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160 of the Best Things To Do in Lahore

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In a city as full of life as Lahore, one can sometimes get overwhelmed with choices. With so many new places to eat opening every day, one may think there isn’t much else to do but we are here to prove you wrong and provide you with 160 options of the best things to do and places to visit in Lahore. Let’s dive right in! [ Featured Image: IG @wattabut.you ]

Please note: due to the current Covid-19 situation, some of these might be postponed or closed for now. The situation is changing from day to day, so check before you pop along!

Best Things to do in Lahore

1. check out the epic museums of lahore.

Lahore is rich in history, culture, and architecture. The quickest way to get to know about the history of the city is by touring its museums full of artifacts and rich cultural history. See our full article for Best Museums in Lahore or try these.

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📜 National History Museum: Known for its technology and digital sources.  🚁 Army Museum: Discover the rich history of the Army of Pakistan. 🏛️ The Lahore Museum: A trip down the history of Pakistan. 🏺 Fakir Khana: Private museum, known for its unique architecture that resembles a mansion. 

2. Visit One of the Prestigious Art Galleries

Touring one of Lahore’s art galleries can be incredibly fun and therapeutic. This is enhanced if you take an interest in art yourself, and want to learn more about the creativity and expression of the people in Pakistan.

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🖼️ Ejaz Art Gallery: Focusing on contemporary artworks. 🎨 Hamail Art Gallery: Known for displaying the most diverse range of art pieces. 🖌️ Oysters Art Gallery: Displays contemporary art pieces including calligraphy and abstract. 🖼️ O Art Space: Displays modern art and furniture pieces from aspiring artists.

3. Stop by One of the Charming Hi-Tea Buffets

To fully explore Lahore’s culture and the native food, you need to make a stop at one of the local restaurants that offer all-you-can-eat hi-teas. These restaurants are known for their lush decor, service, and delicious food. A trip to Lahore is truly incomplete without visiting at least one of the following eateries.

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🍱 Salt’ n Pepper Village: Takes inspiration for its decor from the actual villages surrounding Lahore. 🥘 Mandarin Kitchen: The hi-tea buffet serves continental and Asian dishes. 🍲 X2: A nutritious and fulfilling hi-tea buffet with great ambiance and stellar service. 🍜 Novu: A classic, all-time favorite. Novu’s Hi-Tea is a must-have if you love Asian cuisine.

4. Enjoy a Scrumptious Cup of Chai

Pakistan’s chai, or tea, is known for its impeccable flavor as well as its aroma, and you can have a lifetime experience from one of the following places.

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☕ Peeru’s: This cafe opens in the evening and also entertains customers with live music performances and epic chai! ☕ Chai Kada: If you want to sit surrounded by vibrant colored cultural art and sip a cup of chai, this is the place to go to. ☕ Lakshmi Chowk: This intersection is crowded with tea stalls that serve piping hot Kashmiri chai throughout the day. ☕ Karrak Khel: This place is always full of life and especially on winter evenings where the outdoor area is lit with music and conversations over tea.

5. Have a Look at Lahore’s Animal Kingdom

Something for both kids and adults to enjoy, visit the animals!

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🦒 Lahore Zoo: Holds one of the largest animal collections in Pakistan. 🦁 Safari Park: A wild exhibition of exotic animals along with boating and fishing services are available. 🦋 Butterfly Park: This enclosed park holds a variety of beautiful butterflies and plants that are worth a visit.

6. Fulfill All Your Breakfast Needs With Traditional Lahori Nashta

Nashta, or ‘breakfast’, in Lahore typically consists of appetizing and fulfilling dishes. These can be both savory and sweet and you will find yourself surrounded by a large variety of breakfast items when visiting any single Nashta stall in Lahore.

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🍱 Bundu Khan: The classic – served with halwa, puri, channay, and lassi. 🐄 Phajja: Famous savory dish made from goat or cow legs, cooked in spices, oil, and broth. 🥩 Muhammadi Nihari: A slow-cooked savory dish consisting of large amounts of tender meat and a rich taste. 🍲 Amritsari Harissa:  This Classic Harissa will take your tastebuds on a ride and give you a taste of the cultural cuisine.

7. Grab Tickets to an Exciting Live Performance

Lahore has a vibrant culture and nightlife that is centered around Qawwali music and the thriving film industry. The city holds live performances from brilliant and distinguished artists daily, at various venues. Here are a few you can catch.

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💃 The Colony: Hosts dance, art, and music performances from various local and foreign artists. 🎙 Strictly Social: A cafe that hosts karaoke performances, stand-up comedies, and more. 🎹 Peeru’s: A cafe with visually pleasing decor that caters to live music and plays. 🎭 Alhamra Arts: Indulge in the theatre culture of Lahore through one of its exotic plays.

8. Get Adventurous!

Adulting can be hard sometimes and in such times it is important to let your inner child out and we’ve got just the places for you to let it all out!

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🏎 2F2F FORMULA : Motor cars that can be enjoyed with both your friends and family. 🧗 Climbing Arena: Have fun climbing at the wall climbing arena and show off your strength. 🕹 Playdium: Something for everyone, this arcade contains games and activities for all age groups. 🛩️ Aerial Joyride: Take an Exhilarating Plane Ride all over Lahore from Lake City.

9. Wander around Walled City

The contemporary side of Lahore is praise-worthy of course, but Old Lahore and its monuments are where the actual beauty lies. The endless beauty of the Mughal-inspired architecture is a sight to witness on your trip to Lahore.

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🏰 Lahore Fort: Find your calm in the vastness of the Fort, a cultural heritage. 💎 Sheesh Mahal: View the skilled mirror-work, a fine example of Mughal Architecture. 🧱 Gates of Old Lahore: Explore the 13 exquisite gates of old Lahore. 🗼 Minar-e-Pakistan:  Find the perfect balance of both history and amusement here.

10. Have a Green Picnic

The gardens and parks of Lahore are known for their lively atmosphere, and beautiful architecture relating to the Mughal period. There are several large gardens spaced all over the city , you can easily find one closest to your place of residence.

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🌳 Lawrence Garden: Plan a tour of the largest park in Lahore and enjoy the scenic views. 🏞 Shalimar Gardens: Make your way through the Mughal architecture and greenery. 🌲 Botanical Garden: Fascinate yourself with Pakistan’s wildlife and recreational park. 🌺 Jillani Park: A lush park with a polo ground, racing track, and lakes you can ride boats in.

11. Grab some Popcorn

The movie theatres in Lahore are a major source of entertainment as they show both local and international films. Pakistan’s film industry is a thriving one, and this is reflected in the quality of Lahore’s movie theatres.

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🍿 Cue Cinema: A family-friendly cinema with recliners and restaurant food served at your seat. 🎥 Cinestar: Sit back and enjoy a wide range of movie options with some popcorn. 🎞 Cinepax: A vibrant ambiance, buttery popcorn, and an unforgettable environment. 📽 Universal Cinemas: The ultimate cinema experience with the option of a personal suite.

12. Eat with a view

A rooftop restaurant provides a great view of the city. The following restaurants give you a terrific rooftop view you can enjoy along with your food.

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🏯 Otus: Great ambiance combined with a fine dining experience. 🏢 Penthouse: A luxurious seating area, and the perfect ambiance to make your dinner the most enjoyable. 🌇 Monal: A unique restaurant offering you an aerial view of Lahore. 🌃 Andaaz : An old restaurant that serves a scenic view of Badshahi Mosque along with traditional food.

13. Get a sugar rush

Satisfy your sweet tooth at one of Lahore’s dessert-focussed cafés. These stores can offer you some of the best desserts you could eat in the city. 

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🍰 The Kitchen: Try the trendy new desserts including Lotus skillet and Lotus Tres Leches Cake. 🎂 Butler’s Cafe: If you are a chocolate lover, this is your place to be. Try the Molten Lava cake and the gourmet chocolates and cakes and thank us later! 🧁 Sweet Affairs: With a huge variety of desserts, you’ll definitely find something you love here. 🥧 Dessert Directory: The cute little cafe with a variety of different desserts baked from homes across Lahore.

14. Unwind and Relax

Some of the recreational spots in Lahore demand exclusive memberships and provide the best facilities. These resorts are known for their outstanding service in terms of food, quality, and entertainment services.

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🏞 Oasis: A large recreational park consisting of a golf course, and water sports. ⛵ Greenfields Resort: A peaceful atmosphere that also provides rooms for overnight stay. ⛳ Defence Raya: The vast grounds, golf courses, tennis court, sauna, and many more facilities to keep you entertained. 🏌️‍♂️ Royal Palm: One of the oldest Golf Courses of the city, nestled in between the city but away from all the hustle-bustle.

15. Discover the Tranquility of Lahore’s Mosques

Lahore is known for its beautiful Mosques. They are created to reflect peace and grandeur. Visit Lahore to get an idea of the old architecture of Mosques as well as the modern ones.

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🤲 Badshahi Mosque: A fine example of Mughal architecture, this mosque speaks of Grandeur, beauty, and serenity. 🕌 Wazir Khan Mosque: Aesthetically pleasing and captivating with its beautiful colors and architecture. 🛐 Mavi Mosque: A Grand Mosque inspired by Turkish architecture. 🤲 Grand Bahria Mosque: The third-largest mosque of Pakistan, capable of holding up to 70 thousand worshippers.

16. Insta-Worthy Spots to Take Best Pictures  

The architecture of Lahore is in a league of its own. Several spots around the city are used by bloggers and photographers to take aesthetic pictures and shoots. See our full article on Insta-worthy spots in Lahore . Here are a few picks for you:

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🏢 Sweet Tooth: A bustling restaurant noted for its special interior design and furniture. 🗼 Bahria Eiffel Tower: A replica of the famous landmark of Paris. 🏛️ Quaid-e-Azam Library: A pearl-white exterior that radiates grace. 🌸 Maribelle: Gorgeous floral walls and photo booth provide a perfect Insta worthy background for your pictures.

17. Travel a little differently

Lahore’s public transport is rapidly advancing, and the major train lines are all over the city for an affordable price.

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🚍 Metro: An efficient bus service that has up to 27 stops. 🚇 Orange Train: A driverless train service that has elevated and underground stations. 🚌 Sightseeing Bus: A one-stop solution if you want to have a glimpse of Lahore in a day. 🛺 Rangeela Rickshaw:  A tourist ride for designated routes inside the walled city Lahore only.

18. Get a taste of Lahore

Get a rich taste of Lahore’s cuisine by visiting one of the following restaurants. Lahore’s food is famous throughout the country due to its unparalleled taste and a wide variety of food options. The restaurants in Lahore serve everything from desi, Asian, Chinese, and other cuisines. See our detailed article on Best Restaurants in Lahore , or start with these.

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🍜 Bamboo Union: Tempting dishes ranging from Chinese to Thai and Japanese. 🥘 Spice Bazaar: A popular restaurant serving traditional Pakistani dishes. 🥪 Arcadian: A fine dining restaurant with a menu ranging from Asian fusion to Italian and continental. 🍖 Food Street: Eat a ravishing dinner in view of the Badshahi Mosque at the beautiful food street.

19. Enjoy the best of the events

Lahore is a flourishing and prosperous city that holds several fun events every day. However, some of these events are Lahore’s prime and visitors from all over the country wait the entire year for these.

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🎸 Lahore Music Meet: An annual festival that hosts renowned Pakistani musicians and artists. 🎫 Lahore Foodfest: Held in late spring each year, Foodfest is considered Pakistan’s biggest music and food festival. 🎭 World Performing Arts Festivals: A beautiful amalgamation of various artistic disciplines such as Dance, Puppetry, Music, Film, and Theatre. 🏏 PSL: Experience the Thrill of a Cricket Match at Gaddafi Stadium.

20. Make Your Stay Memorable

Lahore’s hotels are designed to make your stay as comfortable as possible, regardless of the period. You can choose from various four or five-star hotels that offer everything from relaxation, cleanliness, and fast service. Here’s a list of the best hotels in Lahore , so take your pick.

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🛏️ Pearl Continental: Arguably the best hotel in Lahore, PC provides you with a luxurious and comfortable stay. 🏨 Avari: Offering Impeccable service with top-notch rooms to experience luxury during your stay. 🛌 Grand Ittehad: Easy access to the majority of attractions, offers luxury & comfort for your stay. 🛎️ Ambiance: Located in Gulberg, the hotel offers free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and parking services. 

21. Spin the Club  

You can always indulge in a quick and relaxing game of golf at one of the country clubs in Lahore . The golf courses in Lahore provide excellent services in terms of recreation, and they are a value for your money.

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⛳ Defense Raya: Located in DHA, Raya golf club is known for its luxurious course and hospitable service. 🏌️ Lahore Gymkhana: An exclusive club with the best sporting facilities in Lahore, including a lush restaurant. 🏌️‍♀️ Royal Palm: A renowned recreational sports club that offers splendid entertainment services. 🏌️‍♂️ Oasis Golf and Aqua Resort: Activities ranging from water sports, mini-golf, horse riding, boat ride, archery, and much more!

22. Explore the outskirts 

Lahore is blessed with numerous historical and cultural sites that must be visited. However, there are artifacts from the Mughal era in its surroundings as well. If you are in the mood to drive, you will come across several appealing monuments with a rich history behind them.

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🚤 Khanpur Dam: Offers activities like parasailing, jet skis, boating, rafting, and cliff diving. 🏔 Salt Range: Series of scenic hills and low mountains located on the Indus and Jehlum rivers. 🏞️ Neela Wahan Lake: A natural waterfall with an aqua-colored lake at the bottom, nestled between mountains. 🏰 Hiran Minar: The best of Mughal era architecture under the emperor, Jahangir.

23. Relish in The Local Delicacies

Lahore’s local delicacies is known for being diverse, and plentiful. There is a dish for everyone based on taste, appearance, and other preferences. The food is prepared with plenty of spices, flavorings, and oil. The dishes are incredibly delicious and hard to forget.

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🥟 Best Samosa: Enjoy these local fried dumplings like never before. 🥨 Grato Jalebi: You are likely to come back for seconds for this favorite sweet street snack of Lahore. 🍱 Chashni: Tantalizing and addictive. 🍨 Baba Jee Kulfi: Made of milk and nuts, which makes it denser and creamier than normal ice creams. 

24. Shop till you Drop

If you visit Lahore with high hopes of finding the best shopping options and entertainment under one roof, you will not be disappointed. The shopping experience is thrilling and you will surely take your time exploring all stores and outlets.

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🏬 Liberty Market: More than 200 stores that offer a large variety of traditional clothes, shoes, jewelry, and more. 🏪 Packages Mall: Mall with local and international brands, a built-in movie theatre, and a food court. 🛍️ Emporium Mall: An impressively large shopping and entertainment center. 🛒 Mall of Lahore: Variety of outlets and a food court along with a huge grocery store to fulfill all your needs.

25. Sip your worries away

Try the best coffee shops for your caffeine fix. See our full article for Coffee Shops in Lahore or try these.

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☕ Coffee Bean and Tea leaf: An insanely wide selection of over 50 beverages (Hot & Cold). ☕ Coffee Planet: From the run-of-the-mill lattes and cappuccinos to perfectly blended ristrettos. ☕ Kyle’s Coffee: This weekend only cafe with bright graffiti adorned walls will be your perfect caffeine and dessert fix. ☕ Contra Coffee: New addition to town but already winning hearts with its wide and epic range of coffees.

26. Baked with Love

There’s definitely no match for the talent that is found in Lahore – art-wise, taste-wise, and food-wise too! Here we also have some top-notch home bakers that will blow your mind away!

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🎂 Bismah’s Bake Shop: Her cakes are usually all buttercream, designed and crafted to perfection. 🧁 Cupcationbyeesha: There’s just no compromise on quality and aesthetics, truly the best brownies in town! 🍪 Zaza: Fudgey, gooey cookies are their specialty but don’t forget to try out their stroopwafels and bite-sized brownies. 🥮 La Cuisine: Best known for their assorted cupcakes.

27. Hunt down Lahore’s nicest slices

Who doesn’t love pizza, right? And lucky for us, Lahore has some great slices to offer!

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🍕 Pasta La Vista: Get a taste of Italy with just the sight and smell of this pizza. 🍕 Amavi: A local fine dining restaurant that does pizzas like none other. Try their Margherita and thank us later! 🍕 Solzpizza: Offers great Italian-style pizzas baked to perfection in a classic brick oven. 🍕 Cosa Nostra: A fine dining restaurant with great ambiance and even better Pizzas!

28. Eat your veggies!

Being healthy never goes out of style and Lahore is now up and coming with a whole lot of healthy options ! Here are a few places to check out if you’re one for a healthy lifestyle.

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🥦 Tayyib Store: A beautiful organic store, with already planted veggies and herbs to go. 🌿 Haryali Store: A cute little store filled with organic and healthy products. 🍀 Food Forest: A perfect place for health and fitness freaks.

29. Bubble your troubles away

A spa day with your support group is all you need to refresh, recharge and restart! Here are a great few options in town. 

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🧖‍♀️ Rene Aesthetic: Scandinavian style interior and stellar service with a peaceful and calming experience. 💆‍♂️ Nirvana: Exceptional spa services with a relaxing environment. 💆‍♀️ Arammish: Relax your mind and rejuvenate. 💇‍♂️ NGents: A spa and salon for men to glam and relax!

30. Do things by the book

A guide to the City’s most loved book stores.

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📚 Readings: A Book Lover’s Heaven, this place is calm and quiet and with a huge variety of books from every genre.  📕 Liberty Books: With multiple beautiful stores across the city, liberty books is definitely a favorite among the masses. 📖 Quaid-e-Azam Library: Built in the 19th Century, housing thousands of books. 📗 Ferozsons: One of the oldest book stores in Lahore..

31. Go for a romantic dinner

There’s just something magical about a quiet night out with your significant other. These restaurants are your best options for the perfect dinner date in Lahore !

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🌸 Sumo: Authentic Japanese cuisine and fine dining, this is the perfect date spot. 🌼 Amu: Dim lighting, delectable food, and the quietness of this place make it the great dinner date option! 🧀 Cafe Aylanto: Delicious steaks and beef lasagna are literally to die for! 🍥 Fuchsia Kitchen: Our Asian taste buds always have us hooked to the delish Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai and Korean food that Fuchsia serves.

32. Soak up some knowledge 

There’s something new to learn every single day, and you should really consider expanding your knowledge at one of these fascinating talks. But we don’t want to lecture you, so we’ll let this lot do it for you:

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🙌 LLF:  City’s premier free-to-public cultural event. LLF explores the dialogue and interface between literature and the arts that shape our cultural, social, economic, and political frameworks. 🎤 TedXLahore: Bringing Pakistani changemakers to one platform. 🌍 LUMUN: A platform to make young students aware of pressing regional and global issues, and give them a soapbox to resolve them.

33. Try a wicked new workout

From dog yoga to morning raves! Discover muscles you never knew you had with these slightly bizarre workouts.

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🥊 UFC: Offers the best gym and fitness training facilities. 🏋️‍♂️ Shapes:  One of the Country’s top fitness facilities for any and all sorts of workout. 🏋️‍♀️ Aimfit:  High-intensity dance workouts and super fun routines! 💪 IronBox: A great fitness facility with distinct services for men, women, and kids.

34. Get a whole new ‘do

Looking for a change to brighten up your life a little? Here’s a list of Lahore’s top Salon’s to hit:

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💇‍♀️ Toni&Guy: It serves as the ultimate destination for hair, skin & lifestyle if you’re looking for a new do! 💆‍♂️ Depilex: A beauty Salon & Clinic that will make sure to take good care of your hair & skin. 💆‍♀️ Nabila: One of Lahore’s top salons to get a fresh cut and to glam you up for your next event. 💇‍♂️ NGents: A spa and salon for men to glam and relax!

35. Chomp on a drool-worthy burger

Lahore is full of some seriously great burgers that will leave you totally comatose. Check out our list of the best burgers in the business , or try one of these:

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🍔 Pasta La Vista: Their Florentine Burger is all you’ve been looking for if you’re a beef lover. 🍔 Johnny & Jugnu: Washi Zinger: As the name suggests, this burger is hands-down, SAVAGE! 🍔 Amavi: The crispy buttermilk chicken burger is like no other, a little bit spicy, a little bit messy but all so worth it! 🍔 Daily Deli: Their Tangy Jalapeno is one beast of a burger!

36. Stuff your face with pasta

So many new places in Lahore serving carby goodness in sheets, ribbons, bows, and stuffed parcels of joy. Read our list of Lahore’s best pasta, or check out one/some of our favorites.

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🍝 Pasta La Vista: From alfredo pasta to gnocchi, your Italian pasta dreams will all come true here.  🍝 Sasha’s: Mac n Cheese with chicken and Cheetos is heavenly and oh so cheesy! 🍝 Butler’s Cafe: The Au gratin pasta and the spicy chicken pasta definitely hit all the right spots. 🍝 Meat The Cheese: Fettuccine Alfredo hardly ever disappoints and meat the cheese makes sure of it!

37. Tuck into a juicy steak

We’ve selected all of our favorite steak restaurants that will satisfy all your meat cravings.

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🥩 Bovinoes: Serving cooked tender meat to the temperature of your liking. 🥩 Gauchos: Serving succulent steaks and side dishes in a quirky contemporary setting. 🥩 Ox and Grill: A wonderful blend of a flavorful palate and exceptional ambiance. 🥩 Smokey’s Texas Grill: A classic American steakhouse & grill with an old-school vibe. 

38. Let’s get Sporty! 

Ever wish you could go back to the days of ball pits, playground games, and zero responsibilities, even just for a day? Well, who says you can’t? Here’s some inspiration for your return to kidhood.

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⚽ 5th Generation: With indoor and outdoor sports fields, a great place to let all your energy out. 🏏 Titans Sports Arena: Offers a standout environment to play your favorite sports. 🏏 GameOn: Sports facilities for cricket and football matches with multi-purpose artificial grass. ⚽ Teamup: Turf-based setups for both Futsal matches and Tape Ball Cricket.

39. Get into Desi Groove!

Lahore is known to tantalize taste buds with its full of flavor food and here are a few must-try ones in Lahore:

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🍗 Arif Chatkhara: The best Tawa Chicken in all of Lahore.  🥘 Butt Karahi: Serves the best Karahi in town. 🍢 Bhaiya Kebab: Serves fresh and delicious kebabs. 🍲 Waris Nihari: There’s no match for this slow-cooked stew.

40. Contribute to Lahore’s Engaging Community

People of Lahore are extremely generous and charitable, here are some of the nonprofit organizations providing some great humanitarian services.

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🙌 SOS Village: Orphanage in Lahore that relies on donations and volunteers to run. 🙌 Rizq: A great initiative to end hunger and to stop food wastage. 🙌 Al-Khidmat: Providing relief to the people of Pakistan and Worldwide. 🙌 Kashf Foundation: Enabling environment for women micro-entrepreneurs.

41. Find the best scoops across Lahore

You gotta end things with a sweet note, right? So here are a few must-try shakes and soft serve in Lahore!

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🍦 Kyles Coffee: The new Talk of the Town, Kyle’s Coffee has a soft serve that you must have. 🍧 Amavi: Scoops to die for! The most extravagant and divine flavor combos to try. 🥤 Wabii: Known for their tacky advertisement, Wabi just launched their own soft serve and we hear it’s goood! 🍨 Cosa Nostra: Gelato like no other, Cosa Nostra is the pioneer of Gelato in Lahore!

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20 BEST Places to Visit in Lahore 🇵🇰 (ULTIMATE Lahore Travel Guide)

Heading to Lahore, Pakistan? Here’s your ultimate guide to the 20 best places to visit in Lahore, along with where to stay at and how to get around the city! 

Lahore, Lahore, Lahore… a place I thought would just be another South Asian city, yet ended up completely stealing my heart. A city that holds centuries of history, the friendliest of folks, and some of the best food in Pakistan.

Though the city isn’t as big as others, there’s a seemingly infinite number of places to visit in Lahore- and even when you think you’ve seen them all, you’ll be reminded that nope- there’s still so much more.

Corn stands and frothy cups of chai sizzle at seemingly every corner. Half-forgotten tombs and shimmering shrines stand out amongst otherwise average streets.

Centuries-old havelis in various states of upkeep lay hidden in plain sight.

Goats of all sizes meander about the walls of their owners’ homes- where they’re joined by cows and camels come Eid al Azha.

Though many travelers only come to Lahore for a weekend, even a week wouldn’t be sufficient to truly savor all that it has to offer.

Every nook and cranny has something new to discover, and no matter how many historical places in Lahore that you’ve seen, the city always seems to have just one more.

A popular saying amongst Lahoris is “If you haven’t seen Lahore, you haven’t even lived”- so I guess I’m lucky to have lived a bit after unintentionally spending over a month there whilst backpacking Pakistan .

Yes, y’all this city is that magnetic even though I consider myself a city hater!

If you’re planning to head to Pakistan’s cultural capital, read on for a listing of the best places to visit in Lahore- including some of the city’s most famous spots AND some intentional offbeat detours!

  Map of the Best Places in Lahore

The Best Places to Visit in Lahore-  A Quick List

Wazir Khan Mosque

Walled City of Lahore

Lahore Fort

Badshahi Mosque

Kamran’s Baradari

Anarkali Bazaar

Food Street

Data Darbar

Madho lal Hussain Shrine

Begum Shahi Mosque

Mian Mir Shrine

Bagh e Jinnah

Tomb of Nadira Begum

Ashraf Fresh Tikka

Wagah Border

Minar e Pakistan

Tomb of Jahangir

Sheesh Mahal

Shalimar Gardens

                        Lahore’s Top Tourist Attractions

And now for what you’ve been waiting for: the best of what Lahore has to offer!

1. Wazir Khan Mosque

Completed in 1642, this 17th-century mosque- which can be found in Lahore’s Walled City- is magnificent . I truly believe it should be on each and every Pakistan itinerary . It’s decked out in bright colors and boasts magnificent frescoes that have somehow been kept in pristine condition thanks to restoration efforts.

Wazir Khan Masjid was commissioned by  Shah Jahan- yup, that’s the exact same Mughal Emperor who had the Taj Mahal built. I guess that speaks to its magnificence!

Despite being one of the most beautiful mosques I’ve seen in Pakistan so far, Wazir Khan was relatively empty each of the three times I stopped by. Though it might not be the largest mosque in the city, it’s nevertheless one of the best places to visit in Lahore— don’t miss it!

🕓 Visiting hours: 5 AM-8 PM Daily

💵 Entrance fee: Free

2. Walled City of Lahore

The Walled City of Lahore is not a single monument, but a living, breathing relic of times past and present. The Walled City has been around since 1000 BCE and has lived through dozens of rulers and eras. In its heyday, 13 gates allowed entry, but today only 6 remain.

Though the Delhi Gate, which is closest to the Wazir Khan Mosque, is one of the most well-known out of those that remain, each of the 6 is worth a visit… though don’t feel pressed to see them all in one day!

Though you can make a point to hunt down the famous places to visit in the Walled City of Lahore, to truly experience the magic of the Walls is to get lost in them without a destination.

Take a morning (or afternoon), enter through any gate and see where the hours take you. Unmarked eateries, illustrious Havelis, and all kinds of narrow walkways and unknown shrines will be sure to greet you.

And for all the photographers out there, few places in Lahore are as photogenic as this!

🕓 Visiting hours: Literally whenever, though it’s best to wander before dark

3. Lahore Fort

The Lahore Fort is perhaps the most popular out of all of Lahore’s attractions, but despite not being “off-beat”- it’s definitely worth a visit. The fortress and its grounds have been kept in remarkably good shape despite its old age- visiting will be sure to take you a bit back in time.

The fort was originally built in 1566 under Emperor Akbar and was later modified by rulers that came after. Complete with steps built for the hooves of elephants, immaculate gardens, ancient paintings, and views of the Badshahi Mosque and Minar e Pakistan, it’s hard to find a place in Lahore that exudes more raw history than this!

If you want to avoid crowds (duh) avoid visiting on weekends and during known school holidays. The month of August is also a particularly painful time to enjoy the grounds due to sizzling 40 C temperatures.

🕓 Visiting hours: 8:30 AM- 5:00 PM daily

💵 Entrance fee: 30 rupees for locals, 500 rupees for foreigners

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4. Badshahi Mosque

Considering the Badshahi Mosque is literally right next to the Lahore Fort, it makes sense to see them together. The Badshahi Mosque is wonderous, and HUGE.

This Mughal Era masjid- completed in 1673- can hold up to 100,000 people and has minarets that are over 176 feet (53 meters) high! Seriously- the size of this beauty is no joke, it can even be seen from miles away given you’re in the right spot.

The interior of the mosque is decorated with elaborately carved marble and the structure itself is crafted from red sandstone, giving it its unique and notable color.

I visited at night, which bode well for peace and quiet- though a day visit is best for admiring all of Badshahi’s intricacies.

Fridays (Jummah Prayer), Saturdays and Sundays are the busiest days to visit and most people tend to come in the mornings- making afternoons and evenings the best time to come.

🕓 Visiting hours: 8 AM-8 PM daily

5. Kamran’s Baradari

Looking to get a bit off Lahore’s tourist track? Take the trek out to Kamran’s Baradari! The baradari (summer palace) was built in 1540 and is believed to be the oldest Mughal structure that remains in the city.

The palace is accessible via a short boat ride across the Ravi River on the outskirts of Lahore. Even on a pleasant Sunday afternoon, the amount of tourists was few compared to other possible attractions!

The palace sits on a small island across from the riverbank and is comprised of two stories and twelve doors that were constructed to let in air.

Unlike other historical places in Lahore, this one isn’t guarded- the stairwells that lead to the roof are free to climb! A manicured garden surrounds the structure and bodes well for a picnic or even a game of cricket.

If you make your way out here (about 1 hour from Lahore’s “center”), I highly recommend timing your visit with sunset- the cotton candy reflection on the Ravi River is truly a sight to behold.

🕓 Visiting hours: Dawn- Dusk

6. Anarkali Bazaar

The Anarkali Bazaar is one of the best places to visit in Lahore… whether it be for shopping, eating, or just people watching, something new always remains to be discovered in this busy marketplace.

The bazaar lies in the historic neighborhood of Anarkali, and though it may not be quite as maze-like as the Walled City- it’s very easy to get lost amongst its lively streets.

The bazaar also happens to be one of the oldest in South Asia- cool right? ALONG with being home to a tomb with quite the back story.

The name Anarkali belongs to a girl who worked as an escort… and is said to have had an affair with Crown Prince Jahangir, AKA the son of then Mughal Emperor Akbar.

Anarkali was buried in the neighborhood, so along with browsing the bazaar’s streets, a visit to her elaborate tomb is a must when you come to visit.

Foodie alert:  I highly recommend you stop for some chole bhature at the spot shown before- they truly make some of the best puri in Lahore!

Though visiting on a weekend or holiday will surely be full of life, motorcycles that insist on plowing through pedestrian crowds can get frustrating in Anarkali (in my opinion that is.)

Avoid rush hour (4:00-7:00 PM) and come on a weekday if you want to walk around more peacefully.

🕓 Visiting hours: Most shops open around 6 AM and close by midnight

Read Next: The Ultimate Guide to Shimshal Valley

7. Eat your way through the real Food Street

When someone says Food Street in Lahore, they could mean many things considering Lahore is one of the most foodie-friendly places in Pakistan.

On our first night in the city, we ended up being directed to what turned out to be an extremely bougie one that stands adjacent to the Badshahi Mosque.

Though other lists of things to do in Lahore might rave about this place, I’ll keep it real- it’s no longer authentic, wildly overpriced and is more akin to a theme park than a historically delicious food street.

(… though I will admit the Haveli Restaurant offers some amazing views that can be accessed as long as you’re willing to splurge on at least a cup of chai)

Anyhow, the real food street (or one of them) lies just a block or so away from the disneyfied one. Here you can find decades’ old restaurants and shops serving up everything from delicious tawa chicken to paaye and mutton brains!

Gawalmandi is another famous food street located near to Mall Road- and while it’s certainly better than the bougie one mentioned above, it’s become a bit overpriced and lackluster, especially when compared to other options around Lahore.

Check out both (or all three if you must) and decide for yourself!

🕓 Visiting hours: Both food streets open around midday and stay open until 2:00 AM on a regular day

💵 Entrance fee: Food costs

8. Data Darbar

How can you pass up visiting the largest Sufi shrine in South Asia? Data Darbar is said to be the holiest place in Lahore and holds the remains of Data Ganj Baksh, who is believed to have lived here back in the 11 th century.

As far as Sufi shrines go, Data Darbar is one of the busiest due to its fame and size- the annual three-day Urs (death anniversary) Festival can see well over 1 million devotees! And on a regular day- especially if it’s a weekend- the shrine is bustling with life.

Keep in mind that Data Darbar has separate entrances for both men and women and cameras are NOT allowed due to past security concerns… but phone cameras will do!

🕓 Visiting hours: 24/7/365

💵 Entrance fee: None

9. Madho lal Hussain Shrine

Ah, my favorite shrine in the city and definitely one of the most lively places in Lahore come Thursday nights. Madho lal Hussain is named after Shah Hussain- a 16 th century Sufi poet- and Madho, his Hindu lover.

The shrine represents unity and love against all odds and is a popular spot for people of all kinds to come and pay their respects or simply hang out.

Though one can visit anytime, the real highlight of Madho lal Hussain is its Thursday night dhamal.

For those not in the know, dhamal is a form of meditative dance performed amongst Sufis- participants jingle and jangle into a trance-like dance state to the tune of massive, thumping drum beats.

And in my opinion- experiencing dhamal is one of the best things to do in Lahore. This shrine in particular is an entire vibe. For me, only the Baba Ghundi Shrine in Hunza Valley could compare.

Dhamal typically fills up quick, so to get a good seat I’d recommend arriving around 7:00PM. Though it is a predominantly male event, every so often female devotees and onlookers will pop in.

Also- if you’re down to get a taste of the smokier (hashish) side of Pakistan, this is the ideal place to meet like-minded friends.

Each year- usually in March- the annual Mela Chiraghan is held at the shrine. A wild, fiery event come sundown- it used to be one of the most popular festivals in Lahore and is slowly but surely regaining its former status.

Be sure to check it out if your travel dates happen to line up!

10. Begum Shahi Mosque

Hidden in an overwhelmingly busy section of Lahore’s Walled City is a mosque that’s often left off of lists of the best places to visit in Lahore… but shouldn’t be!

Though many think of the Wazir Khan or Badshahi as the oldest Mughal era mosques in Lahore, it’s actually Begum Shahi that wins that title.

Completed in 1614, this mosque is actually what influenced the design of Wazir Khan! Though smaller than its predecessor, its frescoes and detailed embellishments make up for what it lacks in size.

Despite holding so much historical significance, few visitors to Lahore make it to Begum Shahi.

If you come (which you should, it’s beautiful!), see if one of the caretakers will bring you up the stairs to the domes.

The Lahore Fort is visible from the top, despite being partly encroached upon by some illegal shops.

🕓 Visiting hours: Dawn-Dusk

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11. Mian Mir Shrine

Lahore seems to be a city of shrines… and though you might be thinking.. another one? Trust me- they’re all worth your time.

The Mian Mir shrine is a peaceful oasis- outfitted in beautiful pastel colors and complete with a large marble “square” – it’s quite a place to relax and pay respects to the famous saint Mian Mir.

He was known for being a spiritual instructor to Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the early 1600s.

Unlike other shrines, Mian Mir isn’t segregated and sees a large amount of female devotees, especially on weekends where many come to relax in the “garden” setting.

The shrine is also known for its Thursday night Qawwali (traditional music)- where crowds gather for the 7PM performance. (Yup, Thursday nights are lit in Lahore).

Keep in mind that cameras are technically not allowed, but with a bit of wheedling (though luckily no baksheesh) I was allowed to bring mine in.

12. Bagh e Jinnah AKA Lawrence Gardens

A massive and historical park on Lahore’s mall road, the Bagh e Jinnah is more than just a chill place to hang. It’s also home to a botanical garden, a mosque and the Quaid-e-Azam Library- which sits in a 19 th century Victorian-style building.

Bagh e Jinnah is one of the best parks in Lahore for some relaxin’ and many Lahoris think so too- come Sunday afternoon the park is packed! A walking trail, food sellers (including *bhang papad*) and numerous benches can be found throughout the gardens.

But if you’re visiting Lahore in May-August it might not be particularly enjoyable to hang here… speaking from some very sweaty experience.

Weather-wise the park is best visited from October- April- though it’s certainly open year-round.

Tip: If you’re into bhang papad (for those unaware: basically the stoners version of papad – which is a large, tasty chip) you can find them near the entrance to the gardens. Discreetly ask the papad wallah what’s up- he tends to be there daily! Keep in mind that these are STRONG- start with a half and wait. It might take a bit but you’ll soon get what you paid for. 

13. Tomb of Nadira Begum

Another *off-beat* addition to the best places to visit in Lahore, the tomb of Nadira Begum is infrequently visited- you’re more apt to see young cricketers on its grounds than other tourists!

Unfortunately, the tomb isn’t in perfect condition- graffiti is a bit rampant. Nevertheless, it’s still another Mughal relic worth a peek.

A little bit of history: Nadira Begum was a princess and wife of Dara Shikoh- the son of Emperor Shah Jahan. Nadira died en route to Iran, where both her and Dara were escaping to all the way back in 1659.

The tomb is in walking distance from the Mian Mir shrine- which is no accident! Dara Shikoh insisted that she be buried near to the tomb of his spiritual guide.

The second story of the tomb is locked, but the first is free to admire and pay respects to Nadira Begum. The surrounding area is most likely to be busiest on weekends, so come by on a weekday if you’d like to explore in relative peace.

🕓 Visiting hours: Technically 24/7, but you won’t see anything at night!

14. Ashraf Fresh Tikka

Lahore is a foodie city, so of course there’s hundreds of tikka shops. But even after visiting many, nothing compared to the chicken tikka served up Ashraf’s- seriously it’s one of the best places to visit in Lahore for tikka!

Juicy and perfectly spiced, we ended up coming back here, again and again, to take advantage of their incredibly affordable (and delicious) chicken piece & naan collaboration.

The meat, some naan, raita and a cold drink goes for about 170-180 Pakistani rupees (~$1.50).  The breast piece gives you more meat than the leg, but I personally love the leg.

If chicken isn’t your thing- don’t fret. There’s a full menu here with something for everyone!

🕓 Visiting hours: 12 PM- 4 AM Daily (Gotta love nocturnal Lahore!)

15. Wagah Border

The Wagah Border is usually at the top of most people’s Lahore to do lists… and it sure is unique. This border that connects India with Pakistan is not just for crossing.

Every day around sundown, a wildly strange “border closing ceremony” takes place. Mostly a show of aggression accompanied by a bit of acting, the ceremony attracts hundreds of visitors from both sides of the Subcontinent.

The Wagah Border is about 30 minutes to an hour from Lahore depending on where you start. To get to there without your own vehicle you can use Careem- but you won’t be able to put the destination into the app.

Let the driver know where you’re trying to go, and they should charge between 500-700 rupees, or around 1200 for a return trip back to Lahore (best option imo).

Some people have said that a bus might exist, but if it does it isn’t that frequent. (Let me know if you know more about this!)

In the summer, the ceremony should start around 4:45 PM and in the winter, around 4:00 PM. Arrive at least an hour in advance if you want a good seat!

🕓 Visiting hours: Starts at either 4 PM or 4:45 PM

16. Minar e Pakistan

The Minar e Pakistan is more than just a monument… it marks the site where the Lahore Resolution was passed in 1940… and that resolution is what eventually led to the partition of India and Pakistan later in 1947.

The Minar symbolizes freedom and Pakistani pride, and is immensely popular amongst Lahoris and tourists alike!

The 70 m tall statue stands in Iqbal Park, near to the Badshahi Mosque and the Lahore Fort… two of the other best places to visit in Lahore.

It used to be possible to head on inside and take an elevator ride to the top, but the elevator doesn’t appear to be open any longer. Admiring from the large park below will have to do!

The grounds that hold the Minar e Pakistan are also home to fountains and the tomb of Ranjit Singh- which unfortunately isn’t accessible to foreigners at the moment.

The area is particularly busy on weekends (like most of the things to do in Lahore) but can be empty during the weekdays.

🕓 Visiting hours: Essentially 24/7

Tip: You can also get an amazing view of the Minar from inside the Lahore Fort!

17. Lahore Zoo

Personally, I love hippos. So when I found out the Lahore Zoo was home to some, it was a must-visit. The zoo is right next to the Bagh e Jinnah on Mall Road and worth a visit considering it’s 148 years old and home to around 1400 animals!

Known for being the oldest zoo in Pakistan, it’s one of the most fun places to visit in Lahore with kids- or if you have a particularly favorite animal in mind like I do.

🕓 Visiting hours: 8:30 AM – 5 PM daily

💵 Entrance fee: 30 PKR

18. Tomb of Jahangir

The tomb of Jahangir is a ways away from the hustle and bustle of Lahore… but well worth the drive. Built for Mughal Emperor Jahangir, the site is extensively decorated in frescoes, marble and other decorative art.

If you’re into architecture, this is definitely one of (if not the ) best places to visit in Lahore!

The tomb is about an hour’s drive from the city, and can easily be reached with Careem or Uber- though it might be a bit pricey (500 rupees or so.) The tomb is surrounded by sprawling, Persian-inspired gardens perfect for relaxing in after admiring the tomb itself.

🕓 Visiting hours: 9 AM- 7 PM daily

19. Sheesh Mahal

The Sheesh Mahal- AKA the “Palace of Mirrors” is inside of the Lahore Fort, but worth it’s own mention! The intricate mirror work is second to none-and arguably one of the most beautiful places to visit in all of Lahore!

The Sheesh Mahal was constructed in 1631, and the mirror work on marble walls elicits a glistening effect. (If only it were open for visitors at night!)

It’s located within the Shah Burji (King’s Pavilion) section of the fort and was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan- the same Shah Jahan that had the Taj Mahal built.

Conservation efforts have kept this timeless wonder in excellent shape- hopefully, it stays that way.

🕓 Visiting hours: 8:30 AM – 5 PM

💵 Entrance fee: The fort costs 30 rupees for locals and 500 rupees for foreigners. Officially the Sheesh Mahal is now an extra 100 rupees to visit, but this might not always be imposed depending.

20. Shalimar Gardens

Lahore is the city of Mughals, and the Shalimar Gardens is yet another relic of times past. Widely considered one of the best places to visit in Lahore- and a UNESCO World Heritage Site- it’s certainly worth a mention.

The gardens were created in the mid 1600’s, with the intent of being a place where all elements of nature could coexist peacefully. 410 fountains, marble pools, a dozen varieties of trees, and numerous pavilions can be enjoyed upon its grounds.

Lahoris come from far and wide to enjoy its ambiance in good weather.

🕓 Visiting hours: 8 AM – 6 PM daily

💵 Entrance fee: 20 rupees locals, 400 rupees foreigners

Things to Know Before Visiting Lahore

Before you head out to the must-visit places in Lahore, there are some essential things you should know about this iconic Pakistani city. Let’s get into them!

Where to Stay in Lahore

Lahore has a wide variety of different accommodation options, ranging from dirtbag backpacker to 5-star-luxury. If you’ve come across my blog before, you can imagine I’m more of the former. Here’s my favorite hotel in Lahore:

Best Value: Rose Palace Hotel

Located in the upscale Gulberg section of the city. It’s not the cheapest hotel in Lahore, but it IS super comfy, clean, and in a quiet area. I personally think this is the best value hotel in the city. You’ll be hard-pressed to find something this clean and comfortable for a lower price.

Couchsurfing is also alive and well in Lahore- my experience in the city would have been wildly different without it! Especially if you don’t know anyone in Lahore, Couchsurfing is undoubtedly the easiest way to make those first connections.

🗺 Click here to see all hotels in Lahore

Best time to visit lahore.

The best time to visit Lahore would be from October – Early March. Any other time, the city is absolutely boiling and is extremely unpleasant to walk around in.

My first visit to the city was in August, and you should absolutely pick another month if you really want to enjoy Lahore’s beautiful places. August in Lahore is feeling like you’re boiling, literally.

If you’re looking for the best weather window- I.e. Sunny, breezy days- aim for late February – early March (20 C – 28 C) or Mid October – November (23- 30 C.) 

If you don’t mind the cold, December – Early February in Lahore will surely give you some wintry vibes sans the snow. BUT, do keep in mind that December often sees horrific air quality due to crop burning and seasonal fog. 

Visiting Lahore between the months of April – September is NOT recommended as temperatures can soar to 40 C coupled with stifling humidity. 

When I was there in August, I didn’t want to leave the AC. When I came back in October/November I was pleasantly enjoying full days outside exploring Lahore. There absolutely IS a best time to visit Lahore! 

How Long to Spend in Lahore

My recommendation: 1 week .

While I accidentally spent 6 weeks in Lahore, and didn’t see all it had to offer, that’s a bit much to say the least, especially when there’s so much to see while traveling in Pakistan. 

Considering the number of tourist attractions Lahore has, one week is the perfect amount of time to see, eat and experience a good amount.

Think this is too long? Consider this: Just visiting the Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort could take half a day. And as much of a foodie as you may consider yourself to be, there’s only so much you can eat in 2-3 meals.  

Lahore is also known for its surprises, traffic, and otherwise unexpected events. You always need some extra days thrown in for day trips or other unexpected events!

How to Get a Pakistan Visa

As of 2021, Pakistan has completely moved its visa department online. Nationals of 175 countries (including US/ Canada / Australia / EU) can apply for an e-visa using Pakistan’s e-Visa Portal. 

The visa can cost anywhere from $20-$90 depending on your nationality and what duration you’re requesting. Americans can absolutely get a 1 year, multi-entry visa with 90 day stays. I’ve received this visa several times. 

If you’re a citizen of one of these lucky countries , you don’t have to apply for an e-visa but rather an “intent to travel” form 48-72 hours before departing.

You’ll then be granted an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization. Keep in mind that this only gives you 30 days to start, though you can extend online while in Pakistan for $20 per extension. 

What to Eat in Lahore

Lahore is a foodie’s dream – the cuisine in this city is hands down some of the most fantastic and cheapest in Pakistan! Come hungry because what you’re about to experience is going to blow your mind! 

Here are some essential Lahore food that you MUST try while in the city! 

Karahi – A true Pakistani food classic, karahi is a flavorful dish usually involving mutton or chicken, tomatoes and a whole lot of spices! 

Lassi – A creamy, yogurt-y drink usually topped with milk butter, Lahore is famous for its ginormous lassis. 

Paye – Perhaps one of the more interesting things you can eat in Lahore, paye is a goat hoove soaked in a well-flavored stew. It’s usually soaked up and eaten with some naan. 

Nihari – This stew is filled with thin, juicy slices of usually beef and finished off with an array of toppings including lemon juice, coriander, and fried onions. It’s a true Lahori favorite 

Halwa puri – Halwa is a decadent sugary mixture that when paired with puri (my favorite Pakistani bread!) makes for a breakfast that tastes like dessert. Puri is also often paired with channay for a more savory nashta. 

Tawa chicken – If any type of Pakistani food reminds me of Mexican, it’s this! Tawa chicken is essentially ground, roasted chicken cooked in an array of tasty spices. It’s usually served with a thin, tortilla-style chapati and raita (yogurt) to tone the spices down.

The Best Restaurants in Lahore

There are so many iconic places to eat in Lahore, I wrote an entire article JUST about Lahori restaurants. But to give you a preview, here are some of the best places to eat in Lahore:

Butt Karahi (Lakshmi Chowk)- This is an old time Lahori favorite that’s famous for none other than its karahi. 

Shah Chicken Tawa Roast – Located on the real food street behind the bougie tourist one, Shah Chicken Tawa Roast has some of the most authentic and delicious tawa chicken in the city. 

Muhammadi Nihari House – As I mentioned, the savory beef/ mutton stew known as nihari is a Lahore food essential, and the Muhammadi Nahari house is your best bet. Try the Mozang or Abu Bakar branches. 

Riaz Halwa Puri – Serving both chole bathure (puri with channay) AND halwa puri with refills, this delicious roadside stall in Anarkali makes some of the best puri in Pakistan!

How to Get Around Lahore

As of October 2021, the exchange rate is $1 = 170 PKR (Pakistani Rupees).

While Lahore might seem chaotic, you absolutely DO NOT need a guide or a driver to explore this city. It’s not that big, and moreover, ride-hailing services and a brand-spanking-new metro line now exists. 

Lahore’s Orange Line metro opened in 2020 and while it doesn’t go everywhere, it can certainly get you to some of Lahore’s tourist spots quickly. There’s also a metrobus, but it’s vastly overcrowded and doesn’t really go everywhere.

Luckily, Uber and Careem exist and make getting around the city easy and affordable! (Don’t hail a rickshaw off the street- they’re guaranteed to overcharge to the extreme)

Is Lahore, Pakistan Safe?

Yes, both Lahore and Pakistan ARE safe . In fact, Lahore is a particularly safe and welcoming city. There are no threats or concerns that you wouldn’t expect to find in other big cities. 

Taking basic precautions like not walking alone at night as a female and keeping valuables in safe spots(AKA things you would do anywhere else) are my main recommendations. 

Overall, Lahoris are very hospitable and people are very willing to help when needed and even if it’s not needed. 

Crime in Lahore is actually less than in other cities of the same size. NYC comes to mind as somewhere that based on crime, is more dangerous than Lahore. 

Lahori Hospitality 

The people of Lahore are absolutely fantastic and for sure some of the most hospitable people in Pakistan. 

From a stranger inviting me into an amazing Eid meal, to someone who hosted me on a Couchsurfing for weeks, to various Lahoris I met in other parts of the country insisting I join them for food, Lahoris take “warm and welcoming” to the max. 

As awesome as the historical places in Lahore are, make sure you take the time to get to know the people while wandering the city! 

Lahore’s Security Situation

The security situation in Lahore is, and has been, very stable. 

While western media makes it seem like Pakistan is a massive danger zone (the US classifies the entire KPK province as Level 4 danger LOL), that’s absolutely not the case. 

While a few places in Pakistan might be unsafe (I.e. the area near the border of Balochistan and Afghanistan and the former FATA region of KPK) Lahore is definitely not one of those. 

Your chances of being caught in an extremely rare and unlikely event are just as high in major European or American cities as in Lahore. 

ATM’s & Currency in Lahore

There are TONS of ATMs in Lahore, but keep in mind that not all of them accept foreign cards. I’ve had the most consistent luck with my US VISA at Allied Bank , though I have also found Bank Alfalah and HBL to work. 

Keep in mind that very few places accept debit or credit card payments so you’ll have to keep cash on you. There are 5000, 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, and 10 Rupee notes. 

If you’re traveling to Lahore from abroad, I recommend keeping some foreign currency on hand to exchange in case you lose your card. 

How much does it cost to travel in Lahore?

🏠 Accommodation: $9 budget backpacker / $18 a bit of comfort / $30+ luxury

🍛 Food: $5/ day

🚗 Uber/ Careem: $5/day

🚌 Metrobus and Rail: 30 cents per ride

🥻 Shalwar Khameez from a bazaar: $10

🚎 Onwards bus ticket: $7-$18 depending on where you go

📱 SIM Card: $7-$18 depending on your data package and whether or not a deposit is required. Deposits of around 2000 rupees are typically required for foreigners, and you can get it back by turning in the SIM before you leave Pakistan. Note that ZONG and Jazz work best in Lahore. 

How to Get to Lahore 

Here’s exactly how to get to Lahore by various methods of transportation: 

Getting to Lahore by Plane

Allama Iqbal International Airport is Lahore’s airport and is no more than 30 minutes from the city center. I personally don’t think domestic flights are routinely necessary when traveling in Pakistan, but you can also take flights to Skardu and Karachi from this airport as well. 

Getting to Lahore by Bus

There are two major bus companies in Pakistan that are honestly incredible. Daewoo and Faisal Movers provide bus services throughout the country along with a single route to Gilgit Baltistan. I’ve used them both and had great experiences. 

A standard bus ticket from Islamabad to Lahore (no, you don’t have to go all the way to Rawalpindi to catch the bus) costs about $8 whereas an executive ticket costs about $12. The latter will give you more space, a personal TV and free snacks and drinks. 

You can also take much cheaper local buses and vans to reach Lahore. You can typically find these rounding up passengers near the larger stations. I once took a $2 private van from Peshawar – Mingora that was right next to the Daewoo Bus Station. 

Getting to Lahore by Train

Did you know that Pakistan has an extensive rail network in Punjab and Sindh? Yup–you can absolutely see a lot of Pakistan by train. Reaching Lahore by train is possible from other places in these two provinces.

Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, and even Karachi can all be reached from Lahore and vice versa. 

What to Wear While Visiting Places in Lahore

While Lahore is pretty modern, it’s still a very good idea to dress modestly if you’re a woman.

For me, this means the shalwar khameez, perhaps with leggings instead of the loose shalwar pants. As Lahore is a city, no one will say anything to you if you wear jeans, you would definitely stand out in places like the Old Walled City.

Keep your butt and shoulders covered and remember that adhering to cultural clothing norms only shows your respect!

As for men- short sleeves and jeans are okay but refrain from wearing shorts as they are not common outside of parks and sporting events. Ladies should also keep a dupatta (shawl) handy as it’s compulsory to cover your head when entering a shrine or masjid. 

As for footwear, a quality walking sandal or sneaker is your best bet for exploring Lahore’s famous places. 

Internet & SIM Cards in Lahore

Getting a SIM card in Pakistan isn’t the easiest process in the world, but it shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. 

If you are a foreigner, keep in mind that you can ONLY purchase a new SIM at a franchise location of whichever provider you’re looking to lose. 

Luckily, there are franchises for every major brand in Lahore. There are several companies in competition, but these are the top three: 

• Telenor 

To get a SIM card as a foreigner , you’ll need your passport handy as well as some cash. Packages for tourists are decent in terms of data packages, but the price is notably more expensive than what it is for locals. 

This is why you can also have a Pakistani citizen grab one for you. Pakistanis can have up to 5 SIM cards for personal use at any given time and I’ve had several acquire them for me. 

Once you register for the SIM at the franchise, you can recharge at ANY outlet, even if it’s just a small corner store. 

Urdu and English in Lahore

You might be wondering if English is spoken in Lahore… Well, the answer is absolutely YES. 

Due to the long-term British rule of the Subcontinent, English is widely spoken all over Pakistan, including Lahore. In fact, I’ve never been anywhere else where it was so easy to communicate with locals.

Even so, Urdu is the national language of Pakistan and the dominant language of Lahore (though many may also speak Punjabi or a mix or Punjabi and Urdu.) 

I started learning Urdu in 2020 with Naveed from UrduClassOnline. It has improved the quality of my Pakistan travels immensely. Here are a few essential Urdu phrases that you should know before traveling to Lahore:

Asalam Aleikum – Hello

Shukriya – Thank you

Koi bat nahi – No problem 

Mera nam ___  hai – My name is…

Mein ____ se hoo – I am from…

Aap kaise hai? – How are you?

Mein theek hoo – I am fine.

Kitnay rupees? – How many rupees?

Mujhe Lahore bohot pasand hai – I really like Lahore. 

Baray Meherbani – Please (Literally, big kindness) 

Day Trips From Lahore

Lahore is located in Pakistan’s Punjab province and aside from all the epic things to do in the city, there are some great day trips in the area, too. 

Here are a few of my favorites:

Hiran Minar – This fascinating complex is truly one of a kind: It’s a tomb dedicated to Mughal ruler Shah Jahan’s beloved pet antelope. The pet’s remains lie in the mausoleum, in a setting will give you a full-on wilderness feel just 60 km from Lahore. 

Baba Bulleh Shah Shrine (Kasur) – Kasur is an easy one-hour drive from Lahore, and is a good opportunity to see a smaller Punjabi town. What’s more is that you can visit the Baba Bulleh Shah shrine, named after the famous Sufi poet and philosopher who famously promoted peace intolerance in Punjab in the 1700’s. 

Wagah Border Closing Ceremony – Just under 20 km from Lahore is the famous Wagah Border that connects Pakistan with India. Aside from crossing it as I did in 2019, you can also experience one of the wackiest border closing ceremonies in the world! 

Every day around 4-5 PM depending on the season, Indians and Pakistanis come out to watch the border close, an entertaining show of force and nationalism unlike anything else you’ll ever see! 

Onwards Travel From Lahore

Visiting places in Lahore is a great way to start your trip to Pakistan, as it has connections to virtually anywhere in the country. 

From Lahore, you can easily get a bus or private car to the following to continue your Pakistan travels: 

If you want to head towards Karachi: 

Multan (4 hours) – Known as the city of saints, Multan is FILLED with Sufi shrines and is one of the most spiritual cities in Pakistan. Definitely head here if you enjoyed any of the Sufi attractions in Lahore. 

If you want to make your way to Gilgit Baltistan: 

Islamabad (5 hours) – Pakistan’s chill capital city that also serves as the gateway to the Northern Areas. 

If you want to start exploring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 

Peshawar (6 hours) – My favorite city in Pakistan as far as culture is concerned, visiting places in Peshawar will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. 

The Best Places to Explore in Lahore: Final Thoughts!

Lahore may be chaotic and hot at times, but it’s truly one of the most amazing cities in the world.

I consider myself lucky to have been able to spend more than a month (thus far) wandering its magnificent streets, and I’d like to think you too are now more prepared to explore the most beautiful places in Lahore!

I hope this extremely thorough Pakistan travel guide on Lahore’s best tourist spots gives you a better idea of what to expect not just in Lahore but Pakistan in general!

Lahore Lahore Hai!

And there you have it y’all- 20 of the best places to visit in Lahore! Do you have a favorite that didn’t make the list? Let me know in the comments!

Samantha is the founder of Intentional Detours. Originally from the USA, she’s been backpacking the world since 2017, and is passionate about slow, adventure travel that puts local communities first. She has visited 19 countries and has been living in the Karakoram Mountains of Asia’s Hunza Valley since 2021. She’s super passionate about helping people get off the beaten path anywhere (on a budget of course), and her travel writing has been published in the likes of BBC Travel, CNBC, Business Insider, and more.

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11 comments.

Ok wow i’m definitely going to visit Pakistan after reading this! The gardens look amazing!

I really hope you do! It’s an incredible place to experience

What a beautiful city! Thank you for introducing me to this city. Great tips on how to get around and where to stay.

This is really communicative article about Lahore … You write a very interesting article with amazing pictures this will help the tourists to visit the famous places in Lahore. They can also get luxury accommodation at Lawrence View Hotel, Lahore in very cheap price. I’ll share this info on my Facebook page and Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=13h6wpza61dqp&utm_content=3eryne0  #safetravel #safetyfirst #cleaning #lawrenceviewhotellahore #lawrenceviewhotel #hotelsinlahore #hotelsinpakistan #onlinehotels #onlinebooking #hotels #hotelslahore #hotel

You should also visit Lahore museum. It also a very beautiful place. And show you the history of paskistan.

I definitely hope to on my next visit! I will add it to this post as well :)

Very interesting stuff to read.

Thank you for the helpful information provided. My childhood was in Lahore and adulthood in Canada. Lots of changed in Lahore. It is turned into a massive city. Commute might be the real challenge. Careem ride service or purchasing motorcycle, extremely busy restaurants would be a smart move and stay hydrated

Great tips! I would love to have seen how Lahore was years ago :D Totally agree with Careem or bike!

I love Lahore because I live in here. I can’t even imagine to live without it. But besides all this fact I love every part of Pakistan specially North Pakistan. Please come guys and see how lovely people we are.

I love the detail! Thank you for sharing!

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14 BEST Places to Visit in Lahore in 2024

Pakistan’s cultural capital , Lahore, is the second-largest city in the country, and it’s an incredibly interesting destination. Lahore’s beautiful architecture, rich history and friendly locals have made it one of my all-time favourite cities . There are so many beautiful places to visit in Lahore, from ancient forts to colourful mosques, and this guide includes the ones you cannot miss.

I would recommend spending at least 2 days in Lahore, 3 would be better to get the most out of your time here. This city has got a lot to offer and you will want to get a taste of the famous Lahori cuisine too, after all. I visited Lahore three times and spent a total of 5 weeks in this city, and I keep discovering amazing new places.

But without further ado, let’s dive right into it – here are the best places to visit in Lahore, the cultural capital of Pakistan (and one of the best cultural destinations in Asia if you’re asking me).

14 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Lahore, Pakistan

1. lahore fort.

Lahore Fort is one of these places you cannot miss during a visit to Lahore. It was once the home of the royal emperors of the Mughal reign and it’s got an incredibly rich history.

The fort has been rebuilt numerous times over the years, but its current structures date back to 1566. In the 16th century, however, Emperor Jahangir modified it. Later, the fort was damaged by the Sikhs and the British, but it has been restored since.

There are plenty of things to see at Lahore Fort, but its absolute highlights are Alamgiri Gate and the beautiful Sheesh Mahal .

Fun fact: There’s another beautiful Sheesh Mahal in Amer Fort , Jaipur, in the Indian state of Rajasthan .

2. Badshahi Mosque

Badshahi Mosque is located right next to Lahore Fort, and it’s one of my favourite places in the city. Make sure to visit it in the morning , this is when the sun shines towards the mosque.

Built in 1673, Badshahi Mosque is the third-largest mosque in Pakistan today, but it was the largest one at the time it was constructed. The construction of the mosque was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and it’s made of red sandstone that was imported from Jaipur , India’s so-called Pink City.

The mosque’s enormous courtyard can accommodate up to a whopping 100,000 people, and wait until you see its prayer chamber – it’s stunning!

All in all, Badshahi Mosque is one of the most spectacular landmarks in Asia and it can’t be missed during a visit to Lahore.

Tip : Don’t forget to bring a scarf if you’re a woman. You will have to cover your head when you enter a mosque. Make sure to read my post on what to wear in Pakistan (for both men and women), as this is a very conservative country.

3. Minar-e-Pakistan

This 70-m (230 ft) high minaret is of great historical importance for Pakistan. It commemorates the Lahore Resolution which was held here in 1940.

Back then, India , Bangladesh and Pakistan were still one country, and this was the resolution for the establishment of a separate homeland for British India’s Muslims (which would later become East Pakistan – now Pakistan, and West Pakistan – now Bangladesh).

Minar-e-Pakistan was built in the 1960s with a mix of Islamic, Mughal and contemporary architecture. It can be found in the Greater Iqbal Park, which is next to Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort.

4. Wazir Khan Mosque

The beautiful Wazir Khan Mosque is another one of my favourite places to visit in Lahore.

Located in the heart of the Walled City, this mosque was completed in 1641. It was built around the tomb of Saint Miran Badshah at the demand of Shaikh Ilam-ud-din Ansari  (who was known as Wazir Khan). Ansari was the governor of Punjab under the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who is famous for building the Taj Mahal .

You will find colourful frescoes and mosaics all over the mosque’s walls, ceilings and minarets. The mosque’s mosaics are argued to be the most beautiful mosaic tile work of all the mosques that were built during the Mughal period, and I can see why.

If you’re into photography, this is a place you will love, so don’t forget to bring your photography gear!

5. Shahi Hammam

Also known as the Wazir Khan Hammam, the Shahi Hammam is a 5-minute walk from the Wazir Khan Mosque. Just like the mosque, this Persian-style hammam was also built at the demand of Governor Ansari in the 17th century.

During the fall of the Mughal Empire, the hammam fell into disuse, and it was used as a school, recreational centre and dispensary during British rule. Between 2013 and 2015, however, the hammam was beautifully restored and it can now be visited.

The hammam is full of well-preserved frescoes and its water-heating structure and drainage systems have been unearthed.

6. Walled City

One of the best things to do in Lahore is to get lost in the Walled City (also known as the Old City), which is the heart of Lahore . All of the places mentioned above are located here, but there’s much more to this part of Lahore.

The Walled City’s little streets feel like a maze and you will come across plenty of small shops , markets and mosques here. I spent hours wandering around the area and still haven’t seen all of it – it’s huge!

Another thing that makes the Walled City so nice is its welcoming locals. Not everyone speaks English, but the people here will still welcome you with open arms.

7. Delhi Gate

There used to be 13 gates leading to the Walled City of Lahore , which were joined by a brick wall. These were built during the Mughal Empire. Today, however, only six of these gates remain.

Delhi Gate is the most impressive one of the remaining gates. If you don’t have the time to see all of them, do make sure to pass through this one. This is a great place to start exploring the Walled City as well.

You may wonder why this gate was named after Delhi , India’s capital. The reason for this is that it’s pointing in the direction of this city.

You will find a bustling bazaar right behind this gate, and the beautiful Wazir Khan Mosque is just a minute’s walk from here.

8. Lahore Museum

If you would like to learn more about Pakistan’s history , art and culture , then Lahore Museum is the place to go. This is the largest museum in Pakistan and it features numerous artefacts from various periods.

Some of Lahore Museum’s most famous artefacts are its collection of Gandhara art, coins, miniatures and manuscripts. You will also find contemporary art, Islamic art and a gallery containing artefacts that tell the story of the Freedom Movement here.

9. Anarkali Bazaar

Anarkali Bazaar is one of Pakistan’s oldest markets . It’s located right outside of the Walled City and it’s the perfect place to go shopping for clothes, shoes, bangles, sweets, handicrafts, etc. You might even find the perfect Pakistani souvenir here.

But even if you’re not into shopping, Anarkali Bazaar is a great place to walk around, try local food and soak up the atmosphere.

The bazaar is divided into two sections – Old Anarkali Bazar and New Anarkali Bazar. You will find clothes and accessories at Old Anarkali Bazar, while New Anarkali Bazar is famous for its Pakistani food.

Make sure to check out Anarkali Food Street too while you’re in the neighbourhood, you will find some delicious pain puri here!

Tip: If you’re a bookworm, you might want to visit Urdu Bazaar as well. This is one of the oldest book markets in Pakistan and it sells books in English, Urdu and Arabic.

10. Food Street

There are multiple food streets in Lahore , but the most famous one is Fort Road Food Street, just a 5-minute walk from Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort.

This street is famous for its restaurants in beautifully renovated buildings serving Lahori cuisine. Cooco’s Den and Haveli Restaurant are great choices if you want to enjoy a view like this:

I visited Cooko’s Den around noon, but I would recommend coming here for sunset if you can. It might be busier then, but the view over Badshahi Mosque will be even more spectacular!

During my second visit to Lahore, I went to Haveli Restaurant in the evening. The view was amazing and the food was delicious, but it was a bit crowded because it’s a very popular place.

11. Data Darbar

Data Darbar is the largest Sufi shrine in South Asia . It’s considered to be the most sacred place in Lahore, and it attracts thousands of visitors every single day.

The shrine was built around the tomb of the 11th-century Sufi Saint Ali Hujwiri who came to Lahore from present-day Afghanistan to spread Islam. Hujwiri is one of the most respected Muslim saints and it’s believed that he lived on the grounds of this shrine.

It’s good to know that there are separate entrances for men and women . So if you’re visiting Data Darbar as a couple, you won’t be able to enter together.

Do note that it’s not allowed to bring a camera inside Data Darbar (phones are allowed). I had mine with me and the guards first wouldn’t let me in. They told me that I had to bring it to another gate, where they would keep it. However, when I wanted to make my way to that gate, they ended up letting me in, but I had to promise to keep it inside my bag.

12. Tomb of Jahangir

The Tomb of Jahangir is the first place I visited in Lahore and I couldn’t have wished for a better introduction to the city – it’s incredibly stunning!

Jahangir was the fourth Mughal Emperor and this mausoleum was built after his death in the 17th century. The grounds it was built on were the favourite spot of the emperor and his wife.

With its remarkable Mughal architecture and enormous gardens surrounding it, the Tomb of Jahangir makes sure to impress. Inside, you will find a marble cenotaph ornamented with beautiful pietra dura mosaics – a photographer’s dream!

13. Wagah Border

The Wagah border is the only open land border between Pakistan and India . It connects Lahore and Amritsar , which is famous for being home to the Golden Temple of the Sikhs.

A ceremony, called the Wagah Border Ceremony or Beating Retreat Ceremony has been held at this border every day since 1959. During this ceremony, both Pakistani as well as Indian soldiers will parade along the road, after which the flags of both countries will be lowered and the gates will close.

This is quite an impressive spectacle, especially when you think of the countries’ turbulent relationship.

The Wagah Border is a 30-minute drive from Lahore, and the ceremony is definitely worth attending.

>> Related: Amritsar to Lahore: Crossing the Wagah Border from India to Pakistan

14. Shalimar Gardens

If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the Walled City, then the Shalimar Gardens (or Shalimar Bagh) are the perfect place to take a stroll.

These gardens were made during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century and they were used by the royal family to entertain guests .

The highlight of the Shalimar Gardens is the big pool with fountains , although I don’t think the fountains frequently run. Here, you can see a white platform, which is where the king would sit.

Best Time to Visit Lahore

The best time to visit Lahore is in March . At this time of the year, the temperatures are between 14°C and 29°C (58°F – 85°F) and there’s not so much rain.

Between April and September , Lahore is very hot. It can get around 43°C (110°F) in June, so if you don’t like warm weather, it’s better to avoid the Summer months. On top of that, the monsoon season lasts from June to September .

The Winter months ( October to February ) are the perfect time to visit Lahore if you like cooler weather. At this time of the year, temperatures will be between 8°C and 21°C (46°F – 69°F). Note that it will be quite misty in this season, though.

How to Get to Lahore

If you’re coming from abroad, you can reach Lahore by flight (unless you’re coming from India, then you will have to cross the Wagah Border ). There are quite some airlines that fly directly to Lahore. I would recommend using Skyscanner to find flights at the best rates.

Those who are already in Pakistan can either fly domestically or take a bus to Lahore. Faisal Movers offers comfortable bus rides from cities like Islamabad, Karachi and more.

How to Get Around Lahore

Lahore is a huge city, and although many tourist attractions are within walking distance of one another, some are a little further away. You will find the best ways to get around Lahore below:

• Rickshaw : The easiest and cheapest way to get around is by taking a rickshaw. You will find these nearly everywhere. I would recommend downloading the InDrive app , though. It works just like Uber and this way, you won’t have to haggle for a good price.
• Public transportation : If you’re on a tight budget and would like to get around using public transportation, the metrobus and the Lahore metro are your best friends. This being said, public transportation is still being developed in Lahore. This means that you might end up having to take a rickshaw too to get where you need to be.
• Private car: You can also hire a private car to get around Lahore for the day, but this will be more expensive.
• Tour: If you’d rather explore Lahore with a local guide, I can highly recommend Michael and Samuel , who can take you to the Walled City’s hidden gems as well. I spent two days exploring Lahore by myself before running into Samuel and was surprised to see how many beautiful sights I missed when he showed me around for a couple of hours.

Where to Stay in Lahore

I stayed at the Golden One Hotel in Gulberg, which is a 25-minute rickshaw ride from the Walled City, during my first visit to Lahore. What I loved about this hotel is that it’s located in a quiet neighbourhood with restaurants and shops within walking distance. On top of that, the rooms are beautiful and clean, they serve breakfast and it’s affordable.

During my second visit to Lahore, I stayed at Park View Hotel , which is in the same neighbourhood but a little more affordable. This was a nice place to stay too, but make sure to ask for a room with a window on the 2nd or 3rd floor.

2024 update: I stayed in the same neighbourhood (Gulberg III) during my third visit to Lahore and was robbed at gunpoint in broad daylight . It happened in a neighbourhood that’s supposed to be safe with people around and children playing in the street, so be extremely careful when you visit Lahore.

Map of the Best Places to Visit in Lahore

Best Places to Visit in Lahore: Final Thoughts

Visiting Lahore is an amazing experience. Not only because it’s a wonderful city, but also because Pakistanis are some of the most hospitable people you will ever encounter.

I can’t recall the number of times I got invited for tea, welcomed in Pakistan or offered snacks while I was roaming around Old Lahore – it was heartwarming.

This, in combination with Lahore’s amazing architecture, rich history and endless alleys to get lost in has made it one of my all-time favourite cities!

Read more about Pakistan:

• Backpacking Pakistan: The Ultimate Guide
• Amritsar to Lahore: Crossing the Wagah Border from India to Pakistan
• What to Wear in Pakistan: Dress Code + Outfit Ideas
• 14 Best Souvenirs from Pakistan

Pakistan Travel Planning Checklist

🛫 Find the cheapest flights to Pakistan on  SkyScanner . 🏨 Find the best accommodation via  Booking  or  Agoda . 🛺 Download the InDrive app to order a rickshaw or a taxi. 💰 Get travel insurance via  Visitors Coverage , one of the best-reviewed travel insurance companies. 📋 Don’t forget to  check if you need a visa  to visit Pakistan.

Pin it for later: Did you find this post helpful? Save it on Pinterest and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more travel tips and inspiration.

Laura Meyers

Laura Meyers is the founder of Laure Wanders. She was born in Belgium and has travelled to over 40 countries, many of them solo. She currently spends most of her time between Belgium and South Asia and loves helping other travellers plan their adventures abroad.

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Thank you for sharing this solid guide to Lahore. It is confusing trying to find the sites in the old walled city, and the map that you put together for this post is incredibly helpful!

Thank you for the nice comment, I’m glad it’s helpful! 🙂

Hi Laura, Wat leuk om je tips en ervaringen van Lahore te lezen en wat een mooie Pakistan foto’s op je Instagram pagina. Pakistan staat heel hoog op mijn wensenlijstje, lijkt me een prachtig land met prachtige mensen. Ik ga je tips bewaren, dankjewel. Veel reisplezier! Groetjes Petra

Hoi Petra, bedankt voor je lieve berichtje! Pakistan is een prachtig land met enorm gastvrije mensen, zeker en vast de moeite ❤️😊 Groetjes, Laura

Thank you for sharing this solid guide to Lahore

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55 Things to do in Lahore

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Looking for things to do in Lahore? Punjab’s capital is a thriving metropolis with a diverse population and a delectable culinary scene. It has long been a centre for the arts, literature, and music and is referred to as the cultural capital of the nation. The city is home to a number of historically significant buildings from the Mughal Empire, including the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, and Shalimar Gardens.

Traditional handicrafts, spices, and clothes are available in abundance at Lahore’s bazaars, notably the renowned Anarkali bazaar. The city is also widely known for its delectable cuisine, which includes both traditional meals like haleem and biryani and street food like hot kebabs and fried fish. Anyone interested in learning more about the history and culture of Pakistan should travel to this amazing city.

Table of Contents

Top 55 Things to do in Lahore City

3 days in lahore itinerary, 2 days in lahore itinerary, 1 day in lahore itinerary, lahore tourist guide.

55 things to do in Lahore are listed below:

• Visit UNESCO designated World Heritage Site, the Lahore Fort.
• Go through the lovely Shalimar Gardens.
• Discover the stunning Badshahi Mosque.
• Explore the thriving Walled City of Lahore on foot.
• See the Mughal Emperor Jahangir’s Mausoleum.
• See the national landmark Minar-e Pakistan.
• Fresh juice is available at Anarkali Bazar.
• Witness Liberty Market’s flurry of activity.
• Enjoy a city tour in a horse-drawn carriage.
• Check out the Lahore Museum
• A stroll through Racecourse Park is recommended.
• Check out the Lahore Zoo
• Visit Gawalmandi’s Food Street to sample some mouthwatering cuisine.
• Visit the Sufi shrine Data Darbar.
• See the High Court in person
• Discover Sheesh Mahal at the Lahore Fort.
• See the Shahi Hammam from the Mughal era.
• See the Naulakha Pavilion, a building from the Mughal era.
• Investigate the historic Nisar Haveli.

© Shahbaz Hussain

• Check out the Lahore Canal.
• Run a few laps around Model Town Park.
• Visit the Gaddafi Stadium to watch a cricket match.
• Enroll in a culinary course to learn how to prepare authentic Pakistani cuisine.
• Discover the renowned Lahore Bazar.
• Go to the famous Chauburji Gate.
• See the stunning public park Bagh-e-Jinnah.
• Visit the Alhamra Arts Council to see a musical performance
• The College for Women University is worth a visit.
• See the stunning campus of Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS).
• See the Wazir Khan Mosque from the Mughal era
• See the Naulakha Garden from the Mughal era.
• Take a trip to Wagah Border to attend the ceremony.
• Visit the Hathi Pol Gate of the Lahore Fort.

A Vendor in Lahore ©Taiba Malik

• Visit the Lahore Arts Council to see a theatre performance.
• Check out the Fakir Khana Museum.
• Examine the Mughal nobleman Asif Khan’s tomb.
• Visit the Canal Park and ride a boat through the canal.
• Visit the Anarkali Tomb to see a courtesan’s grave.
• Have a look around the Lahore Museum of Natural History.
• Wander across the verdant Shadman Colony.
• See the magnificent Hazuri Bagh Pavilion.
• Visit the Punjab Institute of Language, Art, and Culture to take part in a cultural festival.
• See the venerable Haveli Mian Khan
• See the Alamgiri Gate of the Lahore Fort.
• Investigate the old General Post Office structure.
• Check out the City’s Polo Club.
• Visit Diwan-e-Khas in the Lahore Fort.

Badshahi Mosque ©Salman Kazim

• Have a look at the historic Tollinton Market.
• Discover Masjid Wazir Khan, a Mughal structure.
• Visit the Roshnai Gate, one of the Walled City of Lahore’s 13 gates.
• Go through the lovely Jilani Park.
• Explore the historic Haveli.

9:00 AM – See the Lahore Fort in the historic district. It is roughly 4 kilometres from the city centre and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort can be explored for two to three hours.

12:00 PM – See one of the biggest mosques in the world, the Badshahi Mosque. It is roughly 500 metres away and close to the Lahore Fort. The mosque can be explored for between one and two hours.

2:00 PM – Check out the Wazir Khan Mosque, a stunning example of Mughal-era design. The Badshahi Mosque is roughly 2 kilometres away and is situated in the historic city. The mosque can be explored for between one and two hours.

4:00 PM – Take a stroll through the busy alleyways of the Anarkali Bazar, a well-known shopping area, to wind down the day. The Wazir Khan Mosque is roughly 2 kilometres away and is situated in the historic city. The bazaar can be explored in 1-2 hours, on average.

9:00 AM – See the stunning Mughal-style Shalimar Gardens first thing in the morning. About 10 kilometres separate it from the city’s core and it is situated in the northeast of the city. The gardens can be explored for two to three hours.

12:00 PM – Consider visiting the Lahore Museum, which has a variety of artwork, antiquities, and cultural displays. The Shalimar Gardens are around 8 kilometres away from it, which is situated in the city’s heart. The museum may be explored in between one and two hours.

2:00 PM – Go to the Minar-e-Pakistan, a memorial built to honour the Lahore Resolution. It is situated in Iqbal Park, approximately 5 kilometres from the Lahore Museum. It should take 1-2 hours to thoroughly examine the monument and the park.

4:00 PM – Go to the Minar-e-Pakistan, a memorial built to honour the Lahore Resolution. It is situated in Iqbal Park, approximately 5 kilometres from the Lahore Museum. It should take 1-2 hours to thoroughly examine the monument and the park.

9:00 AM – The Lahore Zoo, which is in the centre of the city, is a great place to start the day. The zoo may be explored in two to three hours.

12:00 PM – Visit the Model Town Park, a well-liked picnic area. The Lahore Zoo is around 10 km away from it, which is situated in the northwest of the city. The park may be explored in two to three hours.

3:00 PM – Visit the Emporium Mall, one of Pakistan’s biggest malls. It is around 8 miles from Model Town Park and situated in the Johar Town neighbourhood. The mall may be explored in two to three hours.

6:00 PM – Take a stroll along the city’s picturesque Canal Road to wind down the day. The road exploration should take between one and two hours.

9:00 AM – See the Lahore Fort in the historic district. It is roughly 4 kilometres from the city centre and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort can be explored for 2 to 3 hours.

12:00 PM – Visit the Lahore Museum to view its assortment of artwork, antiquities, and cultural displays. It is situated in the city’s core, about 8 kilometres from Shalimar Gardens. The museum may be explored in 1-2 hours, on average.

2:00 PM – Pay a visit to the Lahore Resolution memorial, the Minar-e-Pakistan. The Lahore Museum is around 5 km away from it, which is situated in Iqbal Park. The monument and the park may be explored in 1-2 hours.

4:00 PM – Visit the Food Street in the old city to cap off the day. It’s a well-liked spot for foodies and is around 3 kilometres from the Minar-e-Pakistan. The street can be explored for between one and two hours.

9:00 AM – Visit the Lahore Fort in the ancient city to start the day. It is roughly 4 kilometres from the city centre and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort can be explored for two to three hours.

Note: You may have time to see other attractions or explore the city at your leisure, depending on your pace and how long you stay at each location. It is advised to set aside enough time for each attraction so that you can properly enjoy its beauty and historical value.

Lahore Fort

Tourists have always been enthralled by Lahore, the cultural centre of Pakistan, for its extensive history, culture, and cuisine. On a Lahore tour, tourists may experience the city’s Mughal-era architecture, lovely gardens, and bazaars full of ethnic goods and spices, to name just a few highlights. In this post, we’ll look more closely at some of the essential components of a tour of Lahore, such as its history, cultural legacy, food, and well-known tourist attractions.

The city has a more than a thousand-year history, during which time it has been governed by several dynasties, including the Mughals, Sikhs, and British. Beautiful structures that showcase the Mughal era include the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, and Shalimar Gardens. The city’s architecture is a reflection of its history. For anyone interested in learning more about Pakistan’s rich cultural legacy, these historical landmarks are must-see locations.

The Sheesh Mahal, Naulakha Pavilion, and Diwan-i-Aam are just a few of the beautiful buildings that can be found inside the Lahore Fort, also known as Shahi Qila, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the largest mosques in the world, the Badshahi Mosque is known for its exquisite marble domes and complex carvings. It is situated across from the Lahore Fort. The Shalimar Gardens, which the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan constructed, are the epitome of Mughal landscape architecture.

The city is renowned for its culture and customs in addition to its historical sites. For ages, the city has been a centre for the arts, literature, and music, and it has given birth to numerous accomplished musicians and writers. By visiting locations like the Lahore Museum, which has a sizable collection of artwork, antiquities, and manuscripts from various centuries, visitors to Lahore can learn more about the city’s cultural legacy.

The Sikh era and the history and culture of the Sikh people are both highlighted in a part of the Lahore Museum. The Wagah Border Ceremony, a daily military ceremonial that takes place at the border between Pakistan and India, is another well-liked cultural event in Lahore. For anybody visiting the city, the ritual is a must-see as it is a manifestation of patriotism.

Badshahi Mosque

A visit to Lahore would be incomplete without sampling some of the local cuisine. Lahore is well known for its rich and spicily prepared food, which combines traditional Pakistani and Mughlai fare. A vast variety of street foods, including fried fish and spicy kebabs, as well as classic dishes like haleem and biryani are available at the city’s bazaars, especially the renowned Anarkali bazaar.

Indian, Persian, and Afghan cuisines have all had an impact on the cuisine in Lahore, which reflects the city’s varied background in its cuisine. Moreover, typical Pakistani desserts like gulab jamun and jalebi, which are sweet and syrupy treats sure to satiate any sweet craving, are available for tourists to experience in Lahore.

The Lahore Zoo, Lahore Safari Park, and the Lahore Bird Sanctuary are just a few of the several additional well-known tourist destinations that can be found in Lahore. With a variety of creatures on display, including lions, tigers, elephants, and monkeys, the Lahore Zoo, situated in the centre of the city, is a great location for families and animal enthusiasts. A major wildlife park outside of the city, the Lahore Safari Park is home to several exotic creatures like zebras, giraffes, and rhinos. With more than 150 species of birds on exhibit, the Lahore Bird Sanctuary is a natural reserve next to the Lahore Canal that attracts many birdwatchers.

In conclusion, anyone interested in learning about Pakistan’s rich cultural legacy should take a Lahore trip.

Do you currently have a Pakistan Tourist Visa? If not, you might find our writing on how to apply for a Pakistan Tourist Visa useful. Only after performing extensive research should you start the online visa application for Pakistan . 

Happy travels!

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Anna Sherchand

Solo Female Travel Blog

Discover 16 best places to visit in Lahore Pakistan

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Are you looking for the best places to visit in Lahore Pakistan? Look no further! I have written down all the best places to visit in Lahore. As a bonus, I have also thrown in some travel tips, you may want to continue reading till the end. If you are traveling to Lahore, you will find this post covered with information to prepare you for an adventure that you won’t forget!

Pakistan is one of the least traveled countries out there and you can go for days without seeing a single foreign tourist. Having said that though, the country is opening its doors more and more, and with such beautiful nature, history, culture, and friendly people, there is no better time to visit the country than now.

Last month when I traveled for a month in Pakistan, Lahore was my last stop. So, I had a couple of extra days to roam around and get to know the city better.

Lahore is the capital of the north-eastern Punjab province and the second-largest city in Pakistan after Karachi. It is well known for its centuries-old historical background and beautiful places in and around the city. Not only I am sharing the best places to visit in Lahore but also each location!

But before I start sharing all of that, I have put together some important things to make your Lahore, Pakistan travels easier and more enjoyable.

1. Install the Uber App First thing first, download the Uber app for going around in Sydney. Better than waiting for taxis and trains, get the reliable and fast door-to-door Uber service. For my readers, I’m giving you $10 off your first ride on the Uber app. To accept, use code ‘k7zapn’ to sign up. Enjoy! Details:  https://www.uber.com/invite/k7zapn

2. Accommodation  No matter which area you stay, I recommend using booking.com and sorting with price, then consider the ones with the highest reviews plus within 1km of the center/old town in order to be between all the actions. For tours, I recommend using get your guide and walking tours available in most places.

3. Book Cheap Flights And lastly, find the cheapest flights through the most trusted sites such as Skyscanner or Momodo.

I have detailed travel resources right here. Save money, learn what and how.

Few handy Urdu words

Hello – Salaam walekum Thank you – Shukeriya Okay – Theek Hai Yes/No – Jee Han/ Jee Nahi How are you – Aap kaise (for male)/ kaisi (for female) hou? I want to go to______ (place) – Muje _ (place) jana hai. Pardon me/ Excuse me/ Sorry – Maaf Kijea Good Bye- Khuda Hafiz

Find out about the most beautiful places in Pakistan ! You won’t regret opening this one.

• 16 exciting places to visit in Lahore

1. Replica of Eiffel Tower

2. badshahi mosque – one of the must see places to visit in lahore, 3. lahore fort, 4. minar-e-pakistan, 5. national history museum, 6. the delhi gate, 7. wazir khan bath (shahi hammam), 8. masjid wazir khan, 9. anarkali bazaar, 10. tomb of anarkali, 11. lahore museum, 12. fort food street, 13. sheesh mahal, 14. shalimar gardens, 15. wagah border, 16. walled city of lahore, let me know in the comments- .

Click on the name of the places and it should take you straight to the google maps.

I have been to Paris 4 years ago and visited the Eiffel Tower there. However, these days one does not need to go all the way to Paris just to see the Eiffel Tower. Researchers claim that there are 130 reproductions exist all over the world! One of them is this one in Lahore, a replica built by Bahria Town.

This replica is a little out of town so, I am mentioning it first as the rest of the places are next to each other and easier for you to plan.

Well I mean it isn’t the real Eiffel Tower but it’s the third-largest copy of the Eiffel Tower monument in the world. One of the perfect places for picnics in Lahore and if not, visiting alone is one of the top 5 things to do in Lahore for Pakistanis and visitors. Its height is 80 meters (262 feet) and it offers L’Eiffel Coffee Shop on the 1st floor, Fine Dine Restaurant on the 2nd, and a beautiful Viewing Deck on the top. When I found out about it, I had to go see it for myself!

The ticket to use the lift is a bit expensive but worth using once. I recommend going on a clear day to see the Bahria Town and South West of Lahore. There is also parking available and it is open 7 days a week 7 am – 12 am

How about the most beautiful places in Pakistan ? You won’t regret opening this one.

The Badshahi Mosque or “Emperor’s Mosque” was built in 1673 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. It is one of the city’s best-known landmarks and a major tourist attraction epitomizing the beauty and grandeur of the Mughal era. The building, a shining example of Mughal-era architecture, is made of red stone.

When I was there in August, the main square inside the first wall was blistering hot despite the carpets they put for people to walk. Not sure if water was sprayed on the carpet to make it cool but it was wet which didn’t help as I was still wearing socks! (you have to leave your shoes outside before entering the Mosque) But once you are inside the Mosque it is quiet and inspiring. Wall art and tile work are beautiful and carry a long history. You could sit there for hours just admiring the craftsmanship. Hence it is one of the top places to visit in Lahore. While there you can also visit the Tomb of Iqbal beside the Mosque.

Pro travel tip: The view from the Haveli Restaurant rooftop across the road is out of this world!

As you step out of the Badshahi mosque, right at the front you will see the Lahore fort. Take a left and go around the wall and exist to enter Lahore Fort. If you don’t want to walk around the fort, you can pay for the golf cart. (it’s an easy walk so unless it’s pouring down or too hot, I would suggest walking the fort) 

Inside the Lahore Fort are royal palaces, gardens, fountains, baths, and many great pieces of art and architecture from the Mughal period. The fort was the capital of the Mughal Emporer Akbar in the 1580s. The area itself has been occupied since the 1100s. You can also hire government-registered guides who give you proper information and interesting narratives. Just bring plenty of water and wear comfortable footwear.

Lahore Fort in Pakistan is open 7 days a week 8:30 am – 5 pm.

Minar-e-Pakistan used to be called Manto Park and it stands 70m tall in the middle of what looks like a Park garden. It is situated on the opposite side of the famous Badshahi Mosque, which is a modern ‘Eiffel Tower’ on the spot where on 23 March 1940 the Muslim League Party Of British India passed the resolution for the creation of the Independent Muslim country of Pakistan.

You can climb or take the lift to the top for an excellent view of the Lahore Fort, and Badshahi Mosque. the Tomb of Ranjit Singh etc. The dancing fountains are exceptional, there are golf cart rides, a Pakistan History museum, and a good place to just sit around and enjoy the scenery. It is easy to reach and with Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, and the Walled City of Lahore in the vicinity it is one of the places to visit in Lahore.

2 minutes walk from the Minar e Pakistan, passing through the garden you can arrive at the National History Museum which is in Iqbal Park (one of the most visited parks in Lahore) The exhibits are well displayed and interactive, which is one thing that I believe very few museums in Pakistan have. You can learn about the history of Pakistan through audio and visuals. I enjoyed watching and listening to the history of Pakistani passports. \

I also took a virtual reality trip through the Partition and listened to various stories of Pakistani leading women and there are other videos as well. Truly wonderful and highly recommended!

No food and drink are allowed (not even water). Bags are also not allowed. However, they can be kept with the security guards outside of the museum.

It is closed on Monday but open Tuesday to Sunday 10 am – 4:30 pm

It was originally built during the Mughal period, and now it is a historical landmark. Most known for the small market around it. Dehli Gate Market is one of the oldest bazaars in Lahore. The original structure of the old gate is also renovated and maintained. You can find all sorts of shops there. The road is small inside the gate. So cars cannot enter beyond the gate. It is best to venture on foot beyond the gate.

As you walk around inside the gate, check out the dark narrow streets with interlinked houses.

Pro travel tip: There is a very narrow street called Patli Gali (tiny alley), in this street, only one person can walk at one time which is one of the best and secret attractions in Lahore, Pakistan.

Shahi Hammam is aka Royal Bath, which is located on your left as you enter the Delhi Gate. It was fully destroyed during war times but there is a continuous restoration with attractive Fresco work. It was also recently recognized by UNESCO as an international world heritage site, and since then many efforts have been made and are still being made to keep it intact and preserved.

Although it was souring hot inside, I recommend watching the documentary they play there to understand how the restoration work was carried out. Then enjoy a nice cafe right outside.

Pro travel tip- Try speaking facing one corner of the wall, another person can actually hear what you say from another corner! It reminds me of my childhood days when I and my brother used to make a telephone with matchboxes and thread and speak to each other from different rooms! ha I mean it’s nothing like that but it is still funny how this works!

It is open every day from 9-5 pm and the entrance fee for foreigners is 400 Rs. and a local visitor is 50 Rs. Once out of the gate, you can find the biggest wholesale clothes market and Delhi gate market.

Little further from the Shahi Hammam, you can see the Wazir Khan Mosque which is a 17th-century mosque. The journey there adds to its charm as entering the walled city from Delhi gate takes you slightly back in time.

Foreigners are not allowed to stay during prayer times. But before prayers, you’ll see families sitting in the prayer hall and lots of interesting architectural features. You need someone with the knowledge to point them out. There were many guides in the area telling stories. So not a problem to hire one.

It is truly a work of art inside out. Hence it is on this list of places to visit in Lahore.

Unlike other attractions, this mosque is open every day from 5 am – 8 pm. Pro travel tip: The guy watching the shoes will let you up the minaret for a small fee if you ask.

Anarkali Bazaar is named after a slave girl who, according to legend, was immured by Mogul Emperor Akbar for having an affair with his son Salim. The bazaar is located in central Lahore and has its own distinct character. and is renowned for its architectural heritage from the Mogul and British colonial eras.

The bazaar has two parts: Old Anarkali and New Anarkali. Old Anarkali is well known for its traditional foods but you will find the shops in New Anarkali are more interesting. They sell a variety of items, including traditional dresses. If you’re looking to buy some traditional stuff and have bargaining skills, then Anarkali Bazar is the place for you. It has a wide variety of formal embroidered and embellished stuff, and you can also find cool casual clothes for everyday wear. They are also selling shoes, jewelry, bangles, sweets, sports goods, and handicrafts. Within New Anarkali, there are individual market areas such as Bano Bazaar, Dhoni Ram Lane, and Paan Gali.

Most things to buy in Lahore can be found in this market. It is also one of the best places in Lahore for photography, especially street and portraits.

If you like love stories, this is a must-visit place in Lahore. According to legend Anarkali was accused of having an illicit love affair with Prince Salim and was executed in 1599! The history portrays the tomb was built by the Mughal Emperor Jehangir at the time known as Price Sallim for his love Anarkali, who was caught by Emperor Akbar for exchanging glances with Jehangir!

It is considered to be one of the earliest Mughal tombs still in existence and is known to be one of the most significant buildings of the early Mughal period. The building is currently used as the Punjab Archives, and public access is limited.

The tomb of Anarkali is octagonal in shape and is one of the interesting places to visit in Lahore Pakistan.

Lahore Museum is the largest museum in Lahore and one of Pakistan’s most visited and highly regarded museums. It was founded in 1865 during the British colonial period. You can see a detailed insight into the historical perspective of Pakistan, from the war era to the freedom revolution to currency to stamps to honor medals. The visit to Lahore is incomplete without the visit to this Museum.

Note: You have to pay a certain fee to take the professional camera inside the museum.

It is open except Friday, Monday to Thursday from 9 am – 4:30 pm.

You can’t come to Lahore and not try the Pakistani street food. Fort Food Street is one of the locals’ favorite spots to eat and is also considered one of the best places to eat in Lahore. Whether it be late at night or the wee hours of the morning. You will find hundreds of variety and mouth-watering dishes from different vendors just waiting for you to come and eat.

I recommend trying out Pani Poori, Bhel Poori, different types of chat, and Gulab Jamun for dessert. There is a reason why locals call it the city of food! Food ranges in different prices but is affordable and the ambiance, as well as the view, is worth experiencing. The area is well lit and security arrangements are adequately adding up to make this place a great point for hangout, for family, friends, and visitors.

The Sheesh Mahal is located within the Shah Burj block in the north-west corner of Lahore Fort. Do you know the reason behind why this mahal was made of glass? Legends say in ancient days the queen was not allowed to sleep in the open air but she loved to see the stars while sleeping. So the king ordered his architects to make that kind of mahal which could solve the problem. The architects built Sheesh Mahal which was built with stones and glass and in the night the reflection of two candles in the glass looks like stars in the whole room. Relationship goals!

Another reason locals told me is, that since there was no electricity in those ancient days, mirrors were used to reflect light. Also, Sheesh Mahal bedrooms wherein no direct light so, the mirror reflections created a heavenly ambiance. It is magical and well worth a look.

It is open every day 10 am – 12 am.

Shalimar Garden is a historical landmark in the city of Lahore, built around the Mughal Empire. The artwork, the layout of the garden, fountains, are all great to look at. But the best part I liked was the daily walk and Jogging path. Many locals also visit Shalimar Gardens as it is considered one of the family entertainment places in Lahore.

There were men selling water and some snacks. so if you forget to bring it, easy to buy it here. Good spot to relax in between the greenery and on the way to our next stop Wagah Border. (See below)

It is also considered one of the best places to visit in Lahore, Pakistan. It is open every day 8 am – 10 pm

The Wagah border, located in Lahore, Punjab, is often called the “Berlin Wall of Asia”. It is a border crossing on the India–Pakistan Border where each evening there is a retreat ceremony called ‘lowering of the flags’. You can feel and see the incredible power of patriotism and the whole show lasts for 45 minutes.

And Wahga is a village located in the Wahga Zone of Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. This is where the famous Wagah border ceremony happens. The parade and flag-lowering ceremony run daily with soldiers taking part in each side of the India/Pakistan border! During summertime, the parade starts at 5:15 PM while during winter it starts at 4:15 PM. The whole show lasts for 45 minutes. However, the Wagah Attari border entrance is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, so it’s best to visit the place at least 1 hour before the parade starts.

The Wagah border ceremony is considered one of the top Lahore attractions and even though it is a little bit out of town, the ceremony makes it worth visiting at least once.

The walled city of Lahore, a heritage city is almost 4000 years old. It is a popular tourist destination having International Heritage Sites and other Landmarks of the Mughal, Sikh, and British Era.

You enter the Delhi Gate and Shahi Hamman and walk through the Lahore Fort and the Badshahi Mosque in the old city. The restoration of the city after the war is very impressive. Recommend to allocate at least the good part of a day to wandering this part of the city on your visit! I hope this article makes you want to visit Lahore and helps you plan your travels.

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34 thoughts on “ discover 16 best places to visit in lahore pakistan ”.

Lahore would be an interesting place to visit. The architecture is amazing.

wow, what a great place! the pics are awesome and your writing is great! Thanks for sharing

Lahore Pakistani sounds like an exciting place to visit. I love how colourful and the intricate designs of the buildings are in this place.

Oh my goodness, this place looks beautiful! Although I’ve never been to Lahore before myself, I would love to make my way over in the near future. Thanks for sharing all of this! 🙂

I didn’t know there were so many replicas of the Eiffel Tower. That is interesting to know. 🙂

I haven’t been to Lahore, Pakistan but I really want to visit soon. I love the replica of the Eiffel Tower. So nice!

The architecture is impressive! Those buildings are massive but the details on their facade is intricately beautiful. Lahore is an interesting place so visit!

I’ve to admit, Pakistan isn’t a destination I ever thought of visiting. Still, it’s great to read about lesser traveled places like Lahore. You’ve listed some interesting things to do like Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Museum. It’s definitely opened my eyes.

The architecture in Lahore is stunning. I would love to see the Sheesh Mahal and the Badshahi Mosque. I love the story about the bedroom being built to looks like a night full of stars that is very romantic and beautiful!

You’ve made Pakistan sounds like an interesting travel destination. I really like that you started this post with tips to make a trip to Lahore easier. Personally, I enjoy visiting tourist attractions, so I’d be very interested to visit their replica of the Eiffel Tower and check out the Badshahi Mosque because I love a good rooftop restaurant! UNESCO world heritage sites are also a big interest of mine, was the Shahi Hammam recognized or the Delhi Gate itself?

Thank you for sharing the beauty of Lahore. I haven’t been to Pakistan and I only rely on may travel blogs like yours to somehow virtually explore each cities in that continent. If I there now, maybe you will spot me in their local market… those items and colorful shops are hard to resists.

Did you end up paying to take your camera into the Lahore Museum? I was totally waiting for those photos because I love Museums. I was hoping to get a sneak peek. This is not a place I have considered visiting before. In your opinion is it safe for young families?

Well written post. I have been to Wagah Border from India side and never had much knowledge about all the beautiful places to visit in Lahore before reading this article. The dried tree barks are called as ‘Datoon’, used to brush your teeth in many villages before the invention of the actual tooth brush.

Nice informative article on Lahore with so many things to see. I loved the colourful markets of Anarkali bazar. That toothbrush which you are talking about is quite common in Indian villages and during the ancient time too and if very effective to clear away all dental problems. Wagah Border really fills us with patriotism and I would definitely visit this place but from India side. You have taken stunning shots of all the monuments.

I’ve never really had Lahore on the radar but it looks like there are lots of great things to see. The history seems very abundant in the sights you’ve listed here. I’d definitely love to learn more at the history museum and the royal baths look so amazing.

I haven’t come across many write-ups on Lahore , so this piece is a breath of fresh air. I would not have thought there were so many replicas of the Eiffel Tower around the world and least of all that Pakistan would have one of them. I think the Minar-e-Pakistan could hold its own compared to the Eiffel tower replica. The buildings here with its architecture is spell-binding especially when accompanied with the many historical stories to tell.

This is a very interesting post. We don’t get to read many posts about Pakistan in general. Lahore sounds really fascinating. Never knew that there is a replica of the Eiffel tower in Lahore. The nearest to Lahore that we have been is the Wagah border on the Indian side. The colourful Anarkali street had my attention riveted and the Museum seems really fascinating.

I had no idea that there were so many places to go in Pakistan. Honestly, I don’t know or read any blogger travelling to Pakistan. Lahore seems the really interesting place to visit, I really liked the Anarkali Bazaar it resembles a lot with Delhi.

My grandmother told me that they came to India from Pakistan during partition. She told us many stories about their living in Pakistan. So, I always wanted to visit there. Whenever I will visit Pakistan then I must go to the places you mentioned in your post.

Your blog gives me life! You’re so brave to travel alone to so many different places. Saving these tips for sure so i can visit one day too!

Wah re wah!!! Lajawab!! That’s a very well written article on Lahore, Anna! Visiting Pakistan has been my dream since long. However with the political situation between India & Pakistan, it isn’t really easy for me. So I’m super happy to read your experience. Shahi Hammam is interesting. Good to know its been recognized by UNESCO as well. The Masjid Wasir Khan has a fascinating architecture. I didn’t know Anarkali Tomb exists in Pakistan. That’s intriguing. Let’s see if I get a chance in future to visit here. Khuda Hafiz.

I think that food fort place looks really cool and it’s also really cool that they have a replica of the eifel tower! I know i’d race to the natural history museum! I love going to history museums in different places! It’s always so interesting! This sounds like it was such a great experience!

I had no idea how ornate the architecture in Pakistan was! I would love to make it one day in the near future! Thank you for sharing your best tips 🙂

I never knew there was an Eiffel tower replica in Pakistan! I would have never guessed that. I would love to visit the Bazaar, although my bargaining skills could use some refinement!

Somehow, bazaars and markets are the things that dragged my attention. I never buy much, but love the atmosphere. They tell so much about the culture.

Lahore is not only a city, but it is also an unforgettable experience and a long-lasting feeling. To see the true and beautiful colours of Pakistan, one has to visit Lahore.

Art, culture, desi food and lively people define Lahore. Lahore is known for its Mughal architecture, beautiful gardens, and historic buildings. The vibrant culture and warm people make Lahore worth visiting. Also, Lahore has a very old and interesting history. Visiting places in Lahore is quite easy, all due to the metro bus stations. You can pay Rs. 30 and go to any of these places very easily.

What a treat to read about your adventure in beautiful Lahore, its very informative and detailed…it is an amazing and diverse country with so much to offer in terms of culture, food, hospitality and landscapes and above all quite untouched by travelers. It has so much more to offer. Will look forward to seeing future vlogs…best wishes

Thank you for stopping by. Although I don’t vblog but I do daily stories on my Instagram if you are interested! @annasherchand

No doubt, Lahore is not only a city, but it is also an unforgettable experience and a long-lasting feeling. To see the true and beautiful colors of Pakistan, one has to visit Lahore.

WOW! Thank you, you are showing a beautiful picture of our Pakistan. Pakistan due to its tourism potential ranked no 1 for the tourism in 2020. A province of Pakistan has so many places to visit that you can not cover all in a single trip. Lahore is the heart of Punjab the history, culture and architecture of this city is so unique. I am so happy that you enjoyed the trip to my city.

This is an amazing blog. You describe 16 famous places and details about accommodation and cheap flight details which will very helpful our tourists to visit Lahore. You are showing interesting pictures of our Pakistan to attract them. It will unforgettable experience for all.

I absolutely love your article. I know how much effort it takes to create interesting content and I’m glad you did it. I appreciate good writing, and this is really good.

Hi! your post is very helpful for me. your post gives me a lot of information and some tips thank you for posting

Glad it was handy, hope you’d fun Mindi

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The Top Things to See and Do in Lahore, Pakistan

Lahore, Pakistan , is popular for its array of tourist activities. From seeing priceless artifacts to historical sites to shopping places to a variety of restaurants, the options are endless. Here are the top activities in Lahore. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Food street and m m alam road.

The M M Alam Road runs from the Main Market to Firdous Market. This major road was named after Muhammad Mahmood Alam, a very well-known figure of the Pakistan Air Force. The fact that some of the greatest restaurants in Lahore are located on this beautifully designed road is one of the major reasons for visiting this area. From Village Restaurant to Jammin Java Café to Pompei to Burger Hub, there are many restaurants to impress any foodie. Similarly, the gorgeously lit Food Street is also another place to enjoy the smell and taste of all the delicious dishes that Lahore has to offer.

Lahore Fort

The Lahore Fort, or the Shahi Qila, is a wonderful and one-of-a-kind Mughal structure. This must-visit historical palace was built by the legendary Mahmood of Ghazni in the 11th century. This massive compound is a treat for all art lovers who have the option to bask in the beauty of different gardens, palaces, halls, mosques and other such buildings and constructions that are located within the Lahore Fort. It measures 1400 feet by 1115 feet and the Palace of Mirrors (Sheesh Mahal) is one of the most visited palaces in the Lahore Fort.

Badshahi Mosque

For those visiting Lahore, the Badshahi Mosque is a real treat. This mosque is one of the most famous in the world and was built in the year 1674 by Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor. According to reports, it was discovered that this mosque can hold around 40,000 people for worshiping in a single prayer session. The interesting thing about it is that it is made entirely of red sandstone. Visitors will be able to witness relics which belonged to the prophet Muhammad, his daughter and his son-in-law.

Anarkali Bazaar and Liberty Market

For many, a great shopping experience is one of the best things that a tourist can look forward to when exploring a new city, and Lahore can quite easily provide that. This city has plenty of different shops and markets. From megastores like Metro, to Xinhua Mall, to Hyperstar, this city provides the best “shop ’til you drop” experience. Among so many shops, the Liberty Market and Anarkali Baazar stand out, thus making them a must-visit. From jewelry to embroidered items to leather wear to silk to footwear, the best of Lahore can be found in these markets.

Masjid Wzair Khan

The Qashani tile work of the Wazir Khan Mosque seems like a direct contrast to the majesty of the Lahore Fort. For photographers, this place is a dream come true, as they can enjoy a kaleidoscopic dream by witnessing the glazed colorful tile mosaics. The floral motifs and blue and green calligraphy come together in a mesmerizing exhibition of beauty across the façade. Though it may look like it took centuries to build this mosque, it was in fact built in just seven years during the rule of Shah Jehan, the Mughal emperor.

Shalamar Gardens

For those who love nature, the Shalamar Garden of Lahore should be the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of this city for a while. This garden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also known as the Shalamar Garden, it was built in the year 1641 by Shah Jahan, the great Mughal emperor. This 80 acres of magnificent Garden is a great example of the famous architectural skills of the Mughal Empire. In the middle of this garden there are three terraces known as the Hayat Baksh, Faiz Baksh and Farah Baksh. Beside this, there are also many white marble fountains and buildings in the garden.

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Lahore Musuem

The Lahore Museum is one of the best places to learn about the fascinating history of Pakistan. This museum was built in the 18th century, and contains artifacts from the times of the civilization of Mohenjodaro and Harrapa to the present day. It has about 20 galleries which exhibit different priceless Qurans, paintings, Gandharan sculpture, carpets, manuscripts, Islamic artworks and many other such artifacts.

The Minar e Pakistan

Minar-e-Pakistan is a monument well-known for being a prefect representation of the ideology of Pakistan. This monument is located in the famous Iqbal Park of Lahore which is one of the country’s largest urban parks. Built during the 1960s, it holds a special patriotic sentiment for the country as on this site the Lahore Resolution was passed by the All-India Muslim League on 23rd of March, 1940. Visitors flock to this tourist destination to witness the monument’s architecture, which is a blend of Islamic, Mughal and Modern styles.

Mini Golf Club

This is an ideal place to take a bit of break from all the traveling and exploring. This popular hangout place for Lahore’s youth has more to offer than just mini golf. Visitors who are looking for some fun with their travel companions can spend the day playing the game. Then, in the evening, enjoy the great atmosphere of the club with some hookah and delicious fusion food.

Lahore Wagah Border

A trip to Lahore would not be complete without an evening at the Wagah border. This place marks the border between Pakistan and its neighbor, India . Every evening tourists come to this place to witness the Wagah border ceremony, which is a military practice performed by both Pakistan and India at the same time since 1959. The cheering crowd and the elaborate drill on both sides is something which every visitor should experience before leaving the city of Lahore.

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The Perfect Lahore Itinerary With Best Things to Do

February 17, 2022 by Bino 2 Comments

I was first introduced to the idea of visiting Pakistan five years ago while I was in Delhi in India. During a requisite visit to the Red Fort, I passed through a majestic entryway called Lahore Gate – named as such as because it led to the city of Lahore which is located in present-day Pakistan. A few nights of research later, I learned more about Lahore and what I found intrigued me. As a cultural center, the city stands out like one of the great capitals – Delhi, Beijing and Moscow – with gigantic monuments, wondrous heritage and a name that conjure the silk road and the age of exploration. I also read about Pakistan’s mindblowing Himalayan far-north – supposedly the inspiration for the mythical Shangri-la in James Hilton’s novel, “Lost Horizon.”

That being said, I never really took the idea of visiting Pakistan seriously due to the things I had seen in the news. It was only after an opportunity came about to visit Amritsar in India (where Pakistan is just across the border) that I seriously considered going. Even then, I almost came to the point of canceling my trip as the country faced its deadliest month in years with multiple suicide bombings in various cities the week prior to my visit, including two in Lahore where I was supposed to spend most of my time.

Table of Contents

Getting to Pakistan

Notwithstanding the surprisingly fast process of getting a visa (can be applied online), entering Pakistan was an adventure in itself. Rather than landing at one of the main international airports, I chose to cross the Wagah border between India and Pakistan by foot. There is no direct flight from my country of origin, Singapore to any point in Pakistan but there is a direct flight from Singapore to Amritsar in India which is just 30 kilometers to the border. Alternatively, if you are coming from other regions such as the Middle East, airlines such as Airblue fly to Lahore from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Jeddah and Sharjah.

Amidst the judging gaze of my hotel concierge in Amritsar when I told him I needed a taxi to take me to the border because I was going to cross over to Pakistan, the land crossing was actually quite pleasant.

Despite the 3,000+ kilometer long divide between India and Pakistan, the Wagah border is the only one that is open for foreigners to cross. The two countries have had a very complicated relationship and there is a tendency to think that there is a lot of red taped involved to cross. Actually, it’s surprisingly easy and I have written about my experience in crossing the Wagah Border by foot .

Lahore – Pakistan’s Cultural Center

The city of Lahore is neither the capital nor the largest in Pakistan. It is only the second largest but is widely considered to be the cultural heart of the country with its long history, buildings dating from the Mughal Empire and bazaars that have been in operation for centuries.

skyline of lahore, pakistan

As my car sped from the border parking lot to the city, my initial impression of Lahore was that it carried the same frenetic pace and chaos that you see in many Indian cities but you do see a greater proportion of people in traditional attire as opposed to western clothing. I was quite impressed with the road network. There were plenty of highways criss-crossing the city which made traffic jams quite rare except perhaps in the older part of town.

Badshahi Mosque

the badshahi mosque at night

When I was researching about Pakistan, no other place captured my imagination as much as the sight of the Badshahi Mosque (daily, 8AM to 8PM). The religious structure dates back from the Mughal era in the 1600’s and was completed after only two years. The mosque has a slightly similar look to the Jama Masjid in Delhi except that the former is much bigger and has an almost completely red exterior save for the domes. If you came for a similar objective, I would recommend coming here at the start of your trip as the Badshahi Mosque deserves at least 2 visits – one in the day and one at sunset.

interiors of the badshahi mosque

The prayer hall of the Badshahi Mosque is just as majestic, with frescoes and carved marble lining the ceiling and walls. I was approached by a number of locals for “wefies.” – People in Pakistan generally aren’t accustomed to seeing tourists and I saw the same kind of curiosity among locals that I witnessed when I visited Iran a couple of years back.

Lahore Fort

Just across the mosque is the Lahore Fort (daily, 8:30AM to 5PM), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a sprawling complex filled with plenty of pavilions, palaces, gardens and gates and is worthy of a few hours of exploration. Due to its UNESCO designation, Lahore Fort should theoretically be one of the most touristy places in Pakistan. However, at the time of my visit, there was no other foreigner there though the place is popular among locals seeking open spaces in densely populated Lahore.

Shalimar Gardens

shalimar gardens

Another place from the Mughal era that I checked out was the Shalimar Gardens , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built incorporating Persian style, it is worth checking out for its three-tiered layout. The gardens are a bit out of the way from downtown but if you have plans of watching the border closing ceremony at Wagah, you can stop here as it’s along the same road.

Tomb of Jahangir

I wasn’t initially sure whether I had enough time but I managed to sneak out to the suburb of Shahdara to see the Tomb of Jahangir and Asif Khan (daily, 9AM to 7PM). The marbled carvings and embellishments are worth the 30 minute drive from the city center. As with Islamic custom, the cenotaph of the Emperor is above ground. It’s also a sight to behold, having been embellished with inlay.

Shahi Guzargah and Wazir Khan Mosque

For all its grand monuments, my favorite spot in Lahore has got to be the Shahi Guzargah or the Royal Trail located inside the Walled City. During medieval times, the trail actually led all the way to Delhi. Today, it is a bustling bazaar with recently restored heritage buildings and a picturesque Wazir Khan Mosque as its centerpiece.

wazir khan mosque in lahore

The mosque itself dates back from the 1600’s and while it is not as big as Badshahi Mosque, Wazir Khan is well known for its tilework and frescoes. If you manage to find the mosque-keeper, you can also ask him to open up the doors to one of the towers where you can climb up for a bird’s eye view of the surroundings.

bustling street scene in lahore

a textile shop in the royal trail in lahore

The area also offers a microcosm of commercial life in Lahore and within that street, you can find a range of items including apparel, jewelry, carpets and plenty of street food. You’ll also encounter people from all walks of life and even from the minorities like the Pashtuns and the Multanis. They can be spotted in all sorts of exotic attire. Amid the curious stares I got, I found the place highly atmospheric. Many of the old buildings within the street have been renovated recently and look very picturesque.

Lahore Museum

lahore museum

buddhist artifacts from pakistan preserved in lahore museum

For a country that is overwhelmingly Muslim, it perhaps comes as a surprise that Pakistan is home to plenty of ancient Buddhist ruins. Places such as Taxila and Mohenjo Daro predate the likes of Angkor Wat or Bagan by more than a thousand years and the area’s proximity to Central Asia has given rise to plenty of archeological findings. Many of the artifacts have been destroyed over the centuries as Islam forbids the worshiping of statues. Today, the best place to see these cultural treasures is at the Lahore Museum (daily except Friday, 9AM to 5PM). I am normally not into museums but seeing so many Buddhist artifacts in a place you totally don’t expect is truly something to behold.

Wagah Border Closing Ceremony (public viewing temporarily suspended as of 2022)

wagah border closing ceremony

During my visit to Lahore, I made sure not to miss the Wagah border closing ceremony , a daily affair held at around 4pm Lahore time / 4:30pm Amritsar time. It is a highly colorful ceremony which symbolizes the intense rivalry between the two countries.

The ceremony can be watched from either the Indian or Pakistani side – as long as you have the requisite visas. The Indian side is typically a lot more crowded and livelier but if getting the best seats is your priority, there is a higher chance of getting one at the Pakistan side.

Most visitors arrive a good hour before the actual ceremony. There are a number of entertainers at either side lifting the mood. You’ll also see popcorn sellers. The highlight of the ceremony occurs when you see soldiers from either side of the border marching to the gate and kicking as high as possible with unbelievable flexibility.

Food Street

trying some of the local food – kebabs are a big thing here!

food street in lahore

I spent the few evenings I had in Lahore in the atmospheric Food Street . There are a number of so-called food streets in the city including some really traditional ones. The one opposite the Badshahi Mosque is perhaps the most sanitized ( and expensive) version.

the outdoor dining space at cooco’s den

Cooco’s Den (daily, 12PM to 1AM) is the most well-known among the restaurants in this area and has been featured by media outlets such as Financial Times and by the Pilot Guides travel documentary when they visited Pakistan. Another option is Haveli (1PM to 1AM, starts from 9AM on Saturdays and Sundays) which is just next door. Food here is slightly cheaper than Cooco’s Den and the rooftop restaurant comes with an even better view of the Badshahi Mosque in the distance. Both venues serve Pakistani dishes so expect plenty of curry and kebabs.

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Hi, my name is Bino and I started I Wander around 15 years ago with the aim of sharing about some of my personal journeys and experiences, hoping that the information may benefit readers like yourselves. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Alternatively, you can also email me at b i n o (at) iwandered.net. You can follow I Wander on Facebook , Telegram , or Instagram . Also, if you liked this article, please feel free to SHARE or RETWEET

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July 7, 2022 at 2:18 am

Beautiful photos and informative write-up. Looking forward to seeing these when we visit pk. Thanks.

October 25, 2022 at 12:42 pm

Nicely done!

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A weekend guide to Lahore

By Anam Hussain

Often lost in the shuffle of travel itineraries or considered for a brief pause before exploring far-away mountain destinations in the north , the Pakistani city of Lahore is having a moment. As the setting of addictive Indian Netflix series Heeramandi , Lahore steps onto the global stage, depicted in a mesmerising and glamorous light. While the show vividly portrays pre-independence Lahore, it only scratches the surface of this multifaceted city. The Lahore of today is a tapestry of contrasts, mixing rich history with modern development; where the Orange Line Train, the first driverless passenger train in Pakistan, passes above the pillars of the striking Mughal-era Chauburji monument.

The second largest city in Pakistan, home to more than 11 million people, is also the latest destination for Flydubai , with a daily service launching on 1 July, alongside Islamabad. Famous for its Islamic and Victorian architecture, it's not just the views of Lahore that should appeal – the hotels, restaurants, cafés, shops and lively marketplaces, showcasing skillful artisanal crafts, make this one of the most energetic cities in Pakistan to explore on foot.

Designed by the well-known architect Sir Ganga Ram, Lahore Museum is the biggest in the country

Lahore Museum

Housed in a colonial red-brick building at the tip of Mall Road, just a few minutes from Anarkali Bazaar, Lahore Museum stands as a custodian of Pakistan's historical treasures. With approximately 60,000 artefacts dating from pre-historic to modern times, its exhibits showcase the rich cultural heritage of the city's Islamic, Buddhist, Sikh, Hindu and Jain legacies. The collection also details pivotal moments such as the ancient Indus civilisation and the pre-Independence Pakistan Movement. The museum also features Pakistani postage stamps and postal stationery dating back to the service's foundation in 1947, and an assortment of musical instruments, including rababs, drums and tablas.

The white domes of Badshahi Mosque in the distance

Badshahi Mosque

Regarded as one of Pakistan's most important architectural monuments, the Badshahi Mosque is a testament of the grandeur of the Mughal era. Completed in 1673 during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb, this majestic structure of towering minarets and domes defines the skyline of Lahore. Next door, radiant Lahore Fort , bathed in ivory, beige and terracotta, with its graceful arches and intricate carvings, adds to the beauty of the not-to-be-missed attraction.

The cricket pitch at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium

Watch a PSL Match at Gaddafi Stadium

Gaddafi Stadium is not just a venue; it's a shrine where cricketing legends have left their mark. Every spring, it buzzes with excitement around the Pakistan Super League (PSL) , a men's T20 cricket event contested by six city-based franchise teams. This one-month league has a cult following, drawing cricket enthusiasts worldwide, with international players and hosts elevating the event's prestige. Whether it's the deafening roar of the crowd during a nail-biting match or the collective sigh of disappointment when a favourite player strikes out, every emotion reverberates through the stadium, making the experience special.

Busy Liberty Market at night

MM Alam Road

Named after Air Commodore Muhammad Mahmood Alam, a Pakistani fighter pilot, this tree-lined street is packed with cars from dawn to dusk when its nightlife scene draws visitors. From smart dining options like Cafe Aylanto and Salt 'n' Pepper Village, and trendy boutiques including Agha Noor and Limelight, to rejuvenating beauty salons like Kashee's and tempting bakeries such as Tehzeeb, popular MM Alam Road is where the city's shoppers and foodies like to spend their time. Nearby, Liberty Market has its own array of shopping treasures, from exquisite jewellery at Waseem Jewellers and clothing at Saleem Fabrics, to intricate wedding paraphernalia found all along its busy street market.

Where to stay

Complete with black-and-white flooring, Nishat Hotel in Johar Town has a boutique feel intended to evoke London's mansion-house hotels, and its rooms, decorated in soothing shades of grey, offer sanctuary amidst the city hubbub. Just off the 4th-floor reception is Bistro Cafe, known for its creative Hi-Tea buffet menu, featuring a delightful assortment of colourful miniature fairy cakes and traditional Pakistani sweets or mithai. With direct door access to Emporium Mall – Lahore's largest shopping mall – Universal Cinema, and a sprawling food court with diverse dining options, the mall is as a destination in itself.

Quaid-e-Azam Library in Lawrence Gardens

Located just a six-minute walk from Lahore Zoo, Avari Hotel is also steps away from Lawrence Gardens, where the Quaid-e-Azam Library houses an extensive collection of 143,000 volumes, including rare books and manuscripts, in a number of languages, providing insight into the British Raj. Inside the hotel, rows of Mughal-era-inspired archways are revealed one after another, with shops nestled in between. The real high point, though, is the Mughal Court on the ground floor – an all-day dining restaurant with an affordable menu. It boasts a striking display of miniature paintings from the Mughal era and serves up a lavish spread featuring delicately spiced kebabs like sangam , kakori and barrah , along with vegetarian delights such as palak paneer .

To be right in the thick of it all, stay at the Pearl Continental Hotel , offering unbeatable views of the colonial-era Mall Road and easy access to Pakistan's first PanIQ Escape Room. The regal lobby is dressed with grand chandeliers, luxurious caramel-hued furnishings, gleaming floors and walls, complemented by towering palm trees. Adding to all this is a piece of automotive history: a 1922 Rolls Royce, once owned by the Nawab of Bahawalpur.

Where to eat

Afternoon tea may be a quintessentially English tradition, but it’s one that Lahore has well and truly adopted at The English Tea House in Gulberg. Classic treats like carrot cake and lemon tart to savoury delights like chicken sandwiches and grilled fish are served elegantly on a three-tier platter, amidst a charming garden outdoor setup. Head for their breakfast, offering some of the best omelettes, or try their seasonal fresh juices and Caesar salad.

Haveli Khalil Khan is home to Haveli rooftop restaurant

Presenting diners with a stunning 360-degree view of Badshahi mosque, Haveli is a rooftop restaurant in Lahore's old walled city. As the sun begins to dip, the call to prayer blends with the gentle clinking of cutlery on plates. As for the menu, there’s something to suit all tastes, including chicken karahi and rice pudding delicately sprinkled with cardamom. In the evening, in-house singers perform, with tabla (hand drums) playing in the background. Make sure to ask the general manager, Ahmad Hassan, about the architectural features, such as the wooden balconies and jharokas (carved window frames), as he is always happy to chat about the history of the Mughal Empire.

Tucked just within the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) walls, between the neighbouring Mocca and Noi Stir Fry Kitchen, Sauté is a stylish bistro with plush velvet seating, serving up a European menu. Try the Tuscan stuffed chicken with spicy cheddar in parmesan sauce served with a side of cheesy mashed potatoes, or the roulade of grilled chicken with spinach stuffing and honey mustard sauce. Save room for brownie a la mode, which can be enjoyed on the terrace on summer nights. The pastry chef deserves a prize for the sticky toffee pudding with caramel and ice cream. @saute.pk

Best Places to Visit in Lahore

Lahore is the capital of the Pakistani province of Punjab and is the country’s second-largest city after Karachi. The city has a long and rich history, founded at the end of the 9th century by the Ghaznavid dynasty. This town appeared in 882 AD, according to the book Ood-e-Aalamahore. In this book, when people describe the uniqueness of Lahore, they only say, “Lahore is Lahore.” This book refers to the origin and best places to visit in Lahore.

It has since been ruled by several empires and kingdoms, including the Mughals, Sikhs, and British. Today, Lahore is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, home to several historical landmarks and cultural attractions. These include the sprawling Lahore Fort, the scenic Badshahi Mosque, and the iconic minaret of the Wazir Khan Mosque. Lahore’s rich history and diverse culture are one of Pakistan’s most beloved cities.

Pakistani culture is renowned for its warmth and hospitality, and Lahore is no exception. The people here are friendly and welcoming, so be sure to talk with strangers – you’ll be making new friends in no time.

Lahore has a lot of tourist spots for visitors to explore. If you are looking for places to visit with your family, here are some great options to keep everyone entertained. From ancient historical sites to beautiful parks and gardens, Lahore has something for everyone. 

There are many places and reasons why Lahore should be on your travel list; let’s find out!

30 Best Places to Visit in Lahore in 2022

Here is the list of the 30 best places to visit in Lahore, Pakistan, in 2022.

Lahore Fort ( Shahi Qila)

Lahore Fort, also known as Shahi Qila, is a stunning example of Mughal architecture, and it is considered one of the best places to visit in Lahore. It was Built in the 16th century during the reign of Shah Jahan by Mirza Gias Beigh; it sits on the north-western edge of Lahore and overlooks the city. It is one of the largest forts in South Asia, and its walls extend for over 2 kilometers. 

It is a massive fort with a complex network of courtyards, gardens, and buildings. The main entrance is through the imposing Badshahi Mosque, built in 1673. Inside the fort, there are some fascinating buildings, including the Diwan-e-Aam (Public Court), the Diwan-e-Khas (Private Court), and the Sheesh Mahal (Glass Palace).

It also houses a museum with a collection of artifacts from the Mughal era. Lahore Fort is one of Pakistan’s most popular tourist attractions and is worth a visit.

Thousands of tourists worldwide see the Lahore Fort, one of Pakistan’s most visited historical sites.

Address:  H8Q7+56P, Fort Rd, Walled City of Lahore, Lahore, Punjab

Timings:  8: 30 AM TO 5 pm

Ticket price:  30 Rs

Shalimar Garden / Shalimar Bagh

Shalimar Garden, also known as Shalimar Bagh, is a renowned Mughal garden in Lahore, Pakistan. The Park was built in 1641 and completed in 1642 by Emperor Shah Jahan’s father, emperor Jahangir and is considered one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture.

This bagh was created as a Persian-style Charbagh “Paradise garden,” a microcosm of earthly heaven. Bagh means “garden,” but it depicts a harmonious existence between humans and the environment and a lyrical connection between heaven and earth.  The Shalimar Gardens were designated a  UNESCO World Heritage Site  in 1981 because they represent Mughal garden design at its pinnacle of development.

It covers an area of approximately six acres and features a network of fountains, canals, and ponds. Visitors to Shalimar Garden can spend hours strolling through the manicured grounds or enjoying the tranquillity of the water features.

The garden is also home to some pavilions and buildings, most notably the Shah Jahani Mosque, which was built in 1649. Today, Shalimar Garden remains one of Lahore’s most popular tourist attractions.

Address:  G.T. Road, Lahore 54000, Pakistan

Timings :  8: 00 am TO 5: pm

Ticket price:  20Rs

Wahga Border

Wahga Border is the main border between Pakistan and India, located between Lahore, Pakistan, and Amritsar, India. The frame is open to pedestrians and vehicles and is a popular tourist spot for people wanting to experience the culture of both countries. 

It was built in 1957 by the collaboration of both countries and is regarded as an International border between them. The frame is about 3km long and is guarded by Pakistani and Indian soldiers. On the Pakistani side is a large gate decorated with the Pakistani flag. On the Indian side, a similar entrance is decorated with the Indian flag. 

Every day, both sides of the border close at sunset, and soldiers from each country perform a ceremonial parade known as the Retreat Ceremony. This ceremony has been taking place since 1959 and involves lowering flags and playing patriotic songs from each country. 

The Retreat Ceremony is a popular tourist attraction, and many people watch it daily. 

Wagah Border is a unique place that offers you a chance to experience the culture of two different countries.

Address:  Wagha road, Lahore 54000, Pakistan

Timings:  10 am to 5 pm

Ticket price:  Free for both foreigners and locals

Badshahi Masjid / Badshahi Mosque

The Badshahi Mosque is one of the most iconic landmarks in Lahore, Pakistan. The mosque was built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and is a fitting example of Mughal architecture. It is one of the largest mosques in the world, and it remains an important site of religious and cultural significance.

The mosque is built of red sandstone and white marble, and its soaring minarets and massive dome rise to a height of 115 feet and are visible throughout the city. It can accommodate up to 100,000 worshippers. The mosque’s interior is just as impressive as the exterior, with a large central courtyard and a beautiful prayer hall decorated with intricate tilework.

After the fall of the Mughals, this mosque was used as a garrison by the British, but this mosque is one of the most iconic sights. Every year, millions of Muslims come to the Badshahi Mosque to pray and pay tribute to its history and beauty.

So, if you are in Lahore, you must visit this mosque; you won’t be disappointed.

Address:  Walled City of Lahore, Lahore, Punjab

Timings:  8 am TO 8 pm

Ticket price:  30 Rs

Masjid Wazir Khan

One of Lahore’s most iconic and well-known landmarks is the beautiful Masjid Wazir Khan . It was constructed in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan. The mosque is a stunning example of Mughal architecture, with intricate tile work and Islamic calligraphy adorning its walls. 

In 2009 this mosque was under extensive restoration by the collaboration of the Agha khan trust and the Punjab Government with the US, Germany, and Norway contribution.

Today, the mosque is still an active place of worship, and its courtyard often hosts public events such as book fairs and concerts. Masjid Wazir Khan is also a popular tourist destination, and many visitors come to admire its beautiful architecture and learn about the rich history of Islam in Lahore. 

Whether a local or a tourist, a visit to Masjid Wazir Khan will be a memorable experience.

Address:  Shahi Guzargah، Dabbi Bazar, Chota Mufti Baqar Walled City of Lahore, Lahore, Punjab 54000

Timings:  5 am TO 8 pm

Ticket price:  No fee

Grand Jamia Mosque

The Grand Jamia Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Lahore, Pakistan. It was built in 2014 by Pakistani architect Nayyar Ali Dadda and can accommodate up to 70,000 worshippers. This building has a central dome encircled by 20 lesser domes and four minarets, every 165 feet in height. A total of four million handcrafted Multani tiles cover the outside. Over fifty chandeliers, handcrafted in Iran, and a dozen custom-made Turkish rugs adorn the inside.

On one level, visitors can explore an Islamic art gallery, library, and Museum showcasing priceless works of Islamic art and rare Quranic manuscripts. The mosque is covered in over four million mosaic tiles made by hand in Multan, Pakistan. It is also home to a madrasa, or Islamic school, which teaches students from all over Pakistan.

The Grand Jamia Mosque is an essential landmark in Lahore and a popular tourist destination. Visitors often take photos of the mosque’s exterior and nearby minarets. The mosque is open to the public and offers tours of its premises.

Address:  Bahria Town Main Blvd, Sector C Juniper Block Sector C Bahria Town, Lahore, Punjab

Timings:  5 am TO 8 pm

If you want to taste the city’s rich history and culture, Delhi Gate is one of the most famous landmarks in Lahore. It was built in the 17th century, during the Mughal era, and served as the main entrance to the city. The gate is decorated with intricate carvings and has a large archway surmounted by a crescent moon, symbolizing the Muslim faith.

This gate is a popular tourist destination, taking photos and admiring the artwork. The entrance is also a popular spot for weddings photoshoot and other celebrations.

If you’re ever in Lahore, swing by Delhi Gate and take in the sights!

Address:  Inside Delhi Gate،, Akbari Mandi Walled City of Lahore, Lahore, Punjab 54000

Timings:  Opens 24 hours

Ticket price:  No fee

Fakir Khana Museum

Fakir Khana Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history and culture of Lahore. The Fakir family owns this private Museum and mansion in Lahore, Pakistan. Fakhir Khana is South Asia’s largest privately held museum, housing approximately 20,000 items.

Around 1730, the Fakir family settled in Lahore and founded a publishing house. Their social standing in Lahore stemmed from their predecessors’ connections to the Sikh Empire: three of the family’s ancestors, Fakir Nooruddin, Fakir Azizuddin, and Fakir Imamuddin, served as diplomats to Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The family amassed a collection of objects, many of which were gifts from Ranjit Singh.

In 1901, the family opened their home as a public museum, and the site received some government funding for upkeep. The Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, paintings, and textiles, all of which offer a glimpse into the city’s past. The Museum is also home to some rare manuscripts dating back to the Mughal era.

You can explore the Museum at your own pace, and there is also a cafe on site for refreshments. The Fakir Khana Museum is a great place to learn about the rich history of Lahore, and it is well worth a visit.

Address:  Walled City Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

Timings:  9 am TO 4 pm

Alhamra Arts Council

The Alhamra Arts Council is an art promotion council based in Lahore, Pakistan. It was established in 1992 by the late Pakistani architect Nayyar Ali Dada. The commission is dedicated to the promotion and advancement of the visual arts in Pakistan. It organizes art exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs throughout the year.

One of this council’s best features is financial assistance to artists and artisans working in Lahore. In addition, the Alhamra Art Council hosts the annual Lahore Arts Festival, one of the largest and most prestigious cultural events in Pakistan. The council has played a vital role in promoting the visual arts in Lahore and Pakistan.

Address:  68 Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Garhi Shahu, Lahore, Punjab 54000

Timings:  8 am to 1 am

Ticket price:  No fee 

Lahore Zoo is located in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, and is one of the largest zoos in South Asia. It covered an area of 70 acres and was established in 1872. The animals include lions, tigers, bears, elephants, rhinoceros, reptiles, and birds. The zoo has a bit of everything for everyone to see. 

Lal Mahindra Ram started with a tiny aviary granted to the Lahore Municipal Corporation. The zoo grew in size as the animal collection grew. It later became interested in conservation, teaching, and research, in addition to providing public recreational amenities. By 2010, the zoo housed over 1280 trees of 71 kinds and 1380 animals of 136 species, including 996 birds of 82, 49 reptiles of eight, and 336 mammals of 45.

A walk through the zoo is a great way to spend an afternoon if you’re looking for something to do in Lahore. You can get up close and personal with some amazing animals from all over the world.

So if you find some time to kill, head to Lahore Zoo and check it out!

Address:  92 – Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, The، Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Jubilee Town, Lahore, Punjab 54000

Timings:  9 am to 7 pm

Ticket price:   Adults: Rs 50 – Children Rs 20 – Student Rs 40

Minar e Pakistan

There’s something special about Minar e Pakistan . Maybe it’s because it’s located in Lahore, the capital of Punjab province. Or perhaps it’s because it’s one of the tallest free-standing minarets in the world. Whatever the reason, the Minar e Pakistan is a sight to behold. 

Built-in 1968, built-in the Quaid-e-Azam delivered his famous speech calling for a separate homeland for Muslims on March 23, 1940. It is also where the Lahore Resolution was passed on March 24, 1940. The tower is 60 meters (197 ft) high and overlooks the Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort. The minaret’s base is about 48 meters (157 ft) square and tapers as it rises to a diameter of 9 meters (30 ft) at the top. 

There are stairs leading up to the top of the minaret, with a viewing platform. There are views of the surrounding city, including the Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, and the Ravi River. The minaret is illuminated at night and can be seen from many parts of the city. It has become a symbol of Lahore and Pakistan.

Whether you’re a Pakistani citizen or simply a tourist, a visit to the Minar e Pakistan is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Address: Greater Iqbal Park, Lahore, Punjab Pakistan

Timings: 9 am TO 7 pm

Ticket price: 30 Rs

Sheesh Mahal

Sheesh, Mahal is a beautiful palace located in Lahore, Pakistan. The name Sheesh Mahal translates to “palace of mirrors,” and it is easy to see why. The walls and ceiling are covered in intricate mirror work, creating a dazzling effect.

Emperor Shah Jahan built the Sheesh Mahal. It was constructed during Jahangir’s reign. The façade opens into the courtyard and comprises five cusped marble arches supported by coupled columns. Precious stones are inlaid in the engrailed spandrels and bases. The pavilion is shaped like a semi-octagon and is made up of apartments intricately decorated with pietra dura, convex glass, and mirror mosaic (Ayina Kari) with thousands of tiny mirrors. They light candles at night. Stucco tracery (Munabat Kari) and carved marble screens in geometrical and tendril designs are also decorative features. The central hall’s roof is two stories high. The hall was initially decorated with fresco paintings, later replaced with multicolored glass mosaics.

It was intended to be used as a private retreat where the Emperor could enjoy the company of his harem. Today, Sheesh Mahal is open to the public and is one of Lahore’s most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can admire the intricate mirror work and learn about the fascinating history of this elegant palace.

So, if you are a visitor or a local, sheesh Mahal is a must-visit place.

Address:  H8Q7+W65, Walled City of Lahore, Lahore, Punjab

Timings:  9 am TO 5 pm

Ticket price:  10 Rs

Race Course ( Jilani Park)

Jilani Park, also known as Race Course Park, is one of the largest parks in Lahore, Pakistan. It is spread over almost 88 acres and was established in 1985 as a popular spot for picnics, walks, and outdoor games.

The Park has an artificial lake, a swimming pool, and tennis courts. It is also home to various birds and animals, including peacocks, ducks, and squirrels.  It was named after Nawab Jilani Khan, who donated the land for its construction.

On August 14 (Independence Day), the Park hosts a special ceremony where the national flag is raised. This is a whole parade, and a fireworks display follows. This Park is one of the most popular parks in Lahore among locals and tourists. So if you are ever in Lahore, visit it!

Address:  Jail Rd, opposite Services Hospital، G.O.R. – I, Lahore, Punjab 54000

Timings:  6 am TO 9 pm

Hazuri Bagh

Hazuri Bagh is a beautiful garden located in the heart of Lahore, Pakistan. The Park is home to some historic buildings and monuments, including the Hazuri Bagh Baradari, which Ranjit Singh built in 1818. The Baradari serves as a pavilion and is decorated with intricate marble work. The Hazuri Bagh also contains the tomb of Nawab Bahadur Khan, a general who served under Ranjit Singh.

This garden was designed and built in the traditional Mughal style under the Supzizuddin. It is said that after its completion, Ranjit Singh, at the suggestion of Jamadar Khushhal Singh, ordered that marble be vandalized from various Lahore mausoleums to construct a baradari (pavilion) here. Khalifa Nooruddin was assigned this task. Elegantly carved marble pillars support the Baradari’s delicate cusped arches. The central courtroom, where Ranjit Singh presided, has a mirrored ceiling.

Both the garden and the Baradari, originally a 45-foot, three-story square with a basement reached by fifteen steps, were severely damaged during the Sikh wars and were only reclaimed and laid out according to the original plan during the British period. The top story collapsed on July 19, 1932, and was never rebuilt or restored. The tomb of Muhammad Iqbal, completed in 1951, is located outside the Badshahi Mosque, across from the garden.

In addition to its historical significance, the Hazuri Bagh is also a popular spot for leisure and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful setting and the stunning views of Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque.

Address: Badshahi Mosque, Walled City of Lahore, Lahore, Punjab

Timings: 9 am to 7 pm

Chauburji is a historical monument located in Lahore, Pakistan. The memorial was built in 1646 during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Chauburji is one of the few surviving examples of Mughal architecture in Lahore.

It is built in a stable crystalline style that combines Mughal architecture, older Timurid-style architecture from Central Asia, and Perso-Arabic techniques from the Middle East. Its distinguishing features are the minarets, which widen dramatically at the top – a feature not found elsewhere in the subcontinent. Some believe that these minarets once had cupolas that collapsed with time. The monument’s name means “four minarets” in Hindi and is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.

The Chauburji monument is located along the proposed route of the Lahore Metro’s Orange Line. Heritage activists filed a petition with the Lahore High Court, claiming that the proposed metro line would violate the Punjab Special Premises Ordinance, 1985, and the Antiquity Act, 1975, by passing close to Chauburji, Shalimar Gardens, and nine other city sites. The Court halted construction of the metro within 200 feet of any heritage site, including Chauburji, in August 2016 to avoid what UNESCO described as potentially “irreversible damage” if the line was built in its current form. The Chauburji station was initially intended to be underground but was elevated to comply with UNESCO regulations.

Today, Chauburji is a popular tourist attraction and symbol of Lahore’s rich cultural heritage.

Address:  Chauburji Road, Lahore Pakistan

Timings:  Opens 24 Hours

Alama Iqbal Museum (Javed Manzil)

Lahore is a city with a long and rich history, and many museums reflect this. One of the most popular is the Alama Iqbal Museum in Javed Manzil. This Museum is dedicated to the life and work of Pakistani poet and philosopher Muhammad Iqbal and contains a wealth of artifacts relating to his life and career.

You can see personal items belonging to Iqbal, such as his glasses and pens, as well as photographs and letters. There is also a library containing books by and about Iqbal, making the Museum a valuable resource for scholars and students.

The Alama Iqbal Museum is an integral part of Lahore’s cultural heritage, and it is well worth a visit for anyone interested in Pakistan’s history and culture.

Address:  H89R+P6C, Allama Iqbal Rd, Railway Colony Garhi Shahu, Lahore, Punjab

Timings:  9 am to 5 pm

Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park

Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park is one of the largest parks in Lahore, Pakistan. Spanning over 67 acres, the Park is a popular spot for picnics, walks, and jogs. It also features a large lake, home to various fish and amphibians. The Park is named after Allama Iqbal, a prominent philosopher, and poet.

This park was founded in 1970 and has undergone several renovations. In recent years, the Park has also become a popular destination for tourists, and on any given day, the Park is filled with families picnicking, friends playing games, and couples strolling hand in hand. The atmosphere is always cheerful and vibrant. 

Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or an exciting place to explore, Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park is sure to please you. So next time you’re in Lahore, be sure out!

Address:  Fazal e Haq Rd, Gulshan Block Allama Iqbal Town, Lahore, Punjab 54000

Timings:  6 am TO 7 pm

Ticket price:  50 Rs

Army Museum

The Army Museum in Lahore is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of Pakistan’s military. The Museum chronicles the country’s struggle for independence and many wars and conflicts. The exhibits are well-designed and informative, and the staff is highly knowledgeable.

In addition, the Museum has an excellent library that contains a wealth of information on Pakistan’s military history. The Army Museum is an essential resource for anyone interested in learning more about Pakistan’s rich military heritage.

Address:  G9JX+R9M, Amjad Chauhdry Rd, Saddar Town, Lahore, Punjab

Timings:  9 am O 5 pm

Ticket price:  50 Rs

Lahore Museum

Lahore Museum is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Pakistan. Located in the heart of Lahore, the Museum houses a rich collection of artifacts that date back to the Mughal era.

It was founded in 1865 during the Mughal empire, but the present building was designed by Sir Ganga Ram, a great architect. The Museum displays various artifacts from the Indus Valley Civilization, Gandhara Civilization, and the Mughal and Sikh periods. The Museum also has a substantial collection of coins, manuscripts, armor, and textiles. 

With its impressive collection and commitment to education, Lahore Museum is an essential part of Pakistan’s cultural heritage.

Address:  H895+93H, Mall Rd, Anarkali Bazaar Lahore, Punjab 54000

Timings:  9 am to 5 pm

Fort Road Food Street

For many people, the best part of any trip is the food. And in Lahore, there’s no shortage of delicious options. Fort Road Food Street is one of the city’s most popular food destinations.

This bustling stretch of road is lined with small restaurants and food stalls, each offering its specialties. From hearty stews and grilled meats to freshly made naan bread and spicy curries, there’s something to appeal to every taste.

And because Lahore is such a cosmopolitan city, you’ll find dishes from all over Pakistan and beyond. So whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Fort Road Food Street is the perfect place to enjoy some of the city’s best cuisine.

So when you’re in Lahore, swing by Fort Road Food Street and enjoy a meal (or two) that you won’t soon forget!

Address:  Food street fort road, Lahore, Pakistan

Timings:  6 am to 1 am

Ticket price:  No Fee

Tomb of Emperor Jahangir ( Maqbar-e-Jahangir)

The Tomb of Emperor Jahangir is one of the most impressive monuments in Lahore. Built in the early 17th century, it is a massive square structure with four identical facades. The tomb is in the center of the building, surrounded by a beautiful garden. The tomb is decorated with intricate carvings and detailed mosaics and is considered one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture.

Emperor Jahangir was a great patron of the arts, and his tomb reflects his passion for beauty and luxury.

Today, the Tomb of Emperor Jahangir is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Lahore and is a must-see for anyone interested in Mughal history and culture.

Address:  Tomb، Circular Walk، Shahdara Town, Shahdara, Lahore, Punjab

Timings:  9 am to 7 pm

Ticket price:  10 Rs

Walled City of Lahore

The Walled City of Lahore is a fascinating place. It has been a center of trade and culture for centuries, and its architecture reflects the diverse influences that have shaped the city over time.

It is home to several important landmarks, including the iconic Lahore Fort and the magnificent Badshahi Mosque. The Walled City is transforming these days as old buildings are being restored and new businesses are moving in. While some aspects of the city have changed, its ability to enchant visitors remains as strong as ever.

Whether exploring its historic sights or simply soaking up the atmosphere, the Walled City of Lahore leaves a lasting impression.

Address:  Walled city Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

Timings:  Opens 24 Hrs

Data Darbar

Data Darbar is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Lahore. It is a shrine dedicated to Data Ganj Baksh, a Sufi saint who lived in the 11th century. The shrine attracts visitors from all over Pakistan and is incredibly crowded. The shrine is located in a busy area of Lahore and is surrounded by shops and restaurants. 

Although Data Darbar is best known for its religious significance, it is also an important cultural landmark. The shrine complex includes a museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from the saint’s life. The complex also features a library, which contains rare books and manuscripts. 

Data Darbar is an integral part of Lahore’s heritage and is well worth a visit for anyone interested in Pakistani culture.

Address:  Main Bazaar، Data Darbar Rd, near N.B.P. ، Lahore, 54000

Madho Lal Hussain Shrine

Madho Lal Hussain is one of the most famous shrines in Lahore. It is situated in Baghbanpura. The shrine was built in memory of Madho Lal Hussain , a famous Sufi saint who lived in the 16th century. 

During the 18th century, during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839), the maharaja himself would lead a procession from his palace in Lahore to Shah Hussain’s shrine barefoot, accompanied by thousands of Sikhs, Muslims, and Hindus. Urs and the Mela used to happen differently. Ranjit Singh combined them into one and dubbed it “Mela Chiraghan” (Festival of Lights). This meal (festival) is regarded as the largest in Punjab.

Thousands of people visit the shrine every year to pay respect. The shrine is also a popular destination for food lovers, as there are many stalls selling traditional Punjabi cuisine. Chole Bhature, Pakoras, and Gulab Jamun are some of the most popular dishes. 

If you’re ever in Lahore, check out the Madho Lal Hussain Shrine!

Address:  Baghbanpura, Lahore, Punjab 54000

Timings:  Opens 24 hours

Bagh e Jinnah (Lawrence Gardens)

Lawrence Gardens, now called Bagh-e-Jinnah , is a historic park in Lahore, Pakistan. The gardens were named after Sir Henry Lawrence, who served as the British Resident in Lahore from 1848 to 1853.

These gardens were initially conceived as a private pleasure garden for the exclusive use of the British residents of Lahore. However, they were eventually open to the public and became one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

Today, these gardens cover an area of nearly 36 acres and feature a wide variety of flowers, trees, and shrubs.

You can also stroll through the stunning rose garden or take a break in one of the many pavilions. With its beautiful setting and relaxing atmosphere, Bagh-e Jinnah is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Address:  Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Jubilee Town, Lahore, Punjab 54000

Timings:  5 am to 10 pm

Ticket price:  20 Rs

Gurdwara Nankana Sahib

Nankana Sahib is a town in the Nankana Sahib District of Pakistan. It is named after Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh faith.

The town is home to the Gurdwara Nankana Sahib , one of the most important Sikh sites in the world. The Gurdwara was built on the site of Guru Nanak’s birthplace, and it is said that one of his disciples, Baba Buddha, planted a tree here. 

Today, the Gurdwara is a popular pilgrimage site for Sikhs from all over the world. Every year, on Guru Nanak’s birthday, pilgrims come to Nankana Sahib to pay their respects at his birthplace. The town is also home to many other historical Gurudwaras, making it an important center for Sikh history and culture. 

This makes it a convenient destination for pilgrims who want to visit both religious sites and experience Pakistani culture. Whether you are a pilgrim or just a curious traveler, Gurdwara Nankana Sahib is worth a visit.

Address:  Bhuchay ki road, Nankana Sahib, Punjab

Timings:  9 am to 8 pm

Anarkali Bazar and Liberty Market

If you’re looking for a place to do some serious shopping in Lahore, head to Anarkali Bazar. This bustling market is full of stalls selling everything from clothes to spices, and you’re sure to find great deals on whatever you’re looking for, but be prepared to bargain!

The vendors here are used to haggling, and you’ll need to be assertive if you want the best price. But even if you don’t walk away with any great deals.

Anarkali Bazar is still worth a visit for the experience. It’s one of the busiest and most vibrant markets in Lahore, and it’s a place where you’ll see a different side of the city.

Liberty Market:  This vibrant market is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, thanks to its wide variety of shops and restaurants. You can find everything from traditional Pakistani handicrafts to modern electronics at Liberty Market.

Address:  Anarkali Bazar Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

Timings:  10 am to 11 pm

Bhati Gate is one of the historical gates of Lahore, Pakistan. The gate was built in the Mughal era and is named after Raja Bhatti, the clan of Rajputs. The entrance is in the Walled City of Lahore, near the iconic Badshahi Mosque. It was initially built as a part of the city’s fortifications but now serves as a popular tourist attraction.

Visitors to the gate can admire its architectural beauty and learn about its history. This Gate reminds city’s rich past and is a must-visit for anyone interested in Lahore’s history.

Address:  H5+HG4, Hakimian Bazaar, Mohalla Patrangan Kucha Faqirkhana اندرون لاہور،، Lahore, Punjab 54000

Timings:  24 Hours

Eiffel Tower Bahria Town Lahore

The Eiffel Tower in Bahria Town Lahore is one of Pakistan’s most popular tourist attractions. The tower is situated in a park with several other attractions, including a water park, an amusement park, and a shopping mall. The tower was built in 2008 and stood at one hundred ten meters (360 feet).

It has three platforms that visitors can take access via lift or stairs. From the top platform are spectacular views of the city of Lahore. The Eiffel tower is a popular spot for locals and tourists and is worth visiting if you are ever in Lahore.

Address:  Bahria Town Main Blvd, Violet Block Bahria Town, Lahore, Punjab 54000

Timings:  9 am To 7 pm

National Museum of Science & Technology

If you’re ever in Lahore, check out the National Museum of Science & Technology. The Museum, which opened to the public in 1965, is a non-profit, permanent institution in the service of society. It educates the public by displaying humanity’s tangible and intangible heritage and environment. Initially intended only for university of Engineering and Technology students, it was later opened to the public in 1976.

This Museum has continually improved and enhanced its functions as a science and technology museum in the spirit of public service. Exhibits and galleries were expanded in four stages. Following Pakistan’s 18th amendment to the Constitution in 2011, the Museum became an attached department of the Science and Education Department, Punjab. Nearly 100,000 people visited this Museum in Lahore in 2011.

So if you’re interested in science and technology, it’s worth a visit!

Address:  Near U.E.T. gate No 02, Orange Line Sultan Pura Station،, G. T. Road, Staff Houses Engineering University Lahore, Lahore, Punjab 54890

Timings:  9 am To 5 pm

Lahore is a city rich in history and culture. If you’re looking for a place to experience traditional Pakistani life and food, Lahore is the place to be. There are also plenty of the best places to visit in Lahore, so make sure to put it on your list of destinations! So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!

Which place is best for an outing in Lahore?

There are many places to visit in Lahore, but some of the best places for an outing with family include the Shahi Qila, Badhahi Mosque, the Lahore Zoo, and the Punjab Provincial Museum.

How can I have fun in Lahore?

There are many ways to have fun with your family in Lahore. You can visit some of the city’s historical and cultural landmarks, go on a shopping spree, or enjoy some of the city’s delicious food.

What is best about Lahore?

Lahore is a city with a rich history and culture. There are many historical and cultural landmarks and plenty of shopping and dining options. This city is also home to some of Pakistan’s best educational institutions.

Is Lahore worth visiting?

Yes, Lahore is indefinite stinging. The city has much to offer regarding history, culture, and entertainment. You’ll never find yourself bored in Lahore!

Which place is the heart of Lahore?

The heart of Lahore is the Walled City, which is hoy of the city’s historical and cultural landmarks. The Walled City is also the financial and business center of Lahore.

Individual Posts

Badshahi Mosque Lahore

Bagh-e-Jinnah Lahore

Tomb of Jahangir

Data Darbar Hazrat Ganj Bakhsh Hajveri

Food Street Fort Road Lahore

Wagah Border

Tomb of Madho Lal Hussain

Gurdwara Janam Asthan Nankana Sahib

Wazir Khan Mosque Lahore

Grand Jamia Mosque Bahria Town, Lahore

Chauburji – Lahore

Hazuri Bagh Lahore – A Beauty Worth Visiting

Shalimar Garden, Lahore

Bahria Town Eiffel Tower Lahore

Solo female travel anywhere and everywhere.

A unique list of things to do in Lahore, Pakistan

Forget cookie-cutter lists with malls and top sights: here’s a unique list of things to do in Lahore, Pakistan that will actually interest travelers. Includes off-the-beaten-track sights and a map to help you find your way.

At this point, I’ve spent months in Lahore. By far my favorite city in Pakistan (Sorry Karachi. Not sorry Islamabad , you’re boring.) , the cultural capital never ceases to amuse. Many travelers begin their Pakistan adventure in Lahore… but what to actually do there?

There are a million and one interesting things to do in Lahore, but for some reason, all the recommendations online are lame AF. (Or only appeal to domestic tourists hungry for malls.)

“Badshahi Mosque. Lahore Fort. Fort Road Food Street.” Um, duh. Errrrbody knows about those places. If they don’t, they’ll figure it out after two seconds of Googling. What else is there to do in Lahore?!

In the name of helping out fellow travelers—and saving my fingers from typing the same recommendations over and over and over again—these are the things I recommend to travelers in Lahore. Read on for the ultimate list of things to do in Lahore.

Curious about Pakistan? Let me show you the Pakistan I’ve come to know and love on one of my unique Pakistan tours.

Index: Things to do in Lahore, Pakistan

Click one of the things to do in Lahore below, or keep scrolling to see the entire list. It’s long… but there are a lot of things to do in Lahore!

• A state of trance at a Sufi dhamal
• Live music at a liberal outdoor cafe
• Eat your way down the original food street
• Booze behind the scenes
• Go with the flow in Anarkali Bazaar
• Visit a shrine to women, not men
• Explore the Walled City from a different angle
• Retail therapy at one of the most popular outdoor markets
• Get a bird’s eye view from Wazir Khan’s minarets
• Cool off at an underground hamam
• Hunt havelis in the old city
• Shop for psychedelic clothes at a flashy new mall
• Stay chill at Lahore’s favorite ice cream spot
• People watch over legit coffee in Gulberg
• Visit a colorful, clashing mosque
• Feast on goat hooves for breakfast
• Dive into the  desi  food scene
• Join families for a jog in a peaceful park
• Stroll like a royal in Shalimar Bagh
• Seek out the mother of mosques
• Quest for a peaceful tomb on a crowded street
• Pay tribute to Lahore’s patron saint
• Get lost in Lahore Museum
• Fly high with bhang ki papad
• Day trip:  Relax in the grass around Jehangir’s Tomb
• Day trip:  Visit a Sikh gurdwara
• Day trip: Get mystical at Baba Bulleh Shah’s shrine
• Day trip:  Find peace at a hilltop Sufi shrine
• Day trip:  Immerse yourself in nationalism at a border closing ceremony
• Day trip:  Go off the beaten track at a tiny border ceremony
• Day trip:  Picnic at a pimpin’ pet reserve
• Day trip:  Savor the scents of a massive flower market

And because y’all asked: the most popular things to do in Lahore .

30+ unique things to do in Lahore

1. witness a state of trance at a sufi dhamal.

Dol drums and dhamal at the shrine of Madhu Lal Hussain

On Thursdays, Sufis gather at shrines around Lahore for dhamal . Pounding drums and uninhibited dancing like you’ve never seen before bring mystics to a state of trance which they believe brings them closer to God. Smokeable substances help onlookers enter another mental state with a bit more ease.

Dhamal ceremonies are harder to find since the famous dhamal at Shah Jamal stopped for security reasons; see my post on Sufi dhamal in Lahore for more information. This is by far one of my favorite and most interesting things to do in Lahore.

2. Catch live music at Peeru’s Cafe

Colorful Peeru’s Café is a bit of a hike, but it’s one of my favorite places to visit in Lahore. Thursday night is Sufi night and Friday is for qawwali , another foot tapping kind of Sufi music. The crowd is mixed: both young adults and families come to enjoy music over dinner. No matter your age, it’s worth checking out. They also serve a variety of tasty food from all over Pakistan. One of the more original cafes in Lahore.

Pro tip: Not that you’d ever think of drinking in the Islamic Republic * ahem* but Peeru’s is willing to turn a blind eye—and serve you mixers or empty glasses—if you’re pouring things under the table.

3. Eat your way down Gawalmandi food street

Have one dinner with a view on the tourist food street next to Badshahi Mosque… then forget about it.

Gawalmandi food street is just outside the walled city. By day, it’s a street of colorful buildings full of foot traffic. Once the sun sets, it becomes a hopping food street with myriad foods on offer.

Try a little bit of everything, and don’t be afraid to show up late. It’s not unusual to see families with children having dinner at 2 in the morning!

4. Booze behind the scenes

Contrary to popular belief, alcohol isn’t entirely illegal in the Islamic Republic. Did you know if you’re foreign—or can prove you’re not Muslim—you can legally buy alcohol from shops in Lahore?

Select international hotels such as the Pearl Continental have attached “permit shops” where visitors can buy unlimited quantities of beer and liquor. I’ve patronized the shop in the back right corner of the Avari Hotel property many a time. To my knowledge, the Ambassador Hotel has the cheapest alcohol but is also the seediest option for buying alcohol in Lahore.

Beers are around 250 Rs per, liquor depends. Officially you can only buy domestic Murree products, though if you’re friendly with the salespeople they can arrange imported drinks under the table.

Pro tip: Murree liquor is gnarly—and you will definitely regret your decision the next morning—but their beer is passable. People agree the light blue Wheat beer is tastiest. The red Strong will do otherwise.

5. Get sucked into the flow of Anarkali Bazaar

Anarkali is a massive shopping street in Lahore overflowing with wares, foods, and bodies, and is a must-visit place in Lahore. Whether you’re questing for a specific item, or just want to watch aunties harass salesmen, Anarkali is a great place to observe Lahoris doing their thing. Anarkali is one of the most interesting bazaars in Lahore, and its side streets are a joy to explore.

6. Find the feminine side of Lahore at Bibi Pak Daman.

Deep within the maze of Muhammad Nagar—Muhammad Neighborhood—lies six ladies in repose. So they say, anyway.

Believed to be the tomb of women from the Prophet Muhammad’s household, Bibi Pak Daman shrine is one of the largest shrines dedicated to women in Lahore.

Local ladies reading the Quran and praying at the shrine. Taken with my phone because  cameras were not allowed in the shrine.  Possibly because I visited during Muharram, but it might be a year ’round thing.

Both Shia and Sunni Muslims visit the shrine, and the streets around the shrine are filled with shops peddling items related to Muhammad and Muharram. Poke around in the alleys, and you might stumble across men crafting zanjeer s, the knives on chains Shias use for self-flagellating during Muharram and other notable events.

Want to know more about traveling to Pakistan as a woman? Check out my guide to female travel in Pakistan !

7. Explore the Walled City from less popular gates

13 gates used to lead into the walls of old Lahore… then the British happened. Six gates have since been rebuilt; the rest exist in name only. Nevertheless, they’re good starting points for exploring different parts of the walled city of Lahore. Delhi Gate, near Wazir Khan mosque, is the most renowned… so why not start your quest from another part of the Walled City to shake things up a bit?

Procession my friend and I stumbled across while exploring the area around Mochi Gate

8. Retail therapy at Liberty Market

The semicircular marketplace is the city’s go-to for affordable clothes and accessories, and one of the top things to do in Lahore for those who love shopping.

Several layers and stories of shops ring the central area. Market stalls line the outside, too. Even if you don’t need clothes, it’s a colorful place to wander around. There are plenty of places to grab snacks and drinks, making Liberty Market a great place to visit in Lahore.

Pro tip: If you’re in need of a new book to read, Variety Books in Liberty Market has a massive selection of English books.

A bird’s eye view of Wazir Khan

9. Enjoy the view from above at Wazir Khan mosque  

Wazir Khan is one of Lahore’s most famous mosques, second only to the massive Badshahi Mosque. Most travelers know they need to pay a visit to admire its intricate tiles and paintings… but not everyone knows it’s also possible to check it out from above!

The men who collect shoes at the entrance also have keys to other parts of the mosque. For a bit of baksheesh —at this point around 500 Rs—they’ll let you up into one of the mosque’s minarets. The minarets offer a great view of both the mosque and the busy bazaar streets of Lahore’s walled city. Win-win!

10. Go underground at Shahi Hamam  

An opulent and slightly subterranean Persian-style bathhouse right next to Delhi Gate, Shahi Hamam is easy to miss despite being close to the famed Wazir Khan. Thanks to a loving restoration funded by the Agha Khan Foundation a few years back, the painted, vaulted halls are in surprisingly good condition for a historical site in Pakistan. Good thing, as it’s the last historical hamam in all of Lahore!

A typical  haveli courtyard

11. Hunt havelis in the Walled City

Haveli hunting might be one of my favorite things to do in Lahore. Seemingly endless numbers of havelis , historic mansions, line the claustrophobic streets of the old city. Most are in disarray, some are still occupied by family servants, all still have majestic airs despite years of neglect.

Don’t be afraid to knock on doors and ask to poke your head inside! Many of the people maintaining the properties will happily show you around if you’re nice, though you’ll have to use your imagination at times.

If you don’t have an Urdu-speaking friend who can help you say hello, try the Haveli Nau Nihal Singh . It’s been converted into a girls’ school, so try visiting in the mid- to late afternoon when school isn’t in session.

12. Shop for psychedelic salwar kameez at Generation in Packages Mall

I hate shopping with a flaming passion, and still I recommend this.

If you don’t yet have local clothes to wear, Generation is, by far, my favorite Pakistani clothing store. All of its readymade clothes are insanely colorful and uniquely geometric in design (as opposed to the feminine floral patterns favored by the fashion industry) . They also make an effort to use stronger and more “realistic” women as models, rather than pasty pale waifs.

Generation has both standalone stores and shops in malls; I prefer the branch in the shiny new (and air-conditioned) Packages Mall in Gulberg.

14. Ogle socialites over (real) coffee in Gulberg

As a tourist, you’ll likely spend more time in cramped bazars and historical buildings than chic new digs. But it’s important to see both sides of modern Pakistan, and Mall 1 is the place to go to rub shoulders with Pakistan’s upper class.

Grab a blissfully legit cup of coffee at Mocca , then sit and watch heavily made up ladies snap selfies with the latest iPhones while men tap away on sleek laptops with a side of coffee. Or just whore out their stable wifi. That’s cool, too.

Sunny afternoon at Dai Anga mosque

15. See history clash with modernity at Dai Anga mosque

Hidden from sight but a stone’s throw away from Lahore Junction railway station, Dai Anga mosque is a 17th-century work of Mughal art… but poor restoration practices are consuming it slowly but surely.

The mosque is covered head to toe in stunning tile inlay work typical of the Mughal era. However, recent renovations were made in a less tasteful sense, and much of the interior (and portions of the exterior) are covered in tiles more like what you’d find in a bathroom than on the side of a mosque.

Nevertheless, what remains of the original work is stunning, and it’s definitely a great place to see when you visit Lahore.

16. Breakfast on… goat hooves?!

Nothing like waking up early in the morning to chow down on a delicious and nutritious breakfast of… mutton hooves. Wait, what?!

Definitely not nutritious—but still delicious— paye is a traditional Lahori breakfast made from slow-cooked sheep or goat hooves. Though foreign palates may find it intense for breakfast, it’s something travelers should try at least once… and your desi creds will rise exponentially if you tell Lahoris you ate a paye nashta (breakfast) . You can find it all over the city; here’s a list of paye places from Mangobaaz.

Kebabs cooking at 4 in the morning in the Walled City

17. Actually… just eat everything

Who am I kidding trying to only include a few food suggestions on this list?

To say Lahoris love food would be a gross understatement. It’s possible to stuff yourself at literally any time of day in Lahore if you know where to go. You can eat dinner OR breakfast at 4 in the morning.

There’s no better way to get to know Lahori and Punjabi culture than by eating sickening quantities of food. The Hungerist has an awesome list of local desi foods to try in Lahore.

18. Jog it all off in Model Town park

Fact: you’re going to get fat in Lahore (unless you get sick, in which case my sympathies and I hope you recover soon so you can continue eating).

If weight gain bothers you, realize it’s inevitable in Pakistan, and acknowledge the best you can do is stay active between all the feeding. There aren’t many places to jog in Lahore without asphyxiating from air pollution, being stared down by men, or getting run over by rickshaws, but Model Town park has a nice, tree-lined 2 km loop where you can burn off 1/10 th of your paratha caloric intake without dying. Bring cash, entrance is 10 Rs.

Pro tip: Model Town’s visitors don’t stare (much), so ladies, feel free to jog in a t-shirt. Leave the shorts at home, though.

Sunset over Shalimar Gardens

19. Stroll about in Shalimar Gardens

These Mughal-era UNESCO World Heritage-listed gardens could use a lot of upkeep, but they make for a pleasant stroll nonetheless. When I visited, “garden” was a bit of a stretch, but there are sometimes-filled waterways and tiled archways around the perimeter that (almost) justify the 500 Rs foreigner entrance fee . Besides, there are only so many places to find this kind of serenity when visiting Lahore.

Kids playing in Miryam Zamani

20. Seek out the mother of mosques

17 th century Miryam Zamani mosque , also known as Begum Shahi mosque, is the oldest known Mughal monument in Lahore. Despite being close to Lahore Fort, it’s often overlooked since it was consumed by more modern buildings. It’s not the most majestic mosque you’ll see in Pakistan, but the details in the interior are stunning. A must if you’re interested in the Mughal history of Lahore.

A proper Mughal bagh, I dig

21. Dive into history at the peaceful Tomb of Dai Anga

Off of the congested GT Road is a grand gateway leading to the little-known Mughal Tomb of Dai Anga, the wet nurse of ruler Shah Jahan. Yes, the same Dai Anga of Dai Anga mosque mentioned earlier—clearly she was valued!

Surrounded by pleasantly green and manicured gardens, and rather well-preserved as far as Pakistani monuments go, the peaceful 17th-century tomb is perfect for an off the beaten track historical jaunt in Lahore.

22. Pay tribute to the patron saint of Lahore

Data Ganj Bakhsh, a Sufi poet and mystic, is entombed in Data Darbar. South Asia’s largest Sufi shrine, and one of Pakistan holiest places, is open at all times of day, but if you really want to see the crowds turn out in his name, visit on Thursday evening. Many devotees come to offer prayers then, as Thursday’s sunset marks the start of the holy day of the week.

Colonial architecture at its finest

23. Lose yourself in Lahore Museum

If it’s particularly hot and/or rainy, Lahore Museum is your calling. Don’t expect Smithsonian-level exhibits, but it’s decent as far as museums in Pakistan go. The beautiful colonial establishment has a particularly extensive collection of Gandharan art, something you should see if your time in Pakistan won’t allow for visiting the Buddhist historical sites in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

24. Get stoned on bhang ka papad  

Not that I condone drug use (cough) but you can buy weed edibles on the streets of Lahore.

Bhang ka papad are those crispy fried papadum chips you sometimes get as a side with meals at Indian and Pakistani restaurants… but with weed inside. They look like ass and taste like grass, but eat one (or two) and you’ll get a strong buzz on.

Don’t worry, it tastes as gross as it looks

Papadum sellers on the road in Anarkali often have a few hidden underneath piles of normal papadum. Ask for “bhang” or “bhang ka papad” without being loud or sketchy and they’ll probably be amused and sell them to you for around 20 Rs per piece. Don’t overdo it, though—edible highs are strong, last much longer than smoking, and take an hour or two to kick in. Be patient, be careful.

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Quick day trips from Lahore I think are worth the effort  

Though there’s plenty of amazing places to visit in Lahore, try venturing out of the city for a change of scenery. These all require transportation to get to, so consider contacting my friend Aneeqa of the Mad Hatters if you need assistance arranging day trips from Lahore.

A sunny afternoon at Jahangir’s Tomb

25. Relax for an afternoon at Jehangir’s Tomb

On Lahore’s outskirts, about 45 minutes away from the city center, lies Jahangir’s Tomb. The tomb of Jahangir is an ornate 17th-century Mughal mausoleum in excellent condition (for Pakistan, anyway), and green lawns blanket the sprawling complex. It’s the perfect place to seek a bit of fresh-ish air and peace and quiet if Lahore’s clusterfuck is hitting a nerve. Bring a towel and a book, and you can spend an hour or two relaxing under the trees between people asking for selfies.

Pro tip: There’s a back entrance you can use if determined to avoid foreigner ticket charges.

The sarovar, sacred pool for washing, at the Sikh gurdwara Nankana Sahib

26. Sight Sikh-ing in Nankana Sahib

To get a taste of other religions in Pakistan, head two hours west to Nankana Sahib, home to a handful of Sikh gurdwaras . It’s said the first Sikh guru, Guru Nanak, was born in the city. His gurdwara, now known simply as Nankana Sahib, is visited by millions of Sikh pilgrims each year. Bring a scarf or head covering: both men and women must cover their heads inside gurdwaras.

Pro tip: Langar , a simple free meal, is served during common mealtimes at gurdwaras. If you’re hungry—and/or a cheapskate—ask if langar is available.

Sufi qawwali music at the shrine of Baba Bulleh Shah

27. Get mystical at Baba Bulleh Shah’s shrine in Kasur

The Shrine of Baba Bulleh Shah is only an hour or two outside of Lahore, and an important stop for anyone interested in Sufi poetry. Bulleh Shah’s words have been made famous in the modern day by Sufi singers such as Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Abida Parveen , and are an essential part of the musical tapestry of Sindh and Punjab. If you don’t know much about him/the music, no worries—there’s often someone playing Sufi qawwali music in the shrine.

Harmonium player at the shrine of Baba Shah Kamal Chisti in Kasur

28. Find peace at the shrine of Shah Kamal Chisti

If you’re heading out to Kasur for the shrine of Baba Bulleh Shah, you might as well stop at the shrine of Shah Kamal Chisti, too! The hilltop shrine isn’t as grandiose as Bulleh Shah’s, but it’s more peaceful and intimate in feel. Don’t miss the harmonium player who hangs out in the courtyard; he’s happy to play music for guests if asked.

Nationalism at its finest and fullest

29. Drench yourself in nationalism at the India-Pakistan border

Admittedly I didn’t enjoy the Wagah border ceremony… but other people do, so I can’t leave it off the list.

The daily ceremony on the India-Pakistan border happens before sunset. Ceremonial guards on either side of the border stomp, shout, and kick high in a performance meant to show solidarity between the two countries, then lower flags simultaneously.

(Yes, this is the border where you can cross into India. No, you can’t just cross over unless you have an Indian visa already.)

In my opinion, the ceremony stirs up unnecessarily aggressive nationalist sentiments under the guise of cooperation… but make your own conclusions. On the bright side, it’s fun to see the actual border guards hanging out and talking with each other. Not everyone is as averse as they may seem.

Pro tip: The border is accessible by Careem; get there around 4 to ensure a seat before it starts. Leave big bags at home, you aren’t allowed to bring them into the stadium.

30. Kick it at an even more intimate border ceremony

If you want to get fully off the beaten track, head to the Gandha Singh Wala border ceremony outside of Kasur. A more intimate alternative to the popular Wagah Border ceremony, it’s structured differently as the border runs diagonally through the seating area and people don’t actually cross this border. Onlookers from either country are seated much closer together.

Note that you may have trouble accessing it depending on the mood of the security guards working the check posts leading to the border. Like the Wagah border ceremony, leave all big bags behind.

Family outing at Hiran Minar

31. Poke around a pimping pet reserve

There are pets, and then there are  pets . In the Mughal era, anyway.

Sheikhupura, a town about one hour outside of Lahore, hosts the world’s most opulent homage to a pet (according to me). In the 17th century, Emperor Jahangir built a game reserve in the area so posh Mughals could experience nature and go hunting close to Lahore. Eventually he built a minaret on the land in honor of his beloved pet antelope, Mansiraj. Never one for understatement, Mughal ruler Shah Jahan later added a pavilion complex and pool.

Luckily or unluckily, hunting no longer takes place on the land, but visitors can relax on the green park grounds or go for boat rides around the pool. If you head there early in the morning, you’ll likely see still waters reflecting the pavilion at the pool’s center. This is definitely one of the more interesting day trips you can take from Lahore.

Laying out the wares early in the morn’

32. Savor aromas at a wholesale flower market

Casually known as  phool mandi , flower market, this technicolored dream lurks across the river near the Saghian Bypass. Though there are other flower markets in Lahore, this is the city’s largest. Here people come to bid on wholesale quantities of flowers (1,000 PKR or less for a massive bundle? Tempting!) as well as buy garlands and bouquets for weddings and other events.

For the most floral experience, you’ll need to crawl out of bed before the crack of dawn: vendors start selling flowers around sunrise, and most will be whisked away by 8 or 9 in the morning. Note that the flower market spans both sides of the main road. The wholesale bidding area will be on your right when coming from Lahore. It’s a hike, but this is one of the best cultural things to do in Lahore on the list!

Map of things to do in Lahore

Click around to get an idea of what’s where, or view a full-size version here .

Jinne Lahore nahi dekhya, o jamya nahi. If you have not seen Lahore, you have not yet been born.

Most popular sights in Lahore

Above are some offbeat and unique places to visit in Lahore. If you’re short on time—or just want to visit the most popular places in Lahore—check out the following things to do in Lahore:

Badshahi Mosque

Probably Pakistan’s most famous mosque, Badshahi Mosque is stunning at any time of day. The mosque was built during the rule of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb to commemorate his successful military campaigns… and yes, it’s essentially the grander sister of Delhi’s Jama Masjid. Badshahi is especially impressive during big prayer gatherings, as the mosque can hold about 100,000 people. Note that non-Muslims are requested to leave during major prayer times; you can get a view of the mosque’s interior from the nearby Food Street restaurants.

Lahore Fort

Lahore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most famous tourist attractions in all of Pakistan. With its newly restored picture wall, glittering mirrored Sheesh Mahal, and cool summer palace area, the fort is truly a sight to behold. Construction started under the first Mughal emperor Akbar, with additions by Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. Tickets are 500 Rs per person for foreigners.

Wazir Khan Mosque and Shahi Hamam

Basically opposite of each other near the Walled City’s famous Delhi gate, the colorful walls of Wazir Khan are some of Pakistan’s prettiest, and the basement bathhouse of Shahi Hamam is one of the best restored Mughal-era sites in the country. Entrance to the mosque is free, but tickets to Shahi Hamam are 500 Rs per person for foreigners.

Travel guide for getting more out of Lahore

For more information on things to do in Lahore, as well as very detailed public transportation information about how to reach some of these sights, get a copy of the Pakistan Traveller guide by my friend Tim . By far the most comprehensive Pakistan travel guide, it has everything you need to make your Lahore/Pakistan adventure as smooth as can be.

More blog posts about Pakistan

Traveling to Pakistan soon? I have a million and one posts in my Pakistan archives , but here are the ones I recommend most to first time visitors:

• Pakistan travel guide: Things to know before you go
• Is Pakistan safe for travel?
• What to expect when traveling in Pakistan
• A massive guide to female travel in Pakistan
• Homestays in Pakistan?
• First timer’s guide to train travel in Pakistan

Yay transparency! There are affiliate links in this post. If you buy something using my link, I get a bit of change at no extra cost to you. It’s how I cover the costs of running the blog!

Alex Reynolds

25 thoughts on “ a unique list of things to do in lahore, pakistan ”.

Nice dear Alex, it’s an article where love with Lahore is super saturated. Weldone, having a deep eye on Lahore places, foods, events and even bhang papads. Marvelous. Very much appreciable.

By far the best travel guide for Lahore! Being a lahori, I can safely say that this article captures the true essence of my city.

This is exactly what I have been searching for. I could hug whoever wrote this — thank you so much!!!

Impressive! Thanks for sharing this.

Pretty thorough and useful.

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3-Day Itinerary for Lahore: The Cultural Heart of Pakistan

By Author Christian L.

Posted on Published: October 8, 2020  - Last updated: October 2, 2021

Categories Asia , Destinations , Pakistan

As the cultural capital of Pakistan, the historic city of Lahore is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Southern Asia. Yet, this city sees very few international tourists and hasn’t been changed much by globalization, allowing it to keep its refreshing authenticity.

Top things you should do in Lahore, the cultural capital of Pakistan

Walking around Lahore, you can get an insightful glimpse into what local life is truly like, even in the main tourist areas.

The bustling markets and people on motorbikes flying by you might give you culture shock at first, but the sheer friendliness of the locals will make you feel welcomed right away.

Here’s how to spend 3 perfect days in the cultural heart of Pakistan, including the best places to see in Lahore and the most delicious local dishes to try.

Wander Around the Lahore Fort

Lahore Fort, A Must visit.

Start your visit to Lahore by exploring one of the main historical jewels of the city: the majestic Lahore Fort citadel.

There are over 21 attractions and monuments within its large complex, so be sure to allocate enough time for this place — you can easily spend half a day here!

Most of the attractions inside this citadel date back to the 17th century, and walking around, you’ll see lots of monuments from the Mughal Empire. In fact, Lahore Fort was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its splendid Mughal architecture.

Wandering around Lahore Fort is a very peaceful experience. As with almost all tourist attractions in Lahore, you won’t find any large tour groups or crowds. There’s plenty of nature and greeneries inside this complex, as well as a beautiful view of the nearby Badshahi Mosque.

The star of the citadel is definitely the Shish Mahal (Palace of Mirrors). It was built by Shah Jahan in the 1630s and showcased incredible interior stucco decorations.

You’ll be amazed by all the shiny glass mirror-work inside this palace, which was built for the empress at the time!

Inside Lahore Fort

Some of the other key places to see inside Lahore Fort include the Jahangir’s Sleeping Quarters, the Hall of Public Audience, and the Naulakha pavilion.

There are also three museums inside the complex, and they exhibit everything from miniature paintings to ancient armoury and calligraphy. Insider’s tip: the museums close about an hour before sunset, so make sure to time your visit accordingly!

Explore the Majestic Badshahi Mosque

Badshahi Mosque a landmark of Lahore and the second largest Mosque in Pakistan  

Directly across Lahore Fort is the most famous monument in Lahore: the breathtaking Badshahi Mosque, the second largest mosque in Pakistan . The beauty and splendour of this structure are hard to put into words; you’ll have to see it with your own eyes.

Carved red sandstones are distinct features of its architecture, as they were symbols of Mughal-era art. Around 100,000 worshippers can fit into the mosque’s vast courtyard, which was used as a military base for much of its history.

Spend at least a few hours exploring every corner of this mosque, and don’t forget to go inside as well; the details of its architecture will truly astound you.

The Badshahi Mosque is also a great place for photography, and one of the best spots to capture it is from its gorgeous side pavilions.

You’ll find lots of unique angles there and can also frame your shot creatively, taking in parts of the pavilion arches into the composition as well. I did that using wide-angle lenses for Sony A6400 , a setup that worked great given the sheer size of the mosque!

Taste the Local Cuisine at Fort Road Food Street

Visiting the Badshahi Mosque comes with another added bonus: it’s only a 5-minute walk to the best food street in town — Fort Road Food Street.

Lahore is popularly deemed as the food capital of Pakistan, so a trip here would be utterly incomplete without tasting some of its local specialities.

There’s really no better place to start your culinary adventure than at Fort Road Food Street, which is home to a dozen restaurants offering authentic local dishes. Some of the best ones are Cooco’s Den, Andaaz Restaurant, and Haveli Restaurant.

All of them also have terraces that provide guests with a magnificent view of the Badshahi Mosque, and I especially recommend getting there for sunset; it truly makes that view extra special!

Walk Around the Delhi Gate Market

Delhi Gate Market in Lahore

Start your second day in Lahore by strolling around one of the best local markets in the Old City: the Delhi Gate Market. This is a great place to chat with locals and get a glimpse into what life is like for them.

The market is bustling with action, movement, and beautiful colours, and the atmosphere there is absolutely incredible. It also carries an incredible history; it’s one of the only 6 gates leading up to the Walled City of Lahore that’s still standing today (there used to be 13 of them, but the rest have all gotten destroyed by war).

Admire the Peaceful Masjid Wazir Khan

The beautiful Masjid Wazir Khan is so close to the Delhi Gate Market that you can see one of its minarets from the vendor’s stalls.

Make your way there after visiting the market and spend some time enjoying the serene and peaceful atmosphere there.

Being a lot smaller than Badshahi Mosque, Masjid Wazir Khan is even quieter and less crowded. Its entrance gate is covered in intricate Mughal-era tilework and frescoes, a truly breathtaking sight.

For 500 rupees, you can also climb one of the minarets to get an incredible bird’s-eye view of the Old City of Lahore!

Take a Stroll at the Shalimar Bagh Gardens

For some more relaxation, pay a quick visit to the Shalimar Bagh (or Shalimar Gardens), where you’ll see lots of families with kids hanging around.

There’s also a large pool in the complex along with tons of fountains all around, creating a lovely relaxing atmosphere.

A fun fact to know about this garden is that it was commissioned by the same emperor who commissioned the Taj Mahal — Emperor Shah Jahan.

Discover the Stunning Tomb of Jahangir

The Tomb of Jahangir

The last stop on your second day in Lahore is to one of the most remarkable spots in the city: the Tomb of Jahangir. Jahangir was a 17th century Mughal Emperor whose tomb is the only Mughal tomb still standing in Pakistan today.

The architecture of the Tomb of Jahangir is truly something else; you’ll see some really intricate mosaic stonework called pietra dura all over the structure, which took 10 whole years to build.

Get your camera ready because there are plenty of details to capture here! Outside the tomb, there’s also a large garden and green spaces to relax in. I recommend spending a few hours here to truly soak in the grandeur of this place!

Learn history at the Lahore Museum

As you’ve probably gathered already, Lahore is a city packed with history, and one really great place to learn about it is the Lahore Museum.

This building is home to an extensive collection of artistic and cultural artefacts, including ancient jewellery, armoury, paintings, sculptures, coins, rare manuscripts, woodwork, and musical instruments.

These items date all the way back to the Gandhara, Mughal, British, and Sikh empires.

I recommend spending around 2 hours exploring this museum, and to bring a guide with you if you want to properly understand the meaning of the artefacts there.

Shop at the Anarkali Bazaar

Not too far from the Lahore Museum is the Anarkali Bazaar, one of the largest markets in the city. This bazaar is split into two sections: the Old Anarkali and the New Anarkali.

You’ll find mostly traditional foods and snacks at the Old Anarkali Bazaar, whereas the New Anarkali Bazaar is filled with budget clothing and shoe stores.

There are also tons of traditional handicrafts, embroidery, and jewellery sold there, all at very affordable prices. To get between the Old section and the New section, I recommend grabbing a rickshaw.

It’s not only very cheap but also a great way to experience local life and immerse yourself in the environment. Even if you’re not interested in shopping, this bazaar is still an amazing place to observe local life and people-watch!

Grab a Delicious Meal at Butt Karahi

If you ask locals to recommend places to eat in Lahore, almost every one of them would mention Butt Karahi in Lakshmi Chowk, which is not too far from the Anarkali Bazaar.

This small restaurant is truly worth the hype — it really is the best place to taste karahi, the popular local speciality.

This dish typically consists of mutton or chicken stir-fried and simmered with tomatoes in a deep, circular pan. It’s then served with rich spices such as pepper, ginger, and cilantro. It’s definitely one of the most flavorful and tasty dishes you can have in Lahore, so definitely give it a try!

Explore the Magnificent Grand Jamia Mosque

The last stop on your trip to Lahore will be the Grand Jamia Mosque, the third-largest mosque in Pakistan. You’ll see that the architecture there is very similar to that of Masjid Wazir Khan and Badshahi Mosque — beautifully intricate tilework, large chandeliers, and marble floors are just a few of the common elements they share.

What this mosque offers in addition, though, is a museum in its basement that houses a rare collection of Qurans.

There are plenty of cultural and historical things to do in Lahore to fill up 3 amazing days, and I hope this itinerary has given you plenty of inspiration and ideas! Last but not least, don’t forget to chat with the friendly locals during your time in Lahore.

Many people in Lahore speak good English and love talking to foreigners — the local hospitality in this city is truly heartwarming!

Author bio:

Jiayi Wang is the London-based writer and photographer behind The Diary of a Nomad , a travel blog with a special focus on less-visited destinations. She hopes to inspire more people to see the world through her travel guides and photography.

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Friday 9th of October 2020

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Some of the Best Attractions to Visit in Lahore

Home » Tourism » Some of the Best Attractions to Visit in Lahore

If you haven’t seen Lahore, you haven’t been born! Truer words have never been spoken about the capital of Punjab and the second largest city in the country, which is home to around 11 million charged souls. The history of the city dates back 2,000 years to a time when Islam was new to the subcontinent. It was also the ruling seat of the Mughal Empire, and therefore, a major cultural centre, with emperors adding a number of architectural marvels to the city to beautify it further. As such, there are a lot of places to visit in Lahore for local and international tourists.

Regardless of whether you are there for work or pleasure, Lahore’s ancient monuments offer a unique historic charm that makes you fall in love with them and the city. Playing host to various cultures and religions over the years, Lahore also has many religious sites that are worthy of your visit. Here, we’ll give you a brief overview of the best religious and historical attractions to visit in Lahore. We’ll also share the top shopping destinations in Lahore, should you need to shop for souvenirs. You can then close the day by enjoying a meal at the best food streets in Lahore. Stay with us…

Historic Attractions to Visit in Lahore

Lahore has seen Mughal, Sikh, as well as British rule, and various rulers have left their distinct marks on the city. Here are some of the top historical places to visit in Lahore:

1. Lahore Fort

The Shahi Qila or Lahore Fort is a Mughal-era structure near the walled city of Lahore. The fort houses more than 20 monuments within its walls. Being built to its current design by Emperor Akbar and after being home to many successive Mughal emperors, the fort then became the residence of Ranjit Singh, a ruler of the Sikh Empire. The fort later saw the rise and fall of the British rule. While time has taken a toll on its magnificent construction, the fort still rivals its counterparts located in Delhi and Agra in India.

Visitors can enter the fort through the Alamgiri Gate—a huge arched entrance with beautiful carvings that is large enough to allow an elephant mounted caravan of royals to pass through it. Moti Masjid is the next attraction to visit here. Located near the gate, it was built by Emperor Shah Jahan and is one of the earliest ‘Pearl Mosques’ built during the Mughal rule. The fort also has a Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience) and a Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), along with the Emperor’s sleeping quarters, which have now been turned into a museum for Mughal era antiques.

Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) is another prominent site to vest within the Lahore Fort. Built by Shah Jahan for the Empress and her court, the white marble walls of the palace are decorated with small pieces of mirrors to create a mosaic effect.

2. Minar-e-Pakistan

Commemorating the signing of the Pakistan Resolution on the 23 rd of March 1940, by the All-India Muslim League, the Minar-e-Pakistan holds extreme historical and political significance for the people of Pakistan. The monument is built in Iqbal Park, which is one of the largest urban parks in the country. Minar-e-Pakistan is around 60 metres tall, set on a base that is about 8 metres above ground level. The construction took eight years to complete, from 1960 to 1968.

3. Shalimar Gardens

Spread over 80 acres and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shalimar Gardens were built somewhere around 1641 by Emperor Shah Jahan. The gardens are a true reflection of Mughal architecture, containing ponds, waterfalls, as well as three distinct terraces known as ‘Farah Baksh’ (meaning Bestower of Pleasure), ‘Faiz Baksh’ (meaning Bestower of Goodness), and ‘Hayat Baksh’ (meaning Bestower of Life).

4. Lahore Museum

Lahore Museum is one of the best museums in Pakistan and is also among the top attractions to visit in Lahore. The museum was established in the latter half of the 1800s during British rule and is home to around 20 different galleries containing works of arts, relics, sculptures, and other artefacts, dating back to the Gandharan period. The museum also hosts one of the most comprehensive collections of the history of the Indian sub-continent. Also, there are many Islamic artefacts, including ancient manuscripts of the Quran on display at the museum.

5. Jahangir’s Tomb

Located in Shahdara Bagh, the tomb of the Emperor Jahangir was built in the 17 th century, over a period of 10 years. While his son, Emperor Shah Jahan, is credited with creating this beautiful tomb in memory of his father, the tomb was actually designed by Jahangir’s most beloved wife, Nur Jahan, who built her own tomb within Shahdara Bagh in a similar style, so that she could be buried there when the time came. The structure was created out of red sandstone and is elaborately decorated with motifs of white marble.

6. Wagah Border

No trip to Lahore can be complete without witnessing the Wagah border ceremony that takes place every evening at the border between India and Pakistan. It is a synced military performance that has been taking place at the border since 1959 and a large crowd of both foreigners and locals gather here for the display every day.

Religious Places to Visit in Lahore

A lot of Islamic architecture was built in Lahore during Mughal rule and the top two religious attractions to visit in Lahore are:

7. Badshahi Mosque

Completed in 1674, the Badshahi Mosque was built during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb. It is one of the largest mosques in the world, and its red sandstone façade opposite the Alamgiri Gate of the Lahore Fort reflects the architecture of the time.

The mosque has four minarets, each of which is around 60 metres tall, along with three domes made of white marble and a vast open courtyard for worshippers. The tomb of the Poet of the Nation, Allama Muhammad Iqbal can also be found here, in this very courtyard, built from the same red sandstone as the mosque itself. A separate section on the premises also houses Islamic relics belonging to the Prophet (PBUH) and his family.

8. Wazir Khan Mosque

One of the other religious sites to visit during your trip to Lahore is the Wazir Khan Mosque, located in the older part of town. It was commissioned in 1634 by Emperor Shah Jahan and took around seven years to build, which is not surprising, considering the impressive tile work that decorates its façade. Persian tile work and motifs continue to amaze as visitors enter the mosque, with its interior being equally beautiful as its entrance.

Shopping Destinations and Food Streets in Lahore

Taking along a few souvenirs is one of the top things to do in Lahore. So, we’ve not only listed the best places for you to shop, but also where you should eat while you visit Lahore:

9. Anarkali Bazaar and Liberty Market

If you are looking for locally produced handicrafts, you should visit one of the many street markets in Lahore , where you will find everything from clothes to jewellery, footwear, and souvenirs. Anarkali Bazaar and Liberty Market are two top choices for anyone visiting the city. However, as is the case with most street markets in the country, haggling for prices is the norm here. Use a few quick tips to haggle like a pro and get the best bargains for your money. With regards to high-end shopping, there are a number of malls in Lahore that can cater to your needs.

10. Food Street and M. M. Alam Road

If you wish to grab a quick bite to eat, the Fort Road Food Street in Lahore serves local delicacies with a fabulous view of the Badshahi Mosque. If you’re looking for fine dining options, M. M. Alam Road is where you should go, as the road has quickly become a commercial hub with many local and international restaurants opening up their outlets in the area.

Lahore’s ancient history has left behind several monuments, shrines, and tombs to explore, especially within the old walled city of Lahore. The list we’ve shared above lists only some of the best places to visit in Lahore so you can get a taste of the rich history and architecture here. If your trip is about to take you towards the country’s capital, don’t forget to visit some of the must-see places in Islamabad as well. Safe travels!

For more tourism posts on local and international destinations, keep following Zameen Blog, Pakistan’s best travel and tourism blog .

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Blog » Uncategorized » 10 Best Places to Visit in Lahore: All of Lahore’s Famous Places, Their Addresses, Specialities and Much More!

10 Best Places to Visit in Lahore: All of Lahore’s Famous Places, Their Addresses, Specialities and Much More!

Best Places to Visit in Lahore

Lahore is a city steeped in history and culture, with a rich heritage that spans centuries. Known for its vibrant bazaars, delicious food, and beautiful architecture, it’s no wonder it’s a popular destination for tourists. This blog will explore some of the best places to visit in Lahore, including their addresses, specialities, and much more. From the stunning Badshahi Mosque to the bustling Liberty Market, there’s something for everyone in Lahore. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a unique travel experience, this guide will help you plan the perfect trip to Lahore. 

Lahore Fort

Badshahi mosque, lahore museum, minar e pakistan, food street lahore, shalimar bagh, anarkali bazaar, wagah border, masjid wazir khan, jahangir’s tomb.

Lahore Fort is one of the most iconic locations in Pakistan. It is located on the banks of River Ravi and provides a spectacular view of the city of Lahore. It is an archaeological site that dates back to 1498 when Sultan Mahmud Shah Tughluq originally built it.

The fort has been reconstructed several times since then. In 2007, it was added to the World Heritage List under its original name (Lahore Fort) by UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee as one of “the oldest and largest forts in Asia.” 

The main attraction at Lahore Fort is its architecture. There are rooms built into the walls of this massive structure that contain artefacts from all over Asia, including India and China. It is one of the best places to visit in Lahore. 

Address 

Fort Rd, Walled City of Lahore, Lahore, Punjab

Monday – Sunday: 8:30 am–5 pm

Due to its location and history, the Badshahi Mosque is one of the most visited sites in Lahore. It is also one of the oldest mosques in Pakistan and Asia, which makes it an important cultural landmark for both locals and tourists visiting this area.

The Badshahi Mosque is well-known for its architecture, which includes paintings on its walls depicting scenes from Islamic history. The mosque is made up of red sandstone and has five domes on top of each other, making it among beautiful places in Lahore.

Walled City of Lahore, Lahore, Punjab

Monday – Sunday: 8 am–8 pm

Among Lahore’s famous places, Lahore Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the rich history and cultural heritage of Lahore. The museum houses a vast collection of artefacts and antiques from the Indus Valley Civilization, the Gandhara period, the Mughal era, and the British Raj, providing visitors with a comprehensive overview of the city’s history. Additionally, the museum’s collection of Islamic art, including calligraphy and manuscripts, is considered one of the world’s finest. Indeed one of the best places to visit in Lahore.

H895+93H, Mall Rd, Anarkali Bazaar Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan

Monday – Sunday: 9 am–4 pm

Friday: Closed

Minar-e-Pakistan is a historical landmark in Lahore, Pakistan, that serves as a symbol of the country’s independence. The tower stands 60 meters high and is constructed of steel and concrete. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful architecture and learn about the history of Pakistan’s independence movement. Additionally, it offers a panoramic view of Lahore, and visitors can enjoy a peaceful and serene environment. It is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the history and culture of Pakistan. 

Circular Rd, Walled City of Lahore, Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan

Food Street Lahore, also known as Gawal Mandi Food Street, is a popular destination for foodies visiting Lahore, one of the most beautiful places in Lahore. The street is lined with numerous traditional eateries and restaurants serving various authentic Lahori dishes. Visitors can enjoy the bustling street scene and watch local vendors prepare their dishes. You can find everything from chaat, gol gappa to biryani, kebabs, and ras malai here. 

Walled City of Lahore, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

Monday – Sunday: Open 24 hours

You’ve probably heard of Shalimar Bagh, but you might not know that it’s one of the most beautiful gardens in Lahore.

Shalimar Bagh was once a summer residence for Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It’s now more famous for its beautiful gardens and colourful flowers. The garden features over 200 varieties of roses, including some rare species that were brought in from other countries (like China). It’s also home to some beautiful seasonal flowers that bloom during April.

The garden is most famous for its architectural beauty, but it also offers a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxing with family and friends.

AH1, G. T. Road, Shalamar Town, Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan

Monday – Sunday: 9 am–6 pm

If you’re visiting Lahore, there are a few things that you can do that will make your trip more memorable than visiting Anarkali Bazaar.

Anarkali Bazaar is a must-visit for anyone who loves shopping and culture in Lahore. The area has been home to many famous people throughout history, including the poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz and the actress Nargis. The bazaar is known as the “Pearl of Punjab” because of its beautiful architecture and elaborate designs. 

Anarkali Bazaar Lahore, Punjab 54000

Monday – Sunday: 9 am–9 pm

Wagah Border is where people from all over the world come to see the border between India and Pakistan. It’s an incredible sight to see, and it’s not just for tourists–it’s for everyone. It is where you can see the Pakistani flag being lowered and raised daily.

The best part? You don’t even need any special equipment or skills to get involved! You can just walk up to one side of the border fence (the Indian side) or across into Pakistan (the Pakistani side). You’ll see many vendors selling food, souvenirs and other people trying different languages.

Wahgah Border

Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Masjid Wazir Khan is a beautiful mosque that has been around for over 400 years. It’s located in the old city of Lahore, one of the oldest mosques in Pakistan. Muslim leader Muhammad Bin Qasim built this mosque in 712 CE. The mosque has an impressive history and a lot of beautiful architecture. It was initially built with white marble but later replaced with black stone due to its popularity with visitors who wanted to admire its beauty and make it one of Lahore’s famous places. 

If you’re interested in marble flooring, you need to check these Top Marble Flooring Types !

In addition to being a beautiful building, Masjid Wazir Khan has some great features, like its high ceilings and large windows, allowing visitors to see inside the building easily without getting stuck in crowds or traffic jams while visiting this historic site!

Shahi Guzargah, Dabbi Bazar, Chota Mufti Baqar Walled City of Lahore, Lahore, Punjab 54000

Monday – Sunday: 5 am–8 pm

Jahangir’s Tomb is one of the most important sites in Lahore. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a must-see for anyone who wants to see one of the greatest monuments in Pakistan. The tomb is the resting place of Emperor Jahangir and his wife Nur Jahan, who were both buried there in 1627.

It has many intricate details, including intricate lattice work on the outside and carved marble floors inside. It’s also interesting because it has been kept relatively untouched since its construction–it hasn’t been damaged by modern-day visitors or other elements like weather or earthquakes. This means there are still plenty of original features intact and visible today!

Ali hajveri street, Jahangir Tomb Rd, near Ali hajvari mosque, Lahore

Monday – Sunday: 9 am–7 pm

In conclusion, Lahore is rich in culture, history, and beauty. If you’re planning a visit to Lahore, add these places to your itinerary and take the time to explore all this fascinating city has to offer. If you want your kids to have fun as well, you can visit Winterland in Lahore . If you’re a foodie, do check out Romantic Restaurants in Lahore and Restaurants for Best Pizza in Lahore .

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The 10 Best U.S. Cities to Live in and Visit in 2024

M any factors that make the biggest cities in the United States great places to visit-good weather, world-class museums, and quality restaurants-also make them great cities to live in. Resonance , a consultancy group in real estate, tourism, and economic development, considered these factors as well as user-generated data from social media to create a comprehensive ranking of the best cities in the United States for travelers and residents.

This year, for the ninth annual list, the organization has also partnered with Ipsos for "perception-based data," according to Resonance Consultancy President and CEO Chris Fair. That means "exploring what a city offers versus how it is perceived by the broader population, says Ipsos Executive Vice President, Head of U.S. Corporate Reputation Jason McGrath. "By merging the top-of-mind destinations where people tell us they want to live, work, and visit with the rigorous evaluation of place that Resonance has been conducting for nearly a decade, we have created a more comprehensive evaluation of cities and can better advise destinations on how to strengthen their reputation," he adds.

How the cities are ranked

To determine which cities would be considered for this list, Resonance looked at U.S. cities with populations of more than 500,000. Each city was ranked based on a combination of core statistics and user-generated data from the likes of Tripadvisor and Instagram. Everything comes together for its proprietary Place Power Score.

In previous years, cities were ranked in six categories (People, Place, Product, Programming, Promotion, and Prosperity) but in 2024 they're ordered by three larger pillars: Livability, Lovability, and Prosperity. In addition to Resonance's data, Ipsos surveyed 2,000 adults on these topics, asking three key questions:

Livability: What are the top three towns or cities you would most like to live in?

Lovability: What are the top three towns or cities you would most like to visit?

Prosperity: Which three towns or cities do you think offer the best job opportunities?

These are the best cities in the United States to live in and visit in 2024, according to Resonance and Ipsos.

1. New York City

Highlighted rankings: Livability (1), Prosperity (1)

Why we love it: New York City has (once again) taken the top spot in Resonance's annual rankings. Make no mistake: Being at the top for the past few years is no easy feat. But the Big Apple has proved its staying power with renovated airports, world-class hotels , and museums enticing people to see the city.

Nowadays, there's a lot to explore in NYC's neighborhoods . Museums like the beloved Met and the Louis Armstrong House Museum in Queens have undergone renovations and expansions in recent years alongside the introduction of new destinations like the Bronx Children's Museum, the Museum of Broadway, and the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center . Meanwhile, Central Park, the High Line, the Little Island -located on the Hudson near the Meatpacking District-and other outdoor spaces entice you to come outside to relax. Midtown Manhattan has also made a comeback with a revamped Tiffany's, new hotels, and the opening of the Museum of Broadway. Getting here is even easier, too. As Resonance notes, Newark Liberty International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and John F. Kennedy International Airport all have new terminals.

Plan your next trip with Afar's Guide to New York.

2. Chicago, Illinois

Highlighted rankings: Livability (2), Prosperity (3)

Why we love it: There's plenty to celebrate in Chicago. The Resonance report notes its summer of world-class festivals, including Lollapalooza and the free Millennium Park Summer Music Series, as well as the 160 breweries. We love the city's dining scene, with noteworthy restaurants including Venteux, a French brasserie from Michelin-starred chef Donald Young, and Bazaar Meat and Bar Mar under chef José Andrés. Live music has also fully bounced back post-pandemic. Check out the Salt Shed, based in a former factory warehouse, to get your fix.

We wouldn't expect any less from a city that's historically been able to thrive in the midst of adversity. More than 150 years ago, the Great Fire destroyed over 2,000 acres of central Chicago and left nearly 100,000 people without homes. But the city hasn't let disaster define it; instead, it's met obstacles with a resilience you need to see for yourself .

"Chicago sees itself, since the fire, as a city able to withstand whatever," Shermann Dilla Thomas, a historian and lifelong resident who offers guided Chicago tours, told Afar . "It also makes us a city that doesn't believe in small plans. After you get a blank canvas, the sky's the limit."

Plan your next trip with Afar's Guide to Chicago.

3. Los Angeles, California

Highlighted rankings: Prosperity (2), Lovability (3)

Why we love it: While Hollywood's prowess is the most commonly associated aspect of Los Angeles, the city's restaurant scene in all its richness and diversity is just as intertwined with L.A.'s identity. Vanguards like La Cha Cha Chá, Alma, and even LA Plaza Cocina (a museum and teaching kitchen that honors Mexico's culinary heritage) offer outstanding dining experiences. Museums rank no. 2 only behind NYC, with the Broad, the Grand, and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures all well worth a visit.

Big events are heading this way, too. The city will host some 2026 FIFA World Cup games, the NBA All-Star Game that same year, and the Olympic Games in Summer 2028.

Plan your next trip with Afar's Guide to Los Angeles.

4. Miami, Florida

Highlighted rankings: Livability (3), Prosperity (11)

Why we love it: Miami has historically been a meeting point for the Americas, making it a no-brainer that it ranked high on the list. But in this city, diversity goes beyond nationality; the city's allure for the LGBTQ community and ex–Silicon Valley techies gives it a sense of welcome that many people are embracing.

In 2023 Miami moved into the top 10 for the first time, and this year it jumps from sixth to fourth. While it could rest on its open-minded reputation and beachside location to draw people, the city is also putting in the work to stay relevant. A new Waldorf Astoria Hotel is set to open in 2027, the most prominent construction amid a raft of new development.

Plan your next trip with Afar's Guide to Miami.

5. Las Vegas

Highlighted rankings: Livability (7), Prosperity (16)

Why we love it: Vegas-a new entry in the top 10-was ranked the second-most lovable city in America, so perhaps it's not surprising it was visited by almost 41 million people in 2023. What happens here might stay here, but its reputation precedes it.

Those visitors have even more options for accommodation and entertainment than ever before, including the $4.3 billion Resorts World Las Vegas (comprising three hotels) and the hotly anticipated Fontainebleau, which is "the largest residential/hotel structure on the strip," according to Resonance, and boasts a casual 36 restaurants. Oh yeah, and then there's The Sphere . And, from 2028, there will be a high-speed train to Vegas from Rancho Cucamonga in the Los Angeles area.

Plan your next trip with Afar's Guide to Las Vegas .

6. San Francisco, California

Highlighted rankings: Livability (4), Prosperity (6)

Why we love it: San Francisco has long drawn people and companies alike-Afar included-to the West Coast. Thanks to the Bay Area's world-renowned universities like Stanford and UC Berkeley, San Francisco has one of the most educated and prosperous populations. While the city's lack of affordable housing cannot be ignored, the migration of big companies to lower-taxed havens like Texas and Florida has produced a silver lining in lower house prices and rents .

As Resonance points out, "The city is rolling out the most daring bike and pedestrian infrastructure in America and unlocking the public space potential of places like the Presidio (featuring the new Presidio Tunnel Tops , a 14-acre park built over the Presidio Parkway highway tunnels)."

Plan your next trip with Afar's Guide to San Francisco.

7. Boston, Massachusetts

Highlighted rankings: Prosperity (7), Lovability (9)

Why we love it: Boston is home to more than 75 institutions of higher learning-including Harvard and MIT-giving it the top spot in the University category and a high ranking in the Educational attainment category. But it's not only students who come to Boston. As the oldest large city in America, it draws millions of tourists each year to see historical landmarks along the Freedom Trail , including the USS Constitution and the King's Chapel .

The old city is getting some upgrades, including a 5,000-room increase in the next six years across planned hotels like the 1,055-room Omni Boston Hotel and the Raffles Boston Back Bay Hotel. Things are also cooking in the entertainment realm, with Live Nation's construction of MGM Music Hall at Fenway. This 5,000-seat concert hall, which opened in August 2022, extends the legendary ballpark to accommodate four new levels of event space.

Plan your next trip with Afar's Guide to Boston.

8. Washington, D.C.

Highlighted rankings: Prosperity (9), Lovability (10)

Why we love it: Unsurprisingly, the nation's capital scores well for its many free museums, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture and other Smithsonian institutions like the National Air and Space Museum. In addition to all of its exhibitions are many neighborhoods worth exploring -Brookland, NoMa, Shaw, and the LGBTQ-friendly Logan Circle, to name a few-that show the city isn't relying on its history to attract locals and visitors.

What makes D.C. a city worth visiting now is new developments-$9.6 billion of them, says Elliott Ferguson, president and CEO of Destination DC. "The city has added new hotels, museums, rooftops, Michelin-rated dining, and more for travelers to explore."

Plan your next trip with Afar's Guide to Washington, D.C.

9. Seattle, Washington

Highlighted rankings: Livability (5), Prosperity (13)

Why we love it: Off in the far-most corner of the Pacific Northwest, the pine-scented idyll of Seattle is one of the country's best-kept secrets, with a high quality of life that comes from continued investment from big tech and (literally) greener pastures.

That commitment to sustainability makes it a big draw for tastemakers and creatives in various fields, many of whom spoke to Afar for our Great American Cities feature on Seattle .

Wondering what you'll get when you arrive? Top-notch boating and hiking, food and drinks, theater and music, and-from next year-a fully opened walkable, bikable waterfront.

Plan your next trip with Afar's Guide to Seattle.

10. Houston, Texas

Highlighted rankings: Prosperity (5), Lovability (14)

Why we love it: "Austin may get the attention, but the promise of the Lone Star State drawing Californians and New Yorkers is quietly being fulfilled in Houston," says Resonance. "In the past year, the metro population swelled above 7 million for the first time ever, and the city today is one of America's most ethnically diverse, with more than 145 languages spoken at home."

It's easy to see why it's so popular. For starters, the food is some of the best in the Lone Star state . Then there are the festivals, including film fests and Juneteenth bashes, and starting next year, the city will be home to the first Ismaili Center in the United States, a space "designed to embody a spirit of openness and dialogue."

Plan your next trip with Afar's Guide to Houston.

To see the full list of the 100 best cities in the United States, visit Worldsbestcities.com.

This article was originally published in 2020 and was updated in June 2024 to reflect new rankings.