Lahore

DESTINATIONS pakistan lahore

Lahore

Lahore, a city rich in Mughal architecture and Punjabi culture, teems with cultural riches and historical wonders. Marvel at the grandeur of the Badshahi Mosque and explore the intricate beauty of Shalimar Gardens. Food enthusiasts will relish the flavours of Punjabi street food in Gawalmandi neighbourhood, while history buffs can wander through the ancient corridors of the Lahore Fort. Pakistan’s second biggest city offers something extraordinary for every traveller.

The City Nightlife

The City

Lahore, the capital city of Pakistan's Punjab province, is a busy metropolis that combines historical grandeur with modern vitality. Often referred to as the cultural heart of Pakistan, Lahore has a rich history that dates back to antiquity. It has been a centre of cultural and political significance for over a millennium, witnessing the rise and fall of various empires, including the Ghaznavids, Mughals, and Sikhs, before becoming a part of British India, and eventually Pakistan. Historically, Lahore flourished under the Mughal Empire between the late 16th and early 18th centuries, which left an enduring mark on the city's architecture and culture. Iconic landmarks such as the Badshahi Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, and the Lahore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stand as testaments to the city's grand Mughal past. The Shalimar Gardens, with their meticulously designed terraces and fountains, reflect the Mughal's love for nature and beauty. In modern-day Pakistan, Lahore is the second-biggest city that serves as an economic, political and educational hub. It is home to some of Pakistan's leading universities, including the University of the Punjab and Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). The city is also known for its art scene, with numerous galleries, theatres and cultural institutions, such as the Alhamra Arts Council, showcasing the country's artistic talent. The Lahore Museum, one of the oldest and most comprehensive museums in Pakistan, houses an extensive collection of artefacts from the region's rich history. Geographically, Lahore is situated near the Ravi River, which adds to the city's scenic beauty. The river's banks are a popular spot for leisurely walks and picnics, offering a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. The surrounding fertile plains of Punjab make Lahore a crucial agricultural centre, contributing significantly to the region's economy. Lahore's culinary scene is another highlight. The city's food is renowned for its rich and diverse flavours, with traditional Punjabi dishes like biryani, nihari, and halwa puri being must-tries. Food Street in Gawalmandi and the numerous eateries on MM Alam Road offer a gastronomic adventure for those looking to savour authentic Pakistani cuisine.

Nightlife

In Lahore, as in the rest of Pakistan, alcohol consumption is tightly regulated due to Islamic laws. For the majority Muslim population, the sale and consumption of alcohol are prohibited, and this has been the case since the 1970s. Non-Muslims, including tourists and foreign residents, are allowed to purchase and consume alcohol but under strict conditions. They need a special permit issued by the provincial government. Some high-end hotels in Lahore, such as the Pearl Continental, Avari Hotel, and Ambassador Hotel, have licences to serve alcohol to non-Muslim guests. Evenings in Lahore offer a variety of entertainment options beyond bars and clubs. You can savour delicious food at Food Street in Gawalmandi or trendy eateries on MM Alam Road. Visit buzzing cafes like Cafe Aylanto and Peeru's Cafe for a lively atmosphere. Enjoy cultural performances at Alhamra Arts Council or shop at bustling markets such as Liberty Market and Anarkali Bazaar. Relax in the city's serene parks like Bagh-e-Jinnah and Racecourse Park, or catch the latest films at modern cinemas like Cinepax and Cinestar. For a dose of local culture, don't miss live music and poetry readings at venues like The Last Word.

Do & See Dining Cafes Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Start your tour of Lahore inside the old walled city, a historic and relatively compact area that's easy to explore on foot. Some of Lahore's major attractions, such as the Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque, along with the nearby new Food Street, are located here, at the heart of the sprawling greater city, which offers further sights and experiences.

Lahore Fort

Once the residence of great Mughal royals, the fort calls for a slow-paced examination of its grounds, believed to contain some of Lahore's most ancient relics. Taking a guided tour is highly recommended (prices and duration negotiable). On-site museums include an armoury and painting exhibitions, along with a Mughal Gallery containing artefacts dating back …

Badshahi Mosque

The splendid Badshahi Mosque ranks among the world's largest, and the city of Lahore's finest attractions. Apart from elaborate decor and architectural detail, mosque grounds contain the Tomb of Allama Iqbal, a prominent Pakistani philosopher and poet. It's beautifully illuminated at night; look over from the top floor of a restaurant in nearby Food …

Shalimar Gardens

The only remaining example of Mughal-era planning, Shalimar Gardens were designed to create a perfect cohabiting space for humans and elements of nature. Centuries later, the gardens are one of the main tourist attractions in …

Lahore Museum

The splendid Lahore Museum offers fascinating insight into the rich history of the Indian subcontinent. Artefacts and displays date back to the earliest findings of early prehistoric times all the way through to the late 20th century, including Gandharan, Mughal, Sikh and British …

Lahore Zoo & Safari Park

Animal-lovers and those travelling with children should try and write the Lahore Zoo into their itinerary. Its variety of animal species is among the widest on the subcontinent, including tigers, lions, hippos, crocodiles, and a great many birds. The drive-through safari park on the southern edge of town provides a further glimpse of animal …

Tomb of Jahangir

The tomb of Mughal emperor Jahangir is a majestic work of architecture, commissioned by his son Shah Jahan in memory of his late father. The complex is known especially for its intricate detail which includes ornate frescoes, carved marble, and mosaics of semi-precious stone known as "pietra dura" …

Wazir Khan Mosque

Completed in the middle of the 17th century, the Wazir Khan Mosque is ornately decorated with traditional architecture additions of the Mughal-era. Moreover, does the complex host several shops and is the resting place to Syed Muhammad Ishaq Gazruni, whose tomb is placed in the complex. The different creative expressions inside the mosque, will …

Dining

The province of Punjab is known for its especially abundant culinary offerings, and Lahore in particular is heralded as a hotspot for gastronomy. Some of the dishes you'll certainly encounter on restaurant menus include various meat grills and kebabs, spicy chicken karahi, and Lahori specialities, along with a variety of other chicken dishes and deep-fried goodies sold off street sides. To acquaint yourself with the local dining culture, begin at the new Food Street near Lahore Fort, eventually working your way down to Anarkali Bazaar.

Monal

Rooftop Monal commands sweeping views of Lahore, all the while offering discerning guests a lengthy menu of Pakistani and Continental dishes. The daily dinner buffet is a real hit, followed closely by the Sunday brunch and high tea on Friday, Saturday and Sunday …

Andaaz

It doesn't get much better than this on the Lahore dining scene: set inside the old walled city, Andaaz offers seating on an airy terrace overlooking the splendid Badshahi Mosque, which lights up beautifully at night. The menu centres on cuisine from the subcontinent, featuring a variety of karahi (thick curry) and tandoori …

Options

Options delivers on its promise of manifold dining choices, with offerings of an incredible six different world cuisines (Pakistani, Iranian, and Chinese - to name a few), as well as an on-site bakery and cafe. The establishment is extremely popular, with ample …

Bundu Khan

For a proper barbecue feast, try the local favourite Bundu Khan, praised for its juicy mutton and chicken grills, flavourful karahi and tikka, and other desi dishes (do not skip on the naan bread!). Prices are more than …

Spice Bazaar

Take advantage of the intimate outdoor courtyard seating and tuck into delectable barbecue specialities (get the mixed grill platter to share among several diners), or come for the popular Sunday brunch (10am-3pm), a family favourite. Stop by the on-site dessert shop for take-away …

Cafes

High tea and Sunday brunch are big at Lahore cafes, with the latter immensely popular among local families. An attractive spot for an outing is never too far away, regardless of which part of the city you find yourself in. These locales serve a variety of Punjab specialities as well as Continental foods.

Cooco's Den

Cooco's is a gem of a cafe set within arm's reach from the Fort and Lahore's fabulous Badshahi Mosque (visible clearly from the terrace). The cafe is best known for its scrumptious chicken tawa, cooked with tomatoes and an aromatic spice mix, served with fresh naan …

The Pantry

Do not be deterred by the cafe's location on shopping mall premises: fame of The Pantry's fabulous salads has travelled all across town, bringing in a steady flow of return customers. While you're there, do not skip on the delectable cheesecake and/or other desserts in the glass …

Freddy's Cafe

This well-located, retro-style cafe is a popular city meeting point, and one that offers an abundant selection of local and international dishes. The menu features classic burgers and fries, Afghani specialities, seafood, pasta, and steaks served sizzling in the …

Coffee, Tea & Company

One of the pioneers of its time, Coffee, Tea & Company remains an excellent spot for breakfast and high tea in Lahore. The menu features dishes of Continental and international cuisine (including some loose interpretations of Mexican), along with atypical desserts such as deep-fried chocolate …

Shopping

Shopping opportunities are abundant in Lahore; in fact, entire city neighbourhoods are taken over by stores and vendors peddling all manner of goods. Items worth purchasing include gold, silver, and precious stone jewellery, silk and textiles, carpets, pashminas, leather goods (including footwear), spices, cooking paraphernalia, and more. Remember to haggle, as prices are rarely fixed outside of major modern shopping malls.