Places to visit in Lahore

Travel

Places to visit in Lahore

3 Mar 2024 by Amaan Khan 2344

Lahore is more than just a city; it's an amazing experience with a lasting impact. If you want to discover the true and beautiful essence of Pakistan, you've got to check out Lahore.

This place is all about art, culture, delicious desi food, and friendly people. Lahore stands out for its impressive Mughal architecture, stunning gardens, farmhouses, and historic buildings. The lively culture and welcoming locals make Lahore a must-visit. Plus, it's got a rich and fascinating history.

Legend has it that Lahore was once called Lavapuri (City of Lava in Sanskrit), believed to be founded by Prince Lava, Sita and Rama's son.

Known as "the city of gardens," Lahore is filled with beautiful green spaces. From gardens and tombs to markets and food streets, there's a lot to explore in this vibrant city.

Today, we've put together a list of the top places to visit in Lahore. These places hold special importance and are definitely worth your time. So, why wait? Grab your bags and make your way to Lahore. You won't be disappointed!

Places to Visit in Lahore
Badshahi Mosque
Lahore Fort
The Emporium Mall
Lahore Museum
Minar e Pakistan
Food Street Lahore
Shalimar Bagh
Lahore Zoo
Anarkali Bazaar
Wagah Border
Masjid Wazir Khan
Jahangir’s Tomb
Jinnah Park

Badshahi Mosque

The Badshahi Mosque, also called Badshahi Masjid, is the second-largest mosque in Pakistan and the eighth largest globally in terms of capacity, able to hold about 100,000 worshippers.

Built in 1673 AD by Aurangzeb Alamgir, the sixth Mughal emperor, the mosque features red bricks imported from Jaipur, India. Its majestic red structure and exceptional architecture make it an outstanding attraction for tourists.

Lahore Fort

Lahore Fort, also called Shahi Qila, is an ancient fortress located on the north side of the Walled City of Lahore. The foundation of the fort is shrouded in mystery, with some attributing it to the time of Shahab ud Din Ghauri, while others believe it to be even older.

The existing structure was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar. With its thirteen gates, the fort reflects its intricate and grand design. This site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Within the fort, you'll find some of Lahore's most famous historical sites, including:

Sheesh Mahal
Alamgiri Gate
Naulakha pavilion
Moti Masjid

Emporium Mall

If you're a shopaholic who enjoys exploring various malls in Lahore, then Emporium is the perfect spot for you. This eleven-story mall hosts nearly 200 local and international brands, making it a shopper's paradise. Additionally, there's a spacious food court to curb your hunger cravings.

Not only that, but the mall also features a cinema, allowing you to shop, dine, and catch a movie all in one place. The overall design, location, and management of Emporium add to its excellence, providing a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience.

Lahore Museum

Yes, it's fascinating to learn that Rudyard Kipling, the author of "The Jungle Book," was the son of John Lockwood Kipling, the earliest curator of the Lahore Museum. John Lockwood Kipling took on the role of curator in 1875 and played a significant role in expanding the Lahore Museum.

Established in 1865 under British Raj, the Lahore Museum stands as the oldest and museum in Lahore in Lahore. It houses a vast collection of notable artifacts, including items from Gandhara, Buddhism, Indo-Greek civilizations, and an extensive collection from the Mughal era.

For those with an interest in artifacts and antiques, a visit to the Lahore Museum is a must. To ensure a hassle-free and perfect trip with your loved ones, you can consider utilizing the services of a trusted travel agency in Pakistan.

Minar e Pakistan

Minar e Pakistan, the national monument of Pakistan, is situated in the heart of Lahore. It was constructed from 1960 to 1968 and marks the location where the All-India Muslim League passed the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940.

The estimated cost for building Minar e Pakistan was approximately Rs 7,058,000, funded through taxes on cinema houses and horse racing tickets.

An interesting feature of Minar e Pakistan is its base, designed to resemble the petals of a flower. Each petal bears different inscriptions, including the texts of the Lahore Resolution in Urdu, English, and Bengali. This unique design adds a symbolic touch to the monument, commemorating the historic event that took place at this site.

Food Streets

Lahore Food streets are renowned for their delicious and tempting desi dishes. Mouthwatering options like paaye, nihari, falooda, halwa puri, and BBQ are a treat for the taste buds in Lahore. The city is brimming with excellent food streets and eateries, offering a wide array of culinary delights. To savor the true taste of Lahore, make sure to explore Lakshmi Chowk, Gawalmandi, and Fort Food Street.

These places boast an abundance of desi street food, making them perfect choices for a delightful evening. If you're looking for the best places to visit in Lahore at night, these food streets are sure to satisfy your cravings. Rawalpindi is also renowned for its diverse food options, all available at affordable rates.

Shalimar Bagh

The Shalimar Gardens, a stunning Mughal garden located in Lahore, showcase architectural influences from Persian and Arabic cultures. Emperor Shah Jahan initiated the construction of the garden in 1641 as a tribute to his beloved wife, Noor Jahan.

Notably, the Shalimar Gardens earned the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. The garden boasts 410 marble water fountains, intricately designed. The water system and architectural layout are so intricate that even modern architects find it challenging to fully comprehend the blueprint.

In addition to the fountains, the garden features five cascades that enhance its overall beauty. The fountains, still operational, offer a tranquil and calming experience to visitors. If you have an appreciation for Mughal architecture, a visit to Shalimar Bagh is highly recommended. To unwind and relax with friends and family, you might also consider exploring water parks in Karachi.

Lahore Zoo

The quote "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened" by an unknown author resonates deeply. If you have a curiosity to observe various wild animals and exotic birds up close, a visit to the Lahore Zoo is a must. Established in 1872, it stands as one of the oldest zoos globally and currently houses 1,378 animals.

The Lahore Zoo offers several attractions, including a fancy bird aviary, a lion house, and an elephant house. Additionally, you have the opportunity to adopt an animal from the zoo through a program where interested individuals contribute to the animal's food expenses.

The Lahore Zoo operates from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., providing ample time for visitors to enjoy and appreciate the diverse wildlife housed within its premises.

Anarkali Bazaar

The market derives its name from the legendary courtesan Anarkali, who, as the story goes, had a forbidden romance with the son of Mughal Emperor Akbar, resulting in her banishment as punishment.

Anarkali Bazaar offers a diverse range of products, including textiles, garments, decor items, and jewelry, making it an ideal spot for those seeking affordable goods. The market is also a haven for street food enthusiasts.

With the market's expansion over time, it now comprises two main sections: Old Anarkali and New Anarkali. The old section boasts a variety of desi food options, while the newer section hides gems like paintings, handicrafts, and embroidered goods. Anarkali Bazaar is also renowned for its collection of Indian jewelry and clothing.

Wagah Border

The Wagah Border marks the boundary between India and Pakistan along the Grand Trunk Road and is renowned for its daily border ceremony. The closing ceremony, known as The Beating Retreat Ceremony, has been a tradition since 1959. During this ceremony, guards from both sides converge at the border, lower their respective country flags, and formally close the border for the day.

The ceremony is a significant and patriotic event, drawing attention from locals and tourists alike. Every Pakistani is encouraged to witness this ceremony at least once. Notably, there is no entrance fee, making it accessible to hundreds of patriotic Pakistanis who gather daily to experience this unique and symbolic border closing ritual.

Masjid wazir Khan

If you have a fascination for Islamic architecture and heritage, a visit to Masjid Wazir Khan is a must. This grand structure was erected in 1634 by Shaikh Ilm-ud-din Ansari, the Viceroy of Punjab.

Ansari, who served as the personal physician of Prince Khurram, the future Mughal emperor, earned the title of ‘Wazir Khan’ due to his exceptional skills. Subsequently, Wazir Khan undertook the construction of this mosque.

In addition to the mosque, the surrounding area boasts the Shahi Hammam and a commercial district. The mosque's distinct architectural design sets it apart, featuring, for the first time in Lahore, four minarets on each corner.

Constructed using cut and dressed bricks, tiles, and precious stones, the mosque's ground floor accommodates 22 shops, forming a bustling commercial hub where people still come to shop. For a genuine exploration of Islamic heritage in Lahore, Masjid Wazir Khan should undoubtedly be on your itinerary.

Jahangir's Tomb

An exquisite example of Mughal architecture graces the outskirts of Lahore at the resting place of the great Mughal emperor, Jahangir. This location held significant importance for Jahangir and his wife, Noor Jahan. Initially interred in Dil-sakoon Garden, Jahangir's son, Shah Jahan, later commissioned the construction of a grand tomb for his father.

Taking the lead in design and architecture, Noor Jahan oversaw the construction of this tomb and its surrounding gardens, a process that spanned around a decade. The entrance to the tomb is marked by two massive gates adorned with precious stones and tiles. The tomb itself is a single-story square-shaped building. While fountains that once adorned the tomb have been lost over the years, the structure still stands as a masterpiece.

A tall tower with projecting entrances from all four corners adds to the architectural grandeur, providing a spectacular view of the city. Adjacent to the Akbari Sarai and Asif Khan’s Tomb, the Tomb of Jahangir is part of the provisional list as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Jinnah Park

Jinnah Park, also known as Bagh-e-Jinnah, is a historic park nestled at the heart of Lahore, formerly recognized as Lawrence Gardens. This sprawling park encompasses a lush green expanse, featuring a botanical garden, Masjid Dar ul Salam, and Quaid e Azam Library.

For those seeking a tranquil evening in Lahore, a visit to this park is highly recommended. The park not only offers serene surroundings but also boasts a range of facilities for entertainment, including a sports complex, jogging tracks, an open-air theatre, eateries, tennis courts, and a cricket ground. In essence, it serves as an ideal space for families looking to spend quality time together.

So, here's a short and interesting list of places to visit in Lahore. All these famous spots are really worth your time. They show you the local culture, traditions.