Lahore, Pakistan, is rich in history, culture, and architectural marvels. Here are some top things to see in Lahore:

Badshahi Mosque

One of the largest mosques in the world, Badshahi Mosque is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. If you’ve been to mosques in the Middle East before, you’ll notice that this has a completely different design and structure to it. It is the most beautiful building in Lahore. Make sure to go to one of the nearby restaurants to get an aerial view of it. It was built in the 1600s and was known as the largest mosque for at least 300 years.

Lahore Fort (Shahi Qila)

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a symbol of Lahore’s rich history. This shows the influence of the Mughals, Sikhs, and the Brits. Be sure to visit the Sheesh Mahal and to have a guide share the story of the place.

Shalimar Gardens

Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, Shalimar Gardens are renowned for their beauty, symmetry, and lush greenery. They provide a serene escape from the city.

Wazir Khan Mosque

This mosque is a must visit because it is yet different from the other ones. It has intricate tile work and colorful frescoes, but looks different than other Islamic architecture… maybe because it has more of the Indian subcontinent look. 

The Lahore Museum

A great place to visit to get a better understanding of the city and Pakistan’s history. I’d say 1-3 hours would be plenty here.Home to a vast collection of artifacts, including Gandhara art, Mughal miniatures, and ancient manuscripts, the Lahore Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Pakistan’s history and culture.

Anarkali Bazaar

One of the oldest markets in Lahore where you can find traditional clothing, jewelry, spices, and handicrafts. You’ll certainly want to negotiate prices here. Be prepared to smell the spices, want to buy every piece of jewelry, and be lost amongst the crowd.

Fort Road Food Street

This is the street just near the Badshahi mosque lined with some of the oldest restaurants that have a great view of the mosque but also street vendors. You can find street vendors selling all types of food like kebabs, snow cones, and more.

Haveli Restaurant

This restaurant is not only unique, tasty, and has good views but it also represents the rich heritage of Lahore. The facade of the building is quite unique and has wooden balconies, hand-carved doors and windows. It has the style of the old “walled city”. It was built with special permission by a British raj but was neglected during the Partition of 1947 when it was divided and owned by different families from the “red light” district nearby. It was bought out and restored by 2 brothers and turned into a restaurant. It’s really stunning on the inside and the food is pricier than most places in Lahore but it’s worth a nice night out.

Gali Surjan Singh

“Gali” means street or alley and “Surjan Singh” is the name of the street and it was named after a 19th century physician, Hakim Surjan Singh. This is considered one of the most beautiful streets in Lahore but also has a great story.  Hakim lived on this street and was a very well-liked physician who had cured many royals. This street was restored with the help of the German Embassy. Some people also say it looks like a street in Europe.

These are just a few highlights of what Lahore has to offer. The city is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered, so be sure to explore and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture and history.