Bali has night markets in every region and area, and their vibrant atmosphere attracts hungry locals and tourists seeking authentic travel experiences every single evening.
Bali night markets are an experience on their own, with more than 20 night markets available. This time, let’s head to one of the busiest and most popular night markets in Bali – Legian Night Market. It is the best way to blend in with locals and try amazing local food at very cheap prices.
In our complete guide, we share some practical tips, the best dishes to try, and the best souvenirs to buy while shopping in Legian night markets and Garlic Lane Street.
Best Night Markets In Bali: Legian Market, What It’s Like?
Legian night markets (Pasar Seni + Garlic Lane) are one of the most tourist-oriented markets so you will see many shops here with higher prices.
You won’t find many local food stalls or vendors selling traditional kitchen utensils – for this, you should visit Denpasar’s largest traditional market. Legian markets mostly sell summer clothes, souvenirs, some art, and food products.
Legian market is supposed to be open daily from 6 AM-11 PM. During weekdays, the market is busy around lunchtime, and from Friday to Sunday it gets busy around sunset and dinner.
Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Legian Night Market
To make your market experience stress-free, here are a few first-timer tips and reminders for experienced street food lovers:
As this market is busier than other night markets, keep your bags in your sight at all times. Bali is safe, but petty crime happens everywhere in the world.
Bring cash and small money, food and small souvenirs at the local markets is cheap. A portion can be about 15,000 IDR (1.5 AUD/1 USD). If you need more money to buy local handicrafts, it is best to come back after visiting the ATM, but first agree on the price.
It is an open-air night market in Bali, if it is raining, bring your rain poncho or reschedule.
Bring your own shopping bag. Some vendors don’t have any at all, and some only provide plastic bags.
Want to try more local dishes but feel full? Ask to pack it for takeaway, say “bungkus” (takeaway in Indonesian)
Remember some useful words in Indonesian: Terima Kasih – “thank you” and sama-sama – “you’re welcome”.
Where Is Legian Night Market?
Legian is a popular tourist destination and a bustling hub for shopping and nightlife. The famous Legian Night markets are concentrated around Melasti and Garlic Lane streets, not far from the main beach.
Where Is It? Jl. Melasti No.86, Legian, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
How To Get To Legian Night Market
The best way for international visitors to get to Legian Night market is to simply walk if you’re staying around Legian.
If you are staying nearby, in Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu, get a bike taxi through one of the online taxi apps (Gojek and Grab are the most reliable ones) as the trip will only take around 20-30 minutes.
If you’re coming from a more remote area (airport, Ubud, Nusa Dua), it is more comfortable to either get a car taxi or book a private driver.
For those who drive here, there is ample parking, but it is easier to get here on a bike and simply find a spot alongside the stalls.
What To Expect From Legian Night Market (Legian Pasar Seni)
Unlike many night markets in Bali, the Legian market sells more clothing and souvenirs than there are food stalls. Not to worry, there are plenty of dining options for you at the market and around anyway!
Buy The Necessities
If you just got to Bali, the area around the market is great for buying a tourist sim card with Internet, some flip flops, sarongs, sunglasses, and beachwear to start your holiday.
Shop For Clothes At Bargain Prices
Almost 90% of all the items sold here are clothes: summer dresses, T-shirts with fun prints, shorts, or accessories. A favourite destination of any shopping enthusiast who doesn’t want to buy expensive clothes at the mall.
The choice is often overwhelming and you need to comb through options to find good value for money, but the whole process is a true Asian cultural experience on its own.
Even if you’re not ready to buy, just come see, what island style is all about.
Visit Local Food Stalls
Although there is pretty much no food at Legian Pasar Seni, you should definitely try the meatball soup (bakso), or Balinese dishes if you see them.
You can also buy local coffee (already packaged) at the market.
There are many food stalls on wheels in Bali, like simple carts moving around and making noises so vendors and workers can come out and order. Observe and do the same!
Explore The Art Market
Garlic Lane and PasarSeni are shopper’s paradise in Legian for those who want to bring home some simple piece of art or something handmade.
Must-haves: batik clothes as batik is an Indonesian traditional textile craft, silver jewelry (there are many crafters on the East Coast and Ubud making it by hand), wood carvings, and woven handbags.
Venture Towards Garlic Lane
Garlic Lane is a popular shopping street in Legian with cafes, shops, and a bustling atmosphere. Many foreign visitors come here after visiting the Bali night market in Legian as it is just around the corner.
The vendors selling handicrafts here are usually from 8 AM to 9 PM, but restaurants stay open late, often playing live music and having happy hours for you to enjoy ice-cold beers.
Where To Eat Near Legian Night Market?
As there are not many food items to indulge in at the market after a whole day of shopping you will be hungry! Gladly, Legian has heaps of amazing cafes and restaurants to dine in.
Plus, if travelling with kids and husbands, they may enjoy staying at the restaurant more than shopping…
Best Restaurants Around Legian Night Market
Garlic Lane Restaurant and Bar – the OG dining spot of this street that gave it its name! Make sure to try local dishes like laksa (spice soup), and nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice). They serve Western food too. In the evening they have live entertainment shows.
Warung Kampung Indonesian Restaurant – they make authentic food using fresh produce and it is a simple spot to try the best Balinese dishes like fish, kangkung (water spinach), tofu and tempeh (fermented soybeans), and so much more!
Fat Chow Legian – a few minutes walk from the market, but the food is well worth it. Lots of delicious Thai food like tom yum or green curry, but also some more Western and Indonesian dishes to try: we recommend pork ribs.
Where To Stay Near Legian Night Market?
Want to be close to all the hustle and bustle? A few of the accommodation options have a strategic location, right next to Legian Beach, Night Market, and the Legian main street.
Best Hotels Around Legian Night Market In Bali
Pullman Bali Legian Beach – world-renowned 5-star hotel chain. This beachfront hotel is family-friendly, has amazing rooms and service, and an on-site pool and wellness centre. The nightly rate is around 1,900,000 IDR (190AUD).
- AlamKulKul Boutique Resort – a hidden gem among popular resorts, right in front of the beach, this boutique hotel stays true to traditional Balinese architecture, is really peaceful, and is almost twice cheaper than the hotels next to it.
- Legian Beach Hotel Bali – you step out right into the vibrant atmosphere of Garlic Lane and Legian Night Market. A little green oceanfront paradise with spacious gardens and territory. Rooms are around 1,900,000 IDR (190AUD) per night.
FAQs
Does Bali Have A Night Market?
Bali has fantastic night markets all around the island with the biggest being in the most populated areas by locals like Denpasar, Ubud, and Sanur, and art markets in Legian, Seminyak, or Kuta. No matter where you go, you will find a good market. Indonesians are big food enthusiasts and they love socializing at the markets while sharing food.
What Do The Markets Sell In Bali?
Bali night markets sell anything you can think of from household tools and traditional textiles to street food, silver jewellery, and local art – all at very affordable prices (although you need to negotiate sometimes).
However, if you are looking to buy fresh fruits, farming tools or fresh seafood – morning and day markets are better.
Final Thoughts
While Legian Night Market may not be the best night market to connect with local culture or try local food, it is certainly a cool local market with a lively atmosphere, delicious food, and many souvenirs (sarongs, bags, Bali print T-shirts, and jewellery) that shops sell.
After visiting Legian Pasar Seni, make sure to stop by the beach to enjoy some of the best sunset views on the island.
