Lahore holidays

How to reach Lahore

Flight time: Flights to Lahore from the UK typically have a connection in the Middle East or elsewhere in Pakistan, and take around 12 to 14 hours.

Transfer time: Once you land at Allama Iqbal International Airport, the most common way to get into Lahore city centre is by taxi, which takes about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Some hotels offer shuttle services, but they're not common.

Price: A taxi from the airport to the city centre will set you back around Rs1,000 (£3).

Best time to visit Lahore

Lahore experiences a mix of weather, with hot temperatures from spring into early summer, cool winters and the monsoon arriving in late summer. Timing your visit right can ensure you get the most out of the city.

October to March is the best time for Lahore holidays, with mild, pleasant weather, minimal rainfall, clear skies and plenty of sun. Average temperatures hover between 15°C and 25°C – perfect for sightseeing and cultural activities.

April to June can be scorching, with daytime temperatures in early summer soaring above 40°C. While outdoor activities are best limited, particularly in the middle of the day, it’s a good time to explore the city’s indoor attractions like museums and malls.

July to September sees the arrival of the monsoon season. Rainfall provides some relief from the heat, with temperatures peaking at 30°C to 37°C, though it can get humid. This is considered the low season for tourists, but is still a great time to witness Lahore’s lush green parks.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Urdu is Pakistan's national language, but the official language is English, which is spoken by most people in Lahore, especially in hotels and tourist areas.

• Local habits and customs: Lahore is a friendly city, but local customs should be observed, especially those relating to Islamic traditions. For example, always dress modestly if visiting a mosque or more traditional areas, removing your shoes and covering your head before entering. Also, visiting during Ramadan brings some challenges.

• Currency: The local currency is the Pakistani rupee (Rs). Credit cards are accepted in most major hotels, restaurants and shops, but cash should be carried for smaller purchases or local establishments. It’s also advisable to carry some extra pounds or dollars in case of emergency. There are plenty of ATMs around the city.

• Getting around: Lahore offers a wide range of transport options including a new metro system, taxis, buses, minibuses, auto-rickshaws, ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem, and trains for journeys out of town. A typical rickshaw ride across the city will cost around Rs200–Rs500 (£0.50–£1.30). The metro is also an affordable way to get around, with fares starting from Rs30 (£0.10).

• Electricity and plug types: Pakistan uses 220–240V, but supply is not always reliable, so buy a voltage stabiliser if you're taking any sensitive equipment. UK travellers will need a two-round-pin plug adaptor (type C or D).

• Time zone: Karachi operates on Pakistan Standard Time (PST), which is 5 hours ahead of GMT.

Best things to do in Lahore

Considered to be the country's capital of culture, Lahore is one of the most exciting places to visit in Pakistan. Whether you’re interested in taking in the stunning Mughal-era architecture, visiting the lush green areas that make it known as “the City of Gardens” or wandering around the lively, atmospheric bazaars, holidays to Lahore can be very memorable.

Historic monuments

• Lahore Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this majestic fort is a blend of Mughal and Sikh architecture. Grand features include the impressive Alamgiri Gate, Naulakha Pavilion and the Shish Mahal (Palace of Mirrors), which showcases intricate inlay work and a stunning array of reflective mosaics.

• Badshahi Mosque: Directly across from Lahore Fort, this mosque is one of the largest in the world and the grandest of Pakistan’s Mughal monuments. Built by Emperor Aurangzeb in 1673, it’s an awe-inspiring piece of architecture, with its red sandstone exterior and marble domes.

• Shalimar Gardens: A serene escape from the city's hustle, these Mughal gardens were laid out by Emperor Shah Jahan. With beautiful tiered terraces, ample greenery and many water features, including over 400 fountains, it’s a perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon.

• Shahdara: Just across the Ravi River, Shahdara is home to the spectacular tombs of Emperor Jahangir and his wife Nur Jahan. A visit here offers a quieter, more contemplative look at Lahore’s Mughal heritage, with Jahangir’s decorated tomb and mausoleum in particular being quite magnificent.

Day trips in the area

• Hiran Minar: Just an hour’s drive from Lahore in Sheikhupura, the historic site of Hiran Minar provides a peaceful escape from the city. The park is built around an old Mughal hunting ground, complete with a large water tank and tower. It’s a lovely spot for a leisurely walk and some bird-watching.

• Wagah Border Ceremony: About 30km from Lahore, you can witness this daily military ritual at the Wagah Border between Pakistan and India. With a highly choreographed display of marching and flag-lowering, it’s a unique spectacle of patriotism and friendly rivalry between the two nations, drawing crowds from both sides, and is held every evening.

Activities for families in Lahore

Lahore is a vibrant city that’s perfect for families, with plenty of parks, museums and fun activities to keep the kids entertained.

• Lahore Museum: Housed in an exquisite Mughal-Gothic building and covering everything from archaeological finds dating back half a million years to Pakistan's Freedom Movement, this is the country's most important museum. Among the most famous exhibits are Gandharan sculptures, a statue or Siddhartha and a 1,000-year-old Qur’an.

• Food Street: For a taste of local life, head to this famous street in the old city for anything from kebabs to kulfi. Many restaurants offer rooftop seating with a panoramic view of the Badshahi Mosque, especially stunning when lit up at night.

• Parks: Families will love the Greater Iqbal Park for its vast green spaces, while from the top of the iconic Minar-e-Pakistan tower you’ll get sweeping views of the city, particularly beautiful at sunset. Bagh-e-Jinnah is another expansive garden, perfect for a leisurely stroll – it's home to the Quaid-e-Azam Library and the historic Gymkhana Cricket Ground.

Free things to do in Lahore

To enjoy the city without breaking the bank, there are plenty of attractions in Lahore you can visit for free.

• Mosque visits: Many of Lahore’s stunning mosques, including the Badshahi Mosque and Wazir Khan Mosque, can be visited free of charge to admire the intricate frescoes and tile work.

• Anarkali Bazaar: Even if you are not shopping, the maze of streets and alleys forming the massive Anarkali Bazaar are a lively and fascinating place to wander and browse. You can buy almost anything here, but it's perhaps best known for textiles and food.

Local dishes in Lahore

Lahore is famous for its rich, flavourful dishes that blend Mughal, Punjabi and Pakistani influences. Whether you’re a meat lover or have a sweet tooth, here are some highlights to seek out.

Some typical dishes

• Nihari: Slow-cooked beef in a rich, spicy gravy. It’s traditionally eaten for breakfast, but is now popular at lunch and eaten with naan.

• Biryani: Pakistan's most popular dish is a must-try. Cooked with fragrant basmati rice, tender meat (usually chicken or mutton) and a mix of spices, it’s served with raita (yoghurt sauce) and pickles.

• Saag and Makki di Roti: A classic vegetarian dish that's popular in the winter months. Mustard greens and other leaves are cooked in butter and spices, and traditionally served with Makki di Roti (fried cornmeal flatbread).

Meat dishes

• Karahi: This popular dish consists of chicken or mutton cooked with tomatoes, green chillies and spices in a wok-like pan (karahi). It’s packed with flavour and often enjoyed with hot naan or chapatis.

• Seekh Kebabs: Grilled minced-meat skewers, flavoured with a mix of spices and herbs, are a popular choice for both casual and formal dining.

• Lamb Korma: A rich, creamy curry made with tender lamb, slow-cooked in a spiced yoghurt sauce.

Street food

• Chaat: Made from a mix of chickpeas, potatoes, yoghurt, tamarind sauce and spices, chaat is a burst of flavour that’s popular in Karachi’s street-food scene.

• Gol Gappa: Small, crispy shells filled with pieces of spicy potato, chickpeas and onions, with tangy tamarind-flavoured water – a must-try for anyone visiting Lahore.

Sweets and desserts

• Jalebi: Crispy spirals of deep-fried batter soaked in sugar syrup, Jalebi is a favourite sweet, especially during festivals and holidays.

• Kheer: Another local favourite is this creamy rice pudding, flavoured with dried fruit and cardamom, and garnished with nuts.

Local drinks

• Lassi: A refreshing, yoghurt-based drink, lassi comes in both sweet and salty varieties. It’s perfect for cooling off after a spicy meal.

• Chai: Tea in Pakistan is made with milk, sugar and spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom, and is quite sweet. Black tea is called Sulaimani Chai, with green tea sometimes served after meals.