Overview & visitor information

Lahore, Pakistan

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Lahore, Pakistan

Lahore, Pakistan
Keep exploring Lahore.
The Badshahi Mosque is arguably the most famous of Lahore’s mosques. This magnificent red sandstone structure was built during the Mughal era in the 1600s by the emperor Aurangzeb who was famous for his religiosity and intolerance. The mosque’s four minarets soar into the sky and are visible from afar. Tourists must not wear shorts, women must be modestly dressed and shoes must be taken off before entering. The mosque is truly breathtaking and is also the burial site of the famous Pakistani poet and philosopher Allama Iqbal.
Less known and overshadowed by the Badshahi Mosque, the Wazir Khan Mosque is probably all the more beautiful for its subtlety. This striking mosque was built in the 1630s by the Mughal emperor Shah Jehan. The Mughals were the patrons of the arts and the exquisite tiling on the floors, walls, and ceiling of the mosque is testament to this. The mosque is named after a court physician turned governor of Lahore - Wazir Khan. Tourists must not be dressed in shorts, women should dress modestly and shoes must be left at the entrance. The mosque is not as easily accessible as the Badshahi Mosque. Enter from the Delhi gate and ask passers-by for directions.
Jamia Masjid Anwar-e-Madina, Nayab Park, Salamatpura, Lahore, Nayab Park G.T. Rd, Lahore, Pakistan 0322 4118655
Jamia Masjid Faiz-e-Mustafa, Karim Nagar, Sue wala Rd, Lahore, Sue Wala Rd, Lahore, Pakistan
Keep exploring Lahore.
A must stop for tourists; this gallery showcases the works of Abdur Rehman Chughtai, the national painter of Pakistan. He dabbled in a number of arts and styles but is best known for his watercolor paintings. Chughtai’s paintings are beautiful and his work is easily recognized. The subjects in his paintings are delicate and it was the manner in which he drew their eyes that became his signature trademark. Abdur Rehman Chugtai, who unlike other artists found fame and fortune within his own lifetime. Do not miss out on viewing the art of one of the greatest Pakistani artists to have lived!
The museum itself is in a small house in the inner city. The Fakirs were an important family during the Sikh rule of Punjab in the 1700s. Fakir was an ascetic and his sons took over in his role as an important member and minister in the court of the Sikh ruler Ranjit Singh. This small museum showcases the history of Lahore and contains important pieces such as relics from the Prophet Muhammad’s (P.B.U.H) time as well as swords, jewels and coins dating back to the Sikh era and the Mughal rule of the city.
An interesting monument, the Hiran Minaar was built in the memory of beloved ‘Hiran’, the deer belonging to Mughal Emperor Jehangir. It was built around 1615 in an area where the Emperor loved to hunt. Surrounding this Minar is a lake and visitors must travel by boat up to this structure.
Located on the outskirts of Lahore, this beautiful tomb is a sight not to be missed. Jehangir was a Mughal emperor who died around 1625 on his return home from Kashmir. He is buried close to his wife, Nur Jehan, and brother-in-law, Asif Khan. The tomb is exquisite and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. The tile work is intricate and efforts have been made to restore the tomb to its former glory.
This fort is a magnificent structure and was crucial to the military strength of the Mughals who used it as their military headquarters. The Sikhs too, who ruled Lahore briefly, used the fort as part of their defense strategy. Inside the fort is a small museum showcasing the Mughal rule of Lahore with artifacts dating back to the era. Another gallery is dedicated to the Sikh rule of Lahore. There is also an armory gallery displaying the swords, daggers and other arms that were used. Be sure to ask for a tour of the underground dungeons of the fort. Prisoners were kept down there during the military dictatorship of Zia-ul Haq from 1977-1988. The prisoners were mainly his critics. The fort also comprises a number of halls. The Shish Mahal or Hall of Mirrors is the most famous of these and was built by the emperor Shah Jehan for his wife and her court. The hall is truly magnificent. The Diwan-e- Aam or Hall of Public audience built by Shah Jehan was where the Mughal emperor would speak to his subjects and from where he would view the festivals and parades. The Diwan-e-Khaas or Hall of private audience was where the emperor would meet with special guests and foreign dignitaries.
This museum was built in 1894. It is one of the most famous museums of South Asia because of the sheer size of its collection. The museum comprises of over twenty galleries and takes one on a fascinating journey through the different ages of the Subcontinent. Lahore Museum is the place to go if you want to improve upon your history of this region. Exhibits date all the way back to the Stone Age. The museum displays exhibits from the Indus Valley Civilization with relics from Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. Pieces include pottery, jewelry, weaponry, textiles. They also showcase relics from the Mughal and Sikh rule as well as pieces from the period leading to the partition. Important items include the statue of the fasting Buddha, as well as ancient manuscripts and religious texts.
Minar-e-Pakistan is an important monument that stands in Iqbal Park. It is of great historical significance and stands at the exact same spot at which Muslim leaders proclaimed in 1940 that India had to be divided and a separate homeland for Muslims had to be created to ensure their safety. This structure is 60 meters high and is constructed of concrete with marble and stone walls and floors. Visitors can climb the staircase within to reach the top of the monument. It is now notorious for the number of homeless and poverty-stricken people who jump off its high walls committing suicide.
This site is unique since it is the only surviving public bath from the Mughal Era. It was constructed by Ilmuddin Ansari on the orders of the emperor Shah Jehan. The architectural style of this bath is similar to that adopted in other parts of the Islamic world. The baths were magnificent with fountains, steam rooms and dressing rooms.
This museum was established in the memory of Shakir Ali, an art professor who taught at the prestigious National College of Art. Apart from his personal belongings which are on display, his paintings and drawings are also showcased in a gallery. In addition to his work, the art of other contemporary artists are also on display. A research library containing a wide collection of art books is located in the basement of the museum. Workshops and exhibitions are also held at this museum.
These magnificent gardens were made by Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in the 1640s. The gardens cover an area of over 80 acres. They are built at the three levels corresponding to the Giver of Pleasure, Giver of Goodness and the Giver of Life. Beautiful trees and shrubs are aplenty and white marble structures dot the gardens here and there. There are about 450 fountains. A great spot for picnicking, these gardens are on the UNESCO world heritage list
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Although pricey, the food served here is exceptionally good. Famed amongst the elite of Lahore the Japanese dishes served here are truly divine. The décor is chic and sophisticated. The sushi, teriyaki and nana wings are amongst numerous specialties.
Mouth watering sub-continental cuisine is served here with a wide range of authentic dishes to choose from. Fresh ingredients are used to churn out these really good dishes. The décor and the cuisine reflect the Mughal era transporting diners back in time. The paneer or cheese tikka served with mint sauce is delightful, and amongst the entrees the Chilman Biryani and Qorma are scrumptious. For desert try some classic kheer or rice pudding. Cuisine: Sub- continental Address: Pearl Continental Hotel, Mall, Lahore Tel: 111-505-505 ext 2196 Website: www.pchotels.com
This lovely restaurant serves delicious Italian cuisine. The food is pricey but worth it. The décor is wonderful and the dim lighting creates an ambience which is both intimate and comfortable. The Tarragon Chicken, Atlantic Sole, Mediterranean Sole, Bernaise Steak, Prawn Tempura and Lobster Thermidore are simply divine. For desert don’t miss out on the bread and butter pudding served with fresh vanilla ice cream.
Stop for lunch or dinner at this fabulous joint. Located at the top of a luxury shopping complex, it is very busy at any given time of the day. There is a diverse range of dishes to choose from. For starters try some wonderfully fresh potato skins. For the entrée, go for the mushroom burger, chicken crunch sandwich, the chicken and cheese crepe or one of the delicious steaks. Don’t miss out on desert - experiment with the fried ice cream or the scrumptious chocolate mousse.
Although pricey, the food served here is exceptionally good. Chinese cuisine is extremely popular in Lahore and no place does it better than Dynasty. Treat yourself to some divine Chop Suey, wonderfully fresh egg rolls and chicken with almonds. The décor too is chic and sophisticated, integrating Chinese architectural styles.
This is one of Lahore’s better known restaurants and is never empty. But that comes as no surprise, since the dishes served here are mouth-wateringly good! Fairy lights deck the ceiling, fabulous paintings decorate the walls and loud music echoes throughout this café. Try the Calamari as a starter, for the main course try go for the Cannelloni, Pasta Alfredo or the Chicken Cashew Nut served with Garlic Rice. The strawberryade is also wonderfully fresh.
This is a well known restaurant in Lahore serving traditional dishes. Both meat and sea food lovers will not be disappointed; this eatery serves some of the most delectable dishes and is a personal favorite. The décor is simple and down to earth. Be sure to try the chicken Behari Kebab, the Lucknow Chicken, Tomato and Cheese Gravy and Prawn on Tawa. Mirchi also serves a diverse range of breads or naans as they are locally known. Straight from the tandoor, the cheese naan or the Kolanji naan are simply divine!
Foodies are unlikely to leave this place disappointed - delicious Chinese and Thai dishes from stews to vegetable dishes are served here. The Shrimp on Toast and Honey Sesame Chicken are divine. The American Chop Suey is quite famous as is the Chicken and Almonds, the Prawns in Tamarind Sauce and the Sweet and Sour Chicken.
Vivacious and down-to-earth best describes the ambience of this restaurant. The crowd usually consists of youngsters who come to enjoy the live music. The waiters don cowboy hats and costumes. Dishes served include a wide range of burgers and steaks.
Stop for lunch or dinner at this restaurant. The atmosphere is cool and hip and the dishes served are mouth watering. The thin crust pizzas are a specialty and so is the Caesar salad. Sandwiches and burgers are available here too.