Things To Do
in Lahore

Lahore is Pakistan's cultural capital and the largest city of Punjab, known for its rich history, Mughal-era architecture, and vibrant street life. The city blends centuries-old monuments like the Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque with bustling bazaars, contemporary arts venues, and a famous food scene. Lahore is a center for literature, music, and performing arts, with numerous festivals and a lively university atmosphere.

Visitors find warm hospitality, intense traffic and heat in summer, and memorable culinary and photographic opportunities around every corner.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Old City Wonders
morning
:

Begin with a steaming cup of chai and paratha at Wake Up Cafe near Delhi Gate. Wander through the bustling alleys of the Walled City, browsing traditional crafts and street vendors. Pause at Lahori Gate to admire the centuries-old architecture before moving deeper into the old quarters.

afternoon
:

Join a guided tour of Lahore Fort to marvel at its intricate marble work and frescoes. Step into the vast courtyard of the Badshahi Mosque and learn about its storied past under the Mughals. Enjoy local snacks from a nearby stall as you soak in the serene courtyard ambiance.

evening
:

Stroll along the illuminated Shahi Guzargah, watching the sunset cast golden hues on the red sandstone walls. Sample spicy gol gappay and jalebi from a street-side vendor near Masti Gate. End the evening with traditional qawwali music echoing through the narrow lanes.

day 2
Mughal Marvels
morning
:

Start early at the Shalimar Gardens to experience the tranquil symmetry and cascading fountains. Capture the morning light glistening off the white marble pavilions and lotus ponds. Learn about the gardens' royal history as you stroll beneath shaded archways.

afternoon
:

Return to the city center to explore the Sheesh Mahal within Lahore Fort, adorned with thousands of mirror mosaics. Walk through the Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khas to appreciate the grandeur of Mughal court life. Stop at one of the fort's cafes for a cup of karela chai and a samosa.

evening
:

Witness the Lahore Fort sound-and-light show that brings Mughal history to life with narration and music. Enjoy an authentic dinner of nihari and kulcha at a nearby dhaba. Conclude the night with a leisurely walk by the fort walls under starlight.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$3-7
Coffee or tea at cafe$1.50-4
🚕Short taxi/ride-share$1.50-5
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$40-100
🎟️Museum or attraction entry$1-6

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich history and outstanding Mughal architecture
  • World-class street food and culinary traditions
  • Vibrant arts, music and festival scene
  • Warm hospitality and lively bazaars
  • Hot summers and occasional monsoon disruptions
  • Heavy traffic and air pollution in some areas
  • Spotty public signage and potential language barriers
  • Limited Western-style nightlife options and alcohol availability
  • "سلام / Assalam-o-Alaikum" - Peace be upon you (common greeting)
  • "کیا حال ہے؟ / Aap kaise hain?" - How are you?
  • "شکریہ / Shukriya" - Thank you
  • "کتنا ہے؟ / Kitna hai?" - How much is it?
  • "معاف کیجیے / Maaf kijiye" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "ہاں / Haan — نہیں / Nahin" - Yes — No

Places to Visit in Lahore

Visit one of these nice places.

Badshahi Mosque & Lahore Fort

Iconic Mughal architecture — best at golden hour and after dark when floodlit; rooftop viewpoints on Fort Road offer dramatic compositions.

Walled City (Old Lahore)

Narrow lanes, colorful bazaars, street-food stalls and historic havelis provide candid street photography opportunities; capture daily life and craftspeople.

Shalimar Gardens

Formal Mughal gardens with terraces, fountains, and symmetry; ideal for architectural and botanical shots in soft morning light.

Wagah Border

High-energy military parade and crowds at the India-Pakistan border — dramatic, patriotic photography during the flag-lowering ceremony.

Majestic Street Murals and Alhamra Arts

Contemporary arts venues and murals around Gulberg and the Lawrence Road area provide colorful portraits and cultural context.

Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park / Jilani Park

Green spaces with floral displays and ponds, good for family and nature photography, especially in spring.

Culinary Guide

Food in Lahore

Lahore is famed for robust Punjabi cuisine — rich in spices, ghee, and grilled meats — and for an exuberant street-food culture. Meals range from slow-cooked breakfasts and hearty stews to sizzling kebabs and decadent desserts. Dining is social and celebratory; many dishes are regional specialties prepared in centuries-old styles. Vegetarians can find plenty to eat, though meat-centric dishes dominate; plan ahead for dietary needs.

Lahore Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Nihari

A slow-cooked beef or mutton stew traditionally eaten for breakfast; best at historic eateries in the Old City and dedicated nihari shops around Gawalmandi.

Must-Try!

Paye

Trotters curry simmered overnight for a gelatinous, deeply flavored broth — commonly served for breakfast in the Walled City and at breakfast-specialty restaurants.

Lahori Chargha

Whole spiced and roasted chicken, marinated and deep-fried or roasted; popular at specialty restaurants and roadside stalls.

Seekh Kebabs and Boti

Skewered grilled meat cooked over charcoal, ubiquitous in food streets and barbecue joints across Lahore.

Falooda and Kulfi

Creamy frozen desserts and sweet drinks — perfect after a spicy meal; available at street vendors and classic sweet shops.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Gawalmandi Food Street

Historic food district in the Old City known for breakfast joints (halwa puri, jalebi), kebab shops, and sweets; lively and authentic.

Fort Road / Food Street (near Badshahi Mosque)

A tourist-friendly stretch with rooftop restaurants offering views of the illuminated Badshahi Mosque and a wide selection of Lahori specialties.

Anarkali Bazaar

Longstanding market with numerous street-food stalls selling chaat, samosas, sweets, and seasonal snacks.

MM Alam Road and DHA food hubs

Modern food clusters with trendy street-food stalls, bakeries and international options for those seeking cleaner, contemporary outlets.

Climate Guide

Weather

Lahore has a semi-arid to subtropical climate with hot summers, a monsoon season bringing variable rains, mild springs and autumns, and cool winters. Summers (May–August) are hot with temperatures often above 35°C; monsoon rains can occur mid-summer. Winters (December–February) are cool, nights can approach freezing, and fog in December–January can reduce visibility and affect flights. The most comfortable travel windows are spring and autumn.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Dress and Modesty

Conservative dress is recommended — cover shoulders and knees, and women may choose to carry a scarf for added comfort in religious sites. Dressing modestly shows respect for local norms.

Religious Sensitivity

Respect mosque customs: remove shoes, dress modestly, and avoid visiting during prayer times if not participating; be mindful during Ramadan about eating/drinking in public during daylight hours.

Greetings and Hospitality

Handshakes are common between men; between genders, wait to see if a handshake is offered. Guests are often offered tea and treats — accepting at least a small amount is polite.

Photography Respect

Ask permission before photographing people, especially women and religious sites; some government buildings and military areas prohibit photography.

Bargaining

Bargain politely in bazaars — it’s expected at many markets but not in fixed-price shops or upscale stores.

Safety Guide

Safety

Lahore is generally safe for tourists who follow common-sense precautions: avoid poorly lit areas at night, use reputable transport or hotel-arranged taxis/rideshares, keep valuables secure, and stay aware of local news for any demonstrations or security advisories. Petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded markets. For political events or large gatherings, maintain distance and follow local authority guidance. Carry ID at all times and register with your embassy if recommended.

Tipping in Lahore

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory; leave 10% in mid-range restaurants if a service charge isn't included, round up taxi fares, tip hotel porters a small amount, and tip guides for personalized tours. In small street stalls tipping is uncommon but appreciated for exceptional service.

Payment Methods

Cash (Pakistani rupee) is widely used — carry cash for markets and street food. Credit and debit cards are accepted at mid-to-high-end hotels, restaurants and malls; mobile payments and bank apps are growing but less universal. ATMs are common in major areas; notify your bank before travel to avoid blocks.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring (March–April)

Pleasant temperatures and blooming parks make it one of the best times to visit; outdoor sightseeing and gardens are especially enjoyable.

Summer (May–August)

Hot and often humid, with daytime highs frequently above 35°C (95°F); stay hydrated, plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening, and expect busy months for domestic travel during holidays.

Monsoon (July–September, variable)

Intermittent heavy rains can cause localized flooding and traffic disruptions; showers bring temporary relief from heat and greener landscapes but can affect outdoor plans.

Autumn (September–November)

Cooling temperatures and clearer skies make this another excellent season for travel and festivals; comfortable for sightseeing and street food.

Winter (December–February)

Mild to cool days with chilly nights (sometimes near freezing); fog can reduce visibility and disrupt travel in December–January, but the season is good for hearty winter cuisine.

Nightlife Guide

Lahore at Night

Lahore's nightlife is more subdued than many Western cities but lively in its own way: evening food streets, rooftop restaurants, arts performances, and cafés remain open late. Licensed bars are limited and often located within major hotels; live music, theater and cultural events are common in dedicated venues like Alhamra and private clubs. Night markets and late-night eateries in the Old City and DHA provide energetic local experiences. Travelers should prefer organized transport at night and be mindful of local norms when visiting mixed-gender public venues.

Hiking in Lahore

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Changa Manga Forest

A planted forest roughly 1–1.5 hours from Lahore offering trails, a small tourist train, birdwatching and shaded walks—good for a half-day nature escape.

Tilla Jogian (Salt Range area)

Historic ridge and hiking area several hours’ drive away for more adventurous day trips; offers panoramic views and opportunities for longer hikes for experienced travelers.

Margalla Hills (near Islamabad)

If willing to travel 3.5–5 hours by road, Margalla Hills near Islamabad provide well-established hiking trails and scenic vistas—suitable for a multi-day itinerary that includes Lahore and the capital.

Lal Suhanra / Bahawalpur (National Park area)

Further afield, national parks and desert landscapes around Bahawalpur can be part of extended nature-focused trips departing from Lahore.

Airports

How to reach Lahore by plane.

Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE)

Main airport serving Lahore with domestic and international flights; about 20–30 minutes from central Lahore by car depending on traffic. Taxis and ride-hailing services connect the airport to city hotels.

Islamabad International Airport (ISB)

Major international airport for the federal capital, about 4–5 hours’ drive from Lahore; alternatively reachable by a short domestic flight. Often used for alternate international connections.

Sialkot International Airport (SKT)

Smaller international airport to the northeast, roughly 1.5–2.5 hours by road depending on route; useful for arrivals from certain regional destinations or for combined trips in Punjab.

Getting Around

Walkability

Central historical areas like the Walled City, Fort Road and some market streets are very walkable and rewarding for pedestrians; however, many modern districts are spread out and sidewalks can be uneven or obstructed. Use walking for short heritage-focused outings and rely on rideshares or taxis for longer distances or during hot weather.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Punjabi Majority

Ethnic Punjabis form the majority of the population, with Punjabi language and culture dominant in daily life and festivals.

Urban Professionals and Students

Lahore hosts universities and a growing professional class in sectors like education, healthcare, IT and creative industries contributing to a young urban demographic.

Religious Communities

Muslim majority with active religious life, and minority communities including Christians and others contributing to the city's social fabric.

Rural-to-Urban Migrants

Significant internal migration from rural Punjab and other provinces brings linguistic and cultural diversity to neighborhoods across the city.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cricket

Cricket is the dominant sport — watched avidly at all levels with passionate local support; major matches and domestic fixtures attract large crowds and TV viewership.

Field Hockey

Historically important sport with national pride; played in schools and clubs.

Squash and Badminton

Popular both recreationally and competitively, with good club infrastructure in the city.

Kabaddi

Traditional Punjabi team sport played at rural and regional events; part of local sporting culture.

Transportation

Traffic

Lahore experiences heavy traffic, especially during morning and evening rush hours and around market areas and major roads like Ferozepur Road and Canal Road. Motorbikes, rickshaws, private cars and buses share congested streets. Rideshare apps (Careem, local services) and metered taxis are reliable options; allow extra travel time. Public transport includes buses and a developing metrobus system, with the Orange Line Metro providing rail service for parts of the city but limited coverage for all tourist sites.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Lahore.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options exist (dal, saag, paneer dishes, chana masala, vegetable biryani), but many eateries focus on meat; specify 'no meat' and ask about ghee/animal fats. Larger restaurants and cafes in Gulberg/DHA offer clearer vegetarian choices.

Vegan

Trickier due to common use of ghee and yogurt; explain requirements, ask for vegetable-based dishes cooked in oil, and avoid sweets that often contain milk.

Halal / Religious Dietary Needs

Most restaurants serve halal meat; if you have additional restrictions, ask staff. Pork is not served due to local customs and religion.

Food Allergies

Language barriers can complicate allergy communication—carry translations for key allergens, choose reputable restaurants, and prefer packaged foods when unsure.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Lahore has major hospitals and private clinics offering a range of services including emergency care and specialist treatments — notable hospitals include Mayo Hospital, Services Hospital, and several private institutions (Shaukat Khanum, Aga Khan clinics in affiliated areas). Carry travel insurance that covers medical evacuation if needed, bring essential medications, and use bottled water if you have a sensitive stomach. Pharmacies are common and many medications are available over the counter, but consult a doctor for serious conditions.

Discover Pakistan

Read more in our Pakistan 2025 Travel Guide.

Pakistan Travel Guide