Jaipur rewards travellers who go beyond ticking off monuments. The Pink City is full of hands-on experiences — craft workshops, cultural villages, sunrise balloon flights and some of the best Rajasthani food in India — that turn a sightseeing trip into something memorable.
Here are the 10 best things to do in Jaipur. Pair them with our places to visit in Jaipur guide for the headline sights, and check the best time to visit Jaipur before you book.
The 10 best things to do in Jaipur
Take a hot air balloon ride over the Aravallis
Drift at sunrise over forts, farms and palaces around Amer and the surrounding countryside. Flights last about an hour and are among the most spectacular ways to see Jaipur from above — book in advance and pick the October–March season for clear skies.
Ride an elephant or jeep up to Amer Fort
The classic way to reach the gates of Amer Fort is by elephant in the morning; jeeps are a faster, ethical alternative offered all day. Either way the ramp ascent through the fort's gateways is a highlight of any Jaipur trip.
Shop for jewellery, gemstones and textiles
Jaipur is India's gemstone capital. Browse Johari Bazaar for kundan and meenakari jewellery, Bapu Bazaar for fabrics and juttis, and government emporiums for fixed-price quality. Buy certified stones only from reputable dealers.
Spend an evening at Chokhi Dhani
This mock Rajasthani village on the city outskirts is a full cultural immersion — folk dancers, puppet shows, camel rides, fortune tellers and an unlimited traditional thali served on the floor. Touristy but genuinely fun, especially for families.
Try a hand block-printing workshop
Visit the printing villages of Sanganer or Bagru, or a city studio, to carve, dip and stamp your own scarf or tote using centuries-old wooden blocks and natural dyes. A hands-on souvenir you make yourself.
Dine on a rooftop overlooking the old city
Jaipur's rooftop restaurants serve laal maas, dal baati churma and ker sangri with views of the floodlit forts and Hawa Mahal. Sunset is the time to go — many sit right opposite the Palace of Winds.
Watch the Amer sound-and-light show
After dark, Amer Fort comes alive with a narrated light show that tells the story of the Kachhwaha rulers against the illuminated ramparts. Both English and Hindi screenings run nightly — a relaxed way to end a fort day.
Relax at a stepwell, spa or palace high tea
Cool off at the geometric Panna Meena ka Kund stepwell near Amer, then unwind with an Ayurvedic spa treatment or an afternoon high tea at a heritage palace hotel — a taste of Jaipur's royal hospitality.
Take a Rajasthani cooking class or food walk
Learn to make dal baati churma, pyaaz kachori and gatte ki sabzi with a local home cook, or join a guided street-food walk through the old city to taste kachoris, lassi, ghewar and mawa kachori at legendary stalls.
Catch a sunset and a film at landmark spots
Watch the city turn golden from Nahargarh Fort, then catch a Bollywood film at the iconic Raj Mandir cinema — an extravagant 1970s movie palace and an experience in itself, even if you don't follow the plot.
Tips for planning your Jaipur experiences
Book early-morning activities — balloon rides, elephant rides at Amer and food walks are best before the heat and crowds build. Many of these sell out in peak season, so reserve ahead.
Bundle nearby experiences to save time: do Amer Fort, the elephant/jeep ride, Panna Meena stepwell and the evening light show in one trip out to Amer. For shopping, set aside a relaxed half-day and carry cash for bargaining.
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