Places to Visit in Lahore

places to visit in lahore

“Jinnay Lahore nai whekhya, o jammia nai!”

invest with imarat

Islamabad’s emerging city centre

Learn More

(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

 

Place to visitLocation
1. Badshahi MosqueWalled City of Lahore, Lahore.
2. Lahore FortFort Road, Walled City of Lahore, Lahore.
3. The Emporium MallAbdul Haque Rd, adjacent to Lahore International Expo Centre, Trade Centre Commercial Area, Phase 2, Johar Town, Lahore.
4. Lahore MuseumThe Mall, Mall Rd, Anarkali Bazaar, Lahore.
5. Minar e Pakistan
6. Food Street Lahore
7. Shalimar BaghShalamar Chowk, GT Road, Shalimar Town, Lahore.
8. Lahore ZooMall Rd, Jubilee Town, Lahore.
9. Anarkali BazaarNear Data Gunj Buksh Tehsil of Lahore.
10. Wagah BorderNear Grand Trunk Road, Lahore.
11. Masjid Wazir KhanShahi Guzargah، Dabbi Bazar, Chota Mufti Baqar Walled City of Lahore.
12. Jahangir’s TombCircular Walk، Shahdara Town, Shahdara, Lahore.
13. Jinnah ParkLawrence Road, 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.

 

Badshahi Mosque lahore

 

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

 

Lahore fort - places to visit in lahore

 

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.

 

places near me - Emporium Mall Lahore

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.

 

lahore museum

 

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.

 

minar e pakistan

 

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.

 

Food Street lahore

 

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.

 

Shalimar bagh Lahore

 

 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.

 

lahore zoo

 

 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.

 

Anarkali Bazar Lahore

 

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.

 

wagha border lahore

 

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.

 

Masjid Wazir Khan 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.

 

Jahangir's tomb in lahore

 

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.

 

JINNAH park lahore

 

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!

 

Place to VisitDescriptionLocation in Lahore
Aitchison College LahoreHistoric educational institution with splendid architectureMall Road
Jilani ParkUrban park offering recreational activitiesGulberg
Packages MallShopping complex with various retail outletsGulberg
Food Street Fort RoadCulinary hub with traditional Lahore foodWalled City
Wazir Khan HammamHistorical Turkish bathhouseWalled City
Fortress StadiumSports and recreational venueCantt
Ali Hajvery’s TombMausoleum of a famous Sufi saintWalled City
Sozo Water ParkWater-based amusement parkCanal Road
Grand Jamia MosqueGrand mosque known for its architectural grandeurBahria Town Lahore
AL-Hammra Art CentreCultural center showcasing various art formsMall Road
Delhi GateHistoric gate leading to the Walled CityWalled City
Gurudwara Dera SahibSikh temple and historical siteWalled City
Gulshan-e-Iqbal ParkPublic park offering recreational facilitiesAllama Iqbal Town
Eiffel Tower ReplicaReplica of the iconic Eiffel TowerBahria Town Lahore
Amanah MallShopping mall with diverse retail optionsModel Town
The MallHistorical boulevard with colonial architectureWalled City
JoylandAmusement park with various rides and attractionsFortress Stadium
The Lahore CanalHistorical canal offering serene viewsThroughout Lahore
Tomb of Muhammad IqbalMausoleum of renowned poet and philosopherWalled City
Bedian Spins Cricket GroundCricket ground for sports enthusiastsBedian Road
Shahi Qila LahoreMajestic Mughal fort showcasing architectural brillianceWalled City
Fakir Khana Museum LahorePrivate museum with an extensive collectionWalled City
National History MuseumShowcases Pakistan’s history and cultureGreater Iqbal Park
The Mall of LahoreModern shopping destinationCantt
Shahi HammamHistorical public bathhouseWalled City
Naqsh Art GalleryArt gallery featuring local and international artJail Road
Governor HouseOfficial residence of the Governor of PunjabMall Road
Convent of Jesus and Mary, LahoreHistoric educational institutionMall Road
Alamgiri GateHistorical gate leading to Lahore FortWalled City
Zamzama GunHistorical cannon symbolizing Lahore’s historyWalled City
General Post Office LahoreHistoric postal buildingMall Road
Shahi GuzargahRoyal passage connecting Lahore Fort and Badshahi MosqueWalled City
Nairang Art GalleryArt gallery showcasing contemporary artJail Road
Hazuri BaghEnclosed garden area near Lahore FortWalled City
Yakki GateHistorical gate leading to the Walled CityWalled City
Lahore Wildlife ParkWildlife reserve featuring diverse speciesRaiwind Road
ChauburjiMughal-era monument with distinctive architectureMultan Road
Tomb of Baba Shah JamalSufi saint’s mausoleumWalled City
Summit MinarLandmark offering panoramic views of LahoreNear Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park
Akbari SaraiHistoric inn and lodgeWalled City
Unicorn GalleryArt gallery promoting emerging artistsJail Road
Tollinton MarketMarket offering various goods and servicesJail Road
Jallo ParkRecreational park with diverse facilitiesLahore-Kasur Road
Bhatti GateHistorical gate leading to the Walled CityWalled City
Mochi GateHistorical gate with cultural significanceWalled City
Lal HaveliIconic red-colored mansion with historical relevanceWalled City
Mosque of Mariyam Zamani BegumHistorical mosque associated with a Mughal empressWalled City
Barood Khana Haveli, LahoreHistorical mansion showcasing craftsmanshipWalled City
Haveli Mian SultanHistorical residence exhibiting architectural splendorWalled City
Lohari GateHistorical gate leading to the Walled CityWalled City
Roshnai GateHistorical gate leading to the Walled CityWalled City
Sheranwala Gate LahoreHistorical gate leading to the Walled City of LahoreWalled City
Zeb-un-Nisa TombMughal-era tomb with intricate craftsmanshipWalled City
Moti MosqueHistorical mosque showcasing Mughal architectureWalled City
Qutub-ud-Din Aibak’s TombTomb of Delhi Sultanate’s founderWalled City
Mori GateHistorical gate leading to the Walled CityWalled City
Samadhi of Ranjit SinghMemorial of the Sikh Empire’s founderWalled City
PIA PlanetariumSpace-themed educational facilityLawrence Road
Shakir Ali MuseumArt museum dedicated to renowned artist Shakir AliJail Road
Temple Of LavaHindu temple known for its spiritual significanceOutskirts of Lahore
Akbari GateHistorical gate leading to the Walled CityWalled City
Haveli Alif ShahHistorical mansion displaying architectural brillianceWalled City
Sacred Heart CathedralHistorical Christian cathedralMall Road
Kasera BazaarMarket area known for its variety of brasswareWalled City
Mochi Gate ParkPublic park near Mochi GateWalled City
Taxali GateHistorical gate leading to the Walled CityWalled City
Sonehri MasjidHistoric mosque with golden embellishmentsWalled City
Mela ChiraghanFestival celebrated at the shrine of a Sufi saintShalimar Gardens
Avenue MallShopping mall catering to diverse needsGulberg
Kashmiri GateHistorical gate leading to the Walled CityWalled City
Masti GateHistorical gate symbolizing leisure and entertainmentWalled City
Wonder WorldAmusement park offering various attractionsMall Road
Mubarak HaveliHistorical mansion reflecting Mughal-era architectureWalled City
Miani Sahib GraveyardHistoric burial groundWalled City
Masjid Shab BharHistorical mosqueWalled City
Shrine of Said Mitha SarkarShrine dedicated to a respected figureWalled City
Gobind Ram Karan Chand BuildingHistorical structure with architectural prominenceMall Road
Shrine of Billian Wali SarkarShrine dedicated to a revered personalityWalled City
Haveli of Maharaja Naunihal SinghHistorical mansion showcasing architectural beautyWalled City
Model Town ParkRecreational space within the Model Town areaModel Town
FunCo Air ParkIndoor amusement parkGulberg
Masjid Tarro MoranHistorical mosqueWalled City
Shrine of Pir BholaSufi shrine with spiritual significanceWalled City
Nasir BaghHistorical garden areaThe Mall Road
Fincera PakistanEntertainment and recreational venueGulberg
Gali Surjan SinghHistorical lane within the Walled CityWalled City

 

Places Near Lahore

PlaceDistance from LahoreDescription
Sheikhupura40 kmHistorical city known for Sheikhupura Fort
Kasur50 kmFamous for Kasuri Methi and historical sites
Muridke44 kmIndustrial town along the Grand Trunk Road
Faisalabad140 kmMajor industrial and commercial city
Gujranwala68 kmKnown for its manufacturing and commerce
Wagah Border29 kmFamous for the Wagah-Attari border ceremony
Shalimar Gardens8 kmUNESCO World Heritage Site

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 places to visit in Lahore:

 

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

invest with imarat Islamabad’s emerging city
centre
Learn More

8 thoughts on “Places to Visit in Lahore”

  1. Wanted to add some more options,
    Eifel Tower and Grand Jamia Masjid – Bahria Town Lahore
    Lahore Zoo Safari (Wild Life Park)
    As far as Emporium is concerned, how can one forget Packages Mall

  2. Yes these areas are really beautiful. When anyone visits then feel awesome. I personally visited this area

  3. Hello, I”ve reviewed your blog,,, your content is very impressive and informative. good job keep it up…!

Comments are closed.

Scroll to Top
Scroll to Top