Top places to visit when in Lahore, Shopping Spree & Stay!

Lahore is a vibrant and historic city in Pakistan known for its rich culture, delicious food, and beautiful architecture. It is home to many important historical sites, including the Lahore Fort and the Badshahi Mosque, as well as numerous gardens and parks. The city is also known for its lively street food and bustling markets, making it a popular destination for tourists. Additionally, this city is also a hub for education and healthcare. Lahore is the capital of Pakistan’s Punjab Province and the world’s sixteenth most populous city. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Pakistan, as well as one of the most developed, with modern infrastructure. In addition to its modern infrastructure, Lahore has several beautiful tourist attractions. food points and places to stay.

Overall, Lahore is a must-visit destination for those who are interested in experiencing the rich culture and history of Pakistan. What are the sights in Lahore? Historic sites, unique natural monuments, and much more!

All of these locations have significant value and are well worth your time.

THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN LAHORE, PAKISTAN

Old Lahore:

1.    The Badshahi Mosque

Badshahi Mosque is the crown jewel of Lahore, a symbol of the Mughal Empire, and one of Pakistan’s most beautiful places. Its architecture is distinguished by carved red sandstones, which were popular during the Mughal era. During that time, the mosque’s courtyard served as a stable for army horses. The Badshahi Mosque is a must-see place for anyone visiting Lahore. This mosque, built in 1674 by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, is one of the most famous in the world. According to reports, this mosque can hold up to 40,000 people for a single prayer. The fact that it is entirely made of red sandstone is intriguing. Artifacts belonging to the Prophet Muhammad, his daughter, and his son will be displayed for visitors. The interior of the mosque is highly decorated with carved stone marble, and the structure itself is made of red sandstone, giving it its distinct color.

2.    Food Street On Fort Road

Fort Road, a popular food street in Lahore lined with vibrant and colorful buildings, is less than a 5-minute walk from Badshahi Mosque. Some of the buildings here are so detailed that you’ll notice something new every time you look at them! What’s more, there are numerous restaurants nearby that provide a spectacular view of Badshahi Mosque, including Haveli Restaurant, Andaaz Restaurant, and Cooco’s Den. Lahore is well-known for its delectable desi cuisine. Badshahi mosque provides a picturesque view at the bottom, while the rooftops provide the most glamorous view of the Mosque and Lahore fort, as well as the city’s stunning skyline, which is even more beautiful at night when the place is lit up.

Food street Lahore represents the local culture as well as the region’s diverse tastes and cuisine. In light of this, the Lahore food street is the most popular and favorite food destination for both locals and tourists.

3.    Lahore Museum

Lahore Museum is Pakistan’s oldest and largest museum. It was founded in 1965 by the British Raj. Many renowned artifacts are housed in the museum, including collections from the Gandhara, Buddhism, and Indo-Greek civilizations. Aside from these collections, the Lahore Museum also houses a sizable Mughal collection. The Lahore Museum is currently actively engaged in community outreach through exhibitions.

There are many traditional foods in the Old section, and many clothes, jewelry, embroidery, and handicrafts in the New section. Even if you have no intention of purchasing anything, simply observing the bustling activity of the markets is an interesting experience. One of the best places to learn about Pakistan’s fascinating history is the Lahore Museum. The museum, which was built in the 18th century, houses cultural relics dating from the Mohenjo-Daro and Harappan civilizations to the present day. It houses approximately 20 different Quran priceless galleries, paintings, Gondar sculptures, carpets, manuscripts, Islamic art, and other similar artworks.

4.    Fort Lahore

Shahi Qila, Lahore is another name for Lahore Fort. It is an ancient fortress located on the north side of Lahore’s Walled City. Nobody knows who laid the groundwork for Lahore Fort. Some say it was founded during the reign of Shahab ud Din Ghauri, while others say it is older. There are three small museums on site: the Armoury Gallery exhibits various arms such as pistols, swords, daggers, spears, and arrows; the Sikh Gallery displays rare oil paintings; and the Mughal Gallery includes old manuscripts, calligraphy, coins, and miniature paintings, as well as an elephant tusks miniature model of India’s Taj Mahal.

The Lahore Fort (Shahi Qila) is a one-of-a-kind Mughal structure. This historic must-see palace was built in the 11th century by the legendary Mahmoud Ghaznavi. All art lovers can choose to admire the beauty of the gardens, palaces, sidewalks, mosques, and other similar buildings in Lahore Fort, which is a massive architectural complex. The Shish Mahal is 1,400 feet long on each side.

5.    Minar e Pakistan

Minar e Pakistan, Pakistan’s national monument, is located in the heart of Lahore. The monument was constructed between 1960 and 1968. The monument is located on the site where the All India Muslim League passed the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940. Minar-e-Pakistan is not only an important landmark in Pakistan, but it also represents Islamic and Mughal architecture with a modern twist. Naseer-ud-din Murat Khan designed the Minar-e-Pakistan. The verse from the Holy Quran and the 99 names of Allah are engraved in calligraphy on various panels, while the Pakistan National Anthem is also carved in Bengali and Urdu.

Minar-e-Pakistan was designed by Naseer-Ud-Din Murat. It is a symbol of supreme architectural design, famous throughout the world for its one-of-a-kind structure. The shape of the Minar-e-Pakistan, as seen from above, represents a star resting on the ground. Furthermore, because of its historical significance, it is the most visited place in Lahore. The political and historical significance of this one-of-a-kind monument carries the emotional sentiments of Pakistanis.

6.    Shalimar Bagh

The Shalimar Gardens are a beautiful Mughal garden in Lahore. The garden’s architecture is influenced by Persian and Arabic culture. In 1641, Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor, laid the foundation for his beloved wife Noor Jahan. Surprisingly, the garden contains 410 water fountains made of high-quality marble. The garden is surprisingly nice in the autumn and spring seasons when the leaves of the famed Chinar trees change color. The Shalimar Bagh is famous for its chini khanas, or arched niches hidden behind garden waterfalls. They are a distinct feature of the Bagh. These niches were lit at night with oil lamps, giving the waterfalls a fairy-tale appearance. However, the niches are now filled with flower pots that reflect their colors behind the cascading water.

Shalimar Gardens in Lahore should be an ideal holiday destination for those who enjoy nature and want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a while. This park has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in 1641 by the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and is also known as Shalimar Park. This impressive 80-acre park is a great example of the Mughal Empire’s famous architectural techniques.

7.    Wagah Border

Wagah is the border between India and Pakistan, close to the Grand Trunk Road. It is extremely popular due to the daily border ceremony. The Wagah Border Parade Ceremony lasts 30 minutes. The celebration begins with a parade. It is carried out by soldiers from both countries, including the Indian Border Security Force and the Pakistan Rangers. Soldiers march by raising their legs as high as they can. Since 1959, the closing ceremony, also known as The Beating Retreat Ceremony, has taken place. Both sides’ border guards arrive at the border, remove their respective country flags, and formally close the border.

A trip to Lahore would be incomplete if you did not spend one night on the Wagah border. This location serves as the border between Pakistan and neighboring India. Since 1959, tourists have flocked here every night to witness the Wagha Border ceremony, which is a joint military exercise between Pakistan and India. Everyone who comes should experience the cheering crowds on both sides and the meticulous exercise by both sides.

8.    Masjid Wazir Khan

Masjid Wazir Khan is a must-see for anyone interested in Islamic architecture and heritage. Shaikh Ilm-ud-din Ansari, the Governor of Punjab, built this magnificent and grand structure in 1634.

Ansari was Prince Khurram, the future Mughal emperor’s physician. The prince was so taken with Ansari’s abilities that he bestowed the title of ‘Wazir Khan’ on him. Wazir Khan later built this mosque. Aside from the mosque, there is also a Shahi Hammam and a commercial area nearby.

The Wazir Khan Mosque’s painted pottery works stand in stark contrast to the magnificent architecture of Lahore Fort. On the facade, floral patterns and blue and green stripes blend to create a subtle beauty. Although it appears that this mosque took centuries to build, it was completed in only seven years during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.

The mosque is located on the southern side of Shahi Guzargah, also known as the “Royal Road” in Lahore. It was named after the route that Mughal nobles took to the royal mansions at the Lahore Fort. The mosque is located about a hundred meters west of the Delhi Gate. The mosque’s Shahi Hammam, also known as Wazir Khan Hammam, is located here. The mosque overlooks the Chitta Gate and Wazir Khan Chowk, a town square.

Shopping Centers:

9.    Emporium Mall

Emporium Shopping Center is a shopping mall located in Lahore’s Jowhar City, southwest of the Lahore International Exhibition Center. This 11-story shopping mall has over 200 stores and five-star hotels and spans 2.7 million square feet. It opened in 2016 and is Pakistan’s second-largest shopping mall after Karachi’s Lucky One, as well as one of the world’s largest shopping malls in terms of total leasable area. The Nishat Company owns and manages shopping centers. According to the mall’s website, there are approximately 44,000 visitors per day. If you are a shopaholic who enjoys shopping from a variety of stores, Emporium is your best option. Almost 200 local and international brands are represented in the eleven-story mall. It also has a massive food court to satisfy your hunger. Aside from that, there is a cinema. In a nutshell, you can shop, eat, and watch a movie all in one place. The place’s architecture, location, and management are all excellent.

10.    Liberty Market

Liberty Market is well-known not only for its shopping scene, but also for its abundance of restaurants, food outlets, and kiosks. If you are a foodie on a tour of Lahore, you should stop by the Liberty Market area to sample some of the city’s best street foods.

The Liberty Roundabout area is also known for its many fine-dining restaurants, including Monal Rooftop Restaurant, Casa Bianca Restaurant, Salt’n Pepper, Freddy’s Cafe, and Howdy’s Restaurant.

If you’re visiting the City of Gardens, you should plan a day trip to Liberty Market to see the new Lahore. It is one of the city’s most well-known and historic marketplaces, with a diverse selection of restaurants, shops, and other amenities.

Liberty Market is well-known for its numerous restaurants and food stands. If you’re a foodie visiting Lahore, check out the area around Liberty Market for some of the city’s best street food. The Liberty Roundabout neighborhood is also known for its fine dining establishments, which include the Indigo Hotel, Monal Rooftop Restaurant, Salt’s Pepper, Freddy’s Cafe, and Howdy’s Restaurant.

11.    Packages Mall

Shopping, entertainment, play areas, food, and desserts are all available under one roof. To top it all off, Packages Mall hosts a variety of festivals, including the Mango Festival, which invited home-based chefs to showcase their dessert skills for customers to enjoy, a Halloween fest, Ramadan, and even an Eid fest! Packages Mall is a great place to hang out with your friends and family, with 2000+ parking spots that are wide and spacious. People visiting Packages Mall will find the best family environment. One of the most enjoyable Packages mall experiences is losing yourself in the stores that offer a wide range of high-quality products from well-known international and local brands.

Packages Mall is located in Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city. It is a modern shopping mall designed to international standards by a group of highly qualified local and foreign professionals. Packages Limited has been a pioneer in the field of innovation in the country since 1956. This is Packages Limited’s final joint venture. Packages Mall has grown rapidly since its inception in 2017 and has established itself as a new entertainment and shopping destination in Lahore. It gives residents access to over 200 local and international brands, multiple movie theatres, a food court with the best kitchens, and Carrefour, one of the world’s largest supermarket chains.

LAHORE FOOD – WHERE TO EAT

Lahore, Pakistan’s fun-filled and lively city, is well-known for its diverse cuisines. Lahore is packed with desi cuisines that will take you on a food journey you will never forget. So get ready to eat well. Pakistani cuisine is rich in flavor and delicious, with several must-try dishes.

1.  Lamessa

Lamessa is an all-day dining restaurant on the ground floor of the Indigo Hotel that serves hi-tea and dinner buffets with a wide range of dishes. An indoor dining destination nestled in the heart of Gulberg with proximity to MM Alam Road and Liberty Market. At this restaurant people with food allergies and intolerances are also catered for.

2.  Old Anarkali Food Street

Anarkali Food Street and the thriving Anarkali Bazaar are named after the nearby Anarkali Tomb. The tomb now dwellings the Punjab Archives, so the average tourist can’t just walk in and take a few photos. Anarkali Food Street, on the other hand, is popular among both locals and tourists. Anarkali Bazaar is one of the oldest markets in South Asia, for more than 200 years. Although there isn’t much activity during the day, once night falls, the entire street fills up with people who enjoyed the food and do the shopping.

3.   Cooco’s Den

Cooco’s Den is a fantastic restaurant created by artist Iqbal Hussain in Lahore’s red light district of Heera Mandi. Cooco’s Den is located in the city’s well-known and busy red-light district known as Heera Mandi (Diamond Market). The Den is located among some of the city’s most historic landmarks, including the famous Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort. Acclaimed international artist Iqbal Hussain created the concept for this eatery after preserving the original haveli.

Lahore Hotels-Where to stay

So, where should you stay in Lahore? Look no further than our guide will help you understand that there are many best places to live in Lahore; your choice will depend on your budget because hotels are divided into categories in this guide so you can understand which hotels suit you best.

Luxury Hotels

1.  Nishat Hotel

Nishat hotel is a 5-star hotel located near the expo center. Offering extended rooms and extended services in the most reliable manner whenever you need them.

2.  Indigo Heights Hotel 7 Suites

Indigo Heights is a four-star luxury hotel in Lahore that is nestled in the heart of Gulberg, the city’s business and trading district.

3.  Avari Hotel

This a 5-star luxury hotel located in Mall Road Lahore and set within 2.8 miles away from the greater Iqbal Park. This hotel has been deemed Pakistan’s best hotel for 7 years in a row.

4.  Pearl Continental Hotel

The Pearl Continental Hotel Lahore is also a 5-star hotel that is located in the heart of the city, near the governor’s house. Guests can visit Lahore Zoo, Lahore Museum, and the liberty market. during their stay.

Budget Hotels

1.  Park Lane Hotel

Park Lane Hotel is located in Gulberg on M.M. Alam Road, in the heart of Lahore, surrounded by business districts and shopping centers.

2.  Hotel One

Hotel One Gulberg is located in the heart of the business district of Lahore. It is 22 km away from the Allama Iqbal International Airport.

Low Rates Hotel

1.  Smart Hotel

The Smart Hotel is located in downtown Liberty Market, close to all of the food points, cafes, and restaurants.

2.  Rose Palace Hotel

Rose Palace Hotel is a 3-star hotel with excellent facilities and services. Guests stay at this hotel for either business or pleasure. It is conveniently located just a short walk from Liberty Market in Gulberg. 

Conclusion

This guide to the best places in Lahore should have inspired you to visit this city. Anyone who enjoys history, architecture, adventure, and food should visit Lahore. This article not only helped you find the best places to visit in Lahore, but it also gave you some useful information about traveling in Pakistan!