It’s a big call after traveling the world fulltime for five years and seeing hundreds of towns and cities. But I think Lahore is one of my all-time favourite cities in the world. We’ve returned four times to Pakistan in the last few years and each time we find more incredible things to do in Lahore.
The city is steeped in history and culture. Its vibrant and dynamic and with just the right amount of bustle and colour to make it exciting on every visit and have us wishing we could explore more.
- About Lahore
- Is it worth visiting Lahore?
- Best time to visit
- Things to do in Lahore
Delhi Gate
Shahi Hammam
Wazir Khan Mosque
Shalimar Bagh
Lahore Fort
Badshahi Mosque
Minar-e-Pakistan
River Ravi
Anarkali Bazar - Top 10 things to do in Lahore
- Day trips from Lahore
Wagah Border Ceremony
Nankana Sahib - Getting there
- Getting around in Lahore
- Do you recommend a guide?
- Where to eat
- Accommodation
About the historic city of Lahore
Lahore is Pakistan’s second-largest city and has a history that dates to ancient times. It is the capital of Pakistan’s populous Punjab province, that was split between India and Pakistan when they became independent from Britain in 1947.
Lahore is the country’s cultural capital, and it is described as the city where Pakistan’s Islamic identity was born.
Today it is a vibrant old city with a charismatic mix of history, Mughal-era grandeur and contemporary energy.
Is it worth visiting Lahore?
Absolutely.
Yes. Yes. And YES.
The city of Lahore is filled with historical buildings, temples and shrines, bustling markets and bazars and just a rush of colour and atmosphere.
There is so much to do and see.
For all the cities, towns and countries we’ve visited around the world in over five years of fulltime travel, Lahore is one of my all-time favourites.
What is the best time to visit Lahore?
The best time to visit Lahore is during the cooler months of winter and autumn from September to March.
These cooler months offer comfortable temperatures. The Punjabi plains can get extremely hot during the summer months. And believe it or not there is also a monsoon and rainy season in the region in July and August.
Albeit November and December are cooler times temperature wise.
However, these can be a terrible time to visit due to crop burning season. (Sorry, Pakistan).
At this time of year the smog from pollution is heightened intensely with the crop burning season and air quality can be horrendously toxic.
In saying that though, we have visited Pakistan in June, July, August and December and had a great time each visit!
Ultimately, the weather makes a difference but despite the heat in Lahore we are tremendously glad we visited and extra grateful for sugarcane juices and cold Lassi.
26 Unique, historic, top and tasty things to do in Lahore, Pakistan
In no particular order, here are the top 26 things to do in Lahore, Pakistan.
1. Delhi Gate
Delhi Gate is one of six remaining historic gates of the Walled City of Lahore. It was built during the Mughal period and was named after Delhi since the gate opened to the east, leading in the direction of what is now the capital city of India.
There is a huge amount of history surrounding Delhi Gate and the protection that it provided for old Lahore. It is even mentioned by Rudyard Kipling in his 1891 short story ‘The City of Dreadful Night’.
But as a visitor the bustle and grandeur of this historic entrance way is significant as it is still today one of the main ways to enter the old town.
- Tip: This is the best place to get dropped off to enter the old city area leading directly through towards Shahi Hammam and the Wazir Khan Mosque.
2. Shahi Hammam
The Shahi Hammam is a Turkish style public bathhouse just through the Delhi Gate entrance to old Lahore.
The Hammam was built during the reign of Shah Jahan (the Mughal Emperor who commissioned the Taj Mahal) to serve as a waqf (endowment) for the maintenance of Wazir Khan Mosque.
The original Hammam consisted of three parts: the Jama Khana (dressing area), Nim Garm (warm baths), and Garm (hot baths). And in keeping with Persian tradition the spaces were illuminated by sunlight through openings in the ceiling.
It has been well restored as an important part of the city’s rich Mughal heritage.
- Open: 08:00am – 20:00pm
- Cost: 500 PKR
- Location: Just steps from Delhi Gate, Old Lahore
3. Akbari Mandi Spice Market
Akbari Mandi is touted to be the oldest spice market of sub-continent. The market is named after the Mughal Emperor Akbar, and it is estimated the spice market is around 500 years old.
Albeit as a traveller you aren’t likely to need to stock up on spices. But as a visitor it is one of the colourful things to do in Lahore that truly feels like stepping back in time.
The market is abuzz with locals negotiating loudly on prices for their purchase. There are stacks of kaffir lime leaves, yellow mustard, black pepper corns, bay leaves, cardamom, turmeric and henna piled artistically out in the open.
It genuinely is an experience to walk through that is strong on the nose and a feast for the eyes!
It is located just adjacent to Shahi Hammam through the Delhi Gate entrance, so it is easy to find.
- Location: Walled City of Lahore (near Delhi Gate)
4. Wazir Khan Mosque
The historic Wazir Khan is one of the most famous things to do in Lahore second only to the massive Badshahi Mosque. This mosque was commissioned during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (who commissioned the Taj Mahal) as a part of an ensemble of buildings that also included the nearby Shahi Hammam public bathhouse.
Wazir Khan is most famous for the intricate tiles and hand painted décor in the style more aligned with mosques of the Silk Road than the other typ9ically Mughal era mosques.
- Open: 5:00am – 8:00pm
- Cost: Free
- Location: Walled City of Lahore
5. Masjid Begum Shahi
It’s a colourful walk making your way up the textile and clothing streets of Azam Bazar inside the old city towards the beautiful Mosque of Mariyam Zamani Begum.
This mosque was commissioned by the Mughal Empress Mariam-Uz-Zamani who was the chief consort of Emperor Akbar. The mosque was constructed between 1611 and 1614 during the reign of Emperor Jahangir.
It is Lahore’s earliest dated Mughal-era Mosque.
- Location: Masti Gate, Walled City of Lahore
6. Shalimar Bagh
The Mughal-era Shalimar Gardens are one of Pakistan’s UNESCO World Heritage listed sites and aptly one of the most peaceful things to do in Lahore. They make for a pleasant stroll around the grounds amidst the historic waterways and green spaces.
Albeit the structures could use a little more speed to the renovations. But for sure this is one of Lahore’s boastfully historic and peaceful sites.
- See our YouTube video from Shalimar Bagh in Lahore.
- Open: 9:00am – 7:00pm
- Cost: 500 PKR
- Location: Shalimar Town
7. Lahore Fort
This is arguably the most ionic of things to do in Lahore (along with Badshahi Mosque and Wazir Khan). The Lahore Fort is a citadel inside the walled interior of Lahore and spreads over more than 20 hectares.
But while the Lahore Fort is from the same era as the equally iconic Red Fort and Agra Fort in India, Lahore Fort’s ramparts were made of brick rather than red stone.
It warrants a couple of hours for a decent wander around the fort grounds (plus time to allow for the zillion guaranteed selfie-requests).
- Open: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Cost: 500 PKR
- Location: Fort Rd, Walled City of Lahore
8. Hathi Paer / Elephant Stairs
The Hathi Paer stairs are located at the northwest corner of Lahore Fort, just south of the Shah Burj Quadrangle. You can’t miss these stairs. They are notably huge stone steps up to the main entrance to Sheesh Mahal.
They were designed with extremely wide treads and a shallow rising height to allow royal elephants to ascend from ground level to the top of the fort.
9. Sheesh Mahal / Mirror Palace
The Shish Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) was built by Shah Jahan in 1631. It was decorated with glass mirrors set into the stucco interior and designed for the empress and her court and installed with screens to conceal them from prying eyes.
It is in varying states of repair on each time we have visited. But the view from the original marble tracery screens towards Badshahi Mosque is impressive.
It is an additional 100 PKR on top of the fort entrance ticket fee but for that price it is well worth it. I love this part of the fort and recommend if you are short on time, it is one of the things to do in Lahore Fort that mustn’t be missed.
- Cost: 100 PKR
- Location: Lahore Fort
10. Lahore Fort Moti Masjid
The Moti Masjid, or Pearl Mosque, is a relatively small structure located at the western side of Lahore Fort. This mosque was built in 1654 and is made entirely of white marble from what is now contemporary Rajasthan.
The mosque is one of the few buildings inside the fort that deviate from the overall north-south orientation of the complex, satisfying the liturgical requirement for the mosque to face directly toward Mecca.
11. Gurdwara Dera Sahib / Sikh Temple
After the fall of the Mughal Empire, Lahore Fort was used as the residence of Emperor Ranjit Singh, founder of the Sikh Empire.
The original Gurdwara Dera Sahib was commissioned in 1619. Later Maharaja Ranjit Singh expanded it to include the congregational hall that stands adjacent to what is now the ticketing entrance to Lahore Fort.
The Gurdwara symbolizes the Sikh tradition and marks the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1606). Arjan was the fifth Guru in the series who had first compiled the Adi Granth, the principal part of Sikh scriptures.
The location marks the spot where Guru Arjan is believed to have vanished into the River Ravi, which at the time flowed just outside the city walls of Lahore.
12. Alamgiri Gate
The fort’s grand and iconic Alamgiri Gate was constructed by the last of the great Mughal emperors, Aurangzeb, and faces the renowned Badshahi Mosque.
This is a great spot for a photo of the impressive gate. Though don’t expect to be the only one here or get any ideas that you might escape a few photo requests…
13. Badshahi Mosque
Granted it’s the most iconic and touristic spot now in the city. But visiting Badshahi Mosque at sunset is my favourite thing to do in Lahore. We visit every time, and it never cedes to lose its wow-factor.
Badshahi 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 best time to visit is just before sunset when the colour is even more red-golden, and you can hear the evening call to prayer sounding out from the minarets.
14. Minar-e-Pakistan / Tower of Pakistan
Albeit this is a contrastingly newer one of the famous things to do in Lahore. But it absolutely is one of the now-renowned icons of the city.
Minar-e-Pakistan translates literally to ‘Tower of Pakistan’. It is a tower monument that was built in 1968 on the site where the All-India Muslim League passed the Pakistan Resolution on 23rd March 1940.
This was the first official call for a separate independent homeland for the Muslims of British India at the time. The resolution eventually helped lead to the partition and the creation of Pakistan in 1947.
15. River Ravi
The Ravi River acts as a natural boundary between India and Pakistan. But it is also revered as a cultural and religious symbol for the people of Punjab with many folk songs, poems and stories from the region including the River Ravi.
The Sikhs believe that Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born on its banks. While Hindus also revere the river as one of the seven holy rivers of India.
It is possible to take a boat ride on the Ravi River from just below the huge bridge across from Lahore.
16. Lahore Canal
The Lahore Canal runs through the east of the city and is likely one of the first things to see in Lahore on arrival from Amritsar in India. The waterway was originally built by the Mughals and was upgraded by the British in 1861.
Aside from its importance for irrigation, the canal forms the centre of a unique linear park that serves as one of the longest public green belts and popular recreational destination spots in the city.
On a drive past to the Wagah Border ceremony or crossing, depending on the time of year you will see kids swimming and playing and buffalo semi-submerged to cool down.
17. Lahore Museum
The iconic Lahore Museum blends the old tradition of Mughal architecture with the red-brick building style of the British period from 1849 – 1947. The museum is home to the country’s largest and oldest collection of historical, cultural and artistic objects.
The establishment also has a particularly extensive collection of Gandharan art. But if you have time to see the real deal its worth taking a day trip to Taxila from Islamabad to see the Buddhist historical sites.
- Read about how to visit the UNESCO site of Taxila from Islamabad.
18. Lahore General Post Office
The General Post Office (GPO) is the main post office in Lahore on Mall Road. It was built in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee and replaced the telegraph office of Anarkali Bazar.
It still operates as Lahore’s largest post office. So, if you are wanting a truly unique thing to do in Lahore it is possible to send a postcard from the GPO. Though, good luck explaining if you are sending that home to New Zealand!
19. Bahria Town Eiffel Tower in Lahore
One of the most iconic and recognizable structures in the world, the Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889 and has been the inspiration for the creation of over 50 similar towers around the world.
The Bahria Town Eiffel Tower in Lahore was constructed in 2014 as a focal point for a housing estate. It is 80 metres tall.
But don’t get too excited about how this is one of the more unique things to do in Lahore…
There is a similar 80m tall Eiffel Tower replica in Karachi!
20. Anarkali Bazar
Anarkali Bazaar is a bustling marketplace and one of the oldest bazars in the city. If you are looking for a one of the things to do in Lahore with a more local edge, this market invites shoppers on a culturally authentic experience.
Named after the legendary courtesan Anarkali, this historic bazaar is a labyrinth of narrow lanes and shops, offering an array of goods that is entirely non-touristic.
Anarkali Bazaar is the place to go shopping for winter clothes if you need to stock up before heading north to the mountains. And I’ve got to admit we have lately frequented the main strip of shops for winter jackets to take back with us to Europe.
- Location: Near the GPO and Mayo Hospital.
21. Cathedral Church of the Resurrection
The Cathedral Church of the Resurrection in Lahore is also known as Lahore Cathedral. It was built in 1887 in the iconic red brick of the British-era rule on The Mall Road opposite the Lahore High Court.
The cathedral is the seat of the Diocese of Lahore, of the Church of Pakistan.
Neither a Presbyterian church or a cathedral is immediately synonymous with things to do in Lahore or Pakistan. But it is a magnificent historic place of worship and a celebration of Lahore’s illustrious past.
22. Jilani Park
Jilani Park, also known as Racecourse Park, is a tranquil oasis nestled in the heart of Lahore.
It isn’t one of the touristic spots. But it is a peaceful (relatively) spot in the city and one of the things to do in Lahore to escape the bustle of the old city chaos.
Lahore doesn’t have near the green spaces of the newer capital city of Islamabad. However, Jilani Park is a historic garden and a good place for a relaxing walk if that floats your boat.
23. Data Darbar Shrine
Data Darbar is the largest Sufi shrine in South Asia. It was built to house the remains of al-Hujwiri, commonly known as Data Sahab who was a Sufi saint from Ghazni in present-day Afghanistan.
It is believed Data Sahab lived on the site in the 11th century CE.
Hordes of devotees gather here on Thursday afternoons to listen to the Qawwali, a type of Sufi Islamic devotional music.
You can’t miss it driving through Lahore.
What are the top 10 things to do in Lahore?
If you are short on time or trying to figure out what to prioritise for your Pakistan itinerary, these are our ten must-see things to do in Lahore.
- Walled City of Lahore
- Delhi Gate
- Badshahi Mosque
- Wazir Khan Mosque
- Shahi Hammam
- Lahore Fort
- Sheesh Mahal
- Minar-e-Pakistan
- Shalimar Bagh
- Lahore Wagah Border Ceremony
There are so many unique things to do in Lahore. But however long your time is in the city, don’t miss Badshahi Mosque and a walk through the bustling old city from Delhi Gate.
Quick day trips and things to do from Lahore
Though there are plenty of things to do in Lahore itself to keep you busy, if you have extra time, it is worth the day trip to a few nearby sites.
24. Chishti Phool Mandi / Lahore Flower Market
If you have extra time and want something to do in Lahore that is a bit off the main drag, this is the largest flower market in the city. Phool Mandi is somewhat a technicolour dream and certainly a floral experience for any budding photographer. But you do need to get there early as even by the time we stopped in after 9:00am there was far less than what we had hopefully anticipated.
- Tip: Tie in a trip to the Phool Mandi with a visit to the Tomb of Jahangir.
- Location: Naain Sukh (over Ravi River)
25. Tomb of Emperor Jahangir
The tomb of Jahangir is an ornate 17th-century Mughal mausoleum in excellent condition (for Pakistan, anyway). It is one of the most prominent attractions near the Ravi River.
Jahangir was the Mughal Emperor before Shah Jahan and his tomb is known for its intricate architecture and beautiful gardens.
To get there you need to get a taxi or driver across the River Ravi, so it makes sense as a day trip to see the things to do in Lahore on this side of the river all at once.
- Tip: Ask the guard to show you the small museum room with photos and a billboard with information about the restoration and history.
- Location: Over the Ravi River
26. Tomb of Asif Khan
The Tomb of Asif Khan is a 17th-century mausoleum located in Shahdara Bagh on the other side of the Ravi River from Lahore. The tomb is situated in the same park as the Tomb of Jahangir. Though the unique style of architecture makes this tomb quite different.
The structure was built in a Central Asian architectural style and stands in the centre of a Persian-style Charbagh garden.
26. Tomb of Noor Jahangir
The Tomb of Nur Jahan (Noor Jahangir) was built for the Mughal empress Nur Jahan, Shar Jahangir’s wife.
The architecture is a stunning reminder of Mughal elegance with lush gardens and a peaceful ambience. Though the tomb structure itself is in varying states of restoration.
27. Wagah Border Ceremony
The Pakistan India border is unquestionably one of the most unique borders in the world.
So much so that it is celebrated every evening with a pompous ceremony at the nightly closing of the border. And unsurprisingly, as a visitor, experiencing the Wagah Border Ceremony is one of the most unusual but popular things to do in Lahore.
The atmosphere is oddly carnivalesque. There is a huge grandstand on both sides of the border where in the middle the soldiers of the Pakistani and Indian military march towards each other, kicking their legs as high as they can in intimidation before finally shaking hands and lowering each country’s flag.
It really is an incredibly energetic and one-of-a-kind experience in Lahore.
- Read all about how to experience the Wagah Border ceremony from Lahore.
28. Sikh Gurdwara Nankana Sahib
Nankana Sahib is among the most important religious sites for the Sikh religion. It is a city and the capital of Nankana Sahib District in Punjab, about 1.5 hours from Lahore.
It’s said the first Sikh guru, Guru Nanak, was born in the city. And thus, his gurdwara, now known simply as Nankana Sahib, is visited by millions of Sikh pilgrims each year.
- Location: Nankana Sahib
Getting to Lahore
The city of Lahore is well connected by air internationally and domestically as well as by road within Pakistan.
However, for three out of four times we have arrived in Pakistan by crossing the Wagah Border from Amritsar in India to Lahore in Pakistan.
- Read how to cross the Wagah Border from India to Pakistan and everything you need to know about entering India overland from Pakistan.
Getting around in Lahore
The easiest way to get around and see all the things to do in Lahore is with a driver and car for the day. Or with a guide on tour.
Most of the top ten things to do in Lahore listed below can be seen in one or two days. But it will take time to work through the entire list of sites above!
It is easy to hail an auto-rickshaw on the spot. Just be aware that many of the older drivers don’t use a smartphone with map.
It might be easier to learn the local name of the sight you want to head for. And be sure your pronunciation is on point! No one seemed to be able to understand our NZ accent asking to go to Anarkali Bazar. We almost ended up on route to a ‘spectacle’ bazar instead!
- Tip: Download ride sharing apps like InDrive, Careem or Uber ahead of time to book drivers instantly.
Do you recommend a guide for the things to do in Lahore?
Despite visiting Pakistan four times now, each time we return we do another tour with Adil from Adil Lahorei Cultural Club.
Adil is a very well-known tour guide in Pakistan and is especially passionate in sharing his home-city of Lahore and the Pakistani state of Punjab.
His energy and passion for history all over the world is infectious!
Every time we leave a tour with Adil already planning when and how we will be back to Pakistan again and what to see next.
It is possible to make your way around the things to do in Lahore independently.
However, it is also a city so rich in history and culture that it just makes sense to go with a guide and I know we would never have found or understood all the incredible things to do in Lahore without Adil’s guidance.
- Adil Lahorei
+92 322 8833561
Send him a message on WhatsApp before you travel.
Where to eat / Restaurants and cafes in Lahore
We are (apparently) creatures of habit but highly recommend Spice Bazaar and Haveli restaurant in Lahore.
- Spice Bazaar: Our favourite Pakistani restaurant in Lahore with beautiful ambience, great service, delicious dishes and top-notch desserts.
- Haveli Restaurant: Directly opposite Badshahi Mosque, this is the most famous restaurant in Lahore and serves delicious Pakistani BBQ and traditional cuisine.
- Savour Foods: This is Pakistan’s most popular fast food style chain restaurant with the largest and original store in Lahore. We love the crunchy chicken burgers though locals will be mad offended if you don’t go for the famous rice!
- Amritsari Hareesa: This is a regional food of Pakistan most famous in Hareesa street of Lahore.
- Chaman’s Ice-Cream: Debatably the most famous ice cream in Lahore’s historic Mall Road.
Accommodation in Lahore
These are the hotels we regularly stay in the city and can recommend as a great base for exploring all the things to do in Lahore.
- Gulberg, Lahore: Rose Palace Hotel
A friendly hotel choice (we’ve stayed three times) and a good base for your first night in Pakistan. A basic hotel but with large plush rooms, buffet breakfast and gym onsite plus 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 a basic buffet breakfast upstairs. The location is closer towards the old city.
Read more about travel in Lahore and Pakistan
- 15 Things to do in Multan.
- 10 Things to do in Islamabad.
- Day Trip from Islamabad to Murree.
- 8 Things to do in Islamabad with kids.
- Day Trip from Islamabad to Taxila.
- Crossing the border from Pakistan to India.
- Review of the Ramada by Wyndham in Multan.
- 10 Day Punjab India and Pakistan Itinerary.
More about travel planning for Pakistan and 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 and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia.
- 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). Make sure you have travel insurance before visiting Pakistan!
