This article highlights the rich history, spots showcasing modern Lahore, and the best places to enjoy local dishes, among other attractions. So, grab your reading glasses and prepare to fall in love with Lahore.
If you are considering how to travel to Lahore and experience these incredible sites, we have got you covered. You can book bus, train, or flight tickets to reach the heart of Punjab. The best part is that we have some fantastic travel and accommodation discounts available for you.
Here are the sites you should not miss during your stay in Lahore:
Badshahi Masjid stands as one of Lahore’s prime attractions. Built by Aurangzeb Alamgir in 1673 AD, this historic mosque features stunning red architecture made from bricks sourced from Jaipur. Beyond its rich historical significance, its enormous size is also noteworthy. Badshahi Masjid ranks as the eighth-largest mosque globally and the second-largest in Pakistan.
You should wander around the various corners of mosques to uncover pieces of history when exploring it.
While exploring the walled city of Lahore and visiting Badshahi Masjid, you should definitely stop by Lahore Fort, also known as Shahi Qilla. An interesting fact about Lahore Fort is that its original founder remains unknown. Some sources credit Shahab ud Din Ghauri, while others suggest it predates his era. Emperor Jalal al-Din Muhammad Akbar established the current structure.
The fort includes four beautiful areas called Sheesh Mahal, Alamgiri Gate, Naulakha Pavilion, constructed by Shah Jahan, and Moti Masjid. Remember to bring a camera or a smartphone with a good camera to capture the beauty of these incredible sites.
Lahore Museum is the largest museum in Pakistan, showcasing artifacts from the British Raj, Sikh Empire, Mughal Empire, and even Indo-Greek civilizations. Established by the British Empire during colonial governance in 1865, its initial location was today’s Tollinton market. They moved it to its current site on Mall Road to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria.
If you find yourself on Mall Road, it is highly recommended to spend a few hours at the museum. A visit there can be enlightening, especially if you have children, providing a deeper understanding of Lahore’s history.
Minar-e-Pakistan is not only a well-known tourist destination in Lahore but also serves as Pakistan’s national monument. The construction of Minar-e-Pakistan took eight years to complete. This minaret marks the spot where the Pakistan Resolution was passed by the All-India Muslim League in 1940. Iqbal Park, home to Minar-e-Pakistan, is a splendid location for family outings. Bringing biryani for a picnic in Iqbal Park is highly recommended for a delightful evening in Lahore.
If you are a history enthusiast and still crave more after visiting Lahore Fort, Badshahi Masjid, Minar-e-Pakistan, and other historical landmarks in Lahore, consider a trip to the Army Museum Lahore. Unlike the Lahore Museum, the Army Museum boasts contemporary architecture. In the outdoor courtyard, you’ll find military tanks and combat helicopters.
This museum showcases military equipment spanning several decades, from long spears to muskets. Additionally, there are rooms that visually narrate the story of the Pakistan-India partition. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the exhibits at Army Museum Lahore, you can relax and watch episodes of Alpha Bravo Charlie in one of the galleries.
Yadgar-e-Shuhada Chitral Lines is located within walking distance of the museum. This monument commemorates the names of the martyrs of the Pakistan Army. These two sites are must-visits for tourists exploring Lahore.
No trip to Lahore can be complete without indulging in the city’s famous cuisine, which is simply exceptional. While there are numerous dining options, Food Street has emerged as one of the must-visit areas. You will find an abundance of restaurants and food stalls in Lahore’s Food Street. One eatery that offers fantastic views is the Haveli restaurant. Visiting Haveli and taking photos for Instagram has become quite a trend for tourists, and you can join in on the fun as well.
The rooftop of Haveli restaurant provides stunning views at night, where you can see the Badshahi Masjid beautifully illuminated in the background.
For a city renowned for its food, only mentioning a single dining spot would be a disservice. Another location worth visiting while in Lahore is Lakshmi Chowk, known for having some of the finest desi cuisine in the city. Nishat Cafe, Tabaq Restaurant, various roadside food stalls, and numerous Butt Karahi outlets are all excellent choices to consider.
