What to see in Lahore, Pakistan | Lahore travel guides

wall city

The Walled city of Lahore is one of the oldest cities in the world and comprises of the following places for sightseeing.

The Lahore Fort

is a huge mass of a structure where the Mughals built their imperial quarters, followed by the Sikhs. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There is a small museum dedicated to the Sikh period of the 18th century. A friendly museum caretaker might agree to take you into the summer rooms underground. The tomb of Sikh ruler, Ranjit Singh, is also located in Lahore. Entrance fee for non-Pakistanis is Rs 200.

The Badshahi Mosque

was built by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and was long the largest mosque in the world. Entrance is free, but you will be asked to pay about Rs 10 Nov 2006 to the shoe keeper upon exit. Try going late at night, when there are few people there. Since mosques are holy places ,do not wear shorts to this or any mosque; women are advised to wear long or half-sleeved clothing, and to carry a shawl so they can cover their head. Remove shoes before entering.

Right in front of the Fort and Badshahi Mosque is a park with Minar-e-Pakistan or the Eiffel Tower of Pakistan. It was built on the site where in 1940 the creation of a separate state for Muslims was recognized.

The Inner City

is full of little shrines and palaces, of which the most impressive are the Imperial Baths and the Asif Jah Haveli recently restored.

Wazir Khan Mosque

is an exquisite tiled mosque located near Delhi Gate.

gates of inner city

In the Mughal days, the Old City was surrounded by a 9 meter high brick wall and had a rampart running around it which served as a protection for the city. A circular road around the rampart gave access to the city through thirteen Lahore Gates (http://www.pakistan4ever....). Some of the imposing structures of these gates are still preserved.

The Raushnai Gate

or the "Gate of Light" is between the royal mosque and the citadels. There is a very famous gali row or narrow street commonly known as the Shahi Mahala. The name Shahi has been given after the Shahi Qila. People living here are simple. There are various food shops located around the gate.

The Kashmiri Gate

is so called because it faces the direction of Kashmir.

The Masti Gate

The Khizri or the Sheranwala Gate

The river in former times flowed by the city walls, and the crossing was near this spot. The gate was named after the name of Khizr Elias.

The Yakki Gate

The original name was "Zaki," which was derived from the name of a martyr saint, who, according to legendary tradition, fell fighting against Mongol invaders.

The Dehli Gate

is so called because it faces the direction of Delhi.

The Akbari Gate

is named after Muhammad Jala-ud-din Akbar, who rebuilt the town and citadel.

The Mochi Gate

might be called after the name of Moti Ram, an officer of Akbar, who resided here at that time.

The Shah 'Almi Gate

is named after Muhammad Mo'azzam Shah 'Alam Bahadur Shah the son and successor of Aurangzeb. He was a mild and generous emperor, who died in Lahore on the 28th February 1712.

The Lahori Gate

also known as the Lohari gate has been named after the city of Lahore.

The Mori Gate

is the smallest of the gateways and, as its name implies, was in old times used as an outlet for the refuse and sweepings of the city.

The Bhatti Gate

was named after the Bhatis, an ancient Rajput tribe who inhabited these quarters in old times.

The Taxali Gate

was named after the Taxal or royal mint, that used to be in its neighborhood in earlier times.

other sights

Masterpieces of Mughal architecture are disseminated all through the city, even in neighborhoods that todays seem a bit dilapidated, peripheral, and lacklustre. Buildings and sites include Shalimar Gardens a three-tiered formal garden built in the 1600s, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located along the GT Road towards Wagah. Entrance Rs200 for foreigners, Chauburji Gate at Chauburji Chowk, and many tomb and mausoleums such as the ones of Jahangir and Nur Jahan in the suburb of Shahdara.

Following the canal side road to the east of the city is Jallo Park. It is a large drive-in park with drive in zoo and a man made lake. Spread over an area of 450 acres it has expanses of lawns, a forest research center, a children's park, a small museum and a gift shop. Sozo Water Park is another attraction in this park. Also see Sindbad, Joy Land and Sky Land. The Park is 28 km from Lahore. It can be visited by road and by rail. A rail car leaves for Jallo Railway Station every half hour.

Race Course Park

Situated on Jail Road, Race Course Park deservedly attracts not only town dwellers but visitors as well. It is a huge park featuring vast lush grounds as well as a lake for boat riding. The park hosts special flower shows during the spring season. Another salient feature of the park is its well maitained jogging track.

Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park

Gulshan-e-Iqbal park in Allama Iqbal Town

Hiran Minar

is set in peaceful environs near Lahore. Hiran means deer. It used to be favorite hunting sport of all Muslim kings, especially of Moghals. Jehangir erected this minaret to commemorate the death of his pet deer Maans Raaj. It served a double purpose as from it top the hunters could locate the habitations of deers. It is a beautiful picnic as well as a historic spot. A high Bara Dari Ghat is constructed right in middle of a Talab. A man made big lake, boating facility is also available. A good garden lay out is surrounding the place.

Chhanga Manga

is a man-made forest 68 km from Lahore. There is a lake, and a miniature railway, which winds its way through its forest. Chhanga Manga has 12,510 acres of plantations. It is a popular picnic spot spread over 50 acres with a lake and rowboats, motorboats, children's park, swimming pool, cafeteria, canteen and rest houses

The Daata Darbar

is the shrine to Lahore's patron saint, Hazrat Daata Ganj Bakhsh. This vast modern structure is always filled with people praying, collecting or bestowing alms, or eating at the huge charity 'langar' or soup kitchen.

Gawal mandi food street

Old Anarkali food street

Trafalgar Square

A replica of the famous Trafalgar Square in London is located inside Bahria Town Lahore. Mini Egypt and a Zoo also worth a visit.

Wagah Border

The border between Pakistan and India is also an attraction for tourists. There is a ceremony at the border everyday and is a must see for all. For foreigners, crossing the Wagah border and visiting the Golden Temple is a lifetime experience.

mall road

Lahore Museum

which displays the Fasting Buddha of Gandhara

Toolinton market

now converted into a museum

Lahore Art Gallery

The Croweaters Gallery

'General Post Office

Lahore High Court Lahore'

University of Punjab

Old Campus

National College of Arts

of which Rudyard Kipling's father was the principal, and offers a thesis show every winter.

Kim's Gun

is outside the NCA

Lahore Zoo

Located in the heart of the town and set in modern style is the Lahore zoo founded in 1872. It is one of the oldest Zoos in the sub continent. The material used in some of the construction even bears the marks of 1853. The Lahore zoo attracts a large crowd throughout the year. Driving along the Sharah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, just ahead of the charring cross and opposite to the WAPDA House is the main gate of the Zoo

Lawrence Gardens & Library

also known as the Bagh-e-Jinnah, It is opposite to Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It is amongst the biggest gardens of Lahore.

Chamman Ice Cream

A famous ice-cream parlour offers 20 different flavours. They also offer milk-shake of various kinds.

WAPDA house building

the WAPDA House building is, an example of a modern office block, with a glass dome and a roof garden.

Summit Memorium

is in the locale more commonly known as Charing Cross. Few know the presence of a library / museum below the Charing Cross roundabout that is all about the OIC and Islamic Summit and is a treat to visit.

Punjab Provincial Assembly Building

Shahdin Manzil

Free Mason Hall

Al Hamra Arts council

Lahore Fortress

the Fortress Stadium is an attempt to combine the architecture of a fort like Rohtas with a sports stadium. Many exhibitions held here. The Stadium is the site of the famous Horse and Cattle Show in March. Joyland amusement park is also located here.