The Best Things to Do In Jaipur | The Pink City

Apr 11

When planning my trip to India, Jaipur was the city I was the most looking forward to. My motivation was fueled by the captivating images that flooded social media – the graceful facade of the Hawa Mahal, the tranquil blue chamber within the City Palace, and the intricate peacock door that seemed to guard secrets of centuries past. Each snapshot evoked a sense of wonder, painting Jaipur as a realm where every corner held the promise of enchantment and discovery.

As I stepped into the city, I felt like I was diving headfirst into a whirlwind of colors and culture that went beyond anything I had imagined. Sure, not every corner was as majestic as the City Palace, but Jaipur has this knack for blending its royal history with the lively beat of everyday life. From the get-go, I sensed I was in for an adventure packed with history, art, and tradition, all rolled into one vibrant experience.

Jaipur buzzed with energy, a stark contrast to the serene vibe of Udaipur, where we had just come from (read all my Udaipur recommendations here) . While Udaipur's streets twisted and turned, Jaipur embraced a more urban feel – it was the very first city in India built on a grid system, meticulously planned to perfection. In Jaipur, the city's vastness became apparent; unlike Udaipur, where we could leisurely stroll, here, we found ourselves driving everywhere. Despite being called the "Pink City," the walls appeared more salmon-colored to my eyes, but they were undeniably stunning nonetheless.

Situated strategically on the Golden Circle (check out my 2 week itinerary here), Jaipur serves as an ideal hub for exploring the rich cultural tapestry of northern India. With its central location, travelers can easily venture to iconic destinations such as Udaipur, Agra, and Delhi, each offering its own unique charm and historical significance. Its proximity to these key destinations allows for seamless travel, making it a must-visit stop for those embarking on a journey through the vibrant heartland of India.

Jaipur isn't just a place you visit; it's an immersive experience that etches itself deep into the soul. . Every street has a story, every monument whispers history, and every encounter leaves its mark. Despite every guide book telling me three days was enough, I departed with a lingering sense of having barely scratched the surface. The city's sheer size demands time, and things take time here. To truly appreciate it all, you need to give yourself the luxury of time. Amidst the hustle and bustle,I met so many fascinating people, heard countless stories, tried new things, and tasted amazing food. Yet, it felt like I only dipped my toe into what Jaipur has to offer. I'm already counting down the days until I can return and explore it all over again.

Jaipur Essentials

If your like me and scroll through blogs endlessly to find what to do, I’m never really interested in reading the stories. I want a bulleted list of where to go and what to do right in from of me. You scrolled to the right place. If you are looking for a quick cheat sheet for all your India Essentials (think currency, how to get money, customs, ect) check out my Introduction to India blog.

Where to Eat

Peacock | An awesome dinner spot, this rooftop restaurant had some of the best food and amazing vibes. I would try to make reservations here, as they did have a super full house when I was there.
Cafe Kothi | The only place in India I felt safe eating raw veggies , this restaurant is focused on responsibly sourcing its ingredients and everything on the menu will be local & seasonal.
Street Food Tour | When visiting India, you must try the street food - but be warned that you need to do it safely to avoid getting sick. A reputable tour, like this one, is the best way to go! We had an awesome experience and did not get sick! (If you want to read more about Delhi Belly and how to avoid it, check out my blog here )
Lassiwala| A Lassi a day keeps the Delhi Belly away (I just made that up as I was typing). But seriously, I had a Lassi every day and they are SOOOO good!
Bar Palladio | an iconic bar with electric blue interior and intricate paintings all over the wall - come here for a cocktail and some appetizers!

Where to Stay

28 Kothi | I considered only listing this place as “Where to Stay” because I don’t think I will ever be staying anywhere else. I adored my stay here. It was super affordable, the food was incredible and the building was beautiful. They even have rooms for solo travelers, and as a solo female traveler, I can tell you I felt incredibly safe here.
Dera Amer | About 45 minutes outside the city of Jaipur is the most wonderful glamping experience. You could just go for the day, but I recommend staying the night. You’ll get hours of 1:1 time with 2 elephants that have been rescued from an abusive life at Amer Fort, eat amazing food and enjoy beautiful nature. Read more about my experience here.
Monty & Harshita’s Home | If you are someone that perfers an Airbnb, Monty and Harshita host all different types of tours and have a room available in their house. They were wonderful hosts for Holi festival and while we were there I got to check out the room. It had everything you could need for travel and felt very safe.
Taj Rambagh Palace| The true “treat yo-self” expereince. Any of the Taj hotels are going to be top notch and amazing service.
Samode Haveli | A stunning heritage property nestled in the heart of Jaipur, Samode Haveli exudes old-world charm and elegance, with beautifully appointed rooms and a serene courtyard. Haveli’s are traditional townhouses or mansions that have been converted to hotels. Often very beautiful and traditional, I would recommend staying at a Haveli for at least one night on your trip!
Alsisar Haveli: A heritage hotel steeped in history and character, Alsisar Haveli offers a glimpse into Jaipur's regal past, with intricately carved interiors and personalized service.

What to Do

Street Food Tour | Trying to street food in India is a must - but its important you do it safely! I loved this walking tour and got to try so many interesting foods.
Block Printing Class | Try first hand at this ancient craft - block printing is a booming industry and it was so interesting learning and getting to try the processes behind this beautiful artwork.
Women’s Walk | We always hear about the Kings and the important men of India’s history (usually told by male guides) - this experience was all about the women, told by female guide! Shristi was an excellent guide and someone I highly recommend taking a walk through Jaipur with!
Amber Fort | Also known as the Amer Fort, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jaipur - make sure to get there early to avoid the crowds. I would recommend having a guide and booking this guide in advance. Also, PLEASE do not ride the elephants to the top. It’s extremely abusive.
Patrika Gate | This gate is free of charge, open 24/7 and is actually the entrance to a garden! I was really suprised to see how many people were here (and honestly were just there for photos). If you want to get good pictures, you better get up early and be ready to wait your turn. This place is beautiful though and worth a visit.
Hawa Mahal | Did you know the Hawa Mahal is just a wall? It was built to “hide” the women of Jaipur but allow them to see what was going on in the streets. The structure is beautiful and worth a visit. I recommend going early in the morning to the Tattoo Cafe (across the street) to get a unobstructed view!
Jantar Mantar | Check out this astronomical observatory , a marvel of scientific ingenuity dating back to the 18th century, with giant sundials and astronomical instruments that continue to fascinate visitors to this day. I would also recommend prebooking a guide for this, you wont have much clue whats going on without one.
Panna Meena ka Kund | one of the more beautiful stepwells on my trip, you wont need to pay an entry fee or spend much time here, but its beautiful to see.
Jahal Mahal | A site I see on almost every itinerary. If your going to get rid of something, its this. Its just a floating palace in the middle of the lake. Its beautiful, worth a photo, but you dont need more then 5 minutes here.
Giatore Ki Chhatriya | The royal crematorium - this is where all the kings are laid to rest. Its so peaceful and beautiful here. Make sure to add this to your list. If you have time, I’d also recommend checking out the Queens crematorium (google Maharaniyon Ki Chhatriyan)
City Palace | Step into the regal splendor of the City Palace, Jaipur's royal residence, and marvel at its exquisite architecture, ornate courtyards, and priceless artifacts that bear witness to the city's illustrious past. You have the option to splurge for the most expensive ticket - this will take you to all the best rooms! Again, I recommend having a guide (and splurging for the ticket!)
Galtaji Temple | The monkey temple! I really loved this place. It was a pretty big complex to check out, but the monkeys were so cute (and these ones weren’t aggressive!)
Dera Amer Elephant Rescue | About 45 minutes outside of Jaipur city, you can either come for lunch or stay the night. Spend time with the two rescued elephants and camel. Feed them, give them a bath and talk them for a walk! Read more about my experience here.

*Be ready to run if you want this photo! You have about 15 seconds before someone tries to exit through the door!*

**3 Perfect Day Itinerary in Jaipur**

**Day 1 |** Amer Fort, Panna Meena ka Kund, Jahal Mahal, Gaitore Ki Chhatriya
**Day 2 |** Patrika Gate, Block Printing Class, Bapu Bazaar, Women’s Walk
**Day 3 |** Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Matar, Galtaji Temple, Food Tour

Traveling to India as a Solo Female Travel

When I decided to travel to India solo, safety was a big worry for me. My family, friends, and community couldn't quite wrap their heads around why I'd go alone. But despite the nerves, I was determined to have a great trip while staying safe. So, I took some steps to ease my worries, help me feel more secure and allow me to relax and enjoy my adventure without constantly worrying.

I hired a private driver. I used Discover India by Car and I couldn’t recommend them enough.
I booked trusted AirBnb tours. Scams are REAL in India and I didn’t want to be subject to a guide that was trying to get more money from me, or take me to places that I didn’t want to go to.
I stayed in well-known and well reviewed hotels. I stayed at 28 Kothi and felt incredibly safe! I loved it here.
I purchased a personal safety alarm. While I didn’t ever need it, it definitely gave me comfort when I was walking solo.
I traveled with a doorstop alarm. Since I was sleeping alone in hotel rooms, it was a comfort to know that if someone was trying to enter my room, I would know immediately!
I traveled with travel insurance. This gave me comfort to know that if I got sick, I would be able to see a doctor and not face a huge financial burden. (Speaking of getting sick, check out my guide to avoiding delhi belly here)

My Travel Essentials

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card - This credit card is essential for all my travels! I have no foreign transaction fees and it works everywhere I go. If you sign up with my link, you’ll get
Sofi Banking - If you havent jumped on the HYSA train yet, what are you waiting for? This is by far my favorite place to keep my money - interest rates are amazing and they are super friendly to use!
SafetyWing Travel Insurance - I don’t travel without it. SafetyWing has affordable plans and it is really easy to make a claim with them.