Of all things pretty: the best things to do in Jaipur, India for art and design lovers
Enter the Pink City.
Travellers looking to explore India are in for a treat for all the senses. Between the iconic northern landmarks and the relaxed vibes of the stunning south, the hardest thing just may be choosing what parts to visit. But for art and design aficionados, the call of Jaipur is strong, thanks to its striking architecture and storied past. We teamed up with local design journalist Shalbha Sarda to find the very best things to do in Jaipur, from the eats to the streets.
The best things to do in Jaipur, India for art and design lovers
Jaipur, a city painted pink on a whim to welcome the British Queen Victoria’s consort, Prince Albert, in 1876, still wears the blushing hue as a proud and gracious host and is widely known as the Pink City. With its grand forts, palaces, and all things regal, it is the capital of the desert state of Rajasthan, in North Western India and a key stop on the famous Golden Triangle tourist circuit—alongside Delhi and Agra.
Built in 1727, the first planned city of Asia had a visionary patron, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, who invited a bevy of artisans and craftsmen from across the world to come and live in his new capital. Fast forward 300 years, and Jaipur has become a Technicolor dream of history and heritage, where time-worn forts and palaces stand in oblivion to the centuries that have passed.
Wander through its streets, and you’ll find elephants ambling by, vibrant tie-dye saris swaying from shopfronts in the desert breeze, artisans tapping rhythmic patterns onto fabric with wooden blocks, and trays upon trays of exquisitely hand-carved gemstone jewellery on display.
This art and design lover’s guide to Jaipur is time-travelling through ancient old tales told by its monuments, a generous dose of shopping inspiration, a sneak peek into age-old crafts, and several moments of feeling like royalty as a bonus.
Historical Monuments
1. Hawa Mahal
If you want to pose for a quintessential Jaipur photograph, Hawa Mahal is exactly the place to do so. Built as a five-story, pyramid-shaped pink palace, it boasts hundreds of big and small windows—953, to be precise. The name Hawa Mahal translates to Palace of Winds, designed as a pavilion in the late 18th century for the royal ladies to discreetly watch street processions and celebrations without stepping into public view.
Interestingly, the façade that you see from the main street is actually the rear elevation of the palace; this makes the Hawa Mahal one of the rare structures globally famous for its back rather than the front. But don’t overlook the interiors. For the perfect experience, head there early in the morning when the streets aren’t so crowded.
Insider tip: Across the street, a few cafés like Tattoo Café or Wind View Café have the best view of the monument. You will have to order something before they’ll seat you.
Learn more about Hawa Mahal
2. Amber Fort
Jaipur’s iconic sandstone and marble fortress, built in 1592, served as the royal family’s residence until the City Palace took over. The edifice sits majestically on the Aravalli mountains over a man-made lake and is an excellent vantage point for a 360-degree city view.
Wander through its secret tunnels, narrow alleyways, ornate courts, geometric gardens, and monumental gateways. Do not miss seeing the Sheesh Mahal, or Palace of a Thousand Mirrors, known for its intricate glass-covered walls and ceilings, best viewed in candlelight.
Insider tip: The Sound and Light Show is held each evening in an amphitheatre below the fort and is a great way to experience Amber Fort’s rich history and cultural significance.
Discover more about Amber Fort or Book a tour through Viator
3. Panna Meena ka Kund
Tucked away near Amber Fort in Jaipur, this 16th-century stepwell was originally built for harvesting rainwater in this arid region. The kund (well) has hundreds of symmetrical, crisscrossing stairways descending into the water and offers photographers opportunities to capture the juxtaposition of shadow and light.
Interestingly, its large sunken design creates its own microclimate, noticeably cooler than the surrounding area, making it a favourite evening gathering spot for locals seeking respite from the heat.
Learn more about Panna Meena ka Kund
4. Jantar Mantar
This astronomical observatory was a passion project of the astronomer king of Jaipur, Sawai Jai Singh II. The gigantic stone masonry instruments, built 300 years ago, can still accurately measure planetary positions, time, seasons, and solstices, and it’s a fascinating visit.
Insider tip: I’d definitely recommend that you hire a guide for a nominal fee from the ticket counter to fully understand the functioning of these instruments.
Find out more about Jantar Mantar
Museums and Galleries
5. The Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing
Offering an insight into India’s textile prints legacy, the Anokhi Museum is tucked away in one of the meandering streets of the ancient town of Amer, inside a restored 400-year-old haveli (heritage mansion).
The museum is spread across multiple floors, showcasing historical wooden printing blocks, ancient natural dyes, legacy patterns, and exquisite traditional textiles from all over the country. This is a DIY exploration, as there are no guided tours available at the moment.
Insider tip: If you’re tempted to shop for block prints, head to Anokhi’s main outlet in C-Scheme. It’s often better stocked and offers a broader range of products than the museum shop.
Discover more about The Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing
6. City Palace, Jaipur
Part museum, part royal residence, the City Palace is still home to Jaipur’s royal family. The public sections of the museum include the Textile Gallery, Sileh Khana (arms and ammunition), and the Photography Gallery.
Insider tip: I like to choose the Royal Grandeur guided tour to look into daily palace life. It provides access to private areas, including the Maharaja’s apartments, offering insights into the lives of Jaipur’s royalty.
Read more about City Palace, Jaipur
7. Albert Hall Musuem
Constructed in 1887, this stunning Indo-Saracenic building stands proudly at the heart of Ram Niwas Bagh, a sprawling public garden in Jaipur. Besides being a historical museum, Albert Hall is inarguably the most beautiful historical monument of Jaipur.
Inside, you’ll find a display of ancient textiles, coins, sculptures, paintings, jewellery, arms, and artefacts. A particularly hot favourite is the Egyptian mummy.
Insider tip: The museum is beautifully illuminated each evening, making it an absolute visual delight to drive past after sundown.
Find out more about Albert Hall Museum or Book a tour through Viator
8. Jaipur Centre for Art
A newly opened 2600 sq-ft public exhibition space within one of the iconic City Palace halls, this gallery infuses Jaipur’s illustrious art heritage with contemporary flair.
Created in collaboration with Jaipur Maharaja HH Padmanabh Singh and artist Noelle Kadar, the place breaks away from traditional norms of exhibition spaces by veering away from stark white walls and blank rooms for delicate arches and intricate panel mouldings. The diverse exhibits range across mixed media, sculpture, photography, fine art and portraiture.
Learn more about the Jaipur Centre for Art
Markets To Wander
9. Johri Bazaar
An array of ancient pink shops punctuated by oriel windows and archways, Johri Bazaar (the market for jewels) is a microcosmic representation of everything the Pink City can offer. The main street is lined with numerous shops stocked with precious and semi-precious jewellery.
Several narrow lanes branch off from there to dedicated wholesale markets, usually called raastas, such as Haldiyon Ka Raasta, Ghee Wallon Ka Raasta, etc. These shops are a trove of wearables, collectibles, and eatables. Think local sweets and savouries, loose gemstones, tie-and-dye apparel, and mouth fresheners—these lanes have a wealth of treasures.
If you can brave tight, labyrinthine spaces, Purohit Ji Ka Katla is a must-visit. This colourful and bustling maze of alleys—so narrow that two people cannot walk abreast—is renowned as one of the city’s best bargain markets and a vibrant montage of colours.
Insider tip: Vendors, particularly at street-side stalls, often quote higher prices to tourists, so make sure you haggle.
10. Bapu Bazaar
This is ground zero for souvenir shopping, including block-printed linens, Jaipuri leather shoes (mojris), quilted handbags, miniature paintings, and artefacts. Bapu Bazaar is also the place to try street food in Jaipur, such as Bombay-style sandwiches, pani puri, fresh juices, and chaats.
Insider tip: If you decide to sample the street food stalls, try small portions to avoid the infamous Delhi Belly. Order your food served in disposable containers, and ensure any drinks are prepared using bottled mineral water.
Pretty Shops for Beautiful Take-Homes
11. Jaipur Watch Company
India’s first luxury micro-watch brand owes its name to Jaipur, as the home to its first store, and also its watch designs, inspired by local art and architecture. The Jaipur Watch Company creates wearable art through uniquely designed watches.
The watch dials feature a range of British-era coins and traditional Indian artwork. The store is situated in the upscale neighbourhood of C-Scheme, and among its best-selling collections are the Baagh Watch and the Raja Ravi Varma series.
Discover more about Jaipur Watch Company
12. Gem Palace
Located right on MI Road in Jaipur, Gem Palace doubles as a museum-cum-atelier and belongs to the legacy jewellery designers carrying 150 years of heritage.
Famous for creating exquisite jewellery for royalty, from Jaipur’s own royal court to renowned international dignitaries, the Gem Palace has attracted some serious celebrity names in its history, including Jackie Kennedy, Lord Mountbatten, Prince Charles, Lady Diana, and a glittering array of Hollywood celebrities.
Read more about Gem Palace
13. The Palace Atelier
This museum shop inside the City Palace, Jaipur, is the newest haunt for people visiting the city to admire all things gorgeous! A venture by Gen Z Jaipur princess Gauravi Kumari, The Palace Atelier is a curated collection of souvenirs, artefacts, books, homewares, apparel, and various keepsakes and curiosities.
The store itself feels like something straight out of a Wes Anderson film—each section is painted in a different colour and pattern, making it a visual delight as much as a shopping experience.
Learn more about The Palace Atelier
14. Namrata Kedia Design Studio
Tucked away in the quaint Civil Lines neighbourhood, this little boutique is a hidden gem for those searching for exquisite, 24-karat gold-plated crockery. Namrata Kedia’s designs are inspired by the rich stories of India, drawing influences from the historic town of Bundi’s miniature paintings, the temple art form of Pichwai and Indian folktales from Panchatantra.
Beyond crockery, the store also carries a selection of fused glass artefacts for home décor, like cute wall hangings, whimsical tea lights, and statement pieces that are easy to take back home.
Discover more about Namrata Kedia Design Studio
15. The PDKF Store
Inside the City Palace, Jaipur, PDKF is yet another venture by the royal family of Jaipur to revive the block prints of Rajasthan and make them more relevant to modern times. The store, an aesthetic delight, carries block-printed apparel, home linens, jewellery, and décor items made mostly by women artisans of the city.
Find out more about The PDKF Store
16. Mukesh Art Gallery
No art lover’s guide to Jaipur is complete without a visit to this one-stop shop for all types of art. From bargain buys to high-value artists’ works, Mukesh Art Gallery is a five-floor store in the Malviya Nagar area with the concept of art accessible for all.
The gallery is festooned with miniature paintings, embroidered tapestries, sustainable leather home décor, and exquisite metal art under one roof.
Read more about Mukesh Art Gallery
Chai And Coffee
17. Tapri
Here, India’s street-side tea-stall culture gets an upscale makeover. Tapri reimagines nostalgic roadside flavours such as maska bun, tadka Maggi, and vada pav from different corners of India, served with a touch of finesse.
No visit to Tapri is complete without its legendary chai. Brewed with milk, sugar, and a generous blend of spices, India’s soulful take on tea-drinking traditions is best enjoyed with a packet of Parle-G biscuits on the side.
Insider tip: There are multiple Tapri outlets, but the one in C-Scheme has a stunning view of Central Park and Jaipur’s skyline.
Find out more about Tapri
18. Taffeta
Introducing the concept of the Mod Bar—an Italian under-the-counter coffee brewing system that creates the silkiest espresso shots—Taffeta rightfully claims its name from the luxurious silken fabric.
Sprawled across a massive 5,000 sq-ft on a single floor, Taffeta is officially the largest coffee shop in North India. The café brings French and Middle Eastern traditions into its bakery line and coffees. Try their Gulf Latte—a crowd favourite made with dates instead of sugar.
Learn more about Taffeta
High-End Velvet Lounges
19. Polo Palladio
This is the ultimate spot to watch the royal game of polo from the best seats in town during polo season (December–March), and one of my personal favourites. Overlooking the Rajasthan Polo Club’s grounds, the patio offers prime views, while the interiors, designed by Dutch designer Marie-Anne Oudejans, are a visual delight.
The masculine space features yellow and green striped ceilings, rich wood panels with hand-painted foliage, mallets, trophies and portraits of the Jaipur royal family and their horses. Try the traditional club classics here, like roast chicken and salmon tarts with a selection of exotic wines.
This is a members-only venue, but non-members can gain entry twice in a lifetime for a nominal fee of INR 100 each time.
Learn more about Polo Palladio
20. Writer’s Bar at Raffles Jaipur
The second opening of the high-end luxury hotel brand in India, Raffles Jaipur, brings the illustrious heritage of the historic Golden Triangle (Jaipur, Agra, Delhi) to life through the hotel’s design aesthetics.
The Writer’s Bar is a dreamy, powder blue and white retreat inspired by Chhavi Niwas, the serene palace within the private quarters of the City Palace. Towering bookshelves line the high walls, stacked with rare reads, accessible via a dramatic spiral staircase.
The Jaipur Sling is a must-try—Raffles Jaipur’s own interpretation of the Raffles Singapore Sling, made with heritage liquor from Rajasthan and taking on a delicate pink hue.
Find out more about Writer’s Bar
21. Johri & Sons at The Johri
This slick bar inside a centuries-old haveli is one of the rare places where you can escape the chaos of the bustling markets of the old walled city area and soak in a luxurious ambience. The cocktails at Johri & Sons come with a lot of storytelling in their presentation and ingredients.
Try the Nazariya, a twist on the classic Negroni with clarified watermelon, vermouth, bitters, and gin. Another standout is Sukoon, which literally means peace—a soothing blend of chamomile tea-infused vodka, honey, cucumber, and citrus.
Learn more about Johri & Sons
Hip Lounges for Party People
22. 1932 Trevi
Set amidst sprawling gardens dating back to 1932, this restaurant-cum-lounge features chequered flooring, intricate mosaic murals, chevron-patterned mushroom umbrellas, lime-plastered white arches, and a charming marble fountain—a miniature of Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain.
Trevi is a love letter to Italy from the Pink City. Guests can choose from a variety of inviting seating areas, including an al-fresco garden, semi-covered porches, and intimate enclosed rooms painted scandalously in vivid scarlet reminiscent of a glamorous woman’s vanity box.
The cocktails draw inspiration from the gemstones famously sold in Jaipur’s markets, notably the Coral Reef, a deliciously complex drink crafted with Patron Reposado tequila and spiced Pelati, complemented by subtle hints of nuts and smoke, perfectly paired with crispy lasagna.
Read more about 1932 Trevi
23. Paro
It all narrows down to the location of Paro. This rooftop lounge is situated on MI Road, behind the iconic Raj Mandir cinema hall, making it the place where you can party in style while enjoying a 270-degree view of the heart of Jaipur.
Housed in a pre-Independence-era building initially used by merchants for trading, Paro is divided into two floors: a covered area and an open social bar on the rooftop. This lively venue hosts live music, attracting the crème de la crème crowd on weekends.
Besides cocktails, Paro Palace is known for its Indian fusion food, featuring dishes such as a progressive version of litti chokha, the traditional dish from Bihar, and pani puri—India’s favourite street food—with a twist of passion fruit.
Learn more about Paro
The Royal Rajasthani Thali Fare (Go Hungry)
24. Mohan Mahal at The Leela Palace Jaipur
A Rajasthani thali, a spread of all Rajasthani flavours served together, is one of the must-try things in Jaipur. While many restaurants have their own take, at Mohan Mahal, the thali meal is served in an extravagant setting fit for royalty.
The Leela Palace Jaipur has its own palace of a thousand mirrors, known as Mohan Mahal, where the restaurant is lit only by hundreds of candles, their reflection forming a mesmerising effect in the mirrors, accompanied by soft live Sufi music in the background.
The thali comes with traditional dishes such as daal baati churma and Rajasthani curries. Mohan Mahal is open only for dinner, has become an Instagram hotspot and is almost always packed, so I’d highly recommend that you pre-book.
Find out more about Mohan Mahal at The Leela Palace Jaipur
25. Suvarna Mahal at the Taj Rambagh Palace
This was once an actual royal residence, now converted into a five-star luxury property by the Taj group of hotels. With its lush gardens, strutting peacocks, vintage portraits that clad the walls, and hospitality that evokes the royalty in you, Rambagh has become one of the most coveted palace hotels in the world.
While the rest of the palace features Indo-Mughal design, one of the restaurants, Suvarna Mahal, is a room straight out of a Florentine palazzo. Gilded ceilings, Corinthian columns, and Renaissance art create the perfect setting to enjoy a thali meal every night at Suvarna Mahal.
The preset menu offers two types of thalis to choose from: a typical Rajasthani thali with dishes like dal baati churma or an Indian thali which picks up on traditional recipes from other royal households of India and puts together on a single plate, including those from the Nizams of Hyderabad and the Nawabs of Awadh.
The restaurant is open only for dinner, and I’d recommend that you book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Read more about Suvarna Mahal at the Taj Rambagh Palace
But wait, there’s more…
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