Ubud Art Market: Complete Guide to Shopping in Bali's Most Iconic Market
2026-04-09 10:06
Everything you need to know before you visit Ubud Art Market — what to buy, when to go, how to bargain, and insider tips to make the most of Bali's most iconic market.
If there's one place in Bali that gives you a full sensory overload in the best possible way, it's the Ubud Art Market. The colors, the sounds, the smell of incense, and the beautiful chaos of hundreds of stalls — it's exactly the kind of place you stumble into thinking you'll spend 20 minutes and end up wandering for two hours.
Whether you're hunting for handwoven rattan bags, traditional wooden carvings, silver jewelry, or that perfect sarong for your temple visit — the Ubud art market has it all. And unlike so many tourist markets around Southeast Asia, most of what's sold here is actually made by local Balinese artisans from nearby villages.
This guide covers everything: where it is, when to go, what to buy, how to bargain without feeling awkward, and a few things you'll wish you knew before walking in.
Before we dive in, here's a quick overview of everything you need to know:
📍 Address
Jl. Raya Ubud No.35, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80571
Opening Hours
8:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily (some vendors close ~5–6 PM)
Entrance Fe
FREE – no ticket needed
Payment
Cash preferred; some vendors accept cards
Language
Basic to fluent English widely spoken
Parking
Scooter ~IDR 2,000 | Car ~IDR 10,000 nearby
Nearest Landmark
Directly opposite Ubud Royal Palace
What Is the Ubud Art Market?
The Ubud Art Market — locally known as Pasar Seni Ubud — is a traditional market sitting right in the heart of Ubud, Bali. It's located at the intersection of Jalan Raya Ubud and Jalan Monkey Forest, directly across from the iconic Ubud Royal Palace.
The market has been here for centuries. Originally, it was a place where locals traded food and daily essentials. Over time — especially after Ubud became a major cultural and tourism hub — it transformed into what it is today: a sprawling open-air market packed with handcrafted goods, souvenirs, clothing, art, and jewelry.
What makes the Ubud art market genuinely special is the sourcing. Many of the items you'll find here come from nearby villages — Pengosekan, Tegallalang, Payangan, and Peliatan — where artisans craft these pieces by hand, not in factories. That's a meaningful difference.
Fun Fact “The Ubud Art Market was featured in the 2010 film Eat, Pray, Love with Julia Roberts — which genuinely put Ubud on the global map for millions of travelers.”
How to Get to Ubud Art Market
The market is smack in the center of Ubud, so if you're already staying in town, you can almost certainly walk there. The address is Jl. Raya Ubud No.35, and you really can't miss it.
If you're coming from elsewhere in Bali, here's a rough idea of travel times:
From Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS): ~1 hour 45 minutes (40 km northeast)
From Canggu / Seminyak: ~1 hour 15 minutes
From Uluwatu / Nusa Dua: ~2 hours 30 minutes
From Kuta / Legian: ~1 hour
Getting Around
Staying in Ubud? Walk. Parking near the market is tight and the town center is very walkable.
Day tripping from south Bali? Hire a private driver for the day — they handle parking and you can focus on exploring. Expect to pay around IDR 400,000–600,000 for a full-day driver.
Renting a scooter? A popular and affordable option (around IDR 75,000/day). Just be aware that scooter parking near the market is limited, and always check that your travel insurance covers you.
Best Time to Visit Ubud Art Market
Timing really does matter here. The market has very different vibes depending on when you show up.
Early Morning (8:00 – 10:00 AM) — The Best Time
This is hands-down the sweet spot. The air is cooler, the crowds are thinner, and vendors are just setting up. You get first pick of the freshest stock, and sellers tend to be more relaxed about negotiating.
“Local Tip: Balinese sellers believe their first sale of the day brings good luck. This makes them more likely to offer you a better price early in the morning — so there's a real advantage in showing up early.”
Late Afternoon / Early Evening (4:00 – 6:00 PM)
If you can't make mornings work, late afternoon is your next best bet. Vendors often drop prices near closing time to move remaining stock. It gets a bit cooler too, which makes walking around much more pleasant.
Midday (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM) — Avoid if Possible
This is when tour buses roll in from south Bali. The market gets packed, it gets hot, and bargaining becomes harder when sellers know they have a crowd. Unless you enjoy the energy of a full-on bustling market, midday is the trickiest time to visit.
What to Expect Inside the Ubud Art Market
The market is a mix of indoor and outdoor stalls. The main two-story building sits at the intersection of Jalan Raya Ubud and Jalan Monkey Forest, but the market extends outward with street vendors lining the surrounding alleys too.
Inside, it's colorful, a little maze-like, and genuinely fun to explore. Stalls are packed tightly together, which gives it that classic market atmosphere. Vendors are friendly — don't expect aggressive or pushy sales tactics here. Most sellers are warm, patient, and genuinely happy to chat.
You'll find a lot of similar items across different stalls. That's actually a good thing — it means you can compare quality and prices before committing to a purchase. Never buy from the first stall you see.
“Is it safe? Yes. The Ubud Art Market is a safe, friendly environment. As with any busy market anywhere in the world, just be mindful of your belongings when it gets crowded.”
What to Buy at Ubud Art Market
The name 'art market' is a bit of an understatement — this place sells way more than just artwork. Here's a breakdown of the best things to look for, with realistic price ranges:
Item
Price Range
Notes
Woven Bags & Baskets
IDR 50,000 – 300,000
Handwoven rattan or bamboo, some with shell details. The most iconic Ubud souvenir.
Silver Jewellery
IDR 80,000 – 500,000+
Traditional Balinese motifs. Check for solid silver vs silver-plated.
Wood Carvings
IDR 50,000 – 800,000
Masks, Ganesha statues, small figurines — all hand-carved locally.
Balinese Paintings
IDR 100,000 – 1,000,000+
Traditional and modern styles. Great for wall art.
Silk Scarves & Sarongs
IDR 50,000 – 200,000
Lightweight and packable. Mandatory for temple visits.
Beachwear & Clothing
IDR 50,000 – 150,000
Breezy shirts, dresses, yoga pants — great budget finds.
Traditional Masks
IDR 100,000 – 500,000
Used in Balinese dance ceremonies. Stunning wall pieces.
Natural Beauty Products
IDR 30,000 – 150,000
Local soaps, coconut oil, herbal balms.
A quick note on quality: always inspect items carefully. Some pieces are genuinely handcrafted; others might be mass-produced. For wood carvings and silver jewelry especially, ask the vendor where it's made — most will happily tell you.
How to Bargain at Ubud Art Market (Without Being Awkward About It)
Bargaining is expected here. It's part of the experience, and vendors fully anticipate it. That said, there's a right way to go about it that feels natural and respectful rather than uncomfortable.
The Basic Formula
Start by asking the price.
Offer around 40–50% of the initial asking price.
Let the seller counter, then meet somewhere in the middle.
A final price of 50–70% of the original ask is usually a fair deal for both sides.
Bargaining Do's and Don'ts
DO walk away slowly if the price isn't right — sellers will often call you back with a better offer.
DO check multiple stalls before committing to a big purchase.
DO keep it light and friendly. A smile goes a long way.
DON'Taggressively lowball or be rude. These are small business owners and the amounts involved are modest.
DON'Tstart bargaining if you're not genuinely interested in buying.
DON'Tfeel bad about negotiating — it's genuinely expected and part of the culture.
“Cash is King While more vendors are starting to accept cards, cash almost always gives you better negotiating leverage. Hit an ATM before you go. IDR 300,000–500,000 is a comfortable shopping budget for a couple of hours.”
What's Nearby: Make a Full Day of It
One of the biggest advantages of the Ubud Art Market is its location. It sits right next to some of Ubud's most iconic spots, so you can easily combine your market visit with a full day of sightseeing.
Ubud Royal Palace (Puri Saren Agung) — Literally across the street. Free to walk through during the day. In the evenings, it hosts traditional Balinese dance performances. Read complete Ubud Palace guide here
Saraswati Temple — Just a short walk behind the Lotus Café. The lotus pond here is one of the most photographed spots in Ubud.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary — A 10-minute walk south down Jalan Monkey Forest. A must-do in Ubud.
Campuhan Ridge Walk — A gentle 2 km ridge walk through rice fields and jungle. Best at sunrise or late afternoon.
Tegalalang Rice Terraces — About 20 minutes north by scooter. Iconic Bali views.
Wear comfortable shoes — you'll be walking and standing a lot.
Bring a reusable tote bag — you'll accumulate purchases fast.
Stay hydrated. Water is available from vendors inside the market.
Don't buy from the first stall. Do a full loop first to compare quality and prices.
The indoor sections sometimes have better quality items than the outdoor stalls — explore both.
If you're buying multiple items from one vendor, ask for a package deal. They almost always say yes.
Visit on a weekday if possible — weekends (especially Sundays) can get extremely crowded.
Before You Go
The Ubud Art Market is one of those places that earns its spot on every Bali itinerary — not because everyone says so, but because it genuinely delivers. It's colorful, it's alive, and it connects you to Bali's incredible craftsmanship in a way that no souvenir shop or resort boutique can replicate.
Go early, bring cash, take your time exploring, and don't be afraid to negotiate. You'll leave with a bag full of beautiful things and a few good stories.
Done Shopping? Wind Down in Style
After hours of exploring the market, there's no better way to cap off a day in Ubud than at Eden Hookah Club Ubud. Tucked away just a short walk from the hustle, it’s a chilled, atmospheric spot perfect for relaxing. Whether the mood calls for a premium shisha, a beautifully crafted cocktail, or just a peaceful corner to sit and soak up the evening vibes, Eden is the move. Great music, good energy, and that signature golden-hour feeling everyone comes to Bali for. Step into Eden Lounge Ubud and treat yourself to the ultimate post shopping unwind.
Yes, completely free. There's no entrance fee or ticket. You only pay for what you buy.
What are the Ubud Art Market opening hours?
The market officially runs from 8:00 AM to around 9:00 PM daily. However, many vendors begin packing up between 5:00 and 6:00 PM. For the best experience, aim for the morning shift.
Is the Ubud Art Market a tourist trap?
Not really. Yes, it's popular with tourists — but that doesn't make it a trap. The goods are genuinely locally made, the atmosphere is authentic, and the experience is worth it. Just go in with realistic expectations: it's a curated market experience, not a hidden local gem that only insiders know about.
Can I pay by card at Ubud Art Market?
Some vendors now accept cards, but cash is strongly preferred and generally leads to better prices and easier negotiations. Bring Rupiah.
Is bargaining mandatory?
Not mandatory, but it's expected and completely normal. If you don't want to bargain, most vendors will give you a reasonable price if you ask politely — though you might pay slightly more than a negotiated price.