Things to Do in Ubud: Best Places and Experiences

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Ubud is one of the best places in Bali for travelers who want more than beaches. Surrounded by rice terraces, temples, forests and small villages, the town is a convenient base for exploring central Bali while also offering plenty to do within the town itself.

The best things to do in Ubud range from visiting temples and traditional markets to walking through rice fields, exploring waterfalls, seeing Balinese art and simply enjoying the slower atmosphere of the area.

You do not need to visit every attraction. A good Ubud itinerary combines several major sights with enough free time to enjoy the town, cafes, restaurants and surrounding countryside.

If you are planning your entire stay in the area, start with our Ubud Travel Guide.

Best Things to Do in Ubud at a Glance

Experience	Best For	Time Needed
Ubud Palace	Culture and history	30–60 minutes
Saraswati Temple	Architecture	30–45 minutes
Ubud Market	Shopping and local atmosphere	1–2 hours
Monkey Forest	Nature and wildlife	1–2 hours
Campuhan Ridge Walk	Walking and scenery	1–2 hours
Tegalalang Rice Terrace	Landscape and photography	1–2 hours
Waterfalls	Nature	Half day
Balinese temples	Culture	1–3 hours
Art galleries	Art and culture	1–3 hours
Spa treatment	Relaxation	1–3 hours

1. Explore Ubud Palace

Ubud Palace is one of the most recognizable cultural landmarks in the center of town.

The palace complex is associated with the former royal family of Ubud and provides an easy introduction to traditional Balinese architecture.

Because it is centrally located, it is easy to combine with the market and Saraswati Temple on the same walk.

You do not need to spend several hours here. Around 30 to 60 minutes is usually enough to see the main areas and appreciate the architecture.

2. Visit Saraswati Temple

Saraswati Temple is known for its traditional Balinese architecture and lotus-filled pond.

It is located close to Ubud Palace, making it one of the easiest attractions to combine with a walk through central Ubud.

The temple is dedicated to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess associated with knowledge, learning and the arts.

Dress respectfully when visiting religious sites and follow any instructions regarding access to temple areas.

3. Walk Through Ubud Market

Ubud Market is one of the most recognizable places in central Ubud.

You can browse clothing, handicrafts, souvenirs, artwork and other products while experiencing the busy atmosphere of the town center.

It is a good place to look for small souvenirs, but prices can vary considerably and bargaining may be part of the shopping experience.

If you are not interested in shopping, you can still walk through the area because of its central location and lively atmosphere.

4. Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest

The Sacred Monkey Forest is one of Ubud’s most famous attractions.

The forest combines temples, pathways, large trees and a population of long-tailed macaques.

It is an interesting combination of nature and Balinese religious surroundings.

Keep your belongings secure and follow the site’s rules around the monkeys. Do not deliberately feed or provoke them.

How Long Do You Need at Monkey Forest?

Allow around one to two hours for a comfortable visit.

You can spend longer if you want to explore the paths more slowly, but there is no need to dedicate an entire day to the attraction.

5. Walk the Campuhan Ridge Walk

The Campuhan Ridge Walk is one of the easiest ways to escape the busy streets of central Ubud without traveling far from town.

The route passes through green landscapes and offers a different view of the area from the usual tourist streets.

Early morning or later afternoon can be more comfortable than walking during the hottest part of the day.

Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, particularly if you plan to continue walking beyond the main section.

6. See the Tegalalang Rice Terraces

The Tegalalang area is one of the most famous landscapes near Ubud.

The stepped rice fields provide one of the classic views associated with central Bali.

You can combine a visit with other attractions north of Ubud, making it a useful stop on a day trip by car.

Conditions and the appearance of the fields vary throughout the year, so do not expect exactly the same landscape in every season.

7. Visit a Balinese Water Temple

Water plays an important role in Balinese Hindu traditions, and several temples around Ubud are associated with sacred springs and water.

Visiting a temple outside the town center can give you a better understanding of the cultural landscape surrounding Ubud.

One well-known option is Tirta Empul, which is associated with holy spring water and purification rituals.

Visitors should behave respectfully and follow local rules, particularly around ceremonial areas.

8. Explore Ubud’s Art Galleries

Ubud has long been associated with Balinese art.

The town and surrounding area contain galleries and museums where you can see traditional and contemporary works.

This is a good alternative when the weather is poor or when you want a slower activity between outdoor excursions.

You do not need to be an art specialist to enjoy the experience. Simply choose a gallery that matches your interests and spend an hour or two exploring.

9. Visit the Blanco Renaissance Museum

The Blanco Renaissance Museum is associated with the Spanish-born artist Don Antonio Blanco, who lived and worked in Bali.

The museum combines artwork with an unusual building and garden environment.

It is a good choice for travelers interested in art and the history of Ubud’s artistic community.

10. Explore Ubud’s Rice Fields

You do not always need to travel to a famous rice terrace to experience Bali’s agricultural landscape.

Several walking routes around Ubud pass through rice fields and small villages.

A short walk can provide a quieter experience than the major tourist attractions.

Ask your accommodation about nearby walking routes if you want to explore independently.

11. Take a Cooking Class

A Balinese cooking class is one of the more interactive things to do in Ubud.

Classes commonly introduce visitors to local ingredients, spices and traditional cooking techniques.

Some experiences include a visit to a local market before the cooking session.

This can be a good choice for travelers who want an activity rather than another sightseeing stop.

12. Take a Yoga Class

Ubud is strongly associated with yoga and wellness.

You will find studios offering different styles and levels, from beginner sessions to more advanced classes.

A morning class can also be a good way to start a slower day before exploring the town.

13. Book a Balinese Spa Treatment

A spa treatment is an easy way to balance a busy sightseeing itinerary.

Traditional Balinese massages and other treatments are widely available in Ubud.

Prices vary depending on the type of spa and treatment, so compare the service and duration rather than choosing only by the lowest price.

14. Visit Tegenungan Waterfall

Tegenungan Waterfall is one of the better-known waterfalls accessible from the Ubud area.

The waterfall is south of central Ubud, making it convenient to combine with other attractions in the same direction.

There are stairs and walking involved, so comfortable footwear is useful.

Water levels and swimming conditions can vary, particularly after heavy rain.

15. Visit Tibumana Waterfall

Tibumana Waterfall offers a different experience from the larger and busier waterfalls.

The surrounding greenery makes it a popular choice for travelers looking for a more natural setting.

It can be combined with other central Bali attractions on a private-driver day.

16. Explore Goa Gajah

Goa Gajah, also known as the Elephant Cave, is an archaeological and religious site near Ubud.

The entrance is particularly recognizable because of its carved stone facade.

The site contains religious structures, pathways and surrounding greenery, making it an interesting stop for travelers interested in Bali’s history and culture.

Allow around an hour for a basic visit, or longer if you want to explore the surrounding area.

17. Visit Gunung Kawi

Gunung Kawi is an archaeological complex known for its large rock-cut shrines.

The site is located north of Ubud and involves a walk down a long staircase.

It is best combined with other attractions in the same part of Bali rather than visited as a separate trip from Ubud.

18. Explore Tirta Gangga?

Tirta Gangga is a beautiful water palace, but it is not near Ubud.

For a short Ubud sightseeing day, it is better to avoid adding it to your itinerary because the journey across Bali can take significant time.

If you have a full day available and specifically want to explore eastern Bali, it can be considered as part of a longer excursion.

19. Watch a Traditional Balinese Dance

Traditional dance performances are one of the easiest ways to experience Balinese culture in the evening.

Ubud regularly hosts performances featuring traditional music, costumes and choreography.

Check the current performance schedule before going because locations and times can vary.

This is an especially convenient evening activity because it can be combined with dinner in central Ubud.

20. Enjoy Ubud’s Cafes and Restaurants

Ubud is not only about temples and rice fields.

The town has a large selection of cafes and restaurants ranging from simple local establishments to more sophisticated restaurants.

Use a relaxed afternoon to try Balinese dishes, Indonesian food, coffee or healthy-style cafes that are particularly common in the Ubud area.

You do not need to plan every meal in advance. Exploring the local restaurant scene is part of the experience.

21. Take a Day Trip Around Central Bali

One of the best ways to see the area around Ubud is to dedicate an entire day to several attractions outside the town.

A practical route might combine:

• a rice terrace;
• a temple;
• a waterfall;
• a traditional village;
• a local restaurant.

Choose attractions that are geographically close to each other rather than attempting to cross the island in a single day.

22. Hire a Private Driver for a Day

A private driver can be useful when you want to explore several places outside Ubud.

Instead of arranging separate rides for every attraction, you can build a route and travel between stops with the same driver.

This is particularly practical for waterfalls, temples and rice terraces that are not located within walking distance of one another.

You do not need a private driver every day. One or two sightseeing days may be enough.

23. Explore Ubud Early in the Morning

Ubud’s central streets can become busy during the day.

One simple way to enjoy the town differently is to start early.

Morning walks can be more comfortable because temperatures are lower and some popular areas are quieter.

This is especially useful for photographers and travelers who prefer a calmer atmosphere.

24. Spend an Afternoon Doing Nothing

This may sound strange on a list of things to do, but it is one of the best ways to experience Ubud.

Do not underestimate the value of sitting by a pool, reading, having coffee or enjoying a spa after several days of sightseeing.

Ubud works particularly well for this because the area has many hotels and resorts designed around relaxation.

25. Visit a Traditional Village

Villages around Ubud provide a chance to see parts of everyday Balinese life away from the main tourist streets.

Some organized tours include village visits as part of a larger cultural itinerary.

If you visit independently, behave respectfully and remember that residential areas are people’s homes rather than tourist attractions.

Best Things to Do in Ubud for First-Time Visitors

If this is your first visit, you do not need to complete the entire list.

Start with these essential experiences:

1. Explore Ubud Palace and central Ubud.
2. Visit Saraswati Temple.
3. Walk through Ubud Market.
4. Visit the Monkey Forest.
5. Walk through the rice fields.
6. Visit a rice terrace outside town.
7. See at least one Balinese temple.
8. Visit a waterfall.
9. Try a Balinese spa or massage.
10. Watch a traditional dance performance.

This combination gives you a good introduction to Ubud without requiring a packed schedule.

Best Things to Do in Ubud for Couples

Couples can easily build a slower itinerary around Ubud.

Good choices include:

• spa treatments;
• sunset walks;
• private dinners;
• rice terrace visits;
• cooking classes;
• yoga;
• traditional dance performances;
• private day trips.

There is no need to spend every day visiting attractions. Ubud’s hotels and restaurants are part of the experience.

Best Things to Do in Ubud for Families

Families should mix cultural attractions with activities that keep children interested.

Waterfalls, rice terraces, Monkey Forest and shorter cultural visits can work well.

A private driver can also make family sightseeing considerably easier because you can control the pace and avoid arranging multiple rides.

Always check current site rules and safety conditions, especially around waterfalls and monkeys.

Best Things to Do in Ubud for Solo Travelers

Solo travelers have plenty of options.

Walking around central Ubud, joining a cooking class, taking a yoga class or joining a day tour can all be good ways to explore while meeting other travelers.

Ride-hailing services are also useful for getting to attractions outside the center.

Best Free Things to Do in Ubud

Ubud does not have to be expensive.

Some of the best low-cost activities include:

• walking through central Ubud;
• exploring rice fields;
• walking the Campuhan Ridge area;
• browsing local streets;
• watching daily life around the town;
• exploring small local shops.

Some attractions charge admission, so check current prices before visiting.

How Many Days Do You Need in Ubud?

Three to five days is a good range for most first-time visitors.

Three days is enough for the main highlights if you are also visiting other parts of Bali.

Four or five days allows you to add waterfalls, day trips, wellness activities and slower afternoons.

If Ubud is the main focus of your Bali vacation, you can easily spend longer.

How to Plan Your Ubud Sightseeing Days

Group attractions geographically.

For example, keep central Ubud attractions together and use separate days for northern or southern excursions.

This reduces unnecessary driving and gives you more time at each location.

Example Day in Central Ubud

• Ubud Palace;
• Saraswati Temple;
• Ubud Market;
• lunch;
• Monkey Forest;
• evening dance performance.

Example Day Outside Ubud

• rice terrace;
• water temple;
• waterfall;
• local lunch;
• return to Ubud.

What Should You Not Miss in Ubud?

If you have very limited time, prioritize the experiences that show the different sides of Ubud.

Visit one cultural site, one natural attraction, one rice landscape and spend some time simply exploring the town.

A combination of Ubud Palace, a temple, a rice terrace and a waterfall provides more variety than visiting several similar attractions.

Is Ubud Worth Visiting?

Yes, particularly if you want to experience the cultural and natural side of Bali.

Ubud offers something different from the southern beach areas.

It is also one of the most practical bases for exploring central Bali.

If your ideal vacation is exclusively about beaches and nightlife, you may prefer spending more time in southern Bali.

What Is Ubud Best Known For?

Ubud is best known for its connection with Balinese art and culture, rice terraces, temples, wellness experiences and the surrounding natural landscape.

It is also a major base for exploring central Bali.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Ubud?

Ubud can be visited throughout the year.

Weather conditions vary seasonally, and rain can affect outdoor activities such as hiking, waterfalls and rice terrace walks.

For broader information about Bali’s seasons and weather, see our Bali Travel Guide.

What Should You Wear in Ubud?

Light, comfortable clothing works well for most of Ubud.

For temples, dress respectfully and follow the specific requirements of the site.

A sarong may be required or provided at some temples.

Comfortable walking shoes are useful because many attractions involve stairs, uneven paths or walks through natural areas.

How Should You Get Around Ubud?

Central Ubud is walkable in some areas, but attractions outside the town are spread across a much larger region.

For short journeys, ride-hailing services can be useful.

For a full day of sightseeing, a private driver can be more efficient.

You can also join organized tours if you prefer not to arrange transportation yourself.

Can You Walk Around Ubud?

Yes, particularly around the central area.

However, traffic, sidewalks and road conditions vary, so walking is not practical for every journey.

Use walking for nearby attractions and transportation for places farther outside the center.

How Much Time Should You Spend at Ubud Attractions?

Most individual attractions do not require an entire day.

A central temple or palace may take less than an hour, while a larger attraction such as Monkey Forest may take one to two hours.

Waterfalls and countryside excursions require more time because transportation is involved.

Plan around the total journey rather than only the time spent inside the attraction.

What Are the Best Day Trips From Ubud?

Ubud is an excellent base for exploring central and eastern Bali.

Popular day-trip ideas include:

• rice terraces and temples;
• waterfalls;
• water temples;
• traditional villages;
• Mount Batur area;
• eastern Bali.

Choose one region per day rather than trying to combine distant parts of the island.

Common Mistakes When Visiting Ubud

Trying to Visit Too Many Attractions

Ubud has enough attractions to keep you busy for weeks.

Choose the places that actually interest you.

Ignoring Travel Time

An attraction that looks close on a map may take much longer to reach because of traffic and road conditions.

Spending the Entire Trip in the Town Center

Some of Ubud’s best experiences are outside the center.

Make time for rice fields, temples, waterfalls or villages.

Forgetting to Leave Free Time

Ubud is also a place to slow down.

A packed schedule can make the experience less enjoyable.

Visiting Religious Sites Without Checking the Rules

Dress appropriately and follow local instructions at temples and other religious sites.

A Perfect One-Day Ubud Itinerary

If you only have one day, keep the route compact.

1. Start with Ubud Palace.
2. Visit Saraswati Temple.
3. Explore Ubud Market.
4. Have lunch in central Ubud.
5. Visit the Monkey Forest.
6. Take an afternoon walk.
7. Have dinner in Ubud.
8. Watch a traditional performance if the schedule allows.

Do not attempt to add several waterfalls or distant rice terraces to the same day.

A Perfect Two-Day Ubud Itinerary

With two days, divide the experience between town and countryside.

Day 1

• Ubud Palace;
• Saraswati Temple;
• Ubud Market;
• Monkey Forest;
• evening performance.

Day 2

• rice terraces;
• water temple;
• waterfall;
• local village;
• relaxed evening.

This provides much more variety than trying to see every attraction in one day.

Is Ubud Better Than Bali’s Beach Areas?

They are different rather than better or worse.

Ubud is better suited to travelers interested in culture, nature, wellness and inland scenery.

The southern beach areas are better suited to travelers prioritizing beaches, nightlife, surfing and resort life.

A first Bali trip can easily include both.

What Other Bali Destinations Should You Combine With Ubud?

Ubud works well as the inland part of a larger Bali itinerary.

After Ubud, many travelers continue toward Canggu, Seminyak, Sanur, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua or Uluwatu.

For example, our Uluwatu Travel Guide covers one of the most popular southern Bali areas.

You can also compare Ubud with coastal destinations depending on the type of vacation you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Ubud?

The main highlights include Ubud Palace, Saraswati Temple, Ubud Market, Monkey Forest, rice terraces, temples, waterfalls, art galleries, cooking classes and spa treatments.

How many days do you need in Ubud?

Three to five days is a good range for most visitors. Three days covers the major highlights, while four or five days allows more time for day trips and relaxation.

Is Ubud worth visiting for first-time visitors?

Yes. Ubud is one of the best places in Bali for experiencing temples, rice fields, art, wellness and central Bali’s natural landscape.

Can you walk around Ubud?

Yes, central Ubud is walkable in many areas. Attractions outside the center usually require transportation.

Do you need a private driver in Ubud?

No, but a private driver is useful for sightseeing days when you want to visit multiple attractions outside the town.

What is Ubud famous for?

Ubud is particularly famous for Balinese art and culture, temples, rice terraces, wellness experiences and its surrounding natural landscape.

What should I not miss in Ubud?

For a first visit, prioritize central Ubud, a temple, a rice terrace, one waterfall and some time exploring the surrounding countryside.

Is Ubud good for families?

Yes. Families can combine cultural attractions with waterfalls, rice terraces and nature activities, while private transportation can make sightseeing easier.

Is Ubud good for couples?

Yes. Couples can combine sightseeing with spas, restaurants, private experiences, walks and relaxed time at their hotel.

What is the best free thing to do in Ubud?

Walking through the town and surrounding rice fields is one of the best low-cost ways to experience Ubud.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Ubud

The best things to do in Ubud are not limited to a checklist of famous attractions.

The town’s appeal comes from the combination of culture, temples, rice fields, forests, art, wellness and the surrounding countryside.

For a first visit, focus on a few major attractions and leave enough time to experience Ubud at a slower pace. Visit the town center, explore at least one temple and rice landscape, add a waterfall or countryside excursion, and keep some time free for cafes, restaurants or a spa.

If you are planning a longer Bali trip, combine Ubud with one or two coastal areas rather than trying to stay in every destination on the island.

For a broader overview of Bali, see our Bali Travel Guide. For another side of the island, you can also explore our guide to Things to Do in Canggu.