Things To Do
in Multan
Multan is one of South Asia's oldest continuously inhabited cities, set on the Chenab River's floodplain in southern Punjab. Its streets carry centuries of Sufi devotion, reflected in grand shrines, blue-tiled domes, and bustling markets. Known as the City of Saints, Multan blends religious heritage with crafts, poetry, and warm hospitality.
Visitors come to explore ancient fortifications, mausoleums, and markets that reveal a layered history shaped by trade and culture.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Shah Rukn-e-Alam Shrine, a masterpiece of Multani architecture. As you stroll through the surrounding gardens, take in the vibrant colors and the sounds of morning prayers echoing around you. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a local eatery, sampling dishes like halwa puri or chana.
In the afternoon, head towards the ancient Multan Fort, where you can explore the remnants of its grand walls and capture panoramic views of the city. Visit the nearby tomb of Bahauddin Zakariya, a revered Sufi saint, and learn about his significant impact on the region's spiritual heritage. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby café, savoring local delicacies like biryani or seekh kebabs.
As the sun sets, wander through the colorful bazaars of Multan, where you can shop for exquisite Multani pottery and embroidered textiles. Stop by a local tea house to sip on chai while mingling with friendly locals and soaking in the vibrant evening atmosphere. Finish your day with dinner at a rooftop restaurant, enjoying traditional music while overlooking the illuminated skyline.
Begin your day at the majestic tomb of Shah Shams Tabrez, known for its intricate tile work and serene surroundings. Engage with local devotees and learn about the significance of Sufi traditions in the region. Enjoy a light breakfast at a café nearby, sampling fresh bread with local jams.
After your morning visits, head to the tomb of Sultan Bahoo, an important figure in Sufism, where you can meditate and reflect in the peaceful atmosphere. The afternoon can be spent exploring the beautiful gardens that surround these tombs, offering a respite from the city hustle. For lunch, try the local specialty of 'samosas' filled with spiced potatoes and lentils.
In the evening, join a guided tour that focuses on the mystical teachings of Sufism, allowing you to connect deeper with the spiritual heritage of Multan. Attend a Sufi music performance, where you can experience the soul-stirring qawwali singing that resonates with the teachings of the saints. Conclude your day with a traditional dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying dishes richly flavored with herbs and spices.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $15-25 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $25-40 |
| ☕Coffee in cafe | $2-4 |
| 🛍️Local market purchase (snacks/souvenirs) | $5-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich Sufi heritage and ancient architecture
- Warm hospitality and flavorful local cuisine
- Affordable costs and traditional crafts
- Compact city center with walkable old-city streets
- Very hot summers and limited Western nightlife
- Some areas have narrow lanes and crowded market traffic
- Not all sites may be accessible in extreme heat or rain
- "السلام علیکم" - Hello / Peace be upon you
- "براہ مہربانی" - Please
- "شکریہ" - Thank you
- "معاف کیجیے گا" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "کیا آپ انگریزی بولتے ہیں؟" - Do you speak English?
- "یہ کتنا ہے؟" - How much is this?
Places to Visit in Multan
Visit one of these nice places.
Impressive turquoise dome and grand domed archways provide striking color and geometry for architectural photography.
A revered Sufi shrine with intricate tilework, courtyards, and atmospheric morning light.
Ruins and ramparts offer dramatic silhouettes at sunrise or sunset against the city skyline.
Vivid street life, copperware, textiles, and colorful market scenes at golden hour.
Sunset views over the river with boats and promenades ideal for tranquil landscape photography.
Food in Multan
Multan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A famous brittle saffron-and-almond brittle sweet, best found at classic Sohan shops around the old city.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked beef or lamb stew served with fresh naan; a quintessential Multani comfort dish.
A breakfast staple of semolina halwa paired with fluffy puri and chana or curry.
Savory or sweet yogurt drink, chilled and refreshing from street stalls and cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market cluster offering copperware, textiles, spices, and a range of street snacks.
Dense, lively lanes where locals shop for fabrics, dried fruits, and traditional goods; great for street-food tastings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect local norms—cover shoulders and knees, particularly in religious sites and more conservative areas.
Always request consent before taking photos of individuals, especially in private or religious spaces.
Use the right hand for greetings, meals, and exchanges.
Be mindful during prayer times and at shrines; avoid loud behavior near worship spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Multan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are appreciated but not always expected. In restaurants, leave 5–10% if service is not included. Porters, guides, and hotel staff commonly receive small tips.
Cash (Pakistani rupees) is widely used. Many hotels and larger restaurants accept cards or mobile wallets, but do not assume universal card acceptance in smaller eateries; ATMs are common in city centers.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Very hot and dry with daytime temperatures frequently exceeding 40°C (often higher). Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late evening and stay hydrated with bottled water; seek shade and wear a hat and light clothing.
Humidity rises and brief heavy showers can occur; occasional urban flooding in low-lying areas. Carry a compact umbrella or rain jacket and monitor local advisories.
Mild days and cooler nights; temperatures can drop to single digits in the early morning. Pack a light jacket for evenings and early mornings.
Pleasant, comfortable temperatures ideal for outdoor exploring, with abundant street life and photography opportunities.
Multan at Night
Hiking in Multan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Desert landscapes with sand dunes, camel rides, and short hiking routes; suitable for a day trip from Multan with proper planning.
Airports
How to reach Multan by plane.
Primary airport serving Multan and southern Punjab; domestic and limited international connections; accessible by taxi or ride-share from the city center.
Lahore's main airport, a longer intercity option for international connections; useful for onward travel if flying via Lahore.
Major national hub; further away but useful for connections or if combining with northern destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority language group; Urdu and other regional languages are also heard in markets and education settings.
Predominantly Muslim with Sufi traditions; visible shrines and mosques across the city.
A large base of students and young adults contributing to a vibrant street life and cafe culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport in daily life and local leisure; expect street games and club matches on weekends.
Traditional contact sport played in rural areas and parks.
Historically strong in Punjab; less visible in daily life but part of regional sports culture.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Multan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Navigate by asking for dals, sabzi (vegetable dishes), chana (chickpeas), and roti; many curries are meat-based, so specify no meat or ask for dairy-rich alternatives like paneer.