places in lahore to visit at night

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Places to visit in Lahore at Night

Date: January 24, 2024 By Apricot Tours Categories: Blog No comments

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Top Nighttime Hotspots in Lahore: A Guide to the Best Places to Visit

• August 7, 2024
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Lahore, Pakistan’s cultural capital, offers a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene. The city provides a range of experiences for both locals and visitors, including rooftop bars, trendy cafes, night markets, and live music venues. Lahore’s historical landmarks and monuments take on a unique charm after dark, adding to the city’s nocturnal appeal.

The nightlife in Lahore reflects the city’s dynamic culture, blending traditional and modern influences. Visitors can choose from quiet evenings at cafes to lively outings at bustling markets. The streets come alive with energy, featuring aromatic street food and the sounds of live music.

While Lahore’s nightlife is exciting, it is important for visitors to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings when exploring the city after dark. Safety considerations should be a priority for those enjoying Lahore’s nighttime offerings. The diverse range of activities and experiences available in Lahore after sunset caters to various tastes and preferences.

This mix of entertainment options, combined with the city’s rich history and heritage, creates a unique and memorable nightlife experience for those who venture out in the evening hours.

Key Takeaways

• Lahore’s nightlife scene offers a diverse range of experiences, from rooftop bars to trendy cafes and night markets.
• The best rooftop bars and restaurants in Lahore provide stunning views of the city and delicious food and drinks.
• Exploring the trendy cafes and coffee shops in Lahore is a must for those looking for a relaxed and cozy atmosphere.
• Night markets and bazaars in Lahore are perfect for shopping and trying out delicious street food.
• Live music and entertainment venues in Lahore offer a vibrant and lively nightlife experience for locals and tourists alike.
• Historic landmarks and monuments in Lahore are beautifully illuminated at night, providing a unique and enchanting experience for visitors.
• When exploring Lahore at night, it’s important to be mindful of safety and follow recommendations such as staying in well-lit areas and avoiding isolated places.

The Best Rooftop Bars and Restaurants in Lahore

Rooftop elegance with a view.

Lahore is renowned for its stunning rooftop bars and restaurants, offering a unique blend of delectable cuisine, refreshing drinks, and breathtaking views of the city skyline. Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner with a view or a lively night out with friends, Lahore’s rooftop establishments cater to all tastes and preferences.

A Diverse Range of Options

From upscale fine dining restaurants to casual hangout spots, Lahore’s rooftop scene presents a diverse range of options to suit every mood and occasion. The ambiance of these rooftop venues is unparalleled, with twinkling city lights and a cool evening breeze adding to the overall experience.

Must-Visit Rooftop Venues

One of the most popular rooftop bars in Lahore is Cosa Nostra, located in the heart of the city. This sophisticated restaurant offers an extensive menu of Italian cuisine, an impressive selection of cocktails, and stunning views of Lahore’s skyline. Another must-visit rooftop venue is Andaaz Restaurant, which boasts panoramic views of the city’s ancient architecture, creating a unique and unforgettable dining experience.

Exploring the Trendy Cafes and Coffee Shops

Lahore’s cafe culture has been on the rise in recent years, with trendy cafes and coffee shops popping up all over the city. These establishments offer a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making them the perfect place to unwind and socialize after dark. Whether you’re in the mood for a strong cup of coffee, a sweet treat, or a light meal, Lahore’s cafes have something for everyone.

From minimalist modern spaces to charming vintage-inspired interiors, each cafe has its own unique vibe that adds to the overall experience. One of Lahore’s most popular cafes is Chai Kada, known for its laid-back ambiance and delicious chai (tea) selection. This cozy spot is perfect for catching up with friends or simply enjoying a quiet evening with a good book.

Another must-visit cafe is Cafe Aylanto, which offers a more upscale and elegant setting. With its chic decor and extensive menu of gourmet coffee and pastries, Cafe Aylanto is the perfect place for a sophisticated night out. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or simply looking for a relaxing evening in a charming setting, Lahore’s trendy cafes and coffee shops are worth exploring.

Night Markets and Bazaars for Shopping and Street Food

Lahore is famous for its bustling night markets and bazaars, which come alive with activity after dark. These vibrant spaces offer an eclectic mix of shopping opportunities, street food stalls, and entertainment options. Whether you’re in search of unique souvenirs, traditional handicrafts, or simply want to indulge in some delicious street food, Lahore’s night markets have something for everyone.

The lively atmosphere and colorful displays make these markets an essential part of the city’s nightlife scene. One of the most popular night markets in Lahore is Anarkali Bazaar, which dates back to the Mughal era and is one of the oldest markets in South Asia. Here, you can find everything from clothing and jewelry to spices and traditional Pakistani snacks.

The market comes alive at night, with vendors setting up their stalls and creating a vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and aromas. Another must-visit night market is Liberty Market, known for its wide range of clothing and accessories at affordable prices. In addition to shopping, visitors can also sample an array of street food offerings, from spicy chaat (savory snacks) to sweet jalebis (deep-fried sweets).

Whether you’re a bargain hunter or a food enthusiast, Lahore’s night markets are an essential part of the city’s nightlife experience.

Live Music and Entertainment Venues

For music lovers and entertainment enthusiasts, Lahore offers a diverse array of live music venues and performance spaces. From intimate jazz clubs to lively concert halls, there are plenty of options for enjoying live music after dark. Whether you’re into traditional Pakistani music or international genres, Lahore’s music scene has something for everyone.

The city also hosts regular cultural events and music festivals that showcase local talent and bring together music lovers from all walks of life. One of Lahore’s most iconic live music venues is Alhamra Arts Council, which hosts regular concerts, theater performances, and cultural events. This historic venue has been a hub for artistic expression in Lahore for decades, attracting both local and international talent.

Another must-visit spot for live music is The Guitar School & Studio, which offers an intimate setting for acoustic performances and jam sessions. Whether you’re looking to discover new talent or simply enjoy a night out with friends, Lahore’s live music venues are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Historic Landmarks and Monuments to Visit at Night

Architectural Wonders After Dark

Lahore is home to a wealth of historic landmarks and monuments that take on a whole new charm when illuminated at night. From ancient forts and palaces to grand mosques and mausoleums, the city’s architectural wonders are a sight to behold after dark. Exploring these historic sites at night offers a unique perspective on Lahore’s rich cultural heritage and provides an opportunity to appreciate their beauty in a different light.

Iconic Landmarks Under the Moonlight

One of Lahore’s most iconic landmarks is the Badshahi Mosque, which dates back to the Mughal era and is one of the largest mosques in the world. Visiting this magnificent structure at night allows you to witness its grandeur under the glow of moonlight, creating a truly magical experience. Another must-visit monument is Lahore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases stunning Mughal architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens.

A Nighttime Journey Through History

As you wander through the fort’s corridors and courtyards at night, you’ll be transported back in time to an era of opulence and grandeur. Whether you’re a history buff or simply appreciate architectural marvels, exploring Lahore’s historic landmarks at night is an experience not to be missed.

Safety Tips and Recommendations for Nighttime Exploration in Lahore

While Lahore’s nightlife scene is vibrant and exciting, it’s important to prioritize safety when exploring the city after dark. Here are some essential tips and recommendations for nighttime exploration in Lahore: 1. Stick to well-lit areas: When venturing out at night, stick to well-lit streets and popular tourist areas to minimize safety risks.

2. Travel in groups: Whenever possible, travel with friends or in groups to ensure safety in unfamiliar surroundings. 3.

Dress modestly: Respect local customs by dressing modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or conservative areas. 4. Avoid excessive drinking: If you plan on enjoying alcoholic beverages, do so responsibly and avoid excessive drinking to stay aware of your surroundings.

5. Use reputable transportation: When moving around the city at night, use reputable transportation options such as registered taxis or ride-sharing services. 6.

Be mindful of valuables: Keep your belongings secure and be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas. 7. Trust your instincts: If something feels off or unsafe, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation.

By following these safety tips and recommendations, you can enjoy all that Lahore’s nightlife has to offer while prioritizing your well-being and peace of mind. In conclusion, Lahore’s nightlife scene is as diverse as it is vibrant, offering something for everyone after dark. From rooftop bars with stunning views to trendy cafes serving up delicious treats, there are countless ways to enjoy the city at night.

The bustling night markets provide an opportunity for shopping and sampling street food while live music venues offer entertainment for music enthusiasts. Additionally, exploring Lahore’s historic landmarks at night provides a unique perspective on the city’s rich cultural heritage. However, it’s important to prioritize safety when exploring Lahore at night by sticking to well-lit areas, traveling in groups, dressing modestly, avoiding excessive drinking, using reputable transportation options, being mindful of valuables, and trusting your instincts.

With these tips in mind, you can make the most of Lahore’s nightlife while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience in this dynamic city.

If you’re looking for more travel inspiration, check out this article on best places to visit in Ethiopia . Ethiopia is a beautiful and diverse country with a rich history and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient ruins, hiking in the mountains, or experiencing vibrant cultural traditions, Ethiopia has something for every traveler.

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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

Read Next: 21 Amazing Festivals of Pakistan

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

🗻 Read Next: How to trek to Rakaposhi Base Camp in GB

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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The Magical City Lahore at Night

Lahore looks more beautiful than ever during the night. It is one of those cities in Pakistan where you can experience the hustle and bustle late at night. The city has many amazing landmarks and places to visit at night time. We have compiled the most amazing night-escape pictures of Lahore. You will actually understand why people say “Lahore Lahore Hai” after seeing these pictures that will surely make you fall in love with the city.

Kalma Underpass

The aerial view of Kalma Underpass (formerly known as Kalma Chowk) is just so mesmerizing to watch at night. It is one of the city’s busiest intersections in terms of traffic.

Lahore Canal at Night

Lahore Canal , especially at night, adds up more beauty to the city due to its beautiful decor and scenic effect. Sometimes you see the made-up fireflies, or the lighted Lillies in the water, while other times you get to see a whole different culture being represented with the dummy villages and Punjabi figures wearing Punjabi clothes.

The Metro Bus Track Overlooking the GC University

Another view that especially stands out is the aerial view of the metro bus track overlooking the Hogwarts-resembling building of GC University. The passengers of the metro bus especially get to enjoy the view whenever they pass the Kachehri Chowk.

Masjid Wazir Khan

Another place that presents a mesmerizing view at night is Masjid Wazir Khan . Its Mughal architecture takes you a few hundred years back and leaves you in awe of the place.

Royal Food Street Lahore

Spend some time in the corridors of history and relish the traditional foods of Punjabis at the Royal Food Street Lahore .

Allama Iqbal International Airport

One of the largest airports in Pakistan, the Allama Iqbal International Airport is definitely worth-seeing at night time. The twinkling lights into the vastness of the land, provide beautiful sights to behold.

Random Aerial Views of Different Sites in Lahore

And other amazing breathtaking places that will make you fall in love with the city.

 You can discover more interesting places in Lahore on Locally Lahore and get to know the city better. We also cover up all points of interests including popular tourism sites, restaurants, and traveling places.

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160 of the Best Things To Do in Lahore

• Things to do

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.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Moayed Bakhsh (@moayed_bakhsh)

🖼️ 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.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Taste buds (@foodstories111)

☕ 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.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Malaika Qureshi (@heytheremalayka_)

🍱 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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🕹 Playdium : Something for everyone, this arcade contains games and activities for all age groups. 🏎 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. 🛩️ 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.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vyshaly (@foodiemaskgirl)

🥩 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.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hamza Qasim 🇵🇰 (@hamzaqasim18)

⚽ 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:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Madiha Ali (@foodandartpakistan)

🍗 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!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mujtaba (@mrfoodiejournal)

🍦 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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14 Beautiful Places to Visit in Lahore in 2024 (+ Map)

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 recommend spending at least 2 days in Lahore, 3 would be better to get the most out of your time here. This city has a lot to offer and you will want to taste 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).

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission if you click on them and make a purchase. This is at no extra cost to you and it allows me to keep producing free content. 💜

The 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 state of Rajasthan in neighbouring India.

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.

🧕 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 conservative Muslim country that’s quite off the beaten path .

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 in India.

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!

📚 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.

📷 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.

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

There are plenty of hotels in Lahore, it all depends on your personal taste and budget. You will find my top recommendations below.

• Luxus Grand Hotel ( ⭐  9.2/10, $$$): This is one of Lahore’s top hotels. Its rooms are magnificent and there’s an indoor swimming pool as well.
• Faletti’s Grand MM ( ⭐  9.3/10, $$): Faletti’s Grand MM is a beautiful mid-range hotel with spacious rooms and all the facilities you might need.
• Five Giants Homestay ( ⭐  9.6/10, $): Although I didn’t stay here myself, this is an affordable homestay many travellers recommended to me. It’s located in a quiet area, it’s clean and there’s a shared kitchen.

🔫 2024 update: I stayed in Gulberg III during my third visit to Lahore and was robbed at gunpoint in broad daylight right next to my hotel (which is not listed above). This happened in a supposedly safe neighbourhood with people around and children playing in the street… I don’t mean to scare you but this is a reminder to be careful.

🇵🇰   The travel resources I use for Pakistan By purchasing through the following links, you can support me at no additional cost. 💜 🏨   Booking : To find the best hotels, hostels and guesthouses 🛺  InDrive : The best ride-hailing app for Pakistan 🛫 Skyscanner: To find the cheapest flights 🏕  GetYourGuide  &  Viator : To book great tours and activities 💰 Heymondo : One of the best-reviewed travel insurance companies (get 5% off with this link !) 📋 Don’t forget to  check if you need a visa to visit Pakistan .

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 👚 What to Wear in Pakistan: Dress Code + Outfit Ideas 👜 14 Best Souvenirs from Pakistan 🛃 Amritsar to Lahore: Crossing the Wagah Border from India to 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 been travelling solo for years. 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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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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Places to Visit in Lahore

• Date: April 22, 2022
• Category: Pakistan Travel

Here are 70 unique Places to Visit in Lahore. Read this post NOW to learn how to make the most of your time and money in this incredible city. 😍

Forget the generic lists of malls and tourist attractions: here’s a unique list of things to do on a trip to Lahore, Pakistan that will pique your curiosity. Includes off-the-beaten-path sights as well as a guide to help you get around.

By far Pakistan’s favorite city (sorry, Karachi). Sorry, Islamabad, but you’re boring.), the cultural capital never fails to entertain. Many tourists to Pakistan begin their journey in Lahore… But what are you supposed to do there?

Best Places to Visit in Lahore

There are a million intriguing sites and beautiful places to visit in Lahore (a city in Pakistan) to explore, but all of the online recommendations are lame as hell. (Or appeal only to domestic travellers in search of shopping centers .)

Historical Places in Lahore

“Badshahi Mosque,” Lahore Fort is a fortification in Lahore, Pakistan. “Food Street on Fort Road.” I mean, duh. Nobody is aware of those locations. If they don’t, it’ll just take two seconds of Googling to figure it out. What else can you do in Lahore?

These are the most beautiful places in Lahore, Pakistan that are recommended to travelers and fellow visitors to save my fingers from typing the same advice over and over again.

Witness A State Of Trance At A Sufi Dhamal

Sufis assemble for dhamal on Thursdays at shrines throughout Lahore. Mystics are put into a trance by pounding rhythms and uncontrolled dancing as you’ve never seen before, which they claim brings them closer to God. Smokable chemicals make it easier for bystanders to enter another mental state.

Dhamal ceremonies are difficult to come by since the famous dhamal at Shah Jamal has ceased due to security concerns. This is without a doubt one of the most intriguing things to do in Lahore.

Peerus Cafe Features Live Music

Vibrant Peeru’s Café is a little out of the way, but it’s one of my favourite locations in Lahore to visit. Sufi night is on Thursday, and qawwali, a foot-tapping type of Sufi music, is on Friday.

The gathering is diverse, with both young folks and families coming to listen to music while eating dinner. It’s worth seeing regardless of your age. They also serve a wide range of delectable Pakistani cuisine. One of Lahore’s more unique cafes.

Food Street Lahore

Food Street Lahore is home to some of the city’s top eateries, many of which are influenced by the Mughal Empire. There are numerous restaurants, as well as roadside dhabas and local food booths. Food Street is the most beautiful place to visit, where you may experience the blend of old traditions, culture, and Pakistani cuisine. Locals and residents of Food Street Lahore are friendly and active. It is a spot where you may truly appreciate the true hues of life.

The front view of Food Street Lahore features the awe-inspiring BadShahi Masjid, if you genuinely want to experience the historic life, come to this beautiful Food Street Lahore and spend the entire day and night with lively people while admiring the night view of the beautiful BadShahi Masjid Lahore.

Booze Behind The Scenes

Alcohol is not entirely forbidden in the Islamic Republic, contrary to popular belief. Did you know that if you’re a foreigner or can prove you’re not a Muslim, you can legally purchase alcohol in Lahore?

Several international hotels, such as the Pearl Continental, have adjacent “permission stores” where tourists can purchase an unlimited amount of beer and liquor.

To my knowledge, the Ambassador Hotel has the cheapest alcohol in Lahore, but it is also the most potent.

Anarkali Bazaar Lahore

Anarkali is a vast retail street in Lahore that is filled with merchandise, delicacies, and bodies, and it is a must-see destination in the city. Anarkali is a terrific site to watch Lahoris do their thing, whether you’re searching for a particular item or just want to watch aunties annoy salesmen.

Anarkali Bazaar Lahore is one of the best places to visit in Lahore, Pakistan; intriguing bazaars and its side lanes are a delight to wander through.

Bibi Pak Daman – The Feminine Side Of Lahore Pakistan

Bibi Pak Daman is a place where you may see the feminine side of Lahore.

Six females lie in rest deep within the maze of Muhammad Nagar—Muhammad Neighborhood. At least, that’s what they say.

Bibi Pak Daman shrine is one of Lahore’s biggest shrines dedicated to women and is thought to be the burial of women from the Prophet Muhammad’s household.

Both Shia and Sunni Muslims visit the shrine, and the streets surrounding it are lined with stores selling Muhammad and M

Uharram-related merchandise. Men constructing Zanjeers, the knives on chains Shias use for self-flagellation during Muharram and other significant events can be found in the alleys.

Explore the Walled City through Less-Traveled Entrances

There were 13 gates leading into the walls of old Lahore before the British arrived. Six of the gates have since been restored; the others exist only in name. They are, nonetheless, useful starting points for visiting different portions of Lahore’s walled city.

The most famous is Delhi Gate, which is located opposite Wazir Khan Mosque… Why not begin your adventure in a different part of the Walled City to mix things up a little?

Liberty Market Lahore

The city’s go-to for economical apparel and footwear among other accessories is the semicircular marketplace. The core area is surrounded by several floors and stories of retailers. Outside, there are also market stalls.

It’s a colorful location to roam about even if you don’t need clothes. Liberty Market Lahore is a nice area to visit in Lahore because there are so many outlets to get food and drinks.

Wazir Khan Mosque

Wazir Khan Mosque is the second most prominent mosque in Lahore, behind the huge Badshahi Mosque. Most tourists are aware that they must pay a visit to marvel at the beautiful tiles and paintings… However, not everyone is aware that it is also possible to observe it from above!

The men who collect shoes at the entryway also have access to the mosque’s other areas. They’ll let you up into one of the mosque’s minarets for a bit of baksheesh.

Shahi Hamam

Despite its proximity to the famous Wazir Khan, Shahi Hamam, an ornate and slightly subterranean Persian-style bathhouse just opposite Delhi Gate, is easy to overlook. The painted, vaulted halls are in remarkably good shape for a historical landmark in Pakistan , thanks to a loving renovation funded by the Agha Khan Foundation a few years ago. It’s a good thing because it’s Lahore’s last historical Hamam!

Exploring Haveli’s in the Walled City of Lahore

Haveli exploring is perhaps my favourite pastime in Lahore. The narrow lanes of the ancient city are lined with what appears to be a limitless number of Havelis or mediaeval homes. Despite years of neglect, most are in disorder, others are still occupied by family servants, and all have grand airs.

Try the Haveli Nau Nihal Singh if you don’t have an Urdu-speaking acquaintance who can help you say hello. It’s been transformed into a girls’ school, so go when school isn’t in session, in the mid-to-late afternoon.

Packages Mall – For Shopping

Generation is by far my favorite Pakistani clothing store if you don’t already have native apparel. Its ready-to-wear garments are all incredibly coloured and geometrically designed (as opposed to the feminine floral patterns favored by the fashion industry). In addition, instead of pasty pale waifs, they try to use stronger and more “realistic” women as models.

Generation features standalone stores as well as mall shops; It is suggested to go for the location in Gulberg’s gleaming new (and air-conditioned) Packages Mall.

Beat the Heat with The Chaman’s Ice-cream

There is no way to miss the incredible Chaman’s because almost everyone is an ice cream addict! Chaman’s ice cream, located down Mall Road from Lahore’s famous Lahore Backpackers Hostel, is well-known and well-loved in the city and is possibly among the bests places to visit in Lahore, Pakistan for ice cream.

There are so many flavours to select from—don’t worry, there’s an English menu—but my personal favourite is pista badam or pistachio almond.

Have a Coffee in Gulberg

You’ll probably spend more time as a tourist amid crowded bazaars and historic structures than in swanky new digs. However, seeing both sides of modern Pakistan is crucial, and Mall 1 is the place to go to rub shoulders with Pakistan’s upper elite.

At Mocca, get a deliciously real cup of coffee and sit back to watch heavily made-up women take selfies with the latest iPhones while men pound away on sleek laptops with a side of coffee. Or simply take advantage of their reliable internet at Mall 1. That’s also fine.

Dai Anga Mosque

Dai Anga mosque is a 17th-century Mughal feat of beauty hidden from view yet just a stone’s throw away from Lahore Junction railway station… However, inadequate restoration procedures are slowly but steadily consuming it.

The mosque is completely decorated with beautiful Mughal-style tile inlay work. Recent renovations, on the other hand, have been done less aesthetically, with much of the interior (and portions of the façade) covered in tiles that would be more at home in a bathroom than on the side of a mosque.

Nonetheless, what remains of the original sculpture is breathtaking, and it’s a must-see for anyone visiting Lahore.

Lahore is known in Pakistan for its enormous range of breakfast meals. In almost all of the big cities, you can have a desi meal just as easily as in international cuisine. Some individuals favour the traditional breakfast of Halwa Puri, Paye, Nihari, Keema, and Lassi, while others prefer cosmopolitan fares such as pancakes, muffins, croissants, and waffles.

There’s nothing like waking up early to eat a wonderful and wholesome breakfast of… mutton hooves. What’s going on?!

Paye is a typical Lahori breakfast made from slow-cooked sheep or goat hooves. It’s not nutritional, but it’s still delicious. Though it may be too spicy for certain foreign palates for breakfast, it is something travellers should taste at least once… If you tell Lahoris you ate a paye nashta, your desi cred will skyrocket (breakfast).

Taj Mahal Sweets

CH. Mohammad Akram founded the Taj Mahal sweets company in 1967. It is close to Lahore’s Fort Road. This restaurant’s primary attraction is its delectable Halwa Puri. They have two distinct forms of halwa, both of which are created with thickened milk to ensure that customers get the true taste. The halwa, when coupled with puffed-up puris and spicy chana, is irresistible. A must-visit for foodie lovers.

Jade Cafe by Chinatown

Although I can’t say the same for their lunch and dinner menus, Jade Cafe has a fantastic breakfast buffet. Jade knows how to make you drool over breakfast, whether it’s with their stewing pan of shakshuka or oozing-hot Nutella toast.

Bundu Khan Restaurant

Bundu Khan is one of the best places to visit in Lahore Pakistan. It has several locations, each with a high level of culinary quality. It features both indoor and outdoor seating options, as well as a cognitive limit. This restaurant’s fantastic breakfast menu includes Halwa Puri, Murgh Chaney, Desi Anda, Nihari, Sheermal, and Taftan, and that’s only the beginning.

City Cafe & Grill

The morning meal at City Cafe and Grill has risen in popularity in a short amount of time. Their full English breakfast is a must-try since everything, from the hash browns to the sausage to the eggs, is cooked to perfection and tastes fantastic.

If it doesn’t pique your interest, try their waffles, which come with syrup, ice cream, and a variety of fruits and make you feel right at home in your mouth.

Just Eat Everything

Who am I kidding when I say I’m only going to add a few meal options to my list?

To say that Lahoris adore food is an understatement. If you know where to look, you can eat at any time of the day in Lahore. At 4 a.m., you have the option of eating food (dinner or breakfast).

There’s no better way to learn about Lahori and Punjabi culture than to eat a tremendous amount of food.

Stay Healthy & Jog in Model Town Park

If you’re worried that by eating too much food, you’ll gain weight in Pakistan, except that it’s unavoidable and that the best you can do is stay active in between meals. The Model Town Park has a lovely, tree-lined 2-kilometre circle where you can burn off 1/10th of your daily paratha caloric intake without dying. Bring cash because the entrance fee is ten rupees.

Strolling in Shalimar Gardens

These UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mughal-era gardens might use a lot of Maintenance, but they’re still worth a tour.

Although “garden” was a stretch when I went, there are occasionally-filled canals and tiled archways around the perimeter that (almost) justify the 500 Rs foreigner entrance price. Furthermore, there are only so many sites in Lahore where you may discover this kind of tranquilly.

The Mother of Mosques

Miryam Zamani Mosque, also known as Begum Shahi Mosque, was built in the 17th century and is the earliest known Mughal landmark in Lahore. Despite its proximity to Lahore Fort a Unesco World Heritage site, it is sometimes missed because it has been engulfed by newer structures.

Although it is not the grandest mosque in Pakistan, the inside features are breathtaking. If you’re interested in Lahore’s Mughal heritage, this is a must-see.

The Peaceful Tomb Of Dai Anga

A majestic doorway off the busy GT Road leads to the little-known Mughal Tomb of Dai Anga, Shah Jahan’s wet nurse. Yes, the same Dai Anga from the Dai Anga mosque who was previously mentioned—clearly she was respected!

This calm tomb is great for an off-the-beaten-path historical adventure in Lahore, as it is encircled by delightfully green and manicured gardens and is quite well-preserved as far as Pakistani monuments go.

Pay Tribute To The Patron Saint Of Lahore

In the 11th century, Ali Bin Usman Hajveri, also known as Data Ganj Baksh (the bestower of treasures), was a well-known Sufi saint. He is still revered as a symbol of peace, love, and tolerance. The temple of Lahore’s patron saint should not be missed.

Thousands of worshippers visit the Data Darbar temple each year because of its spiritual ambience. People of all ages come to pray and ask for their wishes to be granted. The ‘urs,’ a yearly event in which swarms of devotees are visiting to pay honour to the saint, takes place every year.

One of the most famous places, the biggest Sufi shrine in South Asia and one of Pakistan’s holiest places in Lahore are open 24 hours a day, but if you truly want to witness the throng gather in his honour, go on Thursday evening.

Lahore Museum

If the weather is unusually hot and/or rainy, Lahore Museum is the place to go. Expect nothing on the scale of the Smithsonian, but it’s a decent museum in Pakistan.

If your time in Pakistan does not allow you to see the Buddhist historical sites in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, you should visit the exquisite colonial establishment, which has a particularly significant collection of Gandharan art.

Bhang Ka Papad

You can buy cannabis delicacies on the streets of Lahore, not that I condone drug use (cough).

Bhang ka papad is the crispy fried papadum chips served as a side dish at Indian and Pakistani restaurants, but they contain cannabis. They look like an ass and taste like grass, but one (or two) will give you a powerful buzz.

On the streets of Anarkali, papadum vendors frequently have a few buried beneath heaps of regular papadum. If you ask for “bhang” or “bhang ka papad” without being loud or shady, they’ll probably be amused and sell you a piece for roughly 20 Rs. But don’t go crazy—edible highs are potent, last a lot longer than smoking, and take an hour or two to kick in. Be patient and cautious.

Layers Bake Shop

Many of the followers that layers have gained in Lahore just a few months have declared that “the frenzy is true.” It is well-known for its exceptional quality and delicious flavour. Cakes, Cupcakes, Brownies, Sundae, Mini Cheesecakes, Muffins, Cookies, Pies, and Cup desserts are all available at Layers Bakery in Lahore. Each dessert is decadent, appealing, and expertly created using top ingredients.

They have a variety of cakes in various flavours and designs to suit any occasion. Birthdays, celebrations, anniversaries, and other special occasions can all benefit from it.

They do an amazing job with the frosting on the cake’s top. The unique frosting adds the ideal finishing touch, making it even more delicious and delicate. It is the ideal option for making any occasion lovely at a little cost.

Tomb of Jahangir

Jahangir’s Tomb is located on the outskirts of Lahore, around 45 minutes from the city centre. The tomb of Jahangir is an elegant Mughal monument in great condition, with lush green grounds and is a must-visit.

If Lahore’s bustling life is getting to you, it’s the ideal venue to get some fresh air and peace. Bring a towel and a book, and you can rest under the trees for an hour or two while others ask for selfies.

Nankana Sahib

Head two hours west to Nankana Sahib, which has a handful of Sikh gurdwaras, to get a taste of various religions in Pakistan. Guru Nanak, the first Sikh guru, is supposed to have been born in the city.

Every year, millions of Sikh pilgrims visit his gurdwara, now known simply as Nankana Sahib. Both men and women must cover their heads inside gurdwaras, therefore bring a scarf or head covering.

Baba Bulleh Shah’s shrine in Kasur

The Baba Bulleh Shah Shrine is a must-see for anybody keen on Sufi poetry and is only an hour or two outside of Lahore. Sufi singers such as Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Abida Parveen have made Bulleh Shah’s verses popular in modern times, and they are an important component of Sindh and Punjab’s musical tapestry.

If you’re unfamiliar with him or his music, don’t worry—usually, someone is performing Sufi qawwali music in the shrine.

The Shrine Of Shah Kamal Chisti

If you’re going to Kasur for Baba Bulleh Shah’s shrine, you might as well stop at Shah Kamal Chisti’s temple! The hilltop shrine isn’t as large as Bulleh Shah’s, but it has a more tranquil and private atmosphere.

Don’t miss the harmonium player who hangs around in the courtyard; if you ask, he’ll happily play music for you.

Wagah Border – Ceremony

The stunning military procession at the Wagah Border is a must-see for anybody visiting the City of Gardens. The customary flag-hoisting and lowering ceremonies, which date back to 1959, take place every morning and evening at the Pakistan-India border, which is one of Lahore’s most famous tourist attractions. Every day, however, a sizable crowd gathers for the Beating Retreat Drill & Wagah border ceremony which takes place before sundown.

Before dusk, a daily ceremony takes place on the India-Pakistan border. Ceremonial guards on both sides of the border stomp, shout and kick high in a demonstration of unity between the two countries, then simultaneously drop flags.

On the plus side, seeing the genuine Wagah border guards hanging out and talking to each other is entertaining. Not everyone is as fearful as they appear to be.

Flower Market (Phool Mandi)

This technicoloured dream hides over the river near the Saghian Bypass and is known as phool mandi or flower market. Despite the fact that Lahore has numerous flower marketplaces, this is the city’s biggest.

People come here to bid on bulk amounts of flowers (a big bundle for 1,000 PKR or less? It’s tempting!) as well as purchase garlands and bouquets for weddings and other special occasions.

You’ll need to get out of bed early in the morning to have the best floral experience: sellers start selling flowers before sunrise, and most will be gone by 8 or 9 a.m. The flower market is located on both sides of the major road.

The Fakir Khana Museum

Fakir Khana Museum is one of South Asia’s largest private museums. ‘Fakir Khana’ simply means ‘House of the Humble Ones.’ It has been open to the public since 1901 and is run by the Fakir family, who were Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Wazirs (Ministers).

The museum houses about 20,000 antique items, some of which date back to the 18th century. It houses Queen Victoria’s and Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s presents. The museum has several halls that depict the aristocratic living standards of Punjab’s rulers at the time.

The exquisite halls of Fakir Khana Museum house Mughal masterpieces, portraits of past monarchs, and artefacts from ancient Gandhara and Buddhist civilizations. Calligraphy, handwritten Quran passages, Persian carpets, and Maharaja sculptures can all be found here.

The Pakistan Army Museum

The Army Museum in Lahore is a newly constructed museum that depicts the country’s origins, history, heritage, and the struggle for stability. The museum houses various retired helicopters, tanks, and warplanes that cover a huge area.

Beautifully organized monuments of Pakistan’s heroes can be found at the museum. A memorial wall runs the length of the museum, paying respect to over a thousand servicemen who gave their lives for the country.

Life-size statues of elephants and horses with their riders greet visitors as they enter the various galleries. The museum depicts the country’s wars and battles and portrays each province, its people, and the Pakistani minorities who held firm during the country’s difficult times.

Urdu Bazaar – A Bookstore

One of Lahore, Pakistan’s oldest book markets is the Urdu Bazaar (Urdu Market). The Urdu Bazaar, which dates back to the Mughal Empire, is a must-see for bookworms. It features a large number of novels, books, manuals, maps, travelogues, and other works of literature.

The market has a broad selection of books in Arabic, English, and Urdu at the lowest possible costs. It is a very well-known market and is extremely important in Lahore. Orders for books from this bazaar come from all around the country.

The MM Alam Road

If you want to see the city side of Lahore, MM Alam is the place to go. The upmarket district, which is lined with high-end retail outlets and excellent dining, is one of the city’s biggest business hubs. All of your favourite apparel and fashion companies can be found here.

If you want to take a break from visiting Lahore, pay a visit and relax at one of your favourite cafes. There are a variety of cuisines to choose from, including Italian, Turkish, continental, and Desi. Everything is found on MM Alam Road.

Hiran Minar

A small village named Sheikhupura, about an hour’s drive from Lahore, is home to the world’s first and last tomb dedicated to a pet. According to legend, Jahangir built it to honour his pet antelope, Mansiraj.

The tomb was built as a game reserve so that the elite might come to Lahore and hunt. After Jahangir’s death, Shah Jahan enhanced the tomb’s magnificence by adding a pavilion and a magnificent pool.

You may see the lovely reflection of the reddish sky in the quiet waters and enjoy the serenity and tranquillity of the surroundings if you visit the tomb early in the morning.

The Craftsmanship of Sheesh Mahal

In Lahore, Pakistan a stunning edifice known as the Sheesh Mahal, or Palace of Mirrors, can be seen in the fort’s northwest corner. The palace was constructed during the time of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 16th century and has been wonderfully preserved to this day.

The beautiful white marble pavilion’s walls are embellished with sophisticated mirrorwork unlike anything else in the fort, making it truly distinctive. It has evolved into the fort’s most important structure, and it’s easy to miss if you don’t know where to look.

The Minar-e-Pakistan – Greater Iqbal Park

The Minar e Pakistan is more than a landmark; it commemorates the passage of the Lahore Resolution in 1940… and it was this resolution that led to the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. The Minar is a prominent tourist attraction in Lahore and is a symbol of freedom and Pakistani pride.

The 70-meter-tall statue is located in Iqbal Park, next to the Badshahi Mosque and the Lahore Fort, two additional must-see attractions in Lahore. It used to be able to enter the building and take the elevator to the top, but the elevator does not appear to be operational any longer.

The tombs of Allama Iqbal, a prominent spiritual thinker, and Hafeez Julandhari, the poet who composed the lyrics for the National Anthem, are located adjacent to Greater Iqbal Park. Lahore’s Great Iqbal Park is also known for producing a plethora of cricketing superstars. Thus, one of the best places to visit in Lahore Pakistan.

There are fountains on the grounds of the Minar e Pakistan, as well as the mausoleum of Ranjit Singh, which is currently closed to foreign visitors. Weekends are very busy (as are most things to do in Lahore), although the neighbourhood is quiet during the week.

Mini Golf Club

One of the great places to visit in Lahore, Pakistan to unwind after a long day of travelling and exploring . There is more than mini-golf at this popular hangout spot for Lahore’s youth. Tourists who want to spend the day having fun with their trip partners can play the game.

Then, in the evening, relax and enjoy the club’s wonderful atmosphere while smoking hookah and eating delicious fusion food.

Mian Mir Shrine

Lahore appears to be a city of shrines… and, even if you’re wondering, “another one?” They’re all worth your time, believe me. The Mian Mir shrine is a tranquil haven, with beautiful pastel colours and a vast marble “square” where visitors can relax and pay their respects to the legendary saint Mian Mir.

In the early 1600s, he was noted for being a spiritual educator to Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Mughal ruler Shah Jahan. Mian Mir, unlike other shrines, is not segregated and attracts a considerable number of female worshippers, particularly on weekends when many come to relax in the “garden” setting.

The shrine is especially famed for its Thursday night Qawwali (traditional music) performances, which draw large crowds. (Yes, Lahore’s Thursday nights are lively.) Keep in mind that cameras are legally prohibited, but I was able to bring mine in after some wheedling.

Bagh e Jinnah AKA Lawrence Gardens

The Bagh e Jinnah, a vast and historically significant park on Lahore’s shopping road, is more than just a relaxing hangout. A botanical garden, a mosque, and the Quaid-e-Azam Library, which is housed in a 19th-century Victorian-style structure, are all located there.

Bagh e Jinnah is among the best places to visit in Lahore, Pakistan for relaxing, and many Lahoris agree—the park is filled on Sunday afternoons! Throughout the grounds, there is a walking track, food vendors (including bhang papad ), and various benches.

In terms of weather, the park is best visited from October to April, however, it is open all year.

Ashraf Fresh Tikka

Because Lahore, Pakistan is a gastronomic city, there are hundreds of Tikka shops. But, even after visiting a few, nothing beats the chicken tikka at Ashraf’s—it’s one of the best tikka restaurants in Lahore!

You will take advantage of their amazingly reasonable (and wonderful) chicken piece and naan collaboration because it was juicy and well-seasoned.

The price of the meat, naan, raita, and a cold drink is around 170-180 Pakistani rupees (approximately $1.50). Although the breast piece has more meat than the leg, I prefer the leg.

Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t your thing. There’s something for everyone on the menu here!

UpTown LA – The Bowling Alley

UpTown La is a Disney-themed bowling alley in the DHA neighbourhood of Lahore. It’s place to visit in Lahore to go bowling with your friends and family.

There are several bowling packages to pick from. It all depends on how long you want to play and how many people are in your group. Snacks are also included in these sets. UpTown La is well-known for its pizza. This location can also host parties in addition to bowling.

Rohtas Fort

The massive Rohtas Fort, located 16 kilometres northwest of Jhelum, is a magnificent example of military architecture. It was founded in 1543 by Sher Shah Suri, a Pashtun prince, to protect the vital Peshawar-Calcutta (now Kolkata) road against the Mughals and their allies.

He didn’t live to see it finished, therefore it was continued by future kings. However, it was quickly rendered obsolete when Akbar relocated his border to Attock and constructed a new fort there.

Except for the crenulated exterior walls and most of the 12 gates and 68 bastions, the massive fort is now in ruins. The best-preserved ruins are to the west; begin your research by walking through town to the western Sohal Gate.

The inner fort (or citadel for the elite) in the northwest is separated from the outer fort of guards and inhabitants, where the sleepy town still survives, by an internal wall.

Chughtai Museum

The Chughtai Museum, which has been open since 1975, the year Muhammad Abdur Rahman Chughtai died, was originally supposed to be temporary.

It is located immediately northwest of the intersection of Ferozpur Rd and Gulberg Main Blvd. Chughtai (1897-1975), regarded as Pakistan’s best painter and credited with a single-handed renaissance in Islamic art in the country, created approximately 2000 watercolours, thousands of pencil sketches, and about 300 etchings and aquatints. Many of Pakistan’s stamps and coins were also designed by him.

If you contact the director, Mr Arif Rahman Chughtai in advance, you may be able to see works by Chughtai that are not on display. It’s also a good idea to call ahead to be sure someone will be available when you arrive.

The Tomb of Nur Jahan

The Tomb of Nur Jahan is located just across the railway line from Jehangir’s Tomb, but it is not as well preserved. Nur Jahan was taken to Delhi after the death of her first husband, an Afghan prince, to be held captive.

Emperor Jehangir, on the other hand, fell in love with her and the two married in 1611. He gave her the name Nur Jahan, which means ‘Light of the World,’ and made her co-ruler with him. She died in 1645, at the age of 72, 18 years after Jehangir, and her tomb was finished the same year.

According to one legend, she designed the grave herself and wrote the sombre epitaph in memory of her late spouse.

The Lahore Zoo

Lahore Zoo is one of the oldest zoos on the subcontinent, and it is located near Bagh-i-Jinnah, behind a massive gateway ornamented with a vibrant animal mural. It was established in 1872 and is home to a wide range of bird species as well as lions, elephants, monkeys, leopards, giraffes, tigers, and other animals.

The gardens themselves are almost as interesting as the animals, with a diverse collection of plants and trees, some of which are considered to date back to the 16th century.

Alhamra Art Gallery

The largest permanent collection of artwork in Lahore is housed in this gallery, which is not to be mistaken with the Alhamra. Fine artworks by Pakistani painters are displayed on two floors. The Alhamra Cultural Complex includes this gallery, which hosts musical and dramatic acts on occasion.

The Jilani Park – Race Course Park

Lahore is unquestionably known as Garden City. The city of Lahore is home to a multitude of Pakistan’s gorgeous and verdant gardens. Jilani Park, also known as Race Course Park, is one of the best places to visit in Lahore.

This lovely luxury garden is located on Jail Road, directly across from Services Hospital. Race Park is a student magnet since it is close to three of Lahore’s top colleges. Employees from nearby hospitals, the Metrological Centre, and other offices come here to unwind after a long day at work.

This park hosts annual horse racing competitions. Inside the park, there is also a well-known restaurant called ‘Polo Lounge.’ Ghulam Jilani Khan is the name given to it. Jelani Park, formerly Race Course Park, has beautiful landscaping, lush green lawns, and best of all, a jogging track.

Haveli Restaurant

It’s all about seeing magnificent sights and eating a lot of delicious food in Lahore. Due to religious restrictions, there are few bars and/or little nightlife in the area. Nonetheless, many restaurants and cafes stay open late, which is a great way to end the day. The Haveli restaurant is located in the Walled City.

This restaurant serves delicious regional cuisine, particularly BBQ and kebabs, which are a must-try. Not only is the cuisine delicious, but the service is outstanding, and the view of the Badshahi Mosque is beautiful.

Bahria Town Lahore

Pakistan’s largest private housing developer, Bahria Town, is located in the city of Bahria Town. After your visit to Minar e Pakistan, Badshahi Mosque, and Lahore Zoo explore Bahria Town Lahore. It has now been renovated and expanded to include a variety of new leisure opportunities.

I’d like to highlight all of the coolest and most intriguing places I visited there.

Grand Mosque

This magnificently designed Grand Mosque is Pakistan’s third-largest mosque and the world’s seventh-largest. It is a work of art created by Nayyar Ali Dada. At any given time, there is enough room for 70,000 worshippers.

The marble floors and Turkish carpets give the room a culturally rich feel. The vast rooms and extravagant chandeliers make for a spectacular sight. A true work of art in terms of magnificence, elegance, and spirituality, this is one of the most famous places & a must-see destination.

Eiffel Tower

Bahria Town Lahore has a replica of the fascinating Eiffel Tower. It stands 265 feet tall, paying homage to the original. It is a must-see attraction for everyone planning a trip to Paris who wants to experience the city’s appearance in person.

It has a very heart-wrenching vista at night. This background is increasingly being used by many wedding photographers to enhance the beauty of their work. Undoubtedly, this falls in the top places to visit in Lahore, Pakistan.

Egyptian Pyramids – Ahram-e-Misr

It’s a stunning archaeological site that you shouldn’t miss. The group created an Enclave dedicated to Egyptian artefacts. The wall is covered in exquisite calligraphic words and images that represent historic art.

Beautiful parks based on the themes of Egypt and Cambodia can be found in this area. The massive Egyptian-themed gates give an enthralling sight.

Bahria Hotel and Resort

A beautiful hotel with luxurious rooms of international standards can be found in Bahria Town Lahore. There are numerous culinary chains in this area, offering a diverse range of cuisines. Inside the resort, you’ll discover Akbar’s Cuisine, Café Grand, and Panini Café.

A mini-golf course is located on the side of the hotel to provide a leisure and dining option with all under one roof. You can go there with your family and have a great time.

Cine Gold Movie Cinema

Within the society, an amazing Cinema with a modern grade outclasses interior is being constructed. The built-in screen and audio system will provide you with a superb movie experience. The chairs are really comfortable and allow you to unwind while watching the movie.

Bahria Town Country Club

Bahria Town, like other of Lahore’s well-known societies, has given a venue for entertainment and dining. The Country Club is a destination where you may sample a variety of cuisines while also having fun playing golf in the lush surroundings.

It gives you a view of nirvana during the day and mesmerizes you at night.

Bahria Food Court

This is the spot to entice your taste buds. It is one of the best places to visit in Lahore, Pakistan satisfies your cravings for everything from spicy cuisine to sweet treats.

It’s right outside the theatre, so you can grab a bite to eat while watching your favourite film. In that food court, you’ll discover all of the well-known brands like Optp, KFC, PappaRoti, and Chinese Grill.

The Sozo Water Park

An excursion to an action-packed theme park perfectly sums up summer vacations. If you happen to be in Lahore, you’re in luck because the city has a plethora of leisure opportunities, including water parks.

Sozo Water Park, one of Lahore’s largest water parks, is an excellent spot to visit this summer. This park has something for everyone, from falling slides to wave pools.

It is thought to be Pakistan’s only water park dedicated solely to women. Sozo brings joy and excitement to the entire family with its numerous water play zones, slides, and water playgrounds, be ready to giddy up!

Mo’s Game And Bubble Tea Bar

Mo’s Game and Bubble Tea Bar is the ideal location to go if you’re seeking a gaming zone in Lahore. It is Lahore’s most popular gaming destination, providing a nice and modern ambience for families.

They have the most recent Xbox X, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4 games. It is situated in DHA Phase 6’s sector C. Not only that, but this is Pakistan’s first bursting bubble tea bar, making it a must-see for everyone visiting Lahore.

Funco’s Airpark

Funco’s airpark, located opposite gate 6, packages mall, Nishtar Town Lahore, is Pakistan’s largest trampoline play park. Volleyball, boxing, dodgeball, foam pit, ninja warrior, and the sky pod cardio wall are among the activities available.

Fitness lessons, birthday party preparations, and numerous promotions are also available in the airpark. Visitors can purchase a pass for 30, 45, or 60 minutes at the park.

The Oasis Golf and Aqua Resort

The Oasis Golf and aqua resort is one of the best places to visit in Lahore if you want a peaceful setting with thrill and tranquillity. It is a membership-based resort on Multan Road in Lahore. It is open seven days a week from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. for its members.

It features an artificial beach, water slides, and a tiny children’s pool, as well as boating, tennis, and a video arcade for both infants and adults. The oasis golf and aqua resort is the spot to go to Lahore if you want to have a fantastic day with your family.

The Air Safari

One of the most interesting and enjoyable activities to do in Lahore is to take a Lahore aerial joy ride provided by travel and tours. With this incredible company, you can now fly over Lahore in a private plane and enjoy a spectacular view of the city with your family and friends.

The cost of an air safari ticket for one person is RS 6500 for a 12-minute ride, RS 12500 for a 25-minute journey, and RS 13000 if you want to sit in the co-pilot seat.

A tour bus is a terrific way to visit the attractions and is one of TDCP’s projects. The double-decker buses are painted in brilliant colours to provide an unforgettable experience for passengers.

The bus drives through both old and new Lahore, stopping at the Badshahi mosque for some delicious meals.

Emporium Mall

When you want to go shopping and do some fun things with your friends, Emporium Mall tops among best places to visit in Lahore, Pakistan. There’s a fun factory park, a bouncing house, and scary dungeons to explore.

Factory Park, located in the Emporium Mall, offers a variety of exciting activities and is Pakistan’s largest indoor theme park. A carnival zone, a dark city, a fantasy land, and an ice rink are among the attractions.

Joyland Park Lahore

Saddar town’s Joyland Park was opened in 1977 and is located next to the fortress stadium, which is an amusement park. Joyland is one of the largest recreation parks in Lahore.

It is among the places to visit in Lahore, Pakistan to take your family for exciting rides that are suitable for both children and adults. Joyland is open to the public from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Further reading

If you want to find out what other gems this country offers tourists then why not read my post on 33 incredible reasons to visit Pakistan ?

Dont, forget to check out your country’s current government advice. Here is the link to the UK government’s travel advisory . Anyway, Happy planning guys. 😁

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A Cultural Journal

History by Night: A Tour of Lahore Fort by Walled City of Lahore Authority

Sheesh Mahal illuminated and open for tourists at night

I walk around the khayabaan (walkways) and anhaar (waterways) until I reach the exact center of the Shah Burj Quandrangle of Lahore Fort . The Naulakha Pavilion is to my left and the cascade is on the wall behind me. I can almost hear the non-existent water that must have flowed here hundreds of years ago. Illuminated candles light up the pathways and my eyes follow them, until they reach the magnificent Sheesh Mahal, beautifully gleaming in the moonlit night. The sound of music echoes across the symmetric square and I can sense people walking behind the walls. I can hear a pair of anklets matching step with the beat of the tabla, on this clear, breezy autumn night.

View of Hazuri Bagh with the Baradari of Ranjit Singh in the forefront and Alamgiri Gate in the background

There are some experiences which are truly unique to certain places. In Lahore , the "History by Night" tour arranged by the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) is one such experience.

Since its inception in 2012, WCLA has been actively working to promote tourism in the Walled City of Lahore. As some projects near completion and others remain underway, the hard work of WCLA and all partnering organizations is bearing fruit. Specifically, the ‘History by Night’ tour is an ambitious plan, which aims to open up the historic Lahore Fort for tourists at night. Issues like security and lack of proper management often tend to ruin such initiatives, but the authorities have made sure that this brilliant idea makes history more accessible to the common man.

Beautiful flute performance at the Baradari of Ranjit Singh

Once the capital of the great Mughal Empire, Lahore is home to several historically significant monuments and architectural wonders. Often, these sites are seen as belonging to another era, and not considered relevant to us. However, ‘History by Night’ has brought the vibrant Mughal Lahore back to life. Launched by WCLA this past March, the tourists embark on a journey unlike any other. The tour starts at 7:30 pm each Saturday, from Roshnai Gate at the end of Food Street, Fort Road. The itinerary includes the tomb of Allama Iqbal, Baradari at Hazuri Bagh, Alamgiri Gate, Roshnai Gate, Samadhi of Ranjit Singh, Picture Wall, Sheesh Mahal and the Summer Palace of the Lahore Fort.

The entrance of Badshahi Mosque

Even though I’ve been to the Lahore Fort countless times, the plan for the evening was still quite exciting, because most of these places are either off limits or restricted during the day, mainly due to the presence of large crowds. Thus, it would be my first time experiencing some of them at night. The other splendid aspect was the illumination of the Fort, indeed worth seeing as the building exuded a different aura after dark.

The tour was well organized, with the tourists divided into smaller groups led by trained guides. Throughout the journey, the guides served as windows to the past, explaining the significance of different structures. Rangeela Rickshaw rides and musical performances were included, making it all the more enjoyable. The star of the evening, no doubt, was the classical dancer at the Sheesh Mahal, Sunaina Khan. Her brilliant performance took everyone back to the time of the Mughals, and watching this revival of Kathak dance in the middle of the Fort, truly sparked our imaginations. The refreshments also served as a reminder that we were guests of the Emperor for the evening. The presence of royal guards and personnel, all in full costumes, further added to the experience, and the group needed to ask formal permission before entering each gate. There were many children in my group of tourists, and I could see their excitement as they waited to be granted permission from the Emperor. The tour concluded with a Meena Bazaar, where tourists were allowed to shop for traditional souvenirs.

Classical dance performance by Sunaina Khan at the Sheesh Mahal

What I loved about this idea was the interest it sparked amongst the audience, especially the younger generation. Reviving historic sites by breathing life into them is indeed a unique concept, and this tour is already attracting a lot of tourists from Lahore, Pakistan and beyond. However, this is only the beginning, and more can be done to make the tour even better. Slightly altered itineraries can cater to niche markets, such as researchers or children, and thus address their specific needs. As a student of history, I could see that many of the representations and recreations were not historically accurate, but served the purpose of entertainment. There is also a need for separate English language tours for foreigners, who were finding it extremely difficult to keep up with the Urdu of the guides. Lastly, to make the experience even more realistic, the excessive photography and filming by the organizers could be reduced.

Guards stationed throughout the Lahore Fort

Overall, the evening was one to remember for a lifetime, and I definitely look forward to more themed tours branching out from this initiative. If you haven't been a guest of the Emperor this season, book next Saturday night for an unforgettable journey.

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70 Years of Pakistan Series

A message from ambassador nong rong on the occasion of the chinese new year.

As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan January 2021

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Places to Visit in Lahore at Night – Awakening Owl

• Nabiha Arshad
• November 21, 2023

Places to Visit in Lahore at Night

Urban areas, particularly Lahore, have a distinct appeal at night due to the bright lighting and lively atmosphere. Night outings and outdoor dinners are popular among busy individuals, who often prefer to shop or have dinner in the evening or at night. It is very relaxing to sit out for coffee or stroll around with friends or family at night after a long day of work.

This article offers suggestions for some of the top places to visit in Lahore at night. Night time illumination highlighted their unique beauty and charm.

• Minar-e-Pakistan
• Badshahi Masjid
• Liberty Market
• Haveli Restaurant 
• MM Alam Road
• Lahore Food Street
• The Royal Palm Golf & Country Club
• Anarkali Bazar 
• Fortress Square Bowling Club
• Shalimar Bagh

1. Minar-e-Pakistan 

The lofty Minar-e-Pakistan in Iqbal Park symbolizes Pakistan’s birthplace. The Lahore Resolution, a turning point in the nation’s fight for independence, is remembered by this famous monument. While exploring Iqbal Park’s natural surroundings, visitors may discover the landmark’s historical importance. And at night, it becomes much more beautiful, like the Eiffel Tower of Pakistan . It illuminates various lights that mesmerize you. 

Additional Facts 

• The Minar’s overall height is around 70 meters above the ground, with the tower rising to roughly 62 meters at its base. 
• The nine-meter-tall flower-like base’s expanding petals. 
• The tower is approximately 9.75 meters in diameter. 
• Facing the Badshahi Mosque, the rostrum is constructed from patterned tiles.

Explore: 13 Gates of Lahore

2. Badshahi Masjid

Badshahi Masjid is situated next to the Lahore Fort. The architectural allure of the mosque dates back to the Mughal era, and it holds great religious and historical significance. It is currently Pakistan’s third-biggest mosque and the largest of the Mughal era. 

Its magnificent construction has spectacular domes and intricate marble work. The mosque facade is adorned with carved red sandstone with marble overlays. It is an outstanding example of Mughal architecture. Visitors can enjoy the splendor of the mosque’s prayer rooms and the tranquility of its courtyard. 

Especially at night, this place gleams like a gem. From here, you experience a serene, spiritual feeling that helps you disconnect all material connections and become one with your inner self. 

Additional Information

The Badshahi Mosque in Lahore was built by Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal Emperor. When it was first built, the mosque was the biggest in the world and took two years to complete. It is the fifth-largest mosque worldwide and the second-largest mosque in Pakistan.

3. Liberty Market

Lahore’s Liberty Market is one of the oldest markets in the country. It is a bustling commercial hub attracting those who love shopping and food. This market offers a mix of traditional and modern shopping experiences. It is a treasure trove of fabrics, clothes, accessories, and more. It is also known for its many restaurants, food stalls, and grocery stores. 

When it comes to culture, food, shopping, and traveling to Lahore, the neighborhood around Liberty Market is a great place to visit. Many people visit this place after work to shop and eat. It is a place that suits all budgets, which is why there is always a massive footfall here. It keeps you awake late at night. 

4. Haveli Restaurant 

Haveli Restaurant is located in the historic Haveli Khalil Khan, which is an architectural landmark of the Fort Road Food Street in Lahore. Nestled in the lap of history, Haveli offers incomparable and outstanding views of the famous Badshahi Mosque, built by the Moghul emperor Aurangzeb in 1673.

Nestled in the lap of history, Haveli offers incomparable and outstanding views of the famous Badshahi Mosque. Nestled in the lap of history, Haveli offers incomparable and outstanding views of the famous Badshahi Mosque.

Haveli Restaurant’s historic Mughal architecture and cultural ambiance provide for a unique dining experience. Amidst the allure of a traditional haveli, visitors can relish classic Pakistani food. The restaurant’s pleasant ambiance is enhanced by the frequent live music and cultural events it sponsors.

Read More: A Journey into the Old Streets of Lahore

5. MM Alam Road

Known for its exclusive boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, MM Alam Road is a vibrant avenue catering to the city’s elite. It’s a popular destination for those seeking a blend of high-end shopping and fine dining. The road comes alive in the evening, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll.

If you want a luxurious dinner at night on MM Alam Road, visit El Momento steak house Lahore. The Restaurant offers an extensive range of Asian cuisine and serves the best steak in town. The ambiance will make you feel more comfortable to have dinner in a relaxing atmosphere. 

6. Lahore Food Street

Fort Road Food Street is a must-visit whenever you’re in Lahore. The real magic starts at night when the rooftop restaurants offer a breathtaking view of the stunning Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, and the city’s impressive skyline. You’ll feel enchanted by the captivating environment and the aromas of delicious food wafting through the air. Fort Road Food Street offers a wide variety of food options from traditional Pakistani dishes to international cuisine. Whether you’re a real foodie or just looking for a fun food experience, this street is not to be missed.

7. The Royal Palm Golf & Country Club

For a touch of luxury and leisure, The Royal Palm Golf & Country Club provides a serene retreat. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round of golf surrounded by lush greenery while the club’s facilities cater to a range of recreational activities. It’s a perfect escape for those seeking relaxation and indulgence at night in Lahore. A stroll in Royal Palm Golf and Country Club at night is breathtaking, with the stars twinkling above the lake and the moon reflecting in the water.

8. Anarkali Bazar

The Anarkali Bazaar is one of the oldest markets in Lahore where you can discover the city’s rich cultural heritage. It comprises two sections: the Old Anarkali Bazaar and the New Anarkali Bazaar. The Old Anarkali Bazaar is famous for its traditional food items, while the New Anarkali Bazaar is known for its traditional handicrafts and embroidery. 

It is further divided into several markets, including Bano Bazaar, Dhani Ram Road, Jan Muhammad Road, Aabkari Road, Paisa Akhbar, Urdu Bazar, and Paan Gali.These markets are a treasure trove of traditional crafts, jewelry, and fabrics that are unique to the region and offer a glimpse into the past.

Come nightfall, the bazaar comes alive with a vibrant energy that draws in a massive crowd. The dazzling lights illuminate the traditional marketplace, creating an atmosphere that invigorates the senses and fills the air with excitement.

Anarkali Bazar is one of the oldest bazaars in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. It is said to have been established by Emperor Jahangir about 400 years ago.

9. Fortress Square Bowling Club

The Fortress Square Bowling Club in Lahore is a popular choice for entertainment and recreation, with state-of-the-art bowling alleys and a lively atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for friends and families to unwind and enjoy a game. During the night, people adore visiting this place to relax and enjoy the fun activities. 

10. Shalimar Bagh

Shalimar Bagh, also known as Shalimar Garden, is a magnificent Mughal garden in Lahore that offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. The garden’s terraced levels, flowing fountains, and lush greenery create a serene atmosphere perfect for leisurely strolls, family picnics, or simply admiring the beauty of Mughal garden design.

One of the unique features of Shalimar Bagh is the chini khanas, or arched niches, located behind the garden waterfalls. These niches are illuminated with oil lamps at night, creating a magical effect that adds to the garden’s charm. It is a perfect spot for a nighttime visit, especially for those interested in the technical details of Mughal garden architecture.

If you are a night owl looking for some places to explore in Lahore at night, consider visiting the following places. Whether you want to enjoy food, recreational activities, shopping, or just a leisurely stroll around the city, these places have your back.  These places in Lahore are also great for photography enthusiasts who enjoy shooting or filming at night. The architecture of these places is particularly eye-catching and provides ample opportunities to showcase your talent. 

We hope you have a great time exploring Lahore!

What is Fortress Square Bowling Club in Lahore timing? 

Friday 11 am–10 pm

Saturday 11 am–10 pm

Sunday 11 am–10 pm

Monday 11 am–10 pm

Tuesday 11 am–10 pm

Wednesday 11 am–10 pm

Thursday 11 am–10 pm

What is the timing of The Royal Palm Golf & Country Club in Lahore? 

Friday               6 am–12 am

Saturday           6 am–12 am

Sunday            10:30 am–12 am

Monday            6 am–12 am

Tuesday           6 am–12 am

Wednesday      6 am–12 am

Thursday          6 am–12 am

Best place for Dinner at MM Alam Road Lahore? 

El Momento Lahore is the best fine dining restaurant on MM Alam Road Lahore. The restaurant offers a beautiful atmosphere, an extensive menu with exceptional taste, and quick service at a very affordable price.

Which is the biggest Bazar of Lahore?

The Anarkali Bazaar is Lahore’s largest and the most popular market.

What is the old name of Minar-e-Pakistan?

The old name of Minar-e Pakis was Manto Park. It is also known as Tower of Pakistan. 

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One day in Lahore itinerary – What to do in Lahore, Pakistan

Lahore, also called the “heart of Pakistan”, is the second most populous city in Pakistan. It is also the largest city in the province of Punjab. The preliminary results of the census show the city’s population to be over 11 million. The place offers a rich look into the history and culture of the region and exhibits classic architecture belonging to different past eras. Your one day in Lahore will therefore without a doubt leave you with memories that will last you a lifetime. 

GUEST POST BY JOHN ELIJAH

What’s the Best Time to Visit Lahore?

Lahore welcomes tourists with open arms all year round . However, the weather can sometimes become unwelcoming. You can visit Lahore from mid-February to the end of April and from mid-September to November. If you think you can manage the moods of the weather, you can also try coming in during the monsoon season to enjoy lots of rain.

A Few Facts About Lahore

Lahore is also one of those walled cities with a lot of history to its name. The walled city had many famous gates during the Mughal era, including Akbari Gate, Mochi Gate, Taxali Gate and Yakki Gate, to name just a few. Politically, this place is also famous for the many rulers who ruled over the entire country.

One day in Lahore itinerary

There are many fun activities you can plan to do in Lahore. Due to its cosmopolitan and historical nature, you will get to see some of the most famous places in whole of Pakistan. Make sure to install a suitable app for quickly navigating around the city. You can also install a cab-hailing app for hiring services like Careem or Uber to make your journey quick. Follow this guide and make the most of your trip even if you’re short on time. These are the top sights and things to do during your one day in Lahore.

Early Morning

Shalimar gardens.

What better way to start your morning than going to a UNESCO World Heritage Site? The Shalimar Gardens exhibit the peak of the artistic ethos of the Mughal emperors. This place contains some of the most magnificent buildings, fountains, and trees of many different kinds. Walk through the royal pavilions and see the sleeping chambers. See the sleeping place of Begum Sahib or enjoy the fresh air passing through the fountains. Refresh, recharge and rejuvenate yourself before you continue with your journey.

Lahore Museum

History lovers will find Lahore Museum  a great place to learn how history evolved in this part of the world. The recent renovation efforts have opened many new rooms to tourists. Besides the historical artifacts, see some of the most beautiful woodwork from the Sikh and Mughal eras. Explore the old civilizations like Graeco-Bactrian and Gandhara.

Mid-Morning

Next stop, Lahore Zoo . It’s time to see one of the largest zoos in the world. The animals are already out there basking in the sun, providing you with those perfect shots. Besides animals, it also contains over 1200 trees of 20 different species. Kids can enjoy the electronic rides. Adults can take the camel rides or set a plan for a picnic and eat beside the beautiful waterfall.

Badshahi Mosque

Badshahi Mosque is one of the best known Mughal era pieces of architecture. Go to the Badshahi Mosque in the afternoon so you can see its resplendence and fully admire its impressive architecture. The mosque was completed by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1673 and is inlaid with red sandstone. It is considered to be the largest mosque built by the Mughals and is the country’s second largest mosque after Faisal Mosque in Islamabad. The mosque can accommodate up to 100,000 worshippers during the large Eid congregation.

Minar e Pakistan

Minar e Pakistan stands tall, reflecting the most critical part of this country’s history. Tourists who want to understand the ideology and foundation of the country would find it a great place to visit. Minar e Pakistan is the place where the declaration of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was passed on 23rd March 1940. The construction of Minar e Pakistan was completed in 1960. You can visit it in the evening to see the beautiful lights illuminating it at night.

M M Alam Road

M M Alam Road is one of the most famous places in the city. The road is named after one of Pakistan Air Force’s ace pilots Muhammad Mahmood Alam for his outstanding fighting spirit in the 1965 war.

The road is famous for some of the best restaurants in town. It offers you the kind of food variety that you would not be able to find anywhere else in the city. Not only will you be able to see the typical desi food but also the western fast food chains. M M Alam Road remains synonymous with the best eating places in the city. So, end your day by visiting any of the restaurants of your choice. Some of the great options include Ziafat, Café Aylanto, Tia Maria and Café Zauq.

Where to stay in Lahore?

Luxus Grand Hotel

4-Egerton Road, Opposite Aiwan-e-Iqbal, Lahore., 54000 Lahore

Luxus Grand Hotel is a five star luxury hotel, set in a peaceful environment away from the city crowds, close to the Lahore Zoo. It provides a luxurious stay, five star service and a great sense of comfort. The hotel features on-site multiple cuisine restaurants, gym and swimming pool.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

The Nishat Hotel

9A Gulberg III, Mian Mehmood Ali Kasuri Road, Gulberg, 54660 Lahore

The Nishat Hotel  is a 5 star luxury hotel located in the main business hub of Lahore, only a 5-minute walk from Liberty Market. The hotel features pool, fitness center, relaxing spa and an on-site restaurant. The rooms are luxuriously furnished, stylish and well-appointed. They boast exceptional furniture and decor and feel luxurious and modern at the same time.

PIN FOR LATER!

If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Lahore Itinerary feel free to share it in the comments below!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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John Elijah

John Elijah is an avid traveler and always ready to pack up his bags whenever he gets a chance to see some new place. He has seen some of the best places in Lahore, Beijing, London, and Sydney. He aspires to see as many beautiful places as he possibly can and share amazing experiences with the world.

Nice if mentioned the above one day must be done with a private car or other means.

great sharing about positivity of Pakistan

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31 Unique Places To Visit In India At Night | Best Guide

India at night? It feels like a whole new world. From temples that sparkle with magic to busy markets that never seem to sleep (spoiler: they don’t), the country comes alive in a completely different way once the sun sets. 

Whether you’re exploring nightlife in India’s cities on your own or checking out some India tour packages designed for nighttime adventures, there’s so much to discover. So grab a cup of late-night chai, and let’s check out some of the best places to visit in India at night. Because, honestly, some things are just made to be enjoyed at night!

Here’s What We’ll Cover in This Blog

Best Cities in India for Night Tourism

5. Bangalore

7. Hyderabad

Beach Destinations in India at Night

8. pondicherry, 10. lakshadweep.

Beaches That Glow in The Dark

11. Radhanagar Beach, Andaman and Nicobar

12. malvan beach, maharashtra, 13. havelock island,  andaman and nicobar, historical monuments to visit in india at night, 14. taj mahal, agra, 15. mysore palace, mysore, 16. victoria memorial, kolkata, 17. amber fort, jaipur, spiritual places to visit in india at night, 18. golden temple, amritsar, 19. somnath temple, gujarat, 20. akshardham temple, delhi, 21. hazrat nizamuddin dargah, delhi, 22. har ki pauri, haridwar, famous night markets in india, 23. sarojini nagar, delhi, 24. crawford market, mumbai, 25. saturday night market, goa, 26. t-nagar night market, chennai, 27. bapu bazar, jaipur, top places for night trekking in india, 28. dhotrey – tonglu trek, west bengal, 29. rajmachi fort trek, maharashtra, 30. anthargange trek, karnataka, 31. kolukkumalai sunrise trek, kerala, subscribe to our newsletter.

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1. Goa : One of the Best Cities in India for Night Tourism

2. mumbai: india’s top night tourist destinations, 3. jaipur: discover the popular night attractions in india’s pink city, 4. delhi: explore the popular night attractions in india’s capital, 5. bangalore: one of the india’s top night tourist destinations, 6. manali: explore the popular night attractions in india’s scenic getaway, 7. hyderabad: one of the india’s top night tourist destinations, beaches that glow in the dark: top places to visit in india at night.

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