.
Wapa di Ume Ubud
Located just slightly further outside the centre of Ubud, this resort allows guests to have a traditional experience in a Balinese villa, with panoramic views of the rice fields that surround it.
There is the option of cycling through the rice paddies or enjoying a relaxing massage at the spa.
Bali Must-Pack Items
Wandering through Ubud’s Street Market is the perfect addition to any Bali itinerary, especially combined with all the other surrounding attractions.
I still use the cute, brass, pineapple spoon I bought at these markets daily, and reminisce on one of my favourite travel memories. Make sure to add this experience to your itinerary, and leave Bali with your own hand-crafted souvenir!
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