Ubud is a hub of art, culture, and local flavors, making it a fantastic place for shopping and market tours. Whether you’re eager to learn how to cook Balinese dishes, hunt for unique souvenirs, or explore bustling night markets, Ubud offers a variety of experiences to satisfy your curiosity. We especially love tours that give you more than just a quick look — like the [Balinese Cooking School (9 Dish Cooking and Market Tour)] that combines a full menu of dishes with a visit to a lively local market, offering both culinary skills and genuine local life. It’s perfect for food lovers who want to take home practical skills and a taste of Bali.
For those interested in art and crafts, the Bali Art Shopping and Culture Tour offers visits to villages famed for their batik, silver jewelry, and wood carvings. And if you’re a night owl, the Bali Night Market Experience combines street food with a lively local market scene. Now, let’s explore each of these top tours in detail.
1. Balinese cooking school (9 Dish Cooking and Market Tour)
At number 1, this comprehensive experience teaches you to prepare nine Balinese classics — more dishes than most classes. Your day starts with a visit to a vibrant local market to pick ingredients like turmeric, lemongrass, and fresh vegetables. Then, in the cooking classroom, you’ll master dishes such as lawar, satay, and traditional rice cakes, using equipment and ingredients you rarely find at home. The guide’s insider knowledge and friendly approach make this a standout. Guests consistently praise the instructor’s expertise and humor, with reviews noting how much they learned and how delicious everything turned out. The 5-hour experience offers exceptional value for the price of $26 per person.
This tour is ideal for foodies, amateur chefs, and those wanting to bring authentic Balinese cuisine back home. The morning option with the market visit is especially popular, adding a lively shopping component. A minor drawback might be that it’s a longer class, so may not suit travelers with tight schedules. Overall, a fantastic, hands-on way to experience Bali’s rich food culture.
Bottom Line: Great for passionate cooks who want to learn the secrets of Balinese dishes with a lively market visit included.
2. Balinese Cooking class with traditional morning market visit
For around $31, the Balinese Cooking class with traditional market visit offers a more intimate experience. Hosted by a local chef in the jungle surroundings of Ubud, this 6-hour tour includes a visit to the bustling morning market, where you’ll see the colorful spices and fresh produce that define Balinese cuisine. After selecting ingredients, you’ll learn traditional cooking techniques—like pounding spices in a stone mortar—and then enjoy your culinary creations as a sit-down meal. The small group format ensures personalized attention, and the air-conditioned transport makes it comfortable. Reviewers love the instructor’s knowledge and the chance to understand Bali’s food culture firsthand.
This tour suits serious food lovers who want a detailed, hands-on cooking session in a peaceful setting. The focus on local ingredients and techniques makes it more than just a cooking class — it’s a culture. The only caveat is the slightly longer duration, but the quality of experience justifies it.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting to learn about Bali’s spices and cooking methods directly from a local chef.
3. Market Tour & Authentic Balinese Cooking Class in Ubud with Putu
At number 3, this private tour combines a market visit at Pejeng with a chance to cook with Putu, a warm host. You start by exploring the market, where Putu introduces you to local fruits, herbs, and veggies, helping you pick ingredients for your lunch. Back at her family compound, you prepare dishes like banana leaf parcels or Balinese curry, enjoying a home-cooked meal with her family. The tour costs $104 per person but offers a deeply authentic experience, including the chance to chat with multiple generations of a local family. The reviews highlight how much guests appreciated the personal atmosphere and the delicious lunch.
This experience is perfect for families or travelers craving cultural authenticity and a personal connection. The private setting ensures you can ask questions and really learn about Balinese life. The main downside is the higher price, but the unique, intimate nature makes it worth it.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for travelers seeking a personal, family-style Balinese cooking experience.
4. Balinese Cooking Class with Traditional Market Tour
This 2.5-hour class offers efficient, hands-on cooking in a small group of four to 12 people. The tour begins with a visit to a local market where your guide explains herbs, spices, and local produce, then continues at a traditional open kitchen. You’ll learn to cook a five-course meal, including iconic dishes such as lawar and satay, then enjoy your meal together. Guests love the personalized feel and the focus on Balinese techniques like using a stone mortar. The included door-to-door transportation makes the experience hassle-free for $58.
Ideal for time-constrained travelers who want a taste of Bali’s culinary traditions without a long commitment. The small group setting allows for detailed instruction and interaction, and reviews praise the quality of the food. A potential drawback is the shorter duration, which limits the number of dishes prepared.
Bottom Line: Great for a quick, authentic Balinese cooking experience with expert guidance.
5. Ubud Cooking Class with Optional Market Visit Pickup Included
For just $20, this group cooking class offers a friendly, interactive environment. You’ll visit a local market to pick ingredients, then cook traditional dishes with your guide. The flexible participation allows you to taste your dishes and meet other travelers. The included hotel pickup simplifies logistics. Reviewers find the host very welcoming and the food delicious. The class lasts about 3 hours, making it perfect for travelers who want an introduction to Balinese cuisine without taking up the whole day.
This tour is best suited for budget-conscious travelers, solo adventurers, and casual foodies. It might lack the depth of some longer classes, but it still offers an authentic taste of Balinese cooking.
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly, friendly introduction to Balinese cuisine perfect for first-timers.
6. Bali Food Tour: Savor Street Food and Night Market Adventures
Number 6 on our list is the Bali Food Tour which combines a street food crawl with visits to some of Ubud’s best night markets. Starting with hotel pickup, you’ll explore vendors selling everything from indonesian fried rice to Balinese satay and suckling pig. The tour runs from 3 to 9 hours, making it adaptable for different schedules. Guests particularly enjoy the chance to try authentic, lesser-touristed foods in local settings, with guides explaining the stories behind each dish. The tour costs $35, offering good value for the extensive tasting and cultural insights.
Ideal for foodies eager to sample a wide array of local dishes and soak in the atmosphere of Bali’s night markets. Vegetarians are also welcome, and the guide’s friendliness enhances the experience. The main consideration is the lengthy hours, which suit more energetic travelers.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers who want an immersive, flavorful night out in Ubud’s street food scene.
7. Ubud City Tour I: Monkey Forest, Ubud Palace, Art Market, and Waterfall
Number 7 offers a classic introduction to Ubud’s highlights in a 6-hour private tour. You’ll visit the Monkey Forest to see the macaques, stroll through the Ubud Palace, browse the art market, and finish with a visit to Tegenungan Waterfall. The private format means you can go at your own pace, with a guide sharing stories about each site. Reviews praise the guide’s local knowledge and the smooth logistics, making it a practical choice for first-time visitors. Entry to attractions is included, so you get an all-in-one culture for $45.
This tour is suited for first-time visitors who want a rundown in a day. It’s flexible, informative, and covers the essentials. The minor drawback is that it may feel rushed for those wanting more time at each site.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a well-rounded, hassle-free Ubud introduction.
8. Ubud Day Tour: Waterfall, Temple, and Local Night Market
At number 8, this longer, full-day tour costs $21 and covers Ubud’s natural and cultural must-sees. Highlights include Tibumana Waterfall, Tegalalang rice terrace, and a visit to a local temple. The tour ends at a lively night market where you can sample local foods. It’s a great choice for those wanting to pack in diverse experiences in one day. The itinerary balances nature, culture, and street food, making it suitable for active travelers who enjoy varied sights. The review mentions the fun of seeing multiple waterfalls and rice terraces while still having time for market food.
A potential downside is the long day, which might be tiring for some, but the value of seeing top highlights makes it worthwhile.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a full day of sightseeing and local flavor in Ubud.
9. Bali Night Market Experience and Ubud Highlights tour
Number 9 offers a comprehensive evening experience for $45.50. Starting with visits to Tegenungan Waterfall and Puseh Batuan Temple, the tour then explores Tegalalang rice terraces before ending at the Gianyar Night Market. This is an excellent way to combine sightseeing with sampling local street foods in a single day. The reviews note the knowledgeable guides and the chance to try dishes like Babi Guling and traditional snacks. The private tour format allows flexibility, and the 8-10 hour duration suits those with full days available.
This tour is best for cultural explorers who also love food and want a relaxed, personalized experience. Keep in mind the length if your schedule is tight.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those seeking an engaging mix of culture, nature, and street food in Bali.
10. Half-Day Private Personalized Shopping Tour in Ubud
Number 10 focuses on shopping with a tailored approach. For $59.87 per group, your guide will help you visit Ubud markets and artisan villages, including Tegallalang. You’ll see rattan furniture, hand-carved wood pieces, and mosaics, with all haggling managed for you. The reviews highlight how efficient and enjoyable the experience is, especially for those wanting to buy souvenirs without the hassle. The private format makes it flexible, with a typical 4-5 hour duration.
Best suited for shoppers, gift hunters, or anyone wanting local crafts without the stress of navigating alone. The downside is that it doesn’t include meal or cultural highlights beyond shopping.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a personalized shopping spree in Ubud’s craft villages.
11. Ubud Night Traditional Market Food Tour
Number 11 offers a short, 3-hour deep dive into Ubud’s night market cuisine for $45. It begins with sampling traditional Balinese cakes, then walking through the market with a guide explaining local foods. The guide, Wayan, helps you discover dishes you might not find on your own, making it a great introduction for foodies. The reviews note Wayan’s helpfulness and the quality of the food, though some mention concerns about food handling. It’s best for those wanting a concise, authentic taste of Bali’s street food.
The tour is perfect if you’re short on time but want to experience local flavors and market energy.
Bottom Line: Excellent for food lovers seeking an authentic, guided street food adventure in Ubud.
12. From Ubud: Authentic Cooking Class Visit Traditional Market
This 3-hour experience is a solid choice for families or couples wanting to learn to cook Balinese dishes at home. It begins with a visit to a local market, where you learn about ingredients, then cooks in a traditional setting. The price is $45 per person, and reviews mention the friendly driver and an authentic atmosphere. The class caters to dietary restrictions and emphasizes practical skills.
Ideal for beginners and those wanting a quick yet genuine cultural experience. The focus on local ingredients and family participation makes it memorable.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a short, authentic Balinese cooking class that’s accessible for all ages.
13. Gianyar Market Visit & Cooking Class in Ubud with Kadek & Putu
Number 13 offers a full immersion into Bali’s culinary arts for $80 per person. You visit the Gianyar market to select ingredients alongside local guides, then cook traditional dishes like satay and black sticky rice pudding in a family compound. The experience emphasizes from-scratch cooking and cultural exchange. Guests appreciate the hands-on approach and the chance to enjoy a meal of their own making.
Best suited for culinary enthusiasts and those wanting an immersive experience. The higher price reflects the more detailed, authentic process.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those seeking a true, hands-on cooking experience rooted in local traditions.
14. Bali Art Shopping and Culture Tour
Number 14 combines culture and shopping by visiting four villages known for their art crafts. You’ll explore Tohpati for batik, Celuk for jewelry, Batuan for paintings, and Mas for wood carving. The tour costs $63 and lasts about 5-6 hours. Reviewers enjoy the variety and the chance to see artisans at work, making this perfect for art lovers looking for souvenirs. The round-trip transfers and flexible itinerary make it easy to customize.
Ideal for art and craft enthusiasts wanting to buy authentic Balinese products directly from the source.
Bottom Line: Perfect for cultural shoppers wanting to combine sightseeing with buying unique handicrafts.
15. Ubud City Tour II: Monkey Forest, Palace, Art Market, and Rice Terrace
Rounding out the list, this 8-hour tour covers Ubud’s main attractions with a focus on efficiency. It includes visits to the Monkey Forest, Ubud Palace, Art Market, and a walk in the Tegalalang Rice Terrace. The private guide and direct hotel transfers ensure a smooth day. Reviews note the knowledgeable guide and the well-paced itinerary. It’s a good option for travelers who want to maximize their time and see the highlights without rushing.
Suitable for those who appreciate a rundown in one day with personal attention.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting a full, efficient introduction to Ubud’s key sights.
How to Choose the Best Shopping & Market Tour in Ubud
When deciding which tour fits your style, consider your budget, interests, and time availability. For hands-on culinary skills, the [Balinese Cooking School (9 Dish Cooking and Market Tour)] is unbeatable, especially if you want to learn multiple dishes and explore a local market. If art and crafts are your focus, the Bali Art Shopping and Culture Tour provides a deep dive into artisan villages. For street food lovers, the Bali Night Market Experience offers a lively, flavorful evening.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak season, as these experiences are popular and fill up quickly. Also, check if the tour includes necessary details like hotel pickup, meal options, or private vs. group settings to match your preferences.
The Sum Up
Ubud’s shopping and market tours cover a wide spectrum — from culinary classes that teach you local recipes, to art village visits that reveal Bali’s craftsmanship, to night market excursions full of flavors and atmosphere. For foodies, the 9 Dish Cooking & Market Tour and the Traditional Market Cooking Class offer immersive, hands-on experiences. Art lovers will appreciate the Bali Art Shopping and Culture Tour, while those seeking a vibrant street food experience should consider the Night Market Tour.
No matter your interests or travel style, Ubud offers memorable ways to shop, taste, and discover Bali’s local life. Booking these tours early ensures you won’t miss out on the enriching experiences that make your trip truly special.