Lahore (Punjabi: لہور; Urdu: لاہور) is Pakistan's second largest city after Karachi, and the capital of the north-eastern Punjab province. It is widely considered the country's cultural capital. The heart of Lahore is the Walled or Inner City, a very densely populated area of about one square kilometre. Founded in legendary times, and a cultural centre for over a thousand years, Lahore has many attractions for the tourist.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Lahore is the second largest city in Pakistan with a population of roughly 8.5 million. The traditional capital of Punjab for a thousand years, it had been the cultural centre of Northern India extending from Peshawar to New Delhi. The origins of Lahore are shrouded in the mists of antiquity but Lahore is undoubtedly ancient. Today, Lahore is certainly worth a visit, but don't come expecting a tranquil city overflowing with history, art and culture: these qualities do exist but are hidden under the surface of a sprawling, traffic clogged and polluted south Asian city.
Lahore is a huge and sprawling city. In the old town, walking or a tuk-tuk are your only options. You get to see a lot more on foot, just remember to wear comfortable shoes if you are going to be walking a great distance. Other than in winter, it will be too hot to walk long distances during the day. Sunday mornings are quiet and are a good time to explore. Locals are generally helpful in providing directions to well-known spots. However, you should still ask two or three people to confirm the address, especially if you are driving. Using the GPS function on your phone can also be helpful. Lahore Metro. Opened in October 2020, Lahore Metro is Pakistan's first metro system.
The Walled City of Lahore is one of the oldest cities in the world and comprises the following places for sightseeing. 1 Lahore Fort (شاہی قلعہ, Shahi Qila). A huge structure where the Mughal and Sikh rulers built their imperial quarters. 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. For non-Pakistanis is Rs 500. 2 Alamgiri Gate. The iconic entrance to the fort. Located opposite the Badshahi Mosque. (updated Feb 2017) 3 Shah Burj gate. Decorated with colored tiles. Known as the "Elephant Gate" because royal elephants would enter here.
On Thursdays there is a regular Sufi gathering at the 1 Shah Jamal Tomb. The renowned drummer Pappoo Saein and his disciples perform on the huge two-sided dhol, and devotees of the saint enter trances and dance wildly as hundreds of people watch. There is a separate seating area for women and foreigners; this is very comfortable and has the best view in the enclosure. Catch a movie.
Lahoris are famed for their food and for their consumption thereof. This is reflected in the array of restaurants in Lahore. For nihari, go to Haji Nihari on Jail Road or inside Lohari Gate; for chicken paratha rolls go to Karachi Silver Spoon in Liberty Market, and so on lastly go to Muhammadi Nihari in Mozang. The 'Food Street' of Gowal Mandi is a must-visit for dinner - you'll find a street full of shops selling fine Lahori fare, and the setting, amidst traditional jharoka architecture, is lovely. If you make it to Food Street, go by auto rickshaw (Rs 30) or walk to Mochi Gate and try Rasheeds kebabs or Saiyns kebabs. Mochi Gate is also home to Fazal Sweets and Rafique Sweet House.
Alcohol is illegal for Muslim Pakistanis. Clubbing is quite popular but not easy to find, majority of the clubs being private and invite only. Clubs Parties at Farmhouse Caviar Lounge, a bar/club in Royal Palm. Club Bhurban, in Pearl Continental hotel Uptown LA in Defence R block. The club opens after 11PM at night till 4AM in the morning 1 Peeru's Cafe, Green Acres Main Rd. Situated about an hour outside of Lahore. Peeru's, a cafe with an artistic flair. Saturday night is always Jazz Night, Peeru's cafe is really the only place which has live jazz music. Tuesday is Sufi night. Sitting inside, it even feels like some cafe in Venice.
Street crimes in Lahore are not common but special precautions must be taken by visitors. Demonstrations aren't uncommon and should be avoided at all cost. In early 2006, the Prophet Muhammad cartoon protests quickly got out of hand, and several businesses were torched along with scores of cars. If a large demonstration or protest is underway, foreigners should try to remain at their hotels until the dust settles. In general, visitors will find the locals very curious, very eager to help. Being friendly and smiling at people goes a long way.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Aug, Lahore typically sees ~33°C daytime highs and 17 rainy days.
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