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Readings

This shop is a must stop for any tourist visiting Lahore. This cozy bookstore is almost always busy, catering to a number of avid Lahori readers. Wide selections of English books are sold here from all genres. The children’s section is also wonderful.

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Overview & visitor information

Readings

This shop is a must stop for any tourist visiting Lahore. This cozy bookstore is almost always busy, catering to a number of avid Lahori readers. Wide selections of English books are sold here from all genres. The children’s section is also wonderful.

Address: 12 K Main Boulevard, Gulberg II Tel: +92-42-111-126-657

More shopping spots in Lahore

Keep exploring Lahore.

Imagelahore

Mall of Lahore

Plaza

This up and coming mall is fast becoming popular amongst Lahore’s elite. Housed within it are international brands such as Next, Mothercare, Early Learning Center, Accessorize as well as local brands such as Khaadi and a number of jewelers. Pakistani fashion designers are also setting up shop here. A food court is present inside.

Imagelahore

Pakistan Fashion Design Council- 10 Q

Plaza

This is a famous and luxurious shopping mall in Lahore. It sells a diverse range of products. Local brands are well represented here and they include Ammar Belal, Nickie and Nina, Karma, Nomi Ansar, Dara (specializing in traditional Pakistani kurtas). These designers make traditional as well as contemporary clothing. An excellent spa and a trendy restaurant called Roasters are also located within the mall.

Imagelahore

City Towers

Plaza

This is another of the many malls that have come up in Lahore that caters to the luxury lifestyles of the residents of the city. As in other malls, a diverse range of products is available here. One of the many stores is Gul Ahmed, a local luxury brand that sells casual and formal wear including chiffon shirts, kurtas and suits as well as handbags, shoes, bed sheets and cushion covers. Another store, Taneez, specializes in silver knick knacks, cutlery and fabulous decorative pieces.

Imagelahore

Siddiq Trade Center

Plaza

A few local fashion labels are housed here including Amir Adnan. Mothercare and Early Learning Centre are also located in this building along with a number of clothing and footwear shops and jewelers.

Imagelahore

Z Block

Plaza

This is another of the many famous shopping districts of Lahore. Located at some distance from one another but in the same vicinity are Charles and Keith, Next, Mothercare, Early Learning Center, Khaadi, Gul Ahmed and Bareeze. Taneez and Source specializing in silver and wooden/ iron decorative pieces respectively are also found in the area.

Imagelahore

Round Plaza Y Block

Plaza

This plaza houses a number of shops. Some sell textiles such as Textilion and others such as Crossroads sell good quality jeans, sweaters and shirts. Chic and Huner, two local shops specializing in footwear are also located here. Other shops sell ‘unbranded’ clothing and footwear, often imported from the East Asian countries.

Imagelahore

Fortress Stadium

Market

This is one of Lahore’s oldest shopping areas, certainly the most beautiful architecturally speaking. A number of shops selling CDs and DVDs are found here, in addition to stores selling beautifully embroidered garments. Tourists can also go for pricier apparel at Junaid Jamshed, a local designer. Sozo Water Park, Joy land, a bowling alley and a number of eateries are also located at the Fortress Stadium.

Imagelahore

Liberty

Market

This market is a must stop for any tourist visiting Lahore. It is busy and popular amongst locals and tourists alike. For those with eclectic tastes, wishing to pick something quirky to make their trip all the more memorable, then this is the place to go. Antiques, souvenirs, various arts and crafts are available in addition to numerous clothing and shoe stalls. Khussa Mahal, one of Lahore’s oldest shops, is a local favorite. It sells beautiful ethnic footwear and tourists are unlikely to leave the place without buying a few sandals.

Imagelahore

H Block Market

Market

This is another one of Lahore’s famous markets. Local brands and products are available here, including Textilion and Crossroads. A number of shops selling CDs and DVDs are found at H Block Market, in addition to stores selling beautifully embroidered garments. Tourists can also go for pricier apparel at Bareeze and Planeta.

Imagelahore

Anarkali Bazaar

Market

This is an ancient market place and is named after a woman called Anarkali, a mistress and lover of the Mughal prince Jehangir, who was buried alive by Jahangir’s father the Emperor Akbar for not returning Akbar’s love. It is located in the inner city and sells a number of commodities including women’s, men’s and children’s apparel, costume jewelry, sandals and other knickknacks. The market has a fascinating feel to it; the winding alleys transport customers back in time and one can very well imagine ladies bargaining here in the 1800s.

More places in Lahore

Keep exploring Lahore.

Chughtai Museum Trust Art Gallerylahore

Chughtai Museum Trust Art Gallery

Museum

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!

Fakir Khana Museumlahore

Fakir Khana Museum

Museum

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.

Hiran Minaarlahore

Hiran Minaar

monument

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.

Jehangir’s Tomblahore

Jehangir’s Tomb

Tomb

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.

Lahore Fortlahore

Lahore Fort

Fortress

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.

Lahore Museumlahore

Lahore Museum

Museum

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-Pakistanlahore

Minar-e-Pakistan

Tower

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.

Shahi Hammam or Royal Bathlahore

Shahi Hammam or Royal Bath

Activity

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.

Shakir Ali Museumlahore

Shakir Ali Museum

Museum

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.

Shalimar Gardenslahore

Shalimar Gardens

Garden

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

More restaurants in Lahore

Keep exploring Lahore.

Imagelahore

Fujiyama

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.

Imagelahore

Dumphukt

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

Imagelahore

Aylanto

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.

Imagelahore

Roasters

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.

Imagelahore

Dynasty

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.

Imagelahore

Café Zouk

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.

Imagelahore

Mirchi

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!

Imagelahore

Stevie’s Golden Wok

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.

Imagelahore

Gunsmoke

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.

Imagelahore

La Pizzeria

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.