From the inspiring Mughal architecture, finger-licking food, modern malls, and bustling bazaars; Lahore is undoubtedly Punjab’s liveliest city. People living here are often dubbed ‘Zinda Dilan-e-Lahore’ – people who are joyous at heart. Lahore is also famously known as the city of gardens since the city boasts impressive and carefully looked-after greenery. There is a long list of parks in Lahore that dazzle people with their amazing beauty. These places are perfect for summer picnics and delightful winter walks.
Along with being the ideal spots for relaxation, parks in Lahore also offer plenty of fun and entertainment activities, including occasional sports events, live music concerts, seasonal flower exhibitions, and physical activities for children. Most parks and gardens in the city are maintained and looked after by the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA). The authority is constructing and renovating many parks and green belts in Lahore to turn the city into a bed of greenery.
List of the 6 Most Popular Parks in Lahore
Before we discuss anything in detail, let’s list down the names of some of Lahore’s most visited parks.
- The Greater Iqbal Park
- Gulshan Iqbal Park
- Model Town Park
- Bagh-e-Jinnah
- Jillani Park
- Jallo Park
The Greater Iqbal Park
One of the biggest highlights of Greater Iqbal Park is the historical Minar-e-Pakistan. The structure commemorates the signing of the Pakistan Resolution, which was passed on the 23rd of March 1940. The park spans over 320 acres and features decent picnic spots where families can have quality time together. Also, the park features vast open spaces, enough to accommodate several different outdoor activities such as playing sports, walking, jogging, and bicycling. Given the history behind the park’s and Minar-e-Pakistan’s construction, the park itself is considered a beacon of hope. With vast playgrounds available for children, the Greater Iqbal Park – formerly known as Iqbal Park – is one of the best places to visit with your family in Lahore. With magical light and fountain shows, the park will keep on mesmerising you, even after the sun goes down.
Location: Lt. Col Sajid Mushtaq Shaheed Road, Walled City, Lahore.
The Greater Iqbal Park Timings: 6.15 am to 11 pm
Nearby Restaurants: Bundu Khan, Haveli Restaurant, The Poet, Andaaz Restaurant, Cooco’s Den, and Shahi Baithak
Gulshan Iqbal Park
Gulshan Iqbal Park in Lahore is arguably one of the most beautiful green spaces in the city. Go on a leisurely stroll or burn some calories jogging on the over-a mile-long track, there’s plenty to do and explore here. Whether it’s about sailing around the lake or visiting a small wildlife reserve with your kids, Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park is a great family destination by all means. The park is spread across 67 acres and has cemented its position among the largest and most beautiful parks in Lahore.
Location: Fazal e Haq Road, Gulshan Block, Allama Iqbal Town, Lahore
Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park Timings: 6 am to 10 pm
Nearby Restaurants: Kings and Queens Pizza Parlour, Ali Baba Food Point, BonFire, and AFC Iqbal Town
Model Town Park
Inaugurated in 1990, Model Town Park, formerly known as Nawaz Sharif Park, was primarily developed as a golf course. Counted among Lahore’s most beautiful parks, the park is spread across hundreds of acres with towering trees dotting the walking track, giving you a delightful countryside feel. Model Town Park also features spacious areas for picnics, jogging, and a playground where kids can get creative with a plethora of physical activities. It is one of the best parks in Lahore
Location: H Block, Model Town, Lahore
Model Town Park Timings: 5 am to 10.30 pm
Nearby Restaurants: Café Delice, Arabic Shawarma and Fast Food, Sholay Restaurant, Gloria Jeans, Subway and Dunkin Donuts
Bagh-e-Jinnah
Bagh-e-Jinnah, also known as Lawrence Garden, is one of the most peaceful parks in Lahore, considered a fantastic getaway spot by peace seekers in Lahore. People usually come here to relax and unwind under the shade of lush green trees, found across the park. It is a historical green space in Lahore, named after the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Constructed in the late 1800s, the park’s original name was inspired by John Lawrence, who was Viceroy of India from 1864 to 1869. Picnicking, bicycling, and jogging; there is no shortage of outdoor activities for visitors to this park. Bah-e-Jinnah also houses a library, open-air theatre, and a sports complex.
Location: Bagh-e-Jinnah, Mall Road, Jubilee Town Lahore.
Bagh-e-Jinnah Timing: 5 am till 10 pm
Nearby Restaurants: Covo Restaurant, Bukhara Restaurant, The Lakhanvi Restaurant, Butt Karahi and Tikka, Café Reload, and Lung Fung Chinese Restaurant
Jillani Park
Jillani Park, also known as Racecourse Park, is one of the biggest parks in Lahore. The beauty of this green space in Lahore is further enhanced by pink orchids, tall sunflowers, and brightly coloured daisies and tulips, catching everyone’s attention. The park is a mega attraction for families in the city, especially during the spring season.
A 3 km long jogging track, beautiful fountains, a large playground, meadows, and a gigantic polo ground are some of the key attractions of Jillani Park. The place is home to an ample amount of natural views needed for a relaxing and enjoyable weekend. Check out our detailed guide on Jilani Park to learn more about this amazing place.
Location: Opposite Services Hospital, Jail Road, G.O.R. 1, Lahore
Jilani Park Timings: 6 am to 10 pm
Nearby Restaurants: Cock N Bull, Café Reload, Covo Restaurant, Desi Pardesi Restaurant, and Baghdadi Restaurant
Jallo Park
Established in 1978, Jallo Park is a recreation spot spread over 460 acres. If you are visiting Jallo Park along with children, the Butterfly House is the place to get started with your tour. Home to wildlife breeding and forest research centres, Jallo Park has reserved a spot among the three biggest wildlife parks in Lahore, after Changa Manga and Lahore Zoo Safari. Moreover, the place also hosts a theme park, a large lake for boating and fishing, a sports complex, and a track for cycling. If you want to learn more about Jallo Park, take a look at our detailed guide on it.
Location: Bhagwanpura, Jallo Road, Lahore
Jallo Park Timing: 6 am to 5 pm
Nearby Restaurants: Tenerife Café, Spice Bazaar, Fujiyama Restaurant, Andaaz Restaurant, and Haveli Restaurant
In case, you are a foodie more than a nature enthusiast, then there is a long list of famous desi restaurants in Lahore that you should try visiting once to experience the city’s love for food closely.
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