Better known as the “Pink City”, Jaipur is a city exploding with culture, life and people!
Bradley and I visited Jaipur on our way travelling through India in 2018 and quickly fell in love.
We spent 3 nights in the city, but only actually did one day of sightseeing (we were busy working the rest of the time!).
So, I thought it would be best to write a guide on the best places to visit in Jaipur in one day!
I will also take you through other elements of visiting Jaipur such as when to go, how to get there, and where to stay, to help make this a little Jaipur travel guide.
First up ...
As you'll see below, many of Jaipur's best sites are in the heart of the city, with others located just on the outskirts away from the relative mayhem.
But as you only have 24 hours in Jaipur, it's definitely best to pick somewhere to stay that is close to the action. Luckily enough, there's a massive range of accommodation in Jaipur. Here are some top picks depending on your budget ...
If you're looking to experience Jaipur to the fullest and want quick access to bars, restaurants and Jaipur's sites then this is a great hostel option. Dorm rooms cost less than $5 a night and rooms are clean and modern, with plenty of Indian authenticity thrown in. Simply put, it's the ideal place to meet other backpackers and crash out after a long day in Jaipur.
This is where we stayed, and can definitely recommend it. It's a quick 10 minute tuk tuk ride into the heart of the action, but far enough out that you can actually enjoy a peaceful nights sleep! As you'll see below, we chose to visit Jaipur during Diwali, meaning the city was nothing short of MENTAL with fireworks going off late into the night. This hotel was just far enough away that we could escape the noise, and it's extremely well priced with friendly staff and a nice restaurant at the base.
If money isn't an issue on your visit to Jaipur, then check this place out! Relatively speaking, it isn't even that expensive to stay here. And, let's face it where better to stay at when in India than your very own Palace! Plus, many of the best places in Jaipur to visit are palaces, so why not just add one more to the list?! It includes swimming pools, luxury private bars and even a fitness centre. Plus it was once the home to the Maharaja of Jaipur!
As you will see, many of the best places to visit in Jaipur in a day are quite spread out. So it's best to plan your day ahead of time.
To see and enjoy all of the sites in the list below, you will need to start early and end late. But, if you’re in a rush and need to see everything in one day, then you can totally achieve that goal!
Amer Fort is probably the most well-known tourist sight in Jaipur to visit. It’s big, it’s beautiful and you could easily spend a whole day exploring this wonderful fortress (not that you have the time to of course!).
You can get an Ola ride out to the fort for around $2-3 but the journey will take a while because of the traffic; especially if you visit in the middle of the day. As such, I recommend beginning your day in Jaipur with Amer Fort first because it’s furthest out.
From there, you can work your way back in.
Amer Fort offers both Muslim and Hindu elements and also is a rich maze of beautiful rooms to explore. You can also get an elephant ride to the top of the fort, but since I disagree with elephants riding on all levels, I am going to suggest you simply walk rather than take part in this cruel practice.
There are plenty of photo opportunities within the fort and you can go into the complex in these dark and dingy hallways and corners. I had a lot of people ask me if they could take my photo, like queues of people (I am not exaggerating), so you may experience that too if you are also a white female!
It’s open from 8 am until 6 pm and there is a light show in the evenings which is an extra fee. We didn’t make it to the light show, but I am sure it is interesting. So based on that, if you can't make it to Amer Fort first in the day, you could make it your last site for the day and enjoy the light show instead!
Entrance: 25INR for locals and 200INR for tourists
Tour Option: An Amer Fort walking tour (like this one here) is an excellent way to learn more about the history of the fort & the palace
Located just above Fort Amer you have Jaigarh Fort, an equally as impressive fortress that offers even more wondrous views all out across Jaipur.
As you explore Amer Fort you actually catch glimpses of Jaigarh Fort as it sits forebodingly above it on a rocky outcrop.
It seems strange that they have two such impressive fortresses located so close to one another, but it turns out that there used to be an underground passage that connected the two.
I suppose making some sort of huge fortress complex that would prove even harder to conquer! Built in 1726, the primary motive behind construction was to protect Amer Fort and the Amber Palace.
Imagine that .... fortresses being built to protect fortresses! What a city
With just one day in Jaipur to explore the best places, it may take too long stopping at both Jaigarh and Amer Fort. Based on our experience, I can recommend visiting Amer and then catching some views of Jaigarh from down below if you feel pressed for time.
Entrance: 70 INR for locals and 150 INR for foreigners
Tour option: You can book a half day tour to Jaigarh Fort, as well as Nahargarh Fort (more on this below)
Known as the “Palace of the Winds” this is another iconic tourist spot and should definitely make it on your list of the best places to see in Jaipur in one day.
In fact, you will likely find yourself driving through this to get to Amer Fort.
It’s just a nice place to get a picture but it’s also a massive tourist shopping street, so if you want some souvenirs for your time in Jaipur, such as clothes, shoes, jewellery etc, then this is the perfect place to find them.
As with anywhere in India, don’t forget to haggle. The general rule in India is that you can knock around 60% off the price they are giving you and start from there!
Entrance: Free
Tour option: This Jaipur walking tour takes you to the Hawa Mahal as well as some other great attractions nearby
A museum and royal residence, city palace should definitely make it on your list of places to visit in Jaipur in one day.
This royal palace is located in the centre of the nine blocks that make up Jaipur. Did you know Jaipur was the first planned medieval city of India?
I didn’t!
It should take you around 1 to 2 hours to visit the city palace. You can get an audio guide at the gate for 200, which is advised if you want to know more in-depth history.
Your ticket also includes entrance to Jaigarh Fort, mentioned above! It’s a striking fort and is particularly popular for the carvings on the walls which make it stand as an architectural wonder along with its rainwater harvesting system.
Entrance: 500INR for Foreign Tourists and 190INR for Indians
Opening Times: 9-5
Tour option: This popular Jaipur walking tour takes you to the palace as well as other nearby attractions
This place is ... how do I put it ...
Stunning!
It’s absolutely beautiful. Like breathtaking. In many ways more extraordinary than the far more infamous Taj Mahal.
The Jal Mahal is a floating temple, sitting in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake on the outskirts of the city. It’s a grand palace made of red sandstone and is mostly submerged.
You don’t need long here, so make it a stop off point, or just stay for sunset; like we did!
Entrance: Free to observe from across the water
Tour Option: This Full Day Jaipur sightseeing tour takes you to the Jal Mahal and other attractions across the city
Central Park is a green, lush park that offers you the chance to relax amidst the chaos of Jaipur all around you.
In fact, it’s the perfect picnic spot in Jaipur and I suggest you grab yourself a lunch to go, alongside a coffee and head to the park to get some respite before continuing your main sightseeing.
There are also some nice things to see in Jaipur's Central Park, including an Indian flag that's more than 200 feet tall and a stone sculpture park.
If you want to get some exercise in, then there's a running track running through the park as well as a small open air gym.
It's not uncommon to see locals running, practising yoga or even playing music in the park; it really is a lovely spot.
When leaving Central Park, you should head towards the Sawai Jai Singh Statue, located just next to a crossroads of two pretty busy roads.
It's also known as the Statue Circle, and is a monument to Sawai Jai Singh who founded Jaipur. At night time this spot is lit up and you can even grab some gelato and enjoy the cooler evenings.
Entrance: Free
If you want sweeping views of the city then this is the perfect fort to visit during your day in Jaipur.
It’s one of the many forts which acted as a defensive structure around the city.
I actually think Jaipur should be called the Fort City, rather than the Pink City, simply because there are so many incredible forts to visit!
Nahargarh Fort stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, and it opens from 10 to 6 every day.
There is even a food court and a restaurant at the top of the fort which offers excellent views. Whilst visiting you can also explore the glass palace and wax museum.
Entrance: 50 INR for locals and 200 INR for tourists
Tour Option: There is a half day tour that takes you to Nahargarh Fort as well as to Jaigarh Fort (another of Jaipur's best places to visit)
This is one of the oldest museums in all of Rajasthan and is also the state museum for all of Rajasthan.
Inside the museum you discover all sorts of artifacts including metal, stone and ivory sculptures, as well as traditional paintings from the region.
But the biggest highlight of the museum is, of all things, an Egyptian mummy!
If you don't get chance to go in, then the museum is still a worthwhile place to visit in Jaipur from the outside.
It's one of the most grandiose museums I've ever seen, reminding me a lot of the Prince of Wales museum in Mumbai.
It's a roughly 25 minute walk from Central Park, but if you want to get there quicker and avoid walking through the chaos of the streets it may be worth picking up a tuk tuk!
Tour option: Or just opt for a Jaipur photography tour like this one which includes a visit to Albert Hall as the final stop.
To round off your day exploring the best places Jaipur has to offer for a 1-day itinerary, I would choose to dine in the pink city!
After researching the "best budget restaurants in Jaipur" on TripAdvisor, we decided to dine at Hawk View restaurant.
We loved it so much that we went back a second time!
It’s a rooftop restaurant that, as it turns out, is also ranked number 10 out of 3000 restaurants in Jaipur; as well as being number 1 for cheap eats, so I knew it had to be good!
We were not disappointed. The food is delicious.
You can get a mix of local Indian food and Italian food. The drinks are good value, coming in at around 150 INR for a vodka diet coke.
But asides from great food and service, the thing that makes this place so great is the views that surround you.
In the distance, you can see the forts and other grandiose buildings all lit up. And on the night of Diwali, the sky was alight with fireworks which were pretty spectacular! A true bucket list experience that we won't forget any time soon.
I recommend heading hear either at sunset or after dark, to enjoy the night time Jaipur skyline at its best.
More info & prices: Check out their listing on TripAdvisor.
No one day trip to Jaipur would be complete without a visit to the MANY markets located throughout the city.
Known locally as "Bazaars" these markets are all vibrant, noisy and packed full of amazing gifts and souvenirs. As well as food and drinks.
With just one day in Jaipur, I recommend heading to these last, after enjoying a meal. Or, better yet you could stop off and buy dinner as you peruse the stalls.
Here's are two markets in Jaipur that I most recommend checking out ...
This market is known for its beautiful jewellery. Indian jewellery is statement jewellery and it’s perfect for those who want something bold and bright. I personally love it and wish I could take it all home with me (it can be quite heavy!). You’ll also find handicraft items and cushions, bedsheets etc, all authentically made. Which is perhaps what I loved most about this market, the chance to buy something handmade, not in a factory.
This place is well known for selling Jaipur's famous blue pottery, brass statues and much more. So if you’re looking to purchase authentic antiques, then this market is considered the most genuine in all of Jaipur. Meaning that, for once, they are probably telling you the truth about what they are selling!
Top tip: If you want some more advice on clothes to buy, then read Bradley's guide on what to wear in India, which includes packing lists for both men and women.
Well, this all depends on your budget and how much time you have within your day of exploring.
One way to achieve all your Jaipur sightseeing ambitions is to get an organised tour from either a local company or an online site.
Booking a tour can be great if ...
A full day tour like this one is a quick and convenient way to bust your way through all the sights and I actually think they are good value for convenience and the chance to meet other like-minded travellers. Plus, the guide who is taking you around will also have actual information about the places, which saves money on paying for guides at each site!
If you just want a half day tour, then I can recommend this one here; as it includes a visit to 5 of the sites I mentioned above, entrance fees, transport, as well as a traditional Indian lunch included! All for just $89. The tour starts at 8am, and once you're done you can head out in the evening and visit the other top sites listed above.
If you want a simple night tour of Jaipur, then this is a good choice for just $25 per person.
BUDGET OPTION: This walking tour of Jaipur is just $15 and will take you to some of the best sites around the heart of Jaipur city.
Jaipur is it’s most popular during the Indian winter months of October, November, December, January, February and March.
At this time, the weather is pleasant, the crowds are relatively sized, and it’s an all round good time to visit. You can stop off at Jaipur whilst visiting the Golden Triangle of India; which includes Delhi, Jaipur and Agra.
Top Tip: If you can visit during Diwali (which falls in October/November) then do it! This is when we stayed in Jaipur and it was an awesome atmosphere, seeing the Pink City alive with music, lights and fireworks.
Jaipur is one of the top tourist destinations in all of India, so naturally, it’s easy to get to. Depending on where you are coming from you can get a bus, taxi, or even a plane to Jaipur.
Booking transport: 12GOAsia is the best site for booking transport anywhere in Asia. You can view all up-to-date Jaipur transport options here.
Overall I would say yes, we felt very safe when visiting Jaipur. But as with anywhere in India, there are a few important things you can do to ensure you and your possessions are kept safe. Including:
Most tourists head to Jaipur to visit the many incredible forts dotted around the city, and all listed in the post above. It is also a great place to pick up handmade, authentic Indian crafts; such as rugs, jewellery and even antiques.
As you can see in the post, one day in Jaipur is long enough to see a large portion of Jaipur's best attractions. However, to experience it to the fullest I would recommend spending 3 days in Jaipur.
You may also like: Our 3 week India Itinerary travel video
After you’ve visited Jaipur you can head to Agra to see the beautiful and world famous Taj Mahal.
Or, you can venture westwards and spend at least 2 days in Jodhpur discovering the second biggest city in Rajasthan. Instead of the Pink City, it is instead home to the Blue City; so makes sense as a natural next spot to visit.
For a full rundown of what to get up to in India, it's worth checking out our full and in-depth 3 week India itinerary.
With regards to Jaipur, that's about it! I hope this guide on the best places to visit in Jaipur in one day has come in useful!
Do you have any recommendations of other great things to do in Jaipur?
Or maybe you need some more tips & advice?
Just drop a comment below!
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