For me, the beautiful Badshahi Mosque was the most iconic image I had seen of Pakistan before visiting. There is no doubt about it that the mosque is one of the most stunning works of architecture from the Mughal Empire.
Even if you only have a few days in Lahore, a visit to Badshahi Mosque is an absolute must.
Here is everything you need to know to plan your visit to Badshahi Mosque, Lahore.
About the history of Badshahi Mosque
Badhshahi Mosque was built between 1671 and 1673 during the Mughal era by emperor Aurangzeb. The style of the mosque is iconic and recognizable as the style of the Mughal empire with carved red sandstone and marble inlay. (If you have visited the Taj Mahal in India, you will notice the similarities of style from this era!).
It remains the largest mosque of the Mughal-era and is the third-largest mosque in Pakistan.
The mosque has had a mixed history of uses and priorities as different rulers and empires have changed in what is Lahore today. In 1799 during the rule of the Sikh Empire the mosques courtyard was used as a stable and its hurjas (cells) as soldiers quarters.
Under the British Empire the mosque was used as a garrison until 1852 until the Mosque Authority established rights to oversee its restoration as a place of worship.
It is now one of Pakistan’s most iconic sights.
Does it cost to visit Badhsahi Mosque?
There is no cost to visit Badhshahi Mosque in Lahore. Entry is free. However, you do need to remove your shoes on entry for a small charge to store.
What do you need to wear to visit Badshahi Mosque?
Modest wear is expected to visit Badshahi Mosque.
The Badshahi Mosque is a religious site, and it is essential to dress appropriately. Make sure to wear clothes that cover your arms and legs.
Ladies, you will need to bring a scarf to cover your head on entry.
Entering Badhsahi Mosque
The entrance to Badshahi Mosque is beautiful and very grand. You need to remove your shoes on entering the mosque. There are attendants outside the mosque entrance with baskets and it costs 20 PKR (0.10 cents USD) to leave your shoes with them. They will look after your shoes until you have finished your visit.
Getting there – how to visit Badshahi Mosque
Badhsahi Mosque is located in the old city of Lahore. The mosque is right next to the Lahore Fort (which I highly recommend dedicating an afternoon to spend visiting!). Because it is right next to the Lahore Fort it makes sense to combine a visit to Badshahi Mosque as well. And in this case, it is within walking distance (just a few 100 metres) from the Fort.
If you are staying in Lahore in Gulberg region (where a lot of hotels are) it takes about 20 – 30 minutes into the old city by rickshaw or taxi. It is easy to book a taxi using the InDrive app (similar to Uber) in Pakistan. And the ride from Gulberg to Badhshahi Mosque costs around 700 PKR with InDrive.
Where to go afterwards (to have dinner overlooking Badshahi Mosque!).
In the street just to the side is a row of restaurants overlooking Badshahi Mosque. The most well-known restaurant overlooking the mosque is ‘Haveli’ restaurant. And if you time your visit to the mosque right at sunset you will be in luck for a stunning evening and dinner overlooking Badshahi Mosque.
There is live music and beautiful views. And if you are later in the evening you will be in time to hear the Azan (call to prayer) sounding out from Badshahi Mosque.
Where to stay in Lahore
These are the hotels where we stayed in Lahore and can recommend for your visit to Badshahi Mosque.
- Gulberg, Lahore: Rose Palace Hotel
Another great friendly hotel choice we recommend (we’ve stayed here three times!) and a good base for your first night in Pakistan. A basic hotel but with large plush rooms. A large buffet breakfast included each morning. Gym onsite and a small shop and bakery just at the entrance to the hotel. - Davis Road, Lahore: Grand Millennium Hotel
We have stayed here multiple times as well. GMH has spacious comfortable rooms with great AC and a basic buffet breakfast upstairs. The location is closer towards the old city and a short rickshaw ride to Savour Foods and Anarkali Bazar.
More about travel planning for Pakistan and beyond…
These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- Hostelworld– The largest inventory of hostel accommodation in the world.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home).
Read more from travel in South Asia
- Taking an overnight train in Pakistan from Islamabad to Karachi.
- How to apply for a Pakistan e-Visa: And can you use it at the Wagah Border?
- Crossing the Wagah Border from India to Pakistan.
- Pakistan with kids: A complete guide to travel in Pakistan.
- Money in India: Using ATM’s, withdrawing and carrying your money safely.
- How to use a squat toilet: Everything you didn’t want to ask…
- Our complete packing list for travel in India.
