Places to Visit in Lahore

“Jinnay Lahore nai whekhya, o jammia nai!”

(If you haven’t seen Lahore, you have not been born)

And I second this saying!

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

Art, culture, desi food, and lively people define Lahore. Lahore is known for its Mughal architecture, beautiful gardens, farmhouses, and historic buildings. The vibrant culture and warm people make Lahore worth visiting. Also, Lahore has an ancient and fascinating history.

According to legends, Lahore was previously known as Lavapuri (City of Lava in Sanskrit). It was believed to be founded by Prince Lava, the son of Sita and Rama.

Lahore is also known as “the city of gardens” because of its beautiful and lush green gardens. The city is loaded with sites worth seeing ranging from gardens to tombs to markets to food streets and more.

شہر لاہور تیری رونقیں دائم آباد

تیری گلیوں کی ہوا کھینچ کے لائ مجھ کو

~ Nasir Kazmi

Visiting places in Lahore is quite easy, all due to the Speedo Bus Lahore. You can pay Rs. 30 and go to any of these places very quickly.

Today, we have gathered a list of the best places to visit in Lahore. All these places carry significant value and are worth your time. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Lahore. You won’t regret it for sure.

Places to Visit in Lahore

Badshahi Mosque

Badshahi Mosque, also known as Badshahi Masjid, is the second-largest mosque in Pakistan and the 8th largest mosque in the world in terms of its capacity. The mosque can accommodate roughly around 100,000 worshippers.

Aurangzeb Alamgir, the sixth Mughal emperor, constructed Badshahi Mosque in 1673 AD. The red bricks were brought from Jaipur, India. The red structure and extraordinary architecture make it majestic and an excellent visiting spot for tourists.

Lahore Fort

Lahore Fort is also known as Shahi Qila, Lahore. It is an ancient fortress on the north side of the Walled City of Lahore. No one knows who laid the foundation of Lahore Fort. Some people say it was founded in the time of Shahab ud Din Ghauri, and some say it is older than that.

The existing structure was constructed by Mughal emperor Akbar. The fort has thirteen gates, which shows the complexity and grandness of the fort. The site is also listed among the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The fort also has some of the most famous historical sites of Lahore, including:

• Sheesh Mahal
• Alamgiri Gate
• Naulakha pavilion
• Moti Masjid

Emporium Mall

If you are a shopaholic and love shopping from multiple malls in Lahore, then Emporium is your best friend. The eleven-story mall is home to almost 200 local and international brands. It also has a vast food court to satisfy your hunger pangs.

Apart from that, there is a cinema as well. In short, you can shop, eat and watch a movie in the same place. The design, location, and management of the place are also excellent.

Lahore Museum

Did you know that the author of the book “ The Jungle Book,” Rudyard Kipling was the son of the earliest curator of the Lahore Museum? John Lockwood Kipling became the curator of the Lahore Museum in 1875. He was also responsible for the expansion of the Lahore Museum.

Lahore Museum is the oldest and largest museum in Lahore. It was established in 1965 under the British Raj. The museum is the house of many renowned artifacts, including collections from Gandhara, Buddhism, and Indo-Greek civilizations. Apart from these collections, the Lahore Museum also has an extensive collection from the Mughal era.

If you have a knack for artifacts and antique stuff, then you should visit the Lahore Museum. If you want a hassle-free and perfect trip with your loved ones, avail the services of any trusted travel agency in Pakistan.

Minar e Pakistan

Minar e Pakistan, the national monument of Pakistan, is located in the heart of Lahore. The construction period of the monument was from 1960 to 1968. The monument stands where the India Muslim League passed the Lahore Resolution on 23rd March 1940.

The estimated cost of Minar e Pakistan was around Rs 7,058,000. The money for the construction was generated from taxes on cinema houses and horse racing tickets.

Did you know that the base of Minar e Pakistan resembles the petals of a flower? Each petal has a different inscription on it, such as texts of Lahore Resolution in Urdu, English, and Bengali.

Food Streets

Food streets in Lahore are famous for their yummy and mouthwatering desi dishes. Paaye, nihari, falooda, halwa puri, and BBQ are amazing in Lahore. Lahore is also loaded with top-notch food streets and eateries. If you want to experience the taste of Lahore, then do visit Lakshmi Chowk, Gawalmandi, and Fort Food Street.

You can find innumerable desi street food in these places. These are among the best places to visit in Lahore at night. Rawalpindi is also famous for its food. Everything is available in the city, and that too at affordable rates.

Shalimar Bagh

The Shalimar Gardens are a gorgeous Mughal garden situated in Lahore. The architecture of the garden is inspired by Persian and Arabic culture. Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor, laid the foundation of the garden for his beloved wife, Noor Jahan, in 1641.

Not to mention that Shalimar Gardens were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. Interestingly, there are 410 water fountains in the garden, made up of high-quality marble. The whole water system and architectural structure are so complex that even today, architects cannot fully understand the blueprint of the structure.

Apart from fountains, there are five water cascades in the garden, which give extra beauty to the place. To unwind and relax with your friends and family, we suggest you visit water parks in Karachi.

The fountains are still functional and give a calm and soothing effect on its visitors. If you are a fan of Mughal architecture, then you should pay a visit to Shalimar Bagh.

 Lahore Zoo

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” ~Unknown.

This quote is so accurate. If you want to look closely at different wild animals and exotic birds, then you must visit the Lahore Zoo. It was established in 1872, and it is one of the oldest zoos in the world. The Lahore Zoo is currently housing 1,378 animals.

Apart from that, Lahore Zoo has many attractions, such as fancy bird aviary, a lion house, an elephant house. You can also adopt an animal from the zoo. In this program, the interested people pay for the food of the animal.

The timings for Lahore Zoo are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 Anarkali Bazaar

Anarkali Bazaar is among Lahore’s best places to visit. If you love shopping and that too on a budget, then Anarkali Bazaar will save your day. It is one of the oldest and largest markets in South Asia. Some people believe that it is approximately 200 years old.

The name “Anarkali” is derived from the legend of a courtesan girl named Anarkali, who had an affair with the son of the Mughal emperor Akbar. The emperor banished her as a punishment.

Anarkali Bazar has a variety of products, such as textiles, garments, decoration items, and jewelry. If you are looking for cheap and affordable goods, head towards Anarkali bazaar. Also, there is a huge selection of street food in Anarkali.

Over time, the market has also expanded. Now, it has two main sections: Old Anarkali and New Anarkali. You can find a vast array of desi food in the old Bazaar, and in the newer section, you can easily find hidden gems such as paintings, handicrafts, and embroidered goods. It is also famous for its Indian jewelry and clothes.

Wagah Border

Wagah Border is the border between India and Pakistan near Grand Trunk Road. It is trendy because of the daily border ceremony. The closing ceremony, known as The Beating Retreat Ceremony, has occurred since 1959. The guards from both sides come to the border, remove their respective country flags and formally close the border.

Every Pakistani should see this ceremony at least once. It is free, and you do not have to pay any entrance fee. Every day hundreds of patriotic Pakistani come and see the ceremony.

Masjid Wazir Khan

If you are interested in Islamic architecture and heritage, visit Masjid Wazir Khan. This magnificent and grand structure was built by Shaikh Ilm-ud-din Ansari, the Viceroy of Punjab, in 1634.

Ansari was the personal physician of Prince Khurram, the future Mughal emperor. The competencies of Ansari so enamored the prince that he gave him the title of ‘Wazir Khan.’ Later on, Wazir Khan founded this mosque. 

Apart from the mosque, there are Shahi Hammam and a commercial area in the vicinity. Its unique architectural design makes the mosque stand out from the rest. For the first time in Lahore, four minarets on each corner of the mosque were built in this mosque.

The mosque was constructed using cut and dressed bricks, tiles, and precious stones. Interestingly, there are 22 shops on the ground floor of the mosque. These shops form a commercial hub where people still come to shop. Masjid Wazir Khan should be on your list if you want to explore the true colors of Islamic heritage in Lahore.

 Jahangir’s Tomb

Another epitome of Mughal architecture lies on the outskirts of Lahore. Here rests the great Mughal emperor, Jahangir. The place was very close to Jahangir and his wife, Noor Jahan. Initially, Jehangir was buried in Dil-sakoon Garden, but later on, his son, Shah Jahan built a tomb for his father.

Noor Jahan took charge of the design and architecture of the Tomb. It took around a decade to finish this masterpiece and its surrounding gardens. The tomb’s entrance is through two massive gates made of precious stones and tiles. The tomb is a one-floor building in a square shape. Previously, there were fountains at the tomb, which were also ruined a couple of years ago.

The structure also has a tall tower with a projecting entrance from all four corners. The towers give a spectacular view of the city as well. The Tomb of Jahangir is adjacent to the Akbari Sarai and Asif Khan’s Tomb, which is on the provisional list as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Jinnah Park

Jinnah Park, also known as Bagh-e-Jinnah, is a historical park located at the heart of Lahore. It was formerly known as Lawrence Gardens. The spectral park consists of a lush green space containing a botanical garden, Masjid Dar ul Salam and Quaid e Azam Library.

If you want to spend a peaceful evening in Lahore, visit this historic park in Lahore. The park also has entertainment facilities, a sports complex, jogging tracks, an open-air theatre, eateries, tennis courts, and a cricket ground. In short, it is a perfect space for families who want to spend some quality time.

So, this was a concise yet exciting list of places to see in Lahore. All these famous places in Lahore are worth your precious time. They remind you of local culture, traditions, and heritage. Unlike cliche parks, parks in the city of Lahore are an accurate depiction of the Mughal era.

Other Famous Places in Lahore

Here are some other famous places in Lahore that you must vist to have a memorable journey!

Places Near Lahore

If there are more places you love in Lahore that you want to add, please leave a comment below.

FAQs

Here are some FAQs about Lahore places to visit:

What are some famous historical places to visit in Lahore?

Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, Shalimar Gardens, Jahangir’s Tomb, and Wazir Khan Mosque are some famous historical places in Lahore.

What are some popular parks to visit in Lahore?

Bagh-e-Jinnah, Jilani Park, Race Course Park, and Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park are some popular parks in Lahore.

What are some fun places to visit in Lahore for families?

Lahore Zoo, Joyland, Sozo Water Park, and the Lahore Museum are some fun places for families to visit in Lahore.

Are there any markets or bazaars to visit in Lahore?

Yes, Lahore is famous for its bustling markets and bazaars, including Anarkali Bazaar, Liberty Market, and the Fortress Stadium Market.

What are some scenic places to visit near Lahore?

The Wagah Border, Khewra Salt Mine, and Katas Raj Temple are some scenic places to visit near Lahore.

Is the Lahore Zoo worth visiting?

The Lahore Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Pakistan and is home to a variety of animals and birds. It is worth visiting, especially for families with children.

Are there any cultural sites to visit in Lahore?

Lahore is known for its rich culture and heritage. Some cultural sites to visit in Lahore include the Lahore Museum, Wazir Khan Mosque, and the NCA Gallery.

What are some popular food places to visit in Lahore?

Lahore is famous for its delicious food. Some popular food places to visit in Lahore include Butt Karahi, Lakshmi Chowk, and Food Street in Gawalmandi.

What are some architectural marvels to visit in Lahore?

The Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, and Minar-e-Pakistan are some of the architectural marvels to visit in Lahore. These structures are significant to the history and culture of Lahore.

Read More

List of Hotels in Lahore
A Guide to Mall Road, Lahore
Places to Visit in Karachi