Why India’s Pink City is the best holiday destination for couples in 2026

Jaipur’s palaces, heritage hotels and affordable luxury have helped the Pink City top the global list of best holiday destinations for couples in 2026.

• Jaipur named world's best holiday destination for couples in 2026
• Jaipur scored 136/150 for romance, hotels, and affordability in a travel study.
• Meal for two in Jaipur costs Rs 1030; 322 romantic hotels available

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Romance doesn’t always have to come with an eye-watering price tag—and in 2026, one Indian city is proving exactly that. From regal palaces and heritage hotels to sunset-lit streets and intimate dining experiences, Jaipur—the Pink City of India—has emerged as the world’s best holiday destination for couples, blending old-world charm with exceptional value.

According to a new study by UK-based luxury tour operator Riviera Travel, Jaipur has topped the list of the Best Holiday Destinations for Couples in 2026, outperforming dozens of international contenders across Europe, Asia and the Americas.

Why Jaipur topped the global rankings

Riviera Travel analysed 50 international destinations beyond the UK, ranking them on factors that matter most to couples—romantic attractions, couple-friendly hotels, and affordability, especially dining costs. Each destination was scored out of 150 points to determine where romance truly meets value.

Jaipur secured the top rank with an impressive 136 out of 150, comfortably leading the index.

Here’s what worked in Jaipur’s favour:

Average cost of a meal for two: Just £8.36 (approximately Rs 1,030).

Romantic hotels: 322.

Attractions rated ‘good for couples’: 523.

In an era when popular romantic cities like Paris or Venice can feel prohibitively expensive, Jaipur’s combination of luxury, culture and affordability proved unbeatable.

Jaipur

The Pink City’s timeless romantic appeal

Jaipur’s charm lies in its ability to blend royal grandeur with intimate moments. The city’s historic forts, palaces and old-world streets offer countless settings for couples to slow down and explore together.

A walk through the Amber Fort, with its mirrored Sheesh Mahal reflecting soft light, feels straight out of a fairytale. The City Palace, still home to the former royal family, invites couples to wander through ornate courtyards and museum galleries steeped in history. And as evening approaches, the iconic Hawa Mahal glows in hues of pink and gold, creating one of the most photographed sunset moments in India.

Beyond monuments, Jaipur’s romance extends to experiences—heritage hotel stays, rooftop dinners overlooking the old city, hot-air balloon rides at dawn, and leisurely shopping for handcrafted jewellery and textiles in its bustling bazaars.

Jaipur

Luxury that doesn’t feel overpriced

One of Jaipur’s biggest advantages for couples is its wide range of accommodation. From opulent palace hotels and restored havelis to boutique heritage properties, the city offers luxury experiences at prices far lower than comparable destinations abroad.

Dining is another standout. Traditional Rajasthani thalis, rooftop fine dining, and candlelit courtyard meals are widely available—often costing a fraction of what couples would pay in Europe or Southeast Asia.

A destination for every kind of couple

Whether you’re history lovers, food explorers, slow travellers or Instagram-savvy romantics, Jaipur caters to all. Day trips to Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort, and nearby heritage towns add depth to the experience, while spa therapies and cultural performances offer quieter moments to unwind together.

With improved air connectivity, luxury train routes, and a growing focus on experiential tourism, Jaipur is increasingly being seen not just as a heritage city—but as a complete romantic getaway.

Patrika Gate, Jaipur

The verdict

By topping Riviera Travel’s global ranking, Jaipur has reaffirmed its position as one of the world’s most compelling destinations for couples in 2026. Rich in culture, generous in experiences, and refreshingly affordable, the Pink City proves that romance doesn’t have to come with a luxury-destination price tag.

For couples planning their next escape, Jaipur isn’t just a smart choice—it’s a heart-stealing one.