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.
We’ve visited Pakistan four times in the last two years and each time we return to Lahore we visit Badshahi Mosque again. Trust me, the wonder of it never gets old!
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!
The Jama Masjid in Delhi, India was once the biggest mosque of the subcontinent. But since Badshahi Mosque was commissioned it remains the largest mosque of the Mughal-era and is the third-largest mosque in Pakistan.
The mosque has not always served as a quiet place of worship.
Its history reflects the shifting empires that have ruled Lahore over the centuries:
- The Sikh Empire (1799): Under the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the mosque’s vast courtyard was repurposed as stables for horses, and the hujras (small study cells) were used as quarters for soldiers.
- The British Raj (1849–1852): Following the Sikh era, the British used the mosque as a military garrison. It wasn’t until 1852 that the British surrendered the site to the Mosque Authority, allowing it to be restored to its original purpose as a religious landmark.
It is now one of Pakistan’s most iconic sights.
Does it Cost to Visit Badhsahi Mosque?
Entry is free. There is no cost to visit Badhshahi Mosque in Lahore.
However, you do need to remove your shoes on entry for a small charge to store.
Best Time to Visit Badshahi Mosque in Lahore?
Sunset is undoubtedly the best time to visit the Masjid.
The golden hour lighting over the Badshahi Mosque is magical and the hour of day is just right before the evening call to prayer to hear the Azan resounding from the minarets.
Tip: If you visit during the evening, the call to prayer echoing through the sandstone arches is an unforgettable sensory experience.
What 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.
Like all mosques, you must remove your shoes before entering the main prayer hall and the inner courtyard. There are designated shoe-keep areas at the entrance where you can leave your footwear for a small tip.
Specifically for Women
- Head Covering: Ladies, you will need to bring a scarf to cover your head on entry. You are required to cover your hair before entering the mosque grounds.
- Full Coverage: Ensure your outfit covers your collarbone and extends down to your ankles. A traditional Salwar Kameez is the perfect choice, but long skirts or loose trousers with a long tunic also work well.
Entering Badhsahi Mosque
The entrance to Badshahi Mosque is beautiful and very grand. You need to remove your shoes on entering the mosque.
- Tip: 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. So 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.
- Tip: 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 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. So 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.
Accommodation: Where To Stay in Lahore
These are the hotels that we stay in Lahore and can recommend for your visit to Badshahi Mosque.
- Gulberg, Lahore: Rose Palace Hotel
A great friendly hotel choice (we’ve stayed here three times!) and a good base for your first night in Pakistan. Basic hotel but with large plush rooms and buffet breakfast. Gym onsite and a small shop and bakery just at the entrance.
- Davis Road, Lahore: Grand Millennium Hotel
We have stayed here multiple times as well. GMH has spacious comfortable rooms with great AC and basic buffet breakfast. The location is closer towards the old city and a short rickshaw ride to Savour Foods and Anarkali Bazar.
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- Pakistan Travel Guide.
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Travel Planning for Pakistan & Beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for 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. It is easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere online.
- 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. 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 – Make sure you have insurance before embarking on things to do in Lahore!
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