Lucknow (Hindi: लखनऊ Lakhnaū, Urdu: لکھنؤ Lakhnaū) is the capital of Uttar Pradesh and one of the most populous cities in northern India. Lucknow, the "City of the Nawabs", thrives along the banks of Gomti River. The city along with the rest of Awadh fell to the British during the colonial era. Today, Lucknow is dotted with remnants of its rich cultural past.
Lucknow (Hindi-Urdu: LUHCKH-now) is a historically important city and for many centuries was at the heart of North Indian culture. In particular, the city is famous for its adab and tehzeeb (manners and etiquette), intricate embroidery, beautiful gardens and dance forms such as kathak. Lucknow is also known for its elaborate cuisine and chikankārī or exquisite shadow-work embroidery on fine muslin cloth. Not only that, but the city is famous for its sweets: the sweet shops in the old city date to the 1850s.
Places of interest are spread out over a large distance, so using motorised transit is advised. The Lucknow Metro consists of a single line that runs north to south, connecting the city centre to several other places, including the airport and Charbagh railway station. There are many car rental companies available. One should hire cars with local drivers as traffic is dangerous for anybody not used to local traffic conditions. Taxi and rickshaw drivers in Lucknow are of the more insistent type, although few of them speak enough English to go to locations that are out of the way. CNG buses and rickshaws are available to get you around the whole city.
1 St. Joseph's Cathedral, Hazratganj. A massive church and school. Lot of celebrations take place around Christmas time and is packed. (updated Jan 2026) 2 Colvin Taluqdars' College. A must see place with great architecture. It was built in 1896 and named after British Indian colonial administrator Sir Auckland Colvin. (updated Jan 2026) Deva Shariff, around 30 km from the city, is a place of worship and faith where people from all the religions gather, a symbol of unity and love. 3 Firangi Mahal. The Oxford and Cambridge of India author/poet Shibli Naumani. For more details see the book Ul Farangi Mahal by Francis Robinson (updated Jan 2026) 4 Kukrail Reserve Forest.
CIMAP (Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants). East End Mall & Wave Cinemas, Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar. Fun Republic Mall & Fun Cinemas (Adjacent Eldeco Greens, Gomti Nagar). 1 Haathi Park (Elephant Park), Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Daliganj. A popular hangout place among the locals, the public park has two rows of large elephant statues as its main attraction. NBRI (National Botanical Research Institute). Phoenix United Mall & PVR Cinemas (Behind Piccadilly Hotel , Alam Bagh Kanpur Road). Sahara Ganj Shopping Mall & PVR Cinemas, Shahnajaf Rd.
Everyone in Lucknow knows about the famous tikkas and kebabs. They are Mughal delicacies. Lalbagh, many roadside hotels near Aminabad and old Chowk offer cheap and unique types of dishes. Also, try out the street next to Tulsi thatre in Hazratganj for some exotic non-vegetarian delicacies. The Food Court at Sahara Ganj, near Hazrat Ganj is the recent hot favourite with a number of fast food joints. If coffee and tea is something you like, you will find a huge variety at Cappuccino Blast at Mall Avenue.
Finding alcohol is not a problem, but most bars are seedy and are to be avoided, except for those in five-star restaurants. A safer drink alternative is the famous local lassi yogurt drink. Not all retail shops of wine/liquor are authorised to serve so it's always suggested to drink in a bar or at your home or hotel. Cool Break, ashok marg. Nice ambience, rich menu.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Sep, Lucknow typically sees ~33°C daytime highs and 18 rainy days.
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