Top 12 Things to Do in Jaipur: Food, Fort, Shopping, & More

Jaipur is the city where royal opulence meets the heart and soul of Rajasthan. Apart from its breathtaking forts and palaces, the Pink City beckons travelers to roam the lively markets, behold the artistically carved architecture, indulge in the authentic Rajasthani cuisine, explore many centuries-old crafts, and immerse themselves in every bit of its grand culture and tradition. If you want to soak in the glory of Rajasthan while experiencing the grand pink splendor of this Pink City, check out all the best things to do in Jaipur for a perfect Rajasthan holiday.

12 Best Things to Do in Jaipur

There are plenty of things to do in Jaipur, from exploring the majestic palaces and forts to enjoying the local food. The colorful markets are also there offering authentic Rajasthani souvenirs to take back home. In this segment, find out the Jaipur famous things.

1. Explore the Amber Fort

Amber Fort is one of the best things to see in Jaipur—and there are good views of the city from its hilltop perch. It provides a glimpse of the past and also offers incredible photo opportunities.

• If you were wondering why people gather here from across the world, you will get the answer as you witness the confluence of Rajput-Mughal architecture here.
• The immaculately decorated halls, grand courtyards, and sweeping views of the Aravallis make this place exceptional.
• Admire the mirror palace named Sheesh Mahal and see how beautifully mirrors create an effect when illuminated.
• The gateway is decorated with colorful frescoes and minute designs with a small image of Lord Ganesh, known as Ganesh Pol.
• Don’t miss the Diwan-i-Aam, or the hall of the general public, where the king used to meet his people or address matters of public awareness or discussion.
• Explore the Diwan-i-Khas, designed specifically for royal guests and dignitaries.
• There are other segments of this fort to admire, like the Sukh Niwas or the pleasure palace, where cooling water channels and architecture are exemplary. Similarly, don’t miss out on Jai Mandir and its impressive marble work.

Time Required: 2-3 hours

2. Admiring the Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal is one of the poster images of Jaipur known for its exemplary honeycomb-like façade. This iconic landmark serves as a reminder of the Rajput kingdom and is a wonderful place for photography.

• You will be astonished by the iconic façade made of pink sandstone. The five-story façade has 953 small jharokhas (windows), ornate lattices, and intricate detailing.
• The upper levels of this Mahal offer spectacular city views.
• Learn anecdotes like this: Mahal was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 so that the royal women can catch a glimpse of the outer world and the marketplaces while staying indoors.
• The honeycomb design is an engineering marvel, as they create a natural cooling airflow even in the sweltering weather of Jaipur.

Time Required: 45 minutes to 1 hour

3. Discover Jaipur City Palace

Step into the City Palace to understand the royal lifestyle of Jaipur. The art and architecture here depicting the genius minds of the royals is beyond excellence. Palaces, temples, parks, museums, and squares—this place uplifts the grandeur of Jaipur. Thus, just observing the beauty of this palace remains one of the best things to do in Jaipur.

• Discover the regal saga of the Kachwaha Rajput kings and the elegant history of the royal family.
• Admire the Chandra Mahal, a 7-floor palace with elegant balconies and rooms, and the Mubarak Mahal, filled with royal exhibits and costumes.
• Walk through the well-maintained and manicured courtyard of Pritam Niwas Chowk.
• If you love history, you will not miss the museum filled with royal weapons, manuscripts, paintings, and many other historical things.
• Observe the intriguing architecture of the City Palace made with Rajput, Mughal, and European influences.

Time Required: 2-3 hours

4. Marvel at the Jantar Mantar

Exploring the Jantar Mantar is one of the most fascinating things to do in Jaipur. To witness the most amazing example of astronomy and architecture, you must visit Jantar Mantar. It was built to observe the celestial movements to accuracy.

• See the Samrat Yantra, which is the world`s largest stone sundial. Here, you can accurately determine the time based on the shadow formed by the sun.
• Jai Prakash Yantra is a bowl-shaped instrument that determines the planetary position.
• Rama Yantra is a cylindrical-shaped instrument to measure the height of the planets.
• Here, you can also discover astronomical instruments for calculating planetary motions.
• It is a wonderful place to learn about ancient astronomy. This place offers a fascinating opportunity to explore the ancient astronomy techniques used by astronomers centuries ago. by astronomers hundreds of years ago.

Time Required: 1-1.5 hours

5. Explore Nahargarh Fort

One of the best places to see the sunset behind the Jaipur skyline is Nahargarh Fort. From its height you get a view all around, and it’s a popular spot for couples and photographers.
Watching the astounding cityscapes from the elevated vantage points of this fort is one of the best things to see in Jaipur.

• You simply cannot miss the sunset from here when the sky turns orange and pink.
• Witness the geometric stepwell and admire the arches, corridors, and frescoes.
• Coming to the Nahargarh Fort and absorbing the calmness and watching the sunset is one of the best things to do in Jaipur for nature lovers and couples.
• Photographers admire the setting of the fort against the Aravallis for dramatic silhouettes.
• There are various dining options here for you to sit quietly and enjoy a meal with your loved ones.

Time Required: 2-3 hours

6. Visit Jal Mahal

As the name suggests, this is a palace over water—Man Sagar Lake, to be precise. Placed amidst the water body, it provides a sweeping view of Jaipur. However, most of the interior of the palace is not open for public viewing.

• You can enjoy the lakefront view of the Jal Mahal surrounded by the Aravalli Hills.
• If you come here in the early morning, you will catch the best glimpses of the hills on the water, which remains calm.
• Jal Mahal is a photographer’s paradise, as this place looks spectacular during sunset hours.
• If you come here during the winter season, you will spot rare migratory birds.
• Take a stroll around the lake and enjoy some shopping.
• Sampling local Rajasthani snacks in this area is one of the best things to do in Jaipur.

Time Required: 30-45 minutes

7. Seek Divine Blessings at Galta Ji Temple

Galta Ji Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple, is one of the most famous places to visit in Jaipur. The devotees come here to seek the blessings of the deities. The scenic background of the Aravalli Hills makes for some great photographs.

• Wander through a series of temples, pavilions, and shrines set amid rocky hills.
• Know about the `kunds,` or natural water tanks, which are sacred and are used for ritual bathing.
• Soak in views of the lush hills of Aravalli and the peace of the area, away from the bustling streets of Jaipur.
• Spot the monkey population that makes the temple stand out.

Time Required: 1-2 hours

8. Explore Vibrant Bazaars

Exploring the busy bazaars would be one of the best things to do in Jaipur. At Johari Bazaar you will find precious gemstones and jewelry, while at Bapu Bazaar you will find colorful juttis, or footwear.

• Colorful gemstones of rich quality and handcrafted jewelry are easily available at Johari Bazaar.
• The iconic lac bangles are available at these marketplaces that you can buy for yourself and others.
• If you love the colorful clothes, block-print clothes, and accessories of Rajasthan, you will feel like you`re in a wonderland. There are so many things to buy here, especially handicrafts.
• Another thing to buy in Jaipur is jutti—a beautifully embroidered Rajasthani footwear that is available in multiple colors, styles, and patterns and matches well with ethnic wear.

Time Required: 2-3 hours

9. Royal Heritage at Albert Hall Museum

Albert Hall Museum is a perfect example of Indo-Saracenic architecture and a symbol of Jaipur’s artistic and cultural heritage with its grand domes, arches, carvings, and ornate interiors. With its eclectic collections, exploring this place is one of the best things to do in Jaipur.

• Any art aficionado will find the collections of paintings, sculptures, jewelry, pottery, coins, and other artifacts impressive that tells the story of a bygone era.
• The museum has one of its most unusual objects, an Egyptian mummy in the Ptolemaic style.
• Go after the sunset to catch a glimpse of the museum illuminated with lights and providing one of the city`s most beautiful sights.
• As the façade lit up after sunset, the museum became a magical sight.

Time Required: 2 hours

10. Experience Traditional Rajasthani Cultural Shows

When you are in the capital city of one of the most colorful states in India, you must not miss the cultural shows that are fascinating and awe-inspiring. One of the best things to do in Jaipur is to attend the music and dance performances. These performances showcase the unique flavors of the place.

• Melodious and rich in tune, Rajasthani classical and folk music must be enjoyed. See how beautifully they use instruments like dholak, sarangi, and algoza.
• You may have seen them in period drama movies, but here you get to witness the soulful and compassionate dance performances like Ghoomar and Kalbelia for real.
• One of the most famous things in all of Rajasthan is puppetry. The puppet shows often narrate age-old tales of valor, love, and heroism. These stories depict the legendary folklores of Rajasthan, and you must not miss this cultural heritage.

Time Required: 1-2 hours depending on the show

11. Staying in a Heritage Haveli

Staying in a heritage haveli would be a thrilling thing to do in Jaipur. You get up close and personal with the traditional and royal architecture, embellished interiors and enjoy top-notch hospitality. You will simply fall in love with the authentic Rajasthani decor.

• If not for all the days in your itinerary, at least stay for a day at these havelis for a unique experience.
• The royally designed jharokhas, courtyards with huge space, and frescoes are praiseworthy.
• Sit back, relax, and enjoy the personalized services reflecting the Rajasthani traditions.
• Most of these havelis arrange cultural shows, and you must not miss them alongside authentic Rajasthani food platters.

12. Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience Jaipur by soaring high in the air while enjoying a hot-air balloon ride. You will get to see the opulent palaces, forts, and colorful markets from above. It is one of the best adventure activities to do in Jaipur.

• Best Time: October to March is the best time for this must-do activity in Jaipur, as the weather seems to be favorable.
• Best For: Families, couples, explorers, and photographers.
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Time: Usually early morning

Best Time to Enjoy Various Things to Do in Jaipur

Jaipur has a hot semi-arid climate that is characterized by a scorching summer, brief monsoon, and mild winters. Knowing the best time to visit Jaipur is important for planning your trip. You must choose the travel season wisely so that you can enjoy the activities in Jaipur. Depending on your travel season, the budget may oscillate.

• Peak Season: October to February is the peak travel season in Jaipur because the weather remains comfortable and favorable for walking around the forts and palaces. These five months are a relief for tourists, as walking in and around the forts, palaces, and markets is difficult or uncomfortable during the peak summer months. However, the main tourist attractions will be crowded, and prices will remain high.
• Shoulder Season: July to September brings occasional relief with a bit of rainfall. Visiting the forts, palaces, and marketplaces are the major things to do in Jaipur, but unpredictable rainfall may compromise these outdoor plans. due to unpredictable rainfall.
• Off Season: March to June, the summer months, don’t generally attract travelers because of the scorching heat. If you plan to visit Jaipur in the summer, do your sightseeing early or late. This is the best time to get the best hotels in Jaipur at discounted or cheaper rates.

How to Reach Jaipur?

The countless "things to see in Jaipur" might excite anyone to plan a trip there, but do you know how to reach the pink city? You may reach Jaipur by flights, trains, and buses. Here is a short guide on how to reach Jaipur.

By Air

• Airport: Jaipur International Airport, around 13 km from the city, located at Sanganer.
• Regular flights from all major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, etc. to Jaipur.
• You will get cabs and app-based taxis to reach the city from the airport.
• The price for a one-way ticket to Jaipur is usually INR 2000 to 6000 depending on the route and time of booking.

By Train

• Main Station: Jaipur Junction is the main railroad station and is centrally located.
• Regular trains are available from various parts of the country, like Jodhpur, Delhi, Udaipur, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, etc.
• Vande Bharat, Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and other express trains run from different parts of the country.
• The average fare for sleeper class is INR 200 to 500, and for AC classes it is INR 500 to 2,500 depending on the route and the train.

By Road

• If you want to come to Jaipur by road, Delhi is the main point to start your journey from. Jaipur is just 280 km away from Delhi, and it takes approximately 4-5 hours to drive.
• A one-way trip from Delhi to Jaipur costs anywhere from INR 3500 to INR 6000 depending on the kind of vehicle and operator.
• You will also get regular buses from various nearby cities like Delhi, Udaipur, Agra, Jodhpur, etc.
• Bus fares vary from INR 400 to INR 1000 depending on route and type of bus.
• Move to our next section to learn more about commuting around the city for different things to do in Jaipur.

Modes of Transport to Get Around Jaipur

Getting around Jaipur for various tourist spots is fairly easy, as there are multiple options for you. You can rely on the following modes of transport for various things to do in Jaipur, like visiting major forts, palaces, museums, or restaurants.

• Auto Rickshaws: If you are a cost-conscious traveler or a solo traveler, auto rickshaws are the best options to commute within the city. Their rate is cheap compared to other modes of transport. For a short ride, they may charge anything between INR 30 and 50, while for longer distances, the charges may be between INR 100 and 250.
• Cabs: Much more comfortable are taxis for airport transfers and sightseeing. Depending on the vehicle and itinerary, the cost could be between INR 1500 and 2000 for 8 hours of service.
• App-based Taxis: There are Ola and Uber, like any other metro city, that are reliable and convenient. Their fare depends on the demand, vehicle size or type, and distance. Generally, the prices start at around INR 100 - 150.
• Local Buses: The Jaipur City Transport Services Limited (JCTSL) buses are perhaps the cheapest option to commute. The fares start at around INR 20 and go up according to the distance.
• Private Cars: If your itinerary is short and tight and you have to cover multiple attractions in a single day, choosing a private car with a driver is the smartest option. It may cost between INR 1500 and 3000 per day depending on the hours served and choice of vehicle.

Effective Travel Tips for Jaipur

A little planning can make your “activities to do in Jaipur” experience more comfortable, especially when exploring forts, temples, and busy local markets. Keep these practical tips in mind for a smoother and more enjoyable trip:

• You should start your sightseeing journey early in the morning so that you can avoid the crowd rush and wind up by afternoon when it gets unbearably hot (during summer months).
• Remember to keep enough time for exploring the forts. Jaipur is one of the most romantic destinations in India, with various anecdotes about the kings and queens. So, don’t squeeze places like Amber Fort and Jaigarh Fort into a tight itinerary, as these places will take time to explore at a relaxed pace.
• Please carry water and sunscreen in your bag when you are outside. The sun is mostly scorching, and therefore you will require protection like sunscreen, sunglasses, and scarves alongside drinking water.
• Choose cushioned shoes or sturdy footwear for your Jaipur visit because there are plenty of forts and palaces to walk around and stairs to climb.
• Birla Mandir, Galta Ji Temple are some of the famous temples of India which are here in Jaipur. Before entering these religious places, you should dress properly and follow the guidelines.
• Don`t forget to check the opening times of the monuments before you go.
• Don’t forget to bargain while shopping for authentic Rajasthani textiles, handicrafts, jewelry, and souvenirs.
• April to October is the off-season for travel to Jaipur. If you want excellent deals on hotels in Jaipur, you should plan a visit during these months.

Conclusion

As you can see from the above paragraphs, there are many things to do in Jaipur for every kind of traveler, from shopping for local crafts to eating local food or visiting the forts and museums.

The palaces and heritage accommodations offer a royal atmosphere, making Jaipur one of the most popular honeymoon places in India. For those who love history and art, there are many museums and ancient royal artifacts. Jaipur is also a popular winter destination in India because the weather remains mild, and therefore long walks in forts and palaces become easier. So, plan your trip around your favorite experiences, and allow yourself ample time to explore the city beyond its tourist attractions. You can either choose the different Jaipur tour packages, or you can choose a Rajasthan holiday package covering Udaipur, Jodhpur, etc., in the state to make your vacation more enjoyable. For more inspiration and tips, check out our India travel guide.

FAQs

What are the best things to do in Jaipur?

Explore the grand forts and palaces, visit vibrant bazaars, enjoy Rajasthani cuisine, admire the city’s architecture, and experience its rich culture.

What is Jaipur famous for?

Jaipur is renowned for its forts, royal palaces, pink-colored architecture, traditional handicrafts, jewelry, and delicious Rajasthani food.

Name some of the best things to do in Jaipur for couples.

The best things to do in Jaipur for couples are enjoying romantic dinners, exploring the historic palaces, watching the sunset from Nahargarh Fort, and taking leisurely walks through Jaipur’s beautiful heritage sites.

What is the best time to visit Jaipur?

The best time to visit Jaipur is between October and March.

How is Jaipur as a family vacation spot?

Jaipur is an excellent destination for family vacations, offering historical attractions, cultural experiences, shopping, museums, and activities suitable for travelers of different ages.

How many days are enough for exploring Jaipur?

2 days are enough for exploring the key attractions of Jaipur, like Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, and local markets for shopping traditional Rajasthani clothes and jewelry.