A popular saying amongst the people of Lahore is, “You have not really lived if you have not seen Lahore.” Lahore, Pakistan, is famous for its range of tourist activities. The choices are limitless, from seeing valuable artifacts to historical places, shopping locations, and a number of restaurants. Read on for a guide to the best places to visit in Lahore, along with some of the city’s most popular spots and some deliberate offbeat detours, if you’re planning a visit to Pakistan’s cultural capital! In Lahore, these are the top 10 places to visit.
Badshahi Mosque.
The Badshahi Mosque is a genuine treat for all those visiting Lahore. This Mosque is among the world’s most popular. The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb built this in 1674. This Mosque reportedly holds around 40,000 people to worship in a single prayer session. The interesting thing about this is that it is made entirely of red sandstone. Visitors will witness the relics that belonged to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his daughter, and his son-in-law.
Lahore Fort.
Lahore Fort is a unique and fascinating Mughal structure, also known as Shahi Qila. The famous Mahmood of Ghazni built this must-see historic palace in the 11th century. This huge complex is a delight for all art lovers who have the option to enjoy the beauty of the different gardens, palaces, halls, mosques, and other buildings and constructions found within the Lahore Fort. It is 1400 feet by 1115 feet long, and Sheesh Mahal (the Palace of Mirrors) is also one of the most visited palaces in Lahore Fort.
Masjid Wazir Khan.
The Qashani tile work of the Mosque appears in sharp contrast to the beauty of Lahore Fort. This site is a dream come true for artists and photographers, as they can indulge in a kaleidoscopic dream by witnessing the colorful glazed mosaics. Green calligraphy and floral motifs come together in a fascinating display of beauty across the facade. Although it may seem that it took centuries to build this Mosque, it was in fact built in just seven years during the rule of Shah Jehan, the Mughal emperor.
Liberty market and Anarkali Bazaar.
For many, one of the greatest things a tourist can expect when visiting a new city is a delightful shopping experience, and Lahore can easily provide it. This city has many diverse shops and markets. From mega markets like hyper star to Metro and Xinhua Mall, this city provides the ultimate “shopping to the last drop” experience. Among so many markets, Anarkali Bazaar and Liberty Market stand out, making them a must-see. From jewelry to embroidery, leather clothing, silk, and footwear, the best of Lahore can be found in these bazaars.
Shalimar Gardens.
The Shalimar Garden of Lahore ought to be the ideal getaway for a while from this city’s glitz and glamour for those who cherish nature. This garden has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also classified as the Shalimar Garden, it was established by the famous Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, in 1641. These 80 hectares of the magnificent garden is a great example of the famous architectural skills of the Mughal Empire. In the middle of this garden are three terraces known as Hayat Baksh, Faiz Baksh, and Farah Baksh. Besides this, there are also many white marble fountains and buildings in the garden.
Minar-e-Pakistan.
Minar-e-Pakistan is a monument famous for being a perfect depiction of the Pakistani ideology. This monument is located in Lahore’s famous Iqbal Park, which is one of the largest urban parks in the country. Built during the 1960s, it has a special patriotic feeling for the country as in this place. The Lahore Resolution was approved by the All India Muslim League on March 23, 1940. Visitors gravitate to this tourism destination to see the architecture of the monument, which is a mixture of Islamic, modern, and Mughal styles.
Lahore Museum.
One of the best spots to learn about Pakistan’s interesting history is the Lahore Museum. Established in the 18th century, this museum contains entities from the time of the civilization of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa to the present day. It has around 20 galleries displaying different Qurans, paintings, Gandhara sculptures, carpets, manuscripts, Islamic works of art, and many other artifacts.
Mini Golf Club.
It is a perfect place to take a break from all travel and exploration. More than just mini-golf, this famous Lahore youth hangout has much more to offer. Visitors looking for fun with their fellow travelers can spend the day playing. Then in the evening, enjoy the great club atmosphere with some hookah and delicious fusion food.
Food Street and MM Alam Road.
The MM Alam road Route goes from the main marketplace to the Firdous market. This main road was named after Muhammad Mahmood Alam, a well-known figure in the Pakistan Air Force. The fact that some of the best restaurants in Lahore are on this beautifully laid out road is one of the main reasons to visit this area. From Village Restaurant to Jammin Java Café, from Pompei to Burger Hub, there are plenty of restaurants to impress any foodie. Similarly, the gorgeously lit Food Street is also another place to enjoy the aroma and taste of all the delicious dishes Lahore has to offer.
Lahore Wagah Border.
A trip to Lahore wouldn’t be complete without a night at the Wagah border. This region represents the border between Pakistan and India. Every night tourists come to this place to witness the Wagah border ceremony, which is a military practice performed by both Pakistan and India at the same time since 1959. The lively crowd and elaborate exercise on both sides is something that every visitor must experience before leaving Lahore city.
This city continues to remain one of the most spectacular, captivating, and exclusive destinations. We would recommend it to everyone who loves history, architecture, and a thrilling adventure! Hopefully, this article has helped you find the best places to visit in Lahore.