Tourism is a vital industry for Denpasar's economy. The city has become an increasingly popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. In December 2024, Denpasar recorded a total of 551,100 tourist visits, an increase from 481,646 in December 2023. In 2018, Denpasar along with
Jakarta and
Batam are among of 10 cities in the world with fastest growth in tourism, 32.7, 29.2 and 23.3 percent respectively. As the capital city of Bali Province, Denpasar serves as both the cultural and administrative center of the island. It is known for its beaches, traditional markets, historic temples, local art markets, and street food scene. Denpasar has various attractions. The white sandy beaches are well-known all over the island. The surfing beach is
Serangan Island.
Sanur Beach has calmer waters and is excellent for sunbathing and
kitesurfing. Ten minutes from the
Ngurah Rai International Airport lies the town of
Kuta (within
Badung Regency not administratively under the city jurisdiction), where most of the hotels, restaurants, malls, cafes, marketplaces, and spas that cater to tourists are located. In the Denpasar area, all kinds of Balinese handicrafts are represented in local shops. These include artwork, pottery, textiles, and silver.
Batik cloth is sold all over Denpasar, and batik
sarongs and men's shirts are widely available. The development of tourism and the appeal of the island of Bali have indirectly driven the progress of development in the city of Denpasar. In 2000, the number of foreign tourists who visited reached 1,413,513 people, and placed the largest number of tourists from Japan then followed by Australia, Taiwan, Europe, England, America, Singapore and Malaysia. The tourism development policy in the city of Denpasar emphasizes environmentally conscious cultural tourism. As one of the centers of tourism development, Denpasar City is a barometer for the progress of tourism in Bali, this can be seen from the emergence of various starred hotels as a means of supporting tourism activities.
Sanur Beach is one of the most visited beach tourism areas. While Puputan Field is a green open space area in Denpasar City and also functions as the "lungs of the city".
Tourist destinations Denpasar has several tourist attractions that have historical and recreational elements. In Denpasar City there is a museum called
Bali Museum. The Bali Museum building is made to resemble a puri from the kingdoms in Bali. •
Renon Field–family activity center and also contains
Bajra Sandhi Monument, a monument to the Balinese people's struggle •
Puputan Park–art performance venue •
Kreneng Market •
Simpang Dewa Ruci or Simpang Siur–there is Simpang Siur Mall or Discovery Mall •
Puri Santrian •
Sanur Beach • Mangrove forest ecotourism or
bakau •
Cultural Park • Kertalangu Cultural Village • Satria Bird Market •
Sindu Beach •
Pura Agung Jagatnatha •
Pura Sakenan • Kumbasari Park
Culinary tourism Denpasar is also famous for its culinary tourism. Some places that are very well known by both local and foreign tourists are: • Nasi Ayam Kedewatan–Jalan Tukad Badung, Denpasar • Nasi Ikan Mak Beng–near
Hotel Radisson • Nasi Campur–Pantai Segara, Sanur • Babi Guling Chandra–Jalan Teuku Umar • Warung Wardana–Jalan Merdeka, Denpasar • Bebek Goreng HT–Jalan Merdeka, Denpasar • Sate Plecing–Jalan Yudhistira, Denpasar • Depot Kepiting Super–Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai • Resto Bali Nikmat–Jalan Raya Kuta near Alfa • Warung Batan Waru–next to
Discovery Mall •
Warung Made–
Kuta • Ikan Bakar–
Jimbaran • Nyoman Cafe–Jimbaran • Menega Cafe–Four Seasons Jimbaran • Jebak (Bali Culinary Trail)–Jalan Teuku Umar, Denpasar Some of the famous Balinese souvenirs include
dodol bali,
brem,
rahayu peanuts,
milk pie,
disco peanuts,
salak bali,
peanuts,
chicken feet crackers,
pia legong and
Bali coffee. Some special places that sell souvenirs include: • Krisna Shop • Erlangga Shop 1 and Erlangga Shop 2 •
Kumbasari Market == Health ==