The culture and art capital of Bali, Ubud is nestled among rice fields, surrounded by stunning nature, and home to plenty of attractions. I spent a fruitful couple of weeks in the town and didn’t get to do even half of what I would’ve liked. So whether you are spending only a few days or would like to stay for longer – you will find that there are many things to do in Ubud. Here are some ideas and photos for your inspiration!

Museums

One of the main reasons Ubud is so famous is the art and culture scene in the town. You can visit dozens of museums and galleries, see arts and crafts, and even take lessons on how to make batik, carve wood, paint, and more. My absolutely favorite museum was the Setia Darma House of Masks. Not only does it house a huge collection of masks and puppets, it also showcases local architecture. Some other popular options include the Blanco Ranaissance Museum, the Puri Lukisan Museum, Museum Rudana, and the Neka Art Museum.

Performance

On the cultural note, you can also take in some stunning dance and singing performances. You are likely to encounter some just by walking around, but I highly recommend getting a ticket to at least one of the traditional dances. These range from the more colorful Legong and Barong dances, to the more spiritual and energetic Kecak Fire Dance.

Temples

As soon as you arrive in Ubud, you’ll feel like you are surrounded by hundreds of temples. They are usually just people’s homes, where they’ve set up small shrines. However, temples do abound in Ubud and around the island. The most famous ones in the town are the Goa Gajah temple and Pura Taman Saraswati. But you can venture out further and see the temples around the island, such as Ulun Banu Beratan Temple, Uluwatu, Tanah Lot, and many more.

Nature and Waterfalls

Besides culture, art and religion, Bali is also famous for its nature. There aren’t really any beaches that are super close to Ubud, but plenty of natural attractions can be found. There are dozens of waterfalls within short driving distance, such as Git Git and Tegenungan. There are also lakes and hiking paths. If you want to stay in Ubud for a nice hike, head to the Campuhan Ridge Walk.

Rice Terraces

One thing that you should not miss are the rice terraces in Bali. If you are staying in Ubud, two are really nearby – the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Tegallalang. You can hike around these, take a short walk, and get some of the most instagrammable photos on the island!

Eat and Drink

Actually, you don’t have to do much in Ubud or in Bali if you are looking for relaxation. You can just hang out in the town and try some of the most amazing food around. There are so many restaurants, it’s hard to keep up. But if I were to only try two things, I’d recommend tasting an authentic Nasi Campur – an Indonesian rice with a mix of sides; and trying one of the many vegan restaurants, which put up some fantastic dishes. Plus, don’t miss the Balinese coffee – my favorite shops were Seniman Coffee and FREAK Coffee.

Spa

If you are going down more of a relaxation path, then head to one of the many spas. There are choices from dirt cheap to luxurious, so it really depends on your budget. One option that I particularly liked is the Karsa Spa. You can get there by walking the Campuhan Ridge walk, which is really pretty in and of itself. The spa is set in stunning nature and is really tranquil!

Instagrammable Spots

Finally, no trip to Bali is complete without finding the amazing instagram spots. They are kind of touristy, but we are all tourists, aren’t we? You’ll likely find them wondering around the town or driving around the island. Here are some of my favorite spots in photos!