They call it the Pink City, but nothing prepares you for that first glimpse of Jaipur. As part of India’s famous Golden Triangle, linking Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, I assumed it would be overly touristy, chaotic and perhaps even overrated. Happily, I was proven wrong. Jaipur is a deeply historic city that honours its past while also embracing a fresh, creative energy through its experimental dining spaces, hip cocktail bars and independent boutiques.

In this blog post, we will spend 48 hours together in Jaipur, one of India’s earliest planned cities. We will check off the must-sees, get lost in the bazaars, sample local treats, dine in old havelis transformed into modern restaurants, explore hip boutiques and admire the city’s jaw-dropping architecture and art. Come along!

Our 48 hour itinerary

Friday evening:
6 pm - Check in at our hotel or Airbnb
8 pm - Dinner at Bar Palladio
10 pm - Cocktails at Native Cocktail Room

Saturday:
9.30 am - Breakfast at Jaipur Modern Kitchen & Store
11 am - Shopping at Bapu Bazaar
1.30 pm - Lunch at Jay’s Mirove Kitchen
2.30 pm - Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal and sunset at Nahargarh Fort
6 pm - Rest
8 pm - Dinner at The Johri
10 pm - Cocktails at Sura

Sunday day:
11 am - Brunch at The Library
1 pm - Visit The City Palace
3 pm - Checking out hip boutiques around C Scheme, full list below

Where to eat

Jaipur is definitely a foodie destination and Rajasthani cuisine is one of our favorite kinds in India. From rich dal baati churma and fiery lamb laal maas to crispy pyaaz kachoris and syrupy ghewar. There is zero chance you’ll go hungry here. If you have a bit more time we would highly recommend going on a food tour to really get the local experience.

We had a lovely slow lunch, ten people, at Jay’s Mirove Artisanal Kitchen. Big open garden space with mosaic art, lots of greenery and vintage mirrors. The menu has something for everyone. From spicy Rajasthani kebabs and mutton ghee roast, to dumplings, Italian homemade ravioli and crispy mushroom baos. Don’t miss out on the coffee and pastry as well.

For dinner, Bar Palladio is a great choice. It’s popular not only for its dramatic blue interiors but also for its refined Italian cuisine. The menu features classic dishes such as handmade pastas, creamy burrata, carpaccio, risotto, and wood-fired pizzas, all prepared with fresh ingredients and elegant presentation.

The Johri in Jaipur is a Michelin-recognized vegetarian restaurant set inside a beautifully restored old haveli in Johari Bazaar. From the outside, just a dark alleyway it doesn’t seem like much but the inside is stunning. The Johri offers a fully vegetarian menu that highlights seasonal Indian ingredients through refined, contemporary dishes rooted in traditional flavors, all served in an intimate heritage setting. Our favorite dishes were the pistachio kulfi and dark chocolate gulab jamun, the palak patta (crispy spinach) and their specialty daal.

Other restaurants worth mentioning:

1135 AD – A regal dining experience inside Amer Fort, known for its traditional Rajasthani and North Indian cuisine in a historic, opulent setting.

Steam (Taj Rambagh Palace) – A unique restaurant in a restored train carriage serving wood-fired pizzas and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Chokhi Dhani – A lively ethnic village-style resort on the outskirts of Jaipur where you can experience traditional Rajasthani culture, folk performances, and an elaborate thali dinner served in an authentic rural setting.

Wind View Café – A casual rooftop café directly opposite Hawa Mahal, known for its unbeatable Palace of Winds views.

Townsend Bar & Kitchen – A stylish, contemporary spot in Jaipur known for its craft cocktails, global comfort food, and chic yet laid-back atmosphere that draws a trendy local crowd.

Café White Sage - A popular café and restaurant known for its mindful, sustainable vegetarian and innovative fusion menu featuring locally sourced, seasonal ingredients in a stylish setting.

What to see

Jaipur is a city where history, architecture, and vibrant culture come alive at every corner. Here you will find majestic forts and royal palaces. Here are the must-see landmarks that should be on your itinerary:

• Hawa Mahal – The iconic “Palace of Winds,” known for its intricate pink sandstone façade with hundreds of small windows designed for royal women to observe the city unseen.

• Jal Mahal – A serene water palace that appears to float in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, especially magical at sunrise and sunset.

• Nahargarh Fort – Perched high above the city, this historic fort offers panoramic views over Jaipur, particularly stunning during sunset.

• City Palace, Jaipur – A magnificent royal residence blending Rajput and Mughal architecture, famous for its ornate courtyards and the four seasonal Peacock Gates.

• Patrika Gate – A vibrant, hand-painted gateway at Jawahar Circle, celebrated for its colorful murals depicting Rajasthan’s culture and heritage.

• Albert Hall Museum – The city’s oldest museum, showcasing Indo-Saracenic architecture and an eclectic collection of royal artifacts and art.

Where to shop

Each bazaar in Jaipur has its own focus, from traditional crafts to textiles, fashion, or street food. Some are lively and bustling, while others feel more curated. Together, they offer a diverse glimpse into the city’s culture and energy.

Johari Bazaar

If there’s one place that captures Jaipur’s long-standing reputation as a gem trading hub, it’s Johari Bazaar. “Johari” means jeweller, and this market is filled with precious and semi-precious stones, Kundan and Meenakari jewellery, and intricate silver work. It is also the most touristy one, so make sure you don’t pay overprice here.

Bapu Bazaar

Bapu Bazaar is where colour and block printing take centre stage. This is also our favourite bazaar. Here, you’ll find stacks of block-printed fabrics, bright dupattas, kurtas and kurtis, as well as affordable souvenirs. It’s the perfect place to pick up textiles and gifts to bring home.

I bought bed throws, towels, table runners, bathrobes, dresses, kurtas and toiletry bags — yes, the list goes on and on. Be prepared for a slightly chaotic energy. It’s a fun spot to practise your bargaining skills while soaking in the everyday rhythm of the city.

Tripolia Bazaar

Tripolia Bazaar is known for its traditional lac bangles and brassware, offering a more old-school shopping experience. The craftsmanship here feels deeply rooted in Rajasthan’s heritage, and many of the shops have been run by the same families for generations. It’s less polished than some of the more tourist-heavy markets, which makes it all the more authentic.

Jaipur also has plenty of independent boutiques and unique shopping experiences, some of our favorites include:

Nicobar Design Studio - Has so many stylish, colorful decor pieces for the house.
ellementry - Home decor with lots of natural, sustainable materials and earthy colors.
Mulmul - Affordable and really high-quality ethnic fashion in pastel colors.
LADU (Life Around Daily Utilities) - A perfect gift shop with deli items, natural skincare, baby things, candles, stationery, and tableware.
Ecru - Eclectic collection in both fashion and home decor.
RASA - A stylish boutique and textile brand in Jaipur known for its contemporary hand-block-printed clothing, home linens and bedding
Anohki - Block-print heaven without the bazaar chaos.

48 hours in Jaipur, Rajasthan

Vega & Paras

48 hours in Jaipur, Rajasthan

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