Welcome to Jaipur — the sun-drenched pink city that wears its royal past on its sleeve. If you have only two days to explore this energetic capital of Rajasthan, this Jaipur 2 Days Itinerary for First-Time Visitors gives you a tightly organized, enjoyable plan that maximizes sightseeing while keeping things comfortably paced. This guide covers what to see, the best timings to visit, entry fees (approximate), food suggestions, budget and mid-range hotel picks, transport tips, and practical advice so your short stay becomes memorable.
Jaipur packs forts, palaces, markets, art, and cuisine into a compact, walkable city core — ideal for short trips. In two days you can see its iconic highlights: Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, and end with a colorful market stroll. This Jaipur 2 Days Itinerary for First-Time Visitors focuses on a sensible route to avoid backtracking and to deliver the city’s best flavors (both literal and cultural).
This Jaipur 2 Days Itinerary for First-Time Visitors is split into two full days: Day 1 covers the palaces and observatory in the old city, Day 2 visits the hilltop forts and sunsets. Each section includes suggested timings, approximate entry fees (Indian nationals), and tips to make the most of each site. At the end find dining, shopping, transport and safety notes.
| Best Time to Visit | October to March — pleasant days and cool evenings. |
|---|---|
| Currency | Indian Rupee (INR) |
| Language | Hindi (Rajasthani dialects), English widely understood in tourist areas. |
| Local Transport | Auto-rickshaws, metered taxis, app cabs, private car hires. |
For clarity, here’s a high-level overview before we dive into the detailed hour-by-hour plan.
Timing: 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Why start here? City Palace is a central, tranquil introduction to Jaipur’s royal history, and Jantar Mantar — the large astronomical observatory — is adjacent. Visiting early avoids the heat and the crowds.
| Attraction | Suggested Time | Approx. Entry Fee (Indian) |
|---|---|---|
| City Palace (main complex & museum) | 8:30–10:00 | ₹200–₹300 |
| Jantar Mantar (observatory) | 10:00–10:45 | ₹50 |
| Govind Dev Ji / Local Temple (optional) | 10:45–11:15 | Free (donations welcome) |
Visiting tips: The City Palace includes courtyards, galleries and private chambers; wear comfortable shoes. At Jantar Mantar, take a guided audio or local guide to understand the giant instruments — their scale is fascinating but their purpose is surprising until explained.
Timing: 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Hawa Mahal is primarily a façade — the classic pink honeycomb. Get your photos from the street level or head to a nearby cafe rooftop for the cinematic shot (best around 11–12 when light is even on the façade).
Timing: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
After palaces, walk the bazaars: Johari Bazaar (jewelry), Bapu Bazaar (textiles and mojris), and Tripolia Bazaar (brass & lac). Stop for a leisurely lunch at a rooftop restaurant near Hawa Mahal — many serve Rajasthani thali and continental options.
| Recommended Lunch Spots | Why |
|---|---|
| Laxmi Misthan Bhandar (LMB) | Historic, vegetarian specialties & sweets |
| Suvarna Mahal (hotel rooftop option) | Palate-pleasing Rajasthani cuisine in a palace-like setting |
| Street stalls & small cafes | Best for snacks like kachori, samosa and kulhad chai |
Timing: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
The Albert Hall Museum offers cultural context with paintings, uniforms and artifacts. The gardens are great for a short rest and photography. If you prefer shopping instead, spend extra time browsing the bazaars.
| Attraction | Approx. Entry Fee |
|---|---|
| Albert Hall Museum | ₹40–₹100 |
Timing: 6:00 PM onwards
For your first evening in Jaipur, enjoy a sunset rooftop dinner overlooking the city. Many restaurants offer local performances or live music. This is a great time to try Dal Baati Churma and laal maas if you enjoy rich meat curries.
Note: This first day stays focused on the heart of Jaipur so you can feel the city's character without tiring yourself out before the hill forts on Day 2. The Jaipur 2 Days Itinerary for First-Time Visitors should feel like a comfortable introduction rather than a race.
Timing: 7:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Amber Fort (Amer Fort) is best visited early. It’s a sprawling complex of ramparts, palaces and mirrored halls perched on a hill. The site opens earlier than other attractions which allows you to beat the crowds and the afternoon heat.
| Attraction | Suggested Time | Approx. Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Amber Fort complex | 7:00–9:30 | ₹100–₹200 |
| Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) | Inside Amber Fort | Included in Amber fee |
| Elephant ride (optional) | Outside main gate – limited & regulated | ₹800–₹1,200 (varies) |
Visiting tips: Skip the elephant ride if you are uncomfortable with ethical concerns; a jeep ride up is quicker and widely available. Hire a local guide for 300–600 rupees to get historical stories that bring the fort’s architecture to life.
Timing: 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
From Amber, Jaigarh Fort is a short drive with commanding views; see the world’s largest cannon on wheels (Jaivana) and enjoy panoramic photo opportunities. Jaigarh is less crowded and more rugged — a nice contrast to Amber’s ornate interiors.
| Attraction | Approx. Entry Fee |
|---|---|
| Jaigarh Fort | ₹50–₹120 |
Timing: 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Nahargarh Fort overlooks Jaipur and offers views that make for a restful lunch spot. There’s a cafeteria at the top or you can pack snacks. The fort is an atmospheric place for photography and a short walk along the ramparts.
Timing: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Return to the city for optional visits to Panna Meena ka Kund (a photogenic stepwell) or the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing (if you’re interested in textiles). These smaller sights are rewarding and less time-consuming.
| Attraction | Approx. Entry Fee |
|---|---|
| Panna Meena ka Kund (stepwell) | Free |
| Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing | ₹100–₹200 |
Timing: 5:00 PM onwards
Conclude your visit with souvenir shopping in Johari Bazaar (gems & jewelry) and Bapu Bazaar (textiles, leather mojris). Finish with a special dinner at a rooftop or heritage restaurant — a classic way to cap a short but rich visit.
Before you depart, make time for one last photo stop of the Hawa Mahal from a slightly different angle — dusk light can look magical on the pink stone.
| Attraction | Typical Opening Hours | Approx. Entry Fee (Indian) |
|---|---|---|
| Amber Fort | 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM | ₹100–₹200 |
| City Palace | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM | ₹200–₹300 |
| Jantar Mantar | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM | ₹50 |
| Hawa Mahal (museum) | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM | ₹50–₹60 |
| Jaigarh Fort | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM | ₹50–₹120 |
| Nahargarh Fort | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | ₹50–₹150 |
| Albert Hall Museum | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | ₹40–₹100 |
| Anokhi Museum | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | ₹100–₹200 |
Note: Fees change occasionally and foreign visitor surcharges may apply at major monuments. Check official sites or your hotel concierge for the latest prices before visiting.
Choosing a centrally located hotel will save time. Here are smart choices across budgets:
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|
| Hostels & guesthouses near MI Road or Bapu Bazaar | Heritage guesthouses, 3-star hotels in C Scheme or near Hawa Mahal | Historic hotels such as Rambagh Palace, Taj Jai Mahal or Umaid Bhawan (Jaipur has an Umaid Bhawan subset) |
Jaipur is a shopper’s paradise. Popular items include:
Bargaining tip: Start at 40–50% below the quoted price in street markets and meet around 20–30% of the original price if quality and bargaining seem fair.
If your flight or schedule allows an extra half-day, consider:
| Item | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (1 night) | ₹800–₹2,000 | ₹3,000–₹6,000 | ₹12,000+ |
| Food | ₹300–₹700 | ₹1,000–₹2,000 | ₹3,000+ |
| Transport (local) | ₹300–₹800 | ₹1,000–₹2,500 | ₹3,000+ |
| Entry Fees & Activities | ₹200–₹600 | ₹700–₹1,500 | ₹2,000+ |
| Total (approx.) | ₹1,600–₹4,100 | ₹5,700–₹12,000 | ₹20,000+ |
This Jaipur 2 Days Itinerary for First-Time Visitors balances monuments, markets and local experiences so you can feel the city’s heartbeat without exhaustion. To recap:
Pro tip: If you fall in love with Jaipur (very likely), many travelers extend a short trip into a longer Rajasthan circuit — the Pink City is a great hub for exploring nearby forts, Bikaner, Pushkar or even the hill station of Mount Abu.
Safe travels — and enjoy every pink-hued, spice-scented moment. This concise but complete Jaipur 2 Days Itinerary for First-Time Visitors should leave you feeling both energized and culturally enriched.