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.