5 Best Markets to Buy Handicrafts in Central Java

From mesmerizing sights and scrumptious local cuisine to wonderful cultural heritage, Central Java has a lot to offer. However, your trip to the region wouldn’t be complete without a little shopping. Worry not. Central Java has an array of shopping spots to pamper the shopaholic in you.

There are countless shops around every corner, but the markets mentioned below cater to those looking for handicrafts and souvenirs at pocket-friendly prices. The broad range of antiques, batik, local souvenirs, home decorations, furniture, and other items will make your shopping experience in Central Java more fun and exciting!
 

1 | Triwindu Market, Solo

Located in the Ngarsopuro area, Banjarsari District, Surakarta, Triwindu Market is a shopping paradise for antique lovers. A stroll through this market will take you back to the golden era of the '90s. Showcasing traditional Javanese architecture, the building is made of wood and the alleys are brimming with decades-old items. This market was built in 1936, during the reign of K.G.P.A.A. Mangkunegara VII. 

You will find a vast collection of antiques here, such as lamps, gramophones, wall hangings, masks, old cameras, coffee grinders, glass plates, statues, ancient radio sets, puppets, and more. Situated right in front of Pura Mangkunegaran, this market is a popular shopping spot as well as a cultural tourism destination for domestic and foreign tourists.
 

2 | Klewer Market, Solo

Solo is known as the home of Indonesian batik and Pasar Klewer is one of the largest batik markets in Java Island. Situated close to the Surakarta Palace and the Surakarta Grand Mosque, it has become the biggest center of textile products in Central Java and the center of the economy in Surakarta. Klewer Market is a treasured shopping destination for tourists who are looking for batik at affordable prices.

There are more than 2,000 stalls of this two-story market offering a wide range of batik collections, including hand-drawn batik, printed batik, antique batik from the palace, and batik from various regions, such as Banyumas, Pekalongan, Yogyakarta, Betawi, and Madura. On top of that, it also has various types of clothing, knick-knacks, kitchen utensils, gold, electronic goods, and high-quality handicrafts made from glass. When your tummy growls with hunger, you can try the market’s legendary delicacy called tengkleng, a soup made from mutton bones with coconut milk!
 

3 | Beringharjo, Yogyakarta

Beringharjo Market is a great place to shop while on vacation in Yogyakarta. This traditional market has been functioning as a trading place since 1758. Ideal for handicraft shopping, it offers wide assortment of items at a fairly cheap price.

Pasar Beringharjo is said to have the most complete collection of batik in the region, in the form of both loose cloth and ready-to-wear outfits. Besides batik, you can also find fruits, vegetables, traditional food, Javanese herbs, and household utensils on the second floor, and antique goods on the third floor.
 

4 | Wage Market, Purwokerto

Occupying an area of 1 hectare, Pasar Wage, located on Jl. Vihara, East Purwokerto, is the biggest traditional market in Banyumas and has been a magnet for the local community and travelers. The building has two floors with hundreds of stalls selling daily needs items like staple foods, fragrances, fruits, jewelry, clothes, accessories, and much more. Alongside this market, there are also rows of stalls selling jewelry, ceramics, and pottery products.

You can easily feel the nuance of multiculturalism at Pasar Wage that’s flanked by a monastery. Also, you won’t leave this market hungry as there are numerous options of mouthwatering local street foods like getuk goreng and mendoan to nosh on.

5 | Johar Market, Semarang

Located on Jl. K.H. Agus Salim, Kauman, Semarang Tengah District, Semarang City, Central Java, Johar Market is the preeminent choice for buying souvenirs while on vacation in Semarang. This market offers daily necessities and other varied items, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, electronic equipment, textiles, accessories, local trinkets, fashion products, and souvenirs at reasonable prices. 

To make the best of your visit to the Johar market, you can head off to the surrounding ceramic centers that sell beautiful, high-quality ceramic products like food utensils, home accessories, decorations, and ceramic furniture.

There are tons of handicrafts and souvenirs that you can bring back home from your Central Java vacation. However, if you’re looking for reasonably-priced items, then these top traditional markets offer a vast variety of handicrafts and knick-knacks to meet your needs. So start creating your wish list and add the items you want to buy from Central Java!