As a part of the Golden Triangle of tourism along with Delhi and Agra, Jaipur has always been one of India's most popular tourist destinations. The salmon-hued sandstone façades within its Old City — maintained by government decree — give it the moniker of "Pink City", but aside from these buildings in muted hues, you will encounter an explosion of color on the streets, especially in the markets selling an array of dazzling clothing and handicrafts.

The capital of India's northwestern state of Rajasthan, is also a city of contrasts, its bustling street bazaars cheek by jowl with glitzy new shopping malls and luxury boutiques. It is a fairytale town strewn with old palaces and forts, museums and monuments, all in the midst of some of the most chaotic traffic you have ever seen. But this city, where the old seamlessly blends into the new, manages to keep reinventing itself to stay relevant to travelers.

Apart from a new international airport terminal that connects Jaipur to a handful of destinations in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, there are also a slew of new hotels adding to the buzz. And as "goods getaways" are becoming increasingly popular among travelers who want to witness local artisans at work (and buy their products for souvenirs), Jaipur delights with craftspeople galore, offering anything from vibrant block printed textiles to glazed pottery and jewelry.

Whether it's your first trip to India or your tenth, Jaipur is one city you can't afford to skip. And here's our guide to navigating this city like a pro.

Where To Go for a History Lesson

Start your exploration at Hawa Mahal, meaning "the palace of winds" and built in soft pink sandstone, whose 953 arched windows allowed the women of the royal household to see the outside world without being seen themselves. Then walk over to the magnificent City Palace, with its myriad of courtyards, gardens, and residences, plus an interesting museum. Don't miss a photo op at the enclosure known as Pritam Niwas Chowk, where the ornamental gates are painted in brilliant motifs that represent the four seasons. Another fascinating stop around this neighborhood is Jantar Mantar, an early 18th-century astronomical observatory with precise scientific instruments like sundials that work even today.

Head out to Amer Fort (pronounced Ah-mer, sometimes written as Amber) to explore its multiple gardens and gazebos, as well as its bewitching Sheesh Mahal, the architectural apex of this vast complex and known as "the palace of mirrors." 

How To See Artisans at Work

Jaipur is a shopper's paradise, with several ateliers and workshops offering a chance to observe traditional artisans at work before actually buying these arts and crafts. After your tour of Amer Fort, make your way to the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, which documents and showcases the art of block printing through multiple exhibitions and permanent collections. Walk up to the rooftop to watch and learn more about the block printing process before picking up colorful fabrics or handmade paper products at the shop. 

Another option inside town is Nila House, a studio-workshop located in a restored 1940s bungalow where you can watch master weavers spinning, printing, and dyeing natural fabrics. If you like sparkly jewels (and who doesn't?), then Gem Palace is your go-to atelier in Jaipur, with a workshop on the second floor where artisans breathe life into precious stones like emeralds and rubies. One of the best things to buy in Jaipur is its unique glazed blue pottery, and you can learn about this craft from masters like Gopal Saini and Anil Doraya.

Where To Shop for Souvenirs

Some of the best shopping in Jaipur can be found in its street markets. Bapu Bazaar and Johari Bazaar around the City Palace area sell textiles, razais (soft cotton duvets), jutis (embroidered slippers), cloth puppets, and silver jewelry, among other things.

For more upscale boutiques, The Palace Atelier within the grounds of the city palace stocks a range of apparel, homeware, and accessories like purses, caps, and neckties. Keep space for the exquisite tableware with traditional Pichwai art and other innately Indian motifs from Namrata Kedia Design, and for unique brass and copper home décor items at Anantaya. Finally, don't leave Jaipur without peeking into the flagship Amrapali store on MI Road for its collection of both ethnic and trendy silver jewelry.

Where To Eat and Drink

To experience the rich flavors of regional Rajasthani cuisine, go to 51 Shades of Pink — the name an ode to this city itself — at Rajmahal Palace, where you need to ignore the western dishes on the menu and order one of the elaborate thalis (platters) that come with a scrumptious local mutton dish along with a chicken and multiple vegetable dishes, depending on which platter you choose. 

For an inspired take on Italian food and refreshing cocktails (try the signature Marina Rossa, with vodka, lime, mint, and strawberry puree) served with a side of maximalist décor, you can't go wrong with Bar Palladio, located within the historical Narain Niwas Palace Hotel. The new and already popular kid on the block is Swinton House, with two distinct dining spaces within one venue: The Albion for Pan-Asian cuisine, and The Yard, which offers a mostly Indian menu with a global twist (including some delectable bites like avocado papdi chaat and dabeli wheels). 

The real stars of Jaipur's culinary scene, though, are the street snacks, and if you are wary of venturing out on your own, sign up for a guided food walking tour with The Hungry Hitchhiker. 

Where to Sleep

Located just outside town, Anantara Jewel Bagh entices visitors as Jaipur's latest luxury hideaway. With four dining venues, two swimming pools, and an award-winning spa, there's the real possibility that you might never want to leave the property to explore the main city. Also away from the chaos of the city is the recently opened Raffles Jaipur, with 50 rooms and suites that come with a private balcony and plunge pool or hot tub. The Writer's Bar — a classic Raffles touch — is the perfect place to unwind with a drink and book (that you can choose from the two-story library).

For a taste of the regal life, you can't do better than the Taj Rambagh Palace, India's OG palace hotel, where you are welcomed with a shower of rose petals. Everything at this property suggests opulence: think high ceilings, lavish four-poster beds, and elaborate Mughal gardens with peacocks and marble fountains. And then there are the old favorites like Samode Haveli, a 225-year-old mansion that is now a calm oasis in the heart of the Old City. Begin your day here with a complimentary guided walk and end it with a sunset cocktail on the terrace.

How to Get to Jaipur

You can fly straight into Jaipur via Abu Dhabi on Etihad or land in New Delhi and take a train or cab, which is less than 200 miles (322 km). 

Best Time to Go

The city comes alive during the winter season between November and March, when the temperatures drop. You can combine al fresco dining with a stop at Jaipur's most popular cultural festivals, particularly the Jaipur Literature Festival (January 30 through February 3 in 2025) and Jaipur Art Week (January 27 through February 3 in 2025). 

Know Before You Go

Jaipur's cultural riches can quickly get overwhelming, so be prepared to spend at least three to four days to pace yourself.

Summers are unbearably hot in this desert region, so if you are going between April and July, remember to hydrate and stay in the shade as much as possible.

You may be tempted to avoid the steep uphill walk at Amer Fort by riding an elephant but be aware that these animals are not treated well.

Bargaining is allowed, even expected at the street market, so go ready to haggle for what you like at these shops.