Lahore is the historic cultural center of the Punjab province of Pakistan. The city is full of beautiful architecture from colonial times, with interesting museums for you to acquaint yourself with the country's past, and plenty of things to do for backpackers. If you are planning to visit Pakistan, Lahore must be one of the cities on your list.
Pakistan is not your usual travel destination. The country is one of the least-traveled countries out there, and you can go for weeks without seeing a single foreign tourist. That being said, the country is opening up more and more, and with such beautiful mountains, authentic culture, and friendly people, there is no better time to visit the country than now.
If you are visiting Lahore for the first time, you will need to read this guide to prepare yourself for an adventure of a lifetime. Below, you will find all the information you need on what to expect, awesome things to do, and much essential information to help plan your trip to Lahore. Let's begin, shall we?
- Lahore Itinerary Map
- Where to Stay in Lahore?
- 7 Awesome Things to Do in Lahore
- More Lahore Activities
- Pakistan Travel Video
- When to Go to Lahore?
- Which tourist SIM card is best for Pakistan?
- What to Pack for Lahore, Pakistan?
- How to Get to Lahore?
- How to Get Around Lahore?
- Further Reading for Pakistan
Lahore Itinerary Map
7 Awesome Things to Do in Lahore
1. Visit the Badshahi Mosque in the Morning
The Badshahi Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Pakistan. The architecture resembles that of the Jama Masjid in New Delhi, but on a much larger scale. Additionally, you can enjoy a more peaceful walk around the Badshahi Mosque, as opposed to navigating through crowds of people.
The ideal time to visit is at 9 AM when the gate is open and the lighting is at its best. In the morning, the sun shines directly on the mosque, unlike in the evening when it is overshadowed. Moreover, there will be fewer visitors in the morning, allowing you to appreciate the mosque in solitude.
If you arrive early enough at the parking lot of the mosque, you might be able to see several young men practicing cricket together. It is fun to watch, but keep an eye out for the ball and be ready to dodge when a ball is coming your way. I really feel sorry for those people who parked their cars here in the parking lot.
- Lahore Backpackers (Budget)
- Rose Palace Hotel, Gulberg (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- Royal Swiss Lahore (High-End)
- 3 Days Kashmir Neelam valley Tour (3 days)
- Private Tour in Kartarpur, Nankana Sahib & Sacha Sauda (12 to 14 hours)
- Lahore Full Day Sightseeing Tour (8 hours)
Where to Stay in Lahore?
2. Explore Lahore Fort
Near the entrance of the Badshahi Mosque, you will find a security line that will lead you to the Lahore Fort. The Lahore Fort is a Mughal-era fortress with several stunning palaces, gardens, and museums all located behind the fortress wall.
The fort has stood the test of time for many generations, housing several rulers from different areas, and you can see that through the diverse styles of architectural design that are present in the fort. From the Persian-style audience hall to the Hindu style of the elephant-shaped column brackets.
The fort is massive, so make sure to spend a few hours walking around the area and checking out all the buildings inside the wall.
3. Admire the Craftsmanship of Sheesh Mahal
At the northwest corner of the fort, you will find a beautiful structure called the Sheesh Mahal, or the Palace of Mirrors. The palace was built under the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan during the 16th century and has since been well-maintained.
What is unique about this place is the ornate white marble pavilion's walls that are decorated with complex mirror-work, unlike anything else in the fort. It has become the most important structure in the fort and can easily be missed if you don't know its location.
Tours & Tickets You Might Like
If you are looking for more activities to do here, be sure to check out some of the available tours and day trips:
- 3 Days Kashmir Neelam valley Tour (3 days)
- Private Tour in Kartarpur, Nankana Sahib & Sacha Sauda (12 to 14 hours)
- Lahore Full Day Sightseeing Tour (8 hours)
4. Find Solitude at the Wazir Khan Mosque
After spending a few hours at the fort, take a rickshaw to the Wazir Khan Mosque, one of my favorite places in Lahore. This mosque does not receive as many local tourists as places like the Badshahi Mosque, and you can walk around the mosque at your own leisure.
The mosque is considered to be the most ornately decorated mosque in Lahore, and you can see it through the many intricate details works around the mosque, from the beautiful tilework at the gate all the way through the pattern on the ceiling. Apparently, you can also go up one of the towers during the praying time, but it was locked when I was there.
5. Walk around the Market at Delhi Gate
Only a few steps away east from the Wazir Khan mosque, you will find a path through a market that will lead you to the Delhi Gate, a beautiful historic gate, one of the six left around the walled city of Lahore. The gate is nice, but the market is the highlight as you will meet so many friendly locals welcoming you into their shops. It's a great chance to experience Pakistani hospitality.
Do not hesitate to accept a random greeting from a stranger if they come up to you while you walk around the market. Pakistan has not been plagued by mass tourism yet, and people are genuinely nice and often just curious about you.
I have had many great times with the most random people here in Pakistan. Hospitality in Pakistan is next-level, and you will see acts of kindness in the most random way you could imagine here, except when dealing with taxi drivers. They are the worst, no matter where you are in the world. 😂
6. Learn the History at the Lahore Museum
The Lahore museum was built during the British colonial time with a Mughal-Gothic architectural style, depicting Indian architecture through the eyes of the Westerners. The museum is built with stunning red bricks, which are quite common in Lahore structures built during the British Raj reign.
The museum displays archaeological materials from prehistoric times and houses many artifacts and relics from the Indus Valley. It is a great place to hide from the heat in the afternoon and enjoy a little bit of Pakistan's history.
The Wagah border ceremony is a daily military practice that takes place at the border of Pakistan and India, 24 km away from Lahore. Soldiers from both countries participate in a rapid dance-like parade to symbolize the rivalry, brotherhood, and cooperation that the two countries share. If you have an evening free, be sure to grab a taxi to the border and witness this once-in-a-lifetime ceremony before you leave the city.
When to Go to Lahore?
The best time to go to Lahore is from September to October as the weather becomes a little cooler than mid-summer. The hiking trails in North Pakistan are still open as well, so you will still have a chance to go up north and hike around Gilgit Baltistan province after.
Daily Budget
This place is quite affordable compared to all the other countries in the world. If you are planning a trip here, you can expect to spend around $25 - $45 USD per day per person, which should include accommodation and three meals.
Please keep in mind that these are suggested daily budgets based on my own style of travel, which leans more towards the budget side of things. If you aim to stick to this budget, anticipate sleeping in dormitories, dining out only occasionally, and being comfortable with the cheapest and most convenient modes of transportation, which often involve a considerable amount of walking.
Which tourist SIM card is best for Pakistan?
Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Lahore, Pakistan without having to switch out your physical SIM card.
Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Lahore, Pakistan:
Reliable Wi-Fi is hard to come by in Pakistan, especially if you are heading up north. So, I would recommend getting a SIM card instead.
Due to security reasons, as a foreigner, you are required to go to the main carrier franchise office to register before you can use their SIM cards. DO NOT get your SIM card at the airport, no matter what the guy selling them says. It's a scam, and you will be wasting your money on a SIM card that will only work for one day.
The process may seem like a hassle, but once you know where to go, it only takes 5 minutes to get your sim activated. I would recommend you get a ZONG sim card from the Zong franchise customer care shown on the map below.
Get an Uber or a rickshaw to take you there (tell them to take you to the "Liberty Market") and do not pay more than 200 PKR for it if you are coming from Lahore Backpackers. Also, make sure you have your passport with you. Once you are there, you can choose whether you want a data sim card only (1,500 PKR for 12 GB) or the one with calls (~2500 PKR). I would recommend the one with calls if you are planning to go up north, as the data connection becomes unreliable up there and you might need to call some places to book. The entire process took me less than 5 minutes.
Zong's reception is pretty good with LTE available in big cities like Islamabad and Lahore, while you will still have signals (though unreliable EDGE speed) in the cities around the mountains of northern Pakistan. For more information about local SIM cards in Pakistan, you can read more here.
Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.
What to Pack for Lahore, Pakistan?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Lahore, Pakistan:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
How to Get to Lahore?
Several major airlines do fly directly to Lahore from abroad, so you should have no problem finding cheap flights through Skyscanner or Expedia. Try searching on Skyscanner or Expedia for a flight to Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) from where you are, and the sites will find the cheapest and fastest route for you.
If you are coming from other cities within Pakistan, you can either fly domestically via Pakistan International Airline or you can take a Daewoo Express bus, which connects most major cities to Lahore, such as Islamabad and Karachi.
I personally took the Daewoo Express bus from Lahore to Islamabad (Rawalpindi) for 1250 PKR, and it took me only 4 hours to get there. The bus was comfortable, with great, comfy seats, air conditioning, and water served throughout the entire trip.
How to Get Around Lahore?
Uber is my preferred mode of transportation as it is cheaper than a regular taxi, and you do not have to haggle for it. You can also flag down any rickshaw passing by, but never accept the first price they offer. Always remember to negotiate before you get in the rickshaw and make sure you both agree on the price before the journey.
Here are some general prices to keep in mind when negotiating with rickshaws: from Old Lahore to Gulberg should be no more than 250 PKR, from Lahore Backpackers to the fort should be no more than 150 PKR, and from Lahore to Wagah border the round trip should cost between 1200 and 2000 PKR.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Pakistan
I hope this guide will help you plan your trip to Pakistan. I have written a ton more articles about Pakistan, and here's a selection of them to help you further plan your trip to Pakistan:
- Looking for a complete itinerary and travel guide for Pakistan? One-Month Travel Itinerary for Pakistan.
- If you do not have one month to spare, you can spend 2 weeks traveling the Karakoram Highway from Islamabad to Sost. Here’s a complete travel guide and a 2-week itinerary for traveling the Karakoram Highway.
- Islamabad is the new capital city of Pakistan, built with a modern mindset in mind, and it shows. Here’s 6 best things to do in Islamabad.
- Are you ready to go hiking in Pakistan? First, you will have to get to Gilgit-Baltistan and here's a complete travel guide on how to get to Gilgit from Islamabad.
- Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat, the 8th highest mountain in the world, are probably the most accessible 8000+ mountains out there. Here's a complete hiking guide to Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat Base Camp.
- Another great hike you can do is the Rakaposhi Base Camp hike that will take you up atop the Nagar Valley with an unbeatable view of the Minapin Glacier. Here's a complete hiking guide to Rakaposhi Base Camp in one day.
- The Hunza Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in Pakistan. The capital city of the Hunza Valley is Karimabad, which is a perfect base for you to explore the Valley. Here's 5 awesome things to do in Karimabad, Hunza Valley.
- You can also watch my travel videos about South Asia here: Sri Lanka travel video, Nepal travel video, and Pakistan travel video.
- Want to know where to go after Pakistan? How about exploring the Golden Triangle in India, doing some trekking in Nepal, or going off-the-beaten-path to explore Sri Lanka by train?
- For all articles about Pakistan, visit Pakistan Travel Guide page.
- Looking for more travel guides for South Asia? You can find more on my South Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.
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