What to see and do in Jaipur, India's Pink City (complete guide)

The best time to visit Jaipur is between October and March, when the weather is cool and pleasant, ideal for walking through its markets and touring its palaces.

• 🌡️ In summer (April to June), temperatures can go over 40 °C.
• 🌧️ From July to September, the monsoons bring heavy rain.

If you can choose, go for November, December or February, when the weather is more stable.

Jaipur is one of the easiest cities to reach in northern India, with good connections by air, rail and road:

🛫 By air

Jaipur International Airport has frequent flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur and some international destinations.

🚆 By train

Jaipur's train station is in the center, and trains arrive from many major cities.
We took an overnight train from Agra, and it turned out to be very practical.
📌 You can read our guide to trains in India for more practical tips.

🚌 By road

From Delhi, the bus ride takes between 5 and 6 hours. There are also frequent buses from Agra, Jodhpur, Pushkar and Udaipur.
🚌 You can compare prices and book online at 12go.

1. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)

The Hawa Mahal was built in 1799 and is one of Jaipur's most recognizable landmarks. Its five-story pink façade has 935 small windows, designed so that the women of the royal harem could watch street life without being seen.

You can visit the inside, but we decided not to: we read several reviews saying it wasn't worth it, since the interior is fairly small and mostly made up of corridors and small rooms, and the best views of the palace are from outside.

📸 Tip: Have a coffee at Wind View Cafe or The Tattoo Cafe, right across the street, for a prime view.
🕒 Hours: 9:00 to 16:30
🎟 Entrance fee: 200 rupees

👉 You can also get to know this historic area on a free walking tour of Jaipur.

2. City Palace

Jaipur's City Palace is a complex that combines Mughal and Rajput architecture. Built over the course of the 18th century, this palace is an impressive display of the opulence and craftsmanship of the time. Inside there are several buildings, courtyards and gardens, plus museums showing royal artifacts, clothing and weapons.

One of the City Palace's standout features is its four decorated gates, each representing a season of the year. The Peacock Gate symbolizes autumn; the Rose Gate, winter; the Lotus Gate, summer; and the Green Gate, spring.

There are 2 types of ticket for touring the palace. The basic ticket gets you into the museums and some areas of the palace, while the "Royal Grandeur" ticket includes a longer tour that covers the Maharaja's private quarters. There are also private guided visits that offer a more personal, detailed look at the history.

We went for the Royal Grandeur ticket, but given the price difference between the two, we think the basic one lets you see enough.

🕒 Hours: 10:00 to 18:00.
🎟 Entrance fee: 700 rupees or 1,500 rupees

3. Amber Fort

Jaipur has many forts to visit, and one you can't miss is Amber Fort. These forts weren't built only to protect the city, but also as symbols of the maharajas' power and wealth.

Amber Fort was built in 1592 and was the capital of Jaipur and the rulers' residence before Jaipur itself was established.

This imposing fort sits on a hill 8 km from the city and is an architectural jewel that combines Hindu and Mughal styles. Its impressive courtyards, decorated halls and the Shish Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) make it a place you can't miss in Jaipur. Amber Fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013.

The easiest way to get there is by taxi or rickshaw to the foot of the fort. To go up the hill they'll offer you an elephant ride. Please don't do it: as you'll see, the elephants are terribly mistreated 😢.

You can explore Amber Fort on your own, but if you prefer, you can book this private tour with a Spanish-speaking guide, which also includes a look at other spots in the city.

• Hours: 8:00 to 17:30. We recommend going very early in the morning to see it before the big tour groups arrive
• Entrance fee: 550 rupees.

At night there's a light and sound show. Colored lights are projected onto the fort's walls and structures while a narration tells the story of the maharajas, the battles and the site's architecture. The show runs in two sessions: one in Hindi at 7:30 p.m. and one in English at 8:00 p.m.

4. Gatore Ki Chhatriyan

Gatore Ki Chhatriyan is the cremation site of Jaipur's maharajas (the former kings and princes of India). It stands out for its cenotaphs decorated with sculptures. The most impressive one is that of Sawai Jai Singh II, with detailed carvings and unique architecture that reflects the grandeur of Rajput royalty.

5. Patrika Gate

In the south of the city, Patrika Gate is one of the most modern entrances to Jaipur. Each arch is decorated with colorful art representing the culture of Rajasthan. It's a super Instagrammable spot.

📸 Tip: Go early or between 14:00 and 16:00 to avoid the crowds.
🕒 Open 24 hours
🎟 Free

6. Nahargarh Fort

It sits on a hill and has some of the best panoramic views of Jaipur. Ideal for watching the sunrise or sunset.

🕒 Hours: 10:00 to 17:30 (though you can walk around the outside of the fort at other times)
🎟 Entrance fee: 200 rupees
🛺 Tip: Negotiate the round trip with your rickshaw driver, since it's 40 min from the center.

We recommend this viewpoint for an impressive panorama.

7. Jaigarh Fort

Built in 1726, Jaigarh Fort guarded Amber Fort. It stands out for the enormous Jaivana cannon and its incredible views.

🕒 Hours: 9:00 to 18:30

🎟 Entrance fee: 150 rupees

👉 Ideal to combine with Amber Fort

8. Monkey Temple (Galta Ji)

This Hindu temple full of monkeys is 10 km from the center. Its setting among hills, with natural pools and temples, makes it a special place.

🛺 We recommend going by taxi or rickshaw. Watch which way you go in: there are two entrances, and one is steeper.

9. Amer Stepwell

The Amer Stepwell, also known as Panna Meena ka Kund, is a fascinating stepped well in Amer. Built in the 16th century, it's an example of the engineering and architecture of ancient India. Stepwells were used to store water and gave people a cool place to gather during the hot summer months.

It's 5 min from Amber Fort. These days you can't go down its stairs, but it's still a fascinating place to visit and photograph.

10. Shri Jagat Shiromani ji Temple

This temple, close to Amber Fort and the stepwell, is dedicated to Vishnu and Meera Bai. It has detailed architecture and beautiful stone carvings.

11. Jaipur's bazaars

You can't leave without exploring the traditional markets:

• Johari Bazaar: jewelry and precious stones
• Tripolia Bazaar: carpets and handicrafts
• Kishanpol Bazaar: clothing and traditional textiles

12. Albert Hall Museum

If you have time to spare, the Albert Hall Museum is a good visit. Opened in 1887, it's the oldest museum in Rajasthan. It's in an Indo-Saracenic building and has a large collection of art and artifacts from different eras and regions. The exhibits include sculptures, paintings and handicrafts that tell Rajasthan's rich cultural history.

🕒 Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 and 19:00 to 21:30
🎟 Entrance fee: 300 rupees

13. Jantar Mantar

This astronomical observatory has the largest sundial in the world. A World Heritage Site, it will surprise you with its precision and design.

A must if you're interested in science or architecture.

14. Jal Mahal

On Man Sagar Lake, Jal Mahal is a floating palace with 5 floors (4 of them underwater). You can't visit the inside, but the view from the shore is spectacular.

Luxury

• Rambagh Palace: A luxurious palace turned hotel, known for its opulence and excellent service.

Mid-range:

• Alsisar Haveli: A charming hotel in the heart of the city.
• Trident Jaipur: Near Man Sagar Lake, this hotel offers impressive views and a quiet stay with every comfort.

Budget:

• Pearl Palace Heritage Boutique: With themed rooms and personal service, this hotel is an excellent mid-range option.
• AnandMai - Sustainable Living Spaces: A good budget option, hostel style, that also has private rooms for families and couples.
• Girisadan Boutique Hotel: A budget option with private rooms and a 9.6 review score on Booking.

Ideally, set aside 2 or 3 full days for Jaipur. In 2 days you can see the main sights, like the Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Amber Fort, Patrika Gate and Nahargarh Fort, and enjoy the atmosphere of its bazaars and local markets. If you have 3 days, you can explore places like Galta Ji (the Monkey Temple), the Albert Hall Museum or Jaigarh Fort at a more relaxed pace, and give yourself more time to enjoy the city without rushing.

🗺 2-day itinerary for Jaipur (Pink City)

📍 Day 1

Morning

• Hawa Mahal – You can start the day with a coffee at The Tattoo Café or Wind View Café.
• City Palace – Continue through the heart of the city. Go in with the basic ticket or the Royal Grandeur.
• Jantar Mantar – Just steps from the City Palace, this observatory will surprise you.

Afternoon

• Lunch in the center (around the market or on a rooftop with a view).
• Nahargarh Fort – End the day watching the sunset from this fort, with incredible views of Jaipur.

📍 Day 2

Morning

• Amber Fort – We recommend going very early to avoid the crowds.
• Panna Meena Ka Kund (Amer Stepwell) – Very close to the fort, a photogenic little gem.
• Shri Jagat Shiromani ji Temple – Another lovely spot in Amer to combine with the fort.

Afternoon

• Jal Mahal – Ideal for a quick stop and some good photos in front of the lake.
• Monkey Temple (Galta Ji) – If you want to see something different, this temple among the hills, with its monkeys, will surprise you.
• Patrika Gate – End your day by taking a good photo in this colorful corner of Jaipur.

📌 Extra tip: If you'd like to do the route more comfortably, without worrying about transfers or haggling, we recommend this private tour of Jaipur with a Spanish-speaking guide, perfect for seeing the essentials in a short time.

Is Jaipur worth visiting?
Yes, Jaipur is one of the Indian cities with the most to offer: history, architecture, culture, bazaars and temples. It's part of the famous Golden Triangle, along with Delhi and Agra.

How many days do I need to see the main sights?
With 2 full days you can see the most important places. If you want to take it slowly and add museums or lesser-known temples, add a third day.

Is Jaipur safe for tourists?
Yes, it's a fairly touristy and safe city, especially in the central areas.

Where should I stay in Jaipur?
The best areas are the Pink City (near the Hawa Mahal) and Bani Park, which is quieter. Jaipur has many boutique hotels and small palaces turned into places to stay at good prices.

Can you do Jaipur in one day?
Yes, but you'll have to choose carefully what to see. If you only have 1 day, prioritize Amber Fort, the Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Patrika Gate, and book a private tour to move quickly and make the most of your time.