Lahore is a city rooted deep in history, with many stunning architectural gems, dating back to the time when Mughals ruled the land. For decades, it has maintained its status of being a top tourist destination in Pakistan—one that you can easily navigate within a day. If you are visiting the city for a short period and, let’s say, have only 24 hours in Lahore, then there are plenty of places to explore. However, just because you’re short on time doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of what the metropolis has to offer. Check out our list of the most popular things to do in Lahore.
Fun things to do in Lahore in a day
Exploring a city rich in history and culture with a thriving food scene can be a bit of a challenge, especially for those who are traveling to Lahore for the first time. And then you hear the popular saying “Jinnay Lahore
- Breakfast at Lahore’s famous food street
- Visit the grand Badshahi mosque
- Mughal-era fortress – the Lahore Fort
- Marvel at the craftsmanship of Sheesh Mahal
- Historic landmark – Minar-e-Pakistan
- Lunch at Butt Karahi at Lakshmi Chowk
- Explore history at Lahore Museum
- Something to remember for a lifetime: Wagah border
- Spend your evening at Shalimar Gardens
- Shopping avenues in Lahore
Breakfast at Lahore’s famous food street
Wake up early and head off to some of the most iconic food streets in the country. Lahore is famous for its amazing food scene. Anarkali old bazaar, Lakshmi Chowk and Gawalmandi food streets are quite popular. If you are a meat-lover, then you would relish every bit of ‘Siri Paaye’ which are goat trotters slow-cooked to perfection.
If you love desi cuisine, then you can try out the traditional halwa puri breakfast. And if you like, you can wash it all down with a fulfilling glass of chilled sweetened lassi. It is served with a dollop of cream on top. Right after you have consumed this meal, you might feel drowsy and would want to take a nap, but don’t fall for it. For if you take a nap now, you would wake up in the evening and miss half of your day snoozing. So to make the most of these 24 hours in Lahore, you need to get going.
Visit the grand Badshahi Mosque
The Badshahi Masjid is one of the most stunning mosques in Pakistan. Its architecture is quite similar to the Jamia Masjid in New Delhi but it is built on a larger area and people can have a peaceful walk around it. Emperor Aurangzeb in 1671 commissioned it and the construction work was completed around 1673. It is the second-largest mosque in Pakistan.
You should visit Badshahi Masjid early in the morning around 9:00 AM. In the morning, the sun faces the mosque, bathing the walls of the building. So you can marvel at every intricate detail with ease. There are also fewer people in the morning and you can look at every detail in solitude.
Mughal-era Fortress – The Shahi Qila
Among the many places to visit in Lahore is the astounding Lahore Fort. At the entrance of the Badshahi Masjid, you will see a security line that will lead you to the Fort. Spread over 20 hectares of land, it is a Mughal-era fortress with several remarkable palaces, museums, picture walls and gardens – all behind the Lahore Fort.
Its foundations were laid by King Akbar in 1566 who gave the architecture its signature style and adorned it with both Hindu and Islamic motifs. Then Emperor Shahjahan added a Persian touch to its design adding floral patterns. The famous Alamgiri gate was constructed by Aurangzeb, the last of the Mughal Emperors.
Marvel at the Craftsmanship of Sheesh Mahal
Commissioned by Emperor Shahjahan in 1631, it was completed in 1632. Inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was built with fine pearls, diamonds and stones embedded in it.
The ‘Mirror Palace’ is one of the major tourist attractions in Lahore. It has five domed entrances where visitors are mesmerized in the reflective and glittering qualities of the thousands of mirrors on the walls and ceilings. The master bedroom of Mumtaz Mahal and Shahjahan lie tucked away amidst the cluster of other rooms.
Its walls were originally adorned with red rubies, lapis lazuli, emeralds, diamonds and sapphires. All these years people have looted these precious stones and now you will mostly find red plastic crystals embedded in its place. Shahjahan constructed this astounding palace to please his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is believed that Mumtaz Mahal had a dream that she was floating high in the air where she could touch the stars. When she discussed this with the Emperor, he built a magnificent palace. When she died, he built the Taj Mahal in her loving memory.
Historic Landmark – Minar-e-Pakistan
In a historic event on 23rd March, 1940, Muslim League passed the famous Lahore Resolution in which Muslims of India demanded a separate homeland.
Later, to commemorate the event, a tall tower of Minar-e-Pakistan was built in Iqbal Park. Around 70 meters tall, Minar-e-Pakistan is symbolic of the fight against British and is one of the major tourist attractions in Lahore. The government of Pakistan announces a public holiday on 23rd March, every year.
Lunch at Butt Karahi at Lakshmi Chowk
For lunch, stop over at Lakshmi Chowk. The Butt Karahi Restaurant is an all-time favourite. Foodies can’t have enough of its signature mutton karahi. The cook gives you an option of having it with butter or ghee.
Served with sliced green chillies, freshly chopped coriander, thinly sliced ginger and a dash of lemon – it is a must-have for those who love desi cuisine. A plus point is its ambience. You will enjoy desi food in a fine dining experience.
Explore history at Lahore Museum
The Lahore Museum is an old building in the city. It was constructed in 1865 during the colonial period. It is now one of the best places to visit in Lahore. The ceiling of the entrance hall was rendered by Sadequain, a famous painter with international fame. You will find a collection of interesting Buddhist sculptures and Mughal paintings.
One of the most prominent sculptures, ‘The Fasting Buddha,’ is the most celebrated and prized objects in the museum. It also houses many
For foreigners, the entrance fee is PKR 400, while locals are charged only PKR 20. Timings of Lahore Museum are from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM so you can easily visit this tourist attraction in Lahore after lunch. Remember, that it is closed on Fridays.
Something to remember for a lifetime: The Wagah border ceremony
The ceremony at the Wagah border is a routine military practice by the armed forces of both India and Pakistan. Situated around 25 km away from the main city of Lahore, soldiers of both the countries depict chivalry and also brotherhood in a parade which is more of a dance.
This is a symbol of peace between the two nations. Right after you have witnessed a historic museum, it is a treat to watch this military ceremony.
Spend your evening at Shalimar Gardens
Another magnum opus of the Mughal era is Shalimar Gardens. Shahjahan constructed it in 1641. Located near Baghbanpura, this is one of the best places to visit in Lahore.
The inspiration for its design has been taken from the gardens in Kashmir. It is divided into three blocks. The beautiful garden has an impressive landscape, where there are gurgling fountains and colourful flower beds that cover 80 acres of land. Just like Shahi Qila, Shalimar Gardens has also been included in the World Heritage Sites in Pakistan by UNESCO.
Shopping avenues in Lahore
There are many places to go for shopping in Lahore. Especially during festive occasions of Eid, you will see people flocking these shopping malls and bazaars in Lahore to buy trendy clothes and jewelry. If you are a shopaholic then do visit these outlets:
- Packages Mall
- Liberty market
- Anarkali bazaar
- Kareem market
- Mall of Defence
- Emporium Mall
- Ichra bazar
- Fortress Square Mall
- Gulberg Galleria
So, these were the top ten things to do in Lahore which no one should miss. There are many buffet restaurants in Lahore that you might want to try out. For foreign tourists, the city of lights is also a must place to visit. Apart from the historical buildings in Karachi, there are plenty of other things you can easily do that too within a day. For more updates on travel and tourism, stay tuned to the best lifestyle blog in Pakistan.
