Things to Do in Jaipur: Explore Historic Forts, Markets & Cultural Gems

Have you ever fancied walking into a city where palaces are pink, forts whisper tales of the royals, and bazaars are full of bright colours? Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, is exactly that kind of a place, an ideal mix of history, culture and beauty. 

Thus, one can find a lot of interesting things to do in Jaipur, be it exploring the grand forts, heritage walks, street food or shopping sprees. Read on to explore the top 15 things to do in Jaipur and get ready to feel the warmth of Jaipur with the best

like never before

Top 15 Things to Do in Jaipur

Jaipur is a city that blends history, culture and vibrant local life most colorfully. From exploring grand forts to walking through busy bazaars, every experience here feels special. Let us have a look at the top 15 things to do here in Jaipur in 2025.

1. Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Jaipur

A hot air balloon ride, one of the top things to do in Jaipur, provides a bird's eye view of fortresses, palaces and the Aravalli hills. As the day breaks, the pink city awakens with golden light brushing the Amber Fort and Jal Mahal. Floating silently in the sky is magical and unique. This is one of the privileged activities to experience in Jaipur, if you want adventure activities to experience in Jaipur and peaceful beauty.

• Location: Near Jal Mahal/outskirts of Jaipur, Rajasthan

• Cost: ₹8,000 - ₹12,000 per person

• Timings: Early morning (5-6 AM) or evening before sunset (around 4-7 PM)

2. Elephant Ride at Amer Fort

The activities to be explored in Jaipur include an elephant ride to Amer Fort. The ride up the hill like a maharaja along a forest path through trees, offering views of the fort, red sandstone ramparts and the city below, is royal and old-world. For many, it's one of the top things to do in Jaipur. If you like photo shoots or want to feel the atmosphere of the palace, this is one of those Jaipur things to do that you will remember.

• Location: Amer Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan

• Cost: ₹1,200 - ₹1,500 per person

• Timings: 8:00 AM to around 12:00 PM (morning only)

3. Ziplining & Rock Climbing in Aravalli Hills

If you want adventurous things to do in Jaipur, then ziplining and rock climbing in the Aravalli Hills are excellent options. You can glide along steel cables or traverse rocky faces while the hills and valley scenery unfold before you. The weather is cool during early morning or late evening, and this will provide your adrenaline a thrilling boost in a healthy way. It's one of the best things to do in Jaipur for adventure seekers.

• Location: Aravalli Hills, Jaipur outskirts

• Cost: Ziplining ₹500-₹800; Rock climbing ₹800-₹1,200 per person

• Timings: Morning or evening (non-midday to avoid heat)

4. Nahargarh Fort at Night

Among the best things to do in Jaipur is seeing the lights of Jaipur city at night from Nahargarh Fort. As the evening sets in, the hills are lighted by golden city lights down below. The fort is also lighted, and many people have dinner at the rooftop restaurants or "Padao" and witness the sunset and stay in the city at night. It's peaceful and romantic—a wonderful addition to things to do in Jaipur at night

• Location: Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan

• Cost: Entry fees + small restaurant cost (varies)

• Timings: Around sunset till late evening (after 5 PM)

5. Jal Mahal Water Palace Visit After Sunset

One of the unique things to do in Jaipur is a visit to Jal Mahal during twilight or evening. The palace in the middle of Man Sagar Lake appears to be floating and under the light of the pale darkness after sunset, its reflection glitters on the water. Walking by the lake, observing the lighted palace, leads you to a fairy-tale setting. To some, this is among the best places to visit in Jaipur that helps them seek peace.

• Location: Man Sagar Lake, Jaipur

• Cost: No entry fee to view from outside; small boat rides are extra sometimes

• Timings: Evening; best around sunset to nightfall

6. Chokhi Dhani - Rajasthani Village Theme at Night

To experience things to explore in Jaipur, visit Chokhi Dhani at night. It is a village-style resort with folk dance, Rajasthani food, music, camel rides and elegant cultural shows. When night falls, the lights, costumes and music revive Chokhi Dhani. It's one of the best things to do in Jaipur at night, especially if you're looking for local culture and fun in one spot.

• Location: Near Vatika, Jaipur

• Cost: Approximately ₹700-₹1,500 per person depending on shows & food

• Timings: Evenings, usually start around 6 PM onward

7. Amber Fort Light & Sound Show

One of the famous things to do in Jaipur is the light and sound show at Amber Fort. The fort walls are illuminated at sundown, and a story of history is narrated with lights and sound. It fills the forts, palaces and battles of the past with life. For tourists, it is among the best things to experience in Jaipur in the evening as it is a combination of history, drama and architecture in a beautiful ambience.

• Location: Amer Fort, Jaipur

• Cost: Show ticket approx ₹50 (fort entry separate)

• Timings: Evening, usually around 7 PM onwards

8. Jawahar Circle Garden & Musical Fountain

If you want one of the top things to do in Jaipur that’s calm as well as pretty, go to Jawahar Circle in the evening. The garden is large, circular and has walking tracks along with gorgeous fountains. When night falls, musical fountain shows start, lights dance around water, and many locals gather here to take a stroll. It’s peaceful and lovely, and even more when the weather cools. This place is thus absolutely perfect for relaxing.

• Location: Malviya Nagar, near Sanganer Airport, Jaipur

• Cost: Usually free; fountain show may be free or a small charge

• Timings: Garden open day till night; fountain show around 7-8 PM

9. ATV & Jungle Safari or Camel Ride in Jaipur Outskirts

For adventurous things to do in Jaipur, visiting around forts or the outskirts through an ATV ride, jungle safari or camel ride is exciting. You feel the wind, see bumpy roads, desert and hillside views. Camel safari at the dunes or ATV drive in the sand is entertaining. This type of tourist activity in Jaipur gives you a thrill and exhibits another dimension of city life.

• Location: Aravalli hills/ outskirts/ desert outskirts of Jaipur

• Cost: ₹1,500-₹2,500 depending on activity (ATV or camels)

• Timings: Morning or evening to avoid midday heat

10. Raj Mandir Cinema & Rooftop Dining

If you are looking for a mix of culture, food, as well as comfort, visit Raj Mandir Cinema for a movie in its majestic hall. After enjoying the movie, go to the rooftop for dining at a restaurant with views. Watching a Bollywood movie at the “Cinema Ka Mandir” feels glamorous, and the best part? You can then walk to the nearby rooftop restaurants or enjoy street food in Jaipur under the stars after the show..

• Location: Panch Batti, M.I. Road, Jaipur

• Cost: Cinema ticket ~ ₹200-₹400; dining depends on restaurant

• Timings: Cinema shows vary but often evening; restaurants open till late at night

11. Explore City Palace

When it comes to the royal past of Jaipur, the City Palace is a living piece where courtyards and gardens, along with museums, open up to tales of the Rajput dynasty. Walking through its halls will take you through the pages of history- you’ll see weapons, costumes and old paintings that tell stories of the past centuries. This makes it one of the best places to visit in Jaipur with family. The Mubarak Mahal and Chandra Mahal are the best among all as they showcase beautiful carvings and architecture. Visiting the City Palace is definitely one of the best things to do in Jaipur for anyone who loves history and grandeur.

• Location: Jaleb Chowk, Jaipur, Rajasthan

• Cost: ₹200 for Indians; ₹700 for foreign visitors

• Timings: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (all days)

12. Wander Through Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal, or the ‘Palace of Winds,’ is among best Jaipur famous places with its honeycomb-patterned pink sandstone windows. Built for the royal women to observe the beauty of city life, today it is a favourite of tourists for photography and history. From its small balconies, you can observe the vibrant streets of the old city. The palace is observed glimmering splendidly in the early morning sun and is a must-see for anyone going to Jaipur's heritage. This is among the top things to do in Jaipur for history buffs.

• Location: Badi Choupad, Jaipur, Rajasthan

• Cost: ₹50 for Indians; ₹200 for foreign visitors

• Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

13. Shop at Johari Bazaar

If shopping excites you, Johari Bazaar is one of the best things to do in Jaipur and one of the best places to visit in Jaipur as well. Known for gemstones, silver jewellery and colourful textiles, this market is where Jaipur shows off its craft heritage. Walking through the narrow lanes lined with shops, you’ll see glittering jewellery, bandhani sarees and embroidered fabrics. The market buzzes with life, and bargaining is part of the fun. It's perfect if you want to take with you a little bit of Jaipur's creativity and lively character.

• Location: Johari Bazaar Road, near Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

• Cost: Free to explore; shopping costs depend on the items

• Timings: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

14. Visit Jantar Mantar Observatory

Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an open-air observatory that was built in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. With gigantic instruments measuring time, predicting eclipses and observing stars, it is one of the most fascinating tourist attractions in Jaipur. The giant sundial, Samrat Yantra, is breathtaking. For everyone who loves science and history, this attraction is a must-visit. A visit to Jantar Mantar is one of the best things to do in Jaipur with kids and family.

• Location: Near City Palace, Jaipur

• Cost: ₹50 for Indians; ₹200 for foreign visitors

• Timings: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

15. Take a Heritage Walk in Old Jaipur

Taking a heritage walk in the old part of the city is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Jaipur, especially if you are into exploring and learning about local culture. Walk past pink-painted havelis, shop at traditional bazaars and visit temples- these activities narrate tales of Jaipur’s past. You can taste street food like kachoris, admire artisans at work and capture the daily life of locals. It’s an immersive experience that lets you see Jaipur beyond its forts and palaces and in a way that feels alive as well as personal.

• Location: Old Jaipur, starting near Tripolia Bazaar or Choti Chaupar

• Cost: Guided walk ₹500-₹1,500 depending on tour operator

• Timings: Morning (8 AM-10 AM) or evening (4 PM-6 PM)

Conclusion

Jaipur is a city in which every corner feels alive with colour, history and culture. The Pink City has something for everyone - be it royal palaces, ancient forts, bustling markets or serene temples. Trying its cuisine, shopping streets, and special traditions make the experience even more special. A trip to Jaipur is an experience of a lifetime that makes you feel like you’re living the tales of Rajasthan. So wait no more, pack your bags, pick out your favourites from the list of things to do in Jaipur given above and get ready to have the best trip of your life.