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Lahore, capital of Pakistan's Punjab province, is the country's cultural heart and one of South Asia's great historic cities. It flourished under the Mughals, who left monumental mosques, gardens and a fortress, and later under the Sikh ruler Ranjit Singh and the British. Food, poetry, music and crowded bazaars are central to its identity.
In the northwest corner of the Walled City, the red sandstone Badshahi Mosque, built under Aurangzeb, faces Lahore Fort across a broad courtyard. Inside the fort, the Sheesh Mahal glitters with mirror mosaic. Nearby stand the Samadhi of Ranjit Singh and the tomb of the poet Muhammad Iqbal. Deeper in the old city, Wazir Khan Mosque is famed for its tile work and painted frescoes, and the restored Shahi Hammam bathhouse lies just inside Delhi Gate along the Royal Trail. East of the center, the terraced Shalimar Gardens show Mughal garden design at its finest, and across the Ravi River at Shahdara stands the Tomb of Jahangir. The Lahore Museum holds collections ranging from Gandhara sculpture to miniature painting, with the Zamzama gun, made famous by Kipling's Kim, outside. Anarkali Bazaar and The Mall show the city's colonial-era face.
Lahore suits architecture enthusiasts and food lovers eager to explore its famous street food. Summers are extremely hot, so the cool months are most comfortable. Many visitors also attend the flag ceremony at the Wagah border.
WiserMap travel guideLahore Pakistan Badshahi Mosque Walled City and Food StreetsDiscover Lahore's Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, Wazir Khan Mosque, Shalimar Gardens and Walled City bazaars, plus food streets, seasons and safety advice.Read the guide
Built by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1673, this vast red sandstone mosque has one of the largest courtyards in the world, with white marble domes and four tall minarets. It faces Lahore Fort across Hazuri Bagh. Remove shoes at the gate, and women should cover their heads. Sunset light is especially beautiful.
A 17th century mosque inside the Walled City famous for its tile mosaics, fresco paintings and calligraphy covering nearly every surface. The square in front has been restored and has a row of small shops. Visit in the morning before the old city lanes get busy, and dress modestly.
Next to Badshahi Mosque, the Samadhi of Ranjit Singh holds the ashes of the Sikh ruler in a building with gilded domes. Nearby, the red sandstone tomb of poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal sits in the Hazuri Bagh garden, guarded by soldiers. Opening times vary, so check whether the Samadhi is open before you go.
A UNESCO World Heritage fort rebuilt by the Mughal emperors, with palaces, halls, gardens and the long Picture Wall decorated with tile mosaics. It holds the Diwan-e-Aam audience hall and several small museums. The site is very large, so plan at least two hours and consider hiring an official guide.
The Palace of Mirrors inside Lahore Fort, built for Shah Jahan in the 1630s. Its walls and ceilings are covered in thousands of small convex mirror pieces set in white marble and stucco, creating a sparkling effect in candlelight. Some interiors are restricted, so ask fort staff about current access.
The Shahi Hammam is a restored 1635 Mughal bathhouse with frescoed rooms just inside Delhi Gate. The Royal Trail follows the old route through the Walled City from Delhi Gate past Wazir Khan Mosque toward the fort. Walking tours from the Walled City authority help navigate the narrow lanes.
The tomb of Mughal emperor Jahangir, set in a large walled garden across the Ravi River in Shahdara. It has four tall minarets and walls inlaid with marble, frescoes and pietra dura. Nearby are the tombs of Nur Jahan and Asif Khan. Go early in the morning when the gardens are quiet and cool.
A UNESCO-listed Mughal garden built by Shah Jahan in 1641, laid out on three descending terraces with canals, hundreds of fountains, marble pavilions and a cascade. The gardens are a popular spot for families on weekends. Visit in spring when the trees bloom and the fountains are more likely to be running.
Pakistan's largest museum, housed in a red brick building on The Mall, has Gandhara Buddhist sculpture including the Fasting Buddha, Mughal miniatures and coins. In front stands the Zamzama, a huge bronze cannon made famous by Rudyard Kipling's novel Kim. Allow a couple of hours to see the main galleries.
Anarkali is one of the oldest markets in South Asia, packed with stalls selling clothes, fabrics, shoes, bangles and street food. The Mall, also called Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, runs past colonial buildings such as the High Court and Government College. Bargain at the bazaar and keep valuables close.
A tall concrete tower marking the spot where the Lahore Resolution, which led to the creation of Pakistan, was passed in 1940. It stands in Greater Iqbal Park, a big green space with fountains, gardens and a lake. An elevator goes up the tower when open. Visit in the evening for cooler weather and lighting.
A daily flag-lowering ceremony at the Wagah border crossing between Pakistan and India, about 30 kilometers from central Lahore. Soldiers in tall plumed hats perform high-kicking drills before cheering crowds. The format and timing can change with relations between the two countries, so check before going.
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