Planning a trip to Rajasthan’s royal capital? This complete 2025 guide to the top 10 must-visit places in Jaipur will take you through the Pink City’s most iconic forts, palaces, markets, and cultural gems. From the grandeur of Amber Fort to the charm of Hawa Mahal and the serenity of Jal Mahal, discover the best places to visit in Jaipur with insider tips, entry details, and itinerary suggestions to make your journey unforgettable.
Why Jaipur is Called the Pink City
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is world-famous as the Pink City of India — a title it earned in 1876 when Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh ordered the city to be painted terracotta pink to welcome the Prince of Wales. This unique color not only symbolizes hospitality but also enhances the city’s regal architecture. Today, Jaipur is a vibrant mix of royal heritage, bustling markets, and modern hospitality, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Whether you’re a history lover, culture enthusiast, foodie, or Instagram traveler, Jaipur offers a rich palette of experiences. Let’s dive into the top 10 must visit places in Jaipur in 2025 that you absolutely cannot miss.
Top 10 Must-Visit Places in Jaipur
1. Amber Fort – UNESCO World Heritage Marvel
Amber Fort (Amer Fort), 11 km from Jaipur, is a breathtaking 16th-century fortress that blends Rajput and Mughal architecture. Built by Raja Man Singh and later expanded by Raja Jai Singh I, the fort’s ornate palaces, courtyards, and mirror work halls transport you to the royal era.
Why Visit:
- UNESCO World Heritage site under “Hill Forts of Rajasthan”
- Stunning Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace)
- Majestic views of Maota Lake and Aravalli Hills
Best Experiences:
- Elephant ride to the main gate (till 11 AM)
- Evening Light & Sound Show narrating Jaipur’s history
- Explore Panna Meena ka Kund, a photogenic stepwell nearby
Pro Tip: Visit early morning to avoid crowds and heat, and pair with Jaigarh Fort for panoramic hilltop views.
2. Hawa Mahal – The Palace of Winds
Located in the heart of Jaipur, Hawa Mahal is an architectural masterpiece with its honeycomb façade of 953 jharokhas (windows). Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, it allowed royal ladies to observe street festivities without being seen.
Why Visit:
- Iconic pink sandstone structure
- Perfect for photography in early morning sunlight
- Insight into the royal purdah system
Best Experiences:
- Visit the small museum inside
- Capture sunrise shots when the façade glows golden
- Explore nearby Johari Bazaar for jewelry shopping
Pro Tip: The best views of Hawa Mahal are actually from the rooftop cafes opposite the monument.
3. City Palace – Royal Residence & Museum
City Palace is a sprawling complex that still houses the royal family of Jaipur. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, it combines Rajput, Mughal, and European architecture.
Why Visit:
- Peacock Gate and other stunning doorways
- Mubarak Mahal and Chandra Mahal
- Armoury Museum with royal weapons
Best Experiences:
- Take a Royal Grandeur Tour for access to private areas
- Visit the textile gallery for royal costumes
- Witness the world’s largest silver urns in Diwan-e-Khas
Pro Tip: Allocate at least 2 hours to fully explore and keep your camera ready – every corner is picture-worthy.
4. Jantar Mantar – Astronomical Wonder
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Jantar Mantar is an 18th-century astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. It houses the world’s largest stone sundial.
Why Visit:
- Unique scientific heritage site
- Learn about ancient timekeeping and astronomy
- Fascinating for both history lovers and science buffs
Best Experiences:
- Take a guided tour for detailed understanding
- Observe the massive Samrat Yantra sundial
- Combine with City Palace visit (they’re next to each other)
Pro Tip: Visit midday for the clearest sundial shadows.
5. Nahargarh Fort – Sunset Paradise
Perched on the Aravalli hills, Nahargarh Fort offers panoramic views of Jaipur. Built in 1734, it served as a retreat for the royals.
Why Visit:
- Best sunset point in Jaipur
- Filming location for Bollywood movies like Rang De Basanti
- Quaint step wells and art galleries
Best Experiences:
- Evening dinner at Padao Restaurant inside the fort
- Cycle ride up the scenic route
- Photography during golden hour
Pro Tip: Carry a light jacket during winter evenings – it gets breezy.
6. Jaigarh Fort – Home of the World’s Largest Cannon
Jaigarh Fort was built in 1726 to protect Amber Fort and houses Jaivana Cannon, the largest wheeled cannon ever made.
Why Visit:
- Strategic military architecture
- Underground tunnels connecting to Amber Fort
- Stunning hilltop views
Best Experiences:
- Explore the armoury and museum
- Enjoy a guided tour for war-time stories
- Spot the water harvesting system
Pro Tip: Combine Jaigarh and Amber Fort visits in one trip for convenience.
7. Albert Hall Museum – Gateway to Rajasthan’s Art & History
Built in 1887, Albert Hall Museum is Rajasthan’s oldest museum, housing over 19,000 artifacts.
Why Visit:
- Egyptian mummy, rare coins, and miniature paintings
- Indo-Saracenic architecture
- Vibrant night lighting
Best Experiences:
- Visit at night for magical illumination
- Explore textile and pottery galleries
- Attend temporary exhibitions
Pro Tip: Buy a composite ticket to cover multiple monuments in Jaipur.
8. Jal Mahal – The Water Palace
Floating in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, Jal Mahal is a five-story palace, four of which remain submerged during monsoon.
Why Visit:
- Dreamlike photo opportunities
- Migratory bird sightings in winter
- Romantic sunset views
Best Experiences:
- Enjoy street food stalls nearby
- Bird watching with binoculars
- Night view from Amber Road
Pro Tip: Entry inside is restricted, so plan for a short stop mainly for photography.
9. Birla Mandir – Serenity in Marble
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, Birla Mandir is made entirely of white marble.
Why Visit:
- Peaceful atmosphere
- Intricate carvings and stained-glass windows
- Located at the base of Moti Dungri Hill
Best Experiences:
- Visit at night when the temple glows
- Attend evening aarti for a spiritual vibe
- Pair with Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple visit
Pro Tip: Maintain silence inside for a meditative experience.
10. Jaipur Markets – Shopper’s Paradise
No trip is complete without exploring Jaipur’s bustling markets.
Must-Visit Markets:
- Johari Bazaar: Jewelry
- Bapu Bazaar: Mojaris and textiles
- Tripolia Bazaar: Lac bangles
Pro Tip: Bargain politely and shop early in the day for fresh stock.
Best Time to Visit These Attractions
- Winter (Nov – Feb): Pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing.
- Monsoon (Jul – Sep): Lush surroundings but occasional showers.
- Summer (Apr – Jun): Hot, but mornings and evenings are manageable.
Entry Fees and Timings (2025)
| Attraction | Indian Visitors | Foreign Visitors | Timings |
| Amber Fort | ₹100 | ₹550 | 8 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Hawa Mahal | ₹50 | ₹200 | 9 AM – 4:30 PM |
| City Palace | ₹200 | ₹700 | 9:30 AM – 5 PM |
| Jantar Mantar | ₹50 | ₹200 | 9 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Albert Hall | ₹40 | ₹300 | 9 AM – 5 PM |
How to Plan Your Jaipur Itinerary
Exploring Jaipur is best done at a relaxed pace so you can truly soak in its royal heritage, vibrant markets, and warm Rajasthani hospitality. Here’s a 3-day Jaipur itinerary that covers the top attractions, must-visit places, and unique local experiences without feeling rushed.
Day 1 – Royal Heritage & Architectural Marvels
- Morning: Amber Fort – Start your day at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its grand courtyards, Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), and panoramic views of Maota Lake.
- Late Morning: Jaigarh Fort – Just a short drive uphill from Amber, explore the fort’s military architecture and see the world’s largest cannon on wheels, Jaivana.
- Afternoon: Jal Mahal – Pause for photos at this “Water Palace” floating in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. The backdrop of the Aravalli Hills makes it a photographer’s delight.
- Evening: Hawa Mahal Area – Head to the Palace of Winds for golden-hour views and then explore nearby markets like Johari Bazaar for jewelry and Sireh Deori Bazaar for handicrafts.
Day 2 – Palaces, Astronomy & Museums
- Morning: City Palace – Dive into Jaipur’s royal past with its museums, courtyards, and the beautiful Chandra Mahal.
- Late Morning: Jantar Mantar – A UNESCO-listed astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, perfect for science and history enthusiasts.
- Afternoon: Albert Hall Museum – Rajasthan’s oldest museum showcasing artifacts, textiles, paintings, and sculptures from across the state.
- Evening: Birla Mandir & Nahargarh Fort Sunset – Witness a spiritual side of Jaipur at the stunning white-marble Birla Temple, then drive up to Nahargarh for a magical sunset over the Pink City.
Day 3 – Culture, Shopping & Food
- Morning: Local Markets – Explore Bapu Bazaar and Tripolia Bazaar for textiles, block-printed fabrics, and souvenirs.
- Late Morning: Handicraft Villages – Visit places like Sanganer or Bagru to see traditional block printing and pottery in action.
- Afternoon & Evening: Food Tours – Savor authentic Rajasthani cuisine – dal baati churma, laal maas, ghewar – through a guided Jaipur food walk or by visiting iconic eateries.