Lahore is also called the “heart of Pakistan”. It is the historic cultural center of the Punjab province of Pakistan. The city is full of beautiful architectures from back during the colonial time, with interesting museums for you to get yourself acquainted with the country’s past and plenty of things to do for backpackers.
Early Morning
What better way to start your morning than going to a UNESCO World Heritage Site? The Shalimar Gardens exhibit the peak of the artistic ethos of the Mughal emperors. This place contains some of the most magnificent buildings, fountains, and trees of many different kinds.
Another option is visiting Badshahi Mosque which is one of the most beautiful mosques in Pakistan. The architecture resembles the Jama Masjid in New Delhi but at a much bigger scale and you can have a more peaceful walk around it instead of going through hundreds of people. The best time to visit the Badshahi Mosque is at 9 AM when the gate is open and the lights are at its best.
Mid-Morning
Explore the Walled City from less popular gates
13 gates used to lead into the walls of old Lahore… then the British happened. Six gates have since been rebuilt; the rest exist in name only. Nevertheless, they’re good starting points for exploring different parts of the walled city of Lahore. Delhi Gate, near Wazir Khan mosque, is the most renowned.
Afternoon
Lahore Museum
Next stop, Lahore Museum. History lovers will find Lahore Museum a great place to learn how history evolved in this part of the world. The recent renovation efforts have opened many new rooms to tourists.
Evening
Retail therapy at Liberty Market
The semicircular marketplace is the city’s go-to for affordable clothes and accessories. Several layers and stories of shops ring the central area. Market stalls line the outside, too. Even if you don’t need clothes, it’s a colorful place to wander around. There are plenty of places to grab snacks and drinks, making Liberty Market a great place to visit in Lahore.
Witness the border ceremony at the Wahga Gate
The Wagah border ceremony is a daily military practice happening at the border of Pakistan and India, 24 km away from Lahore where soldiers from both countries participate in a rapid dance-like parade to symbolize the rivalry, brotherhood, and cooperation between the 2 countries. If you have an evening free, make sure to witness this once-in-a-lifetime ceremony before you leave the city.
Night
Food Street and M M Alam Road
The M M Alam Road runs from the Main Market to Firdous Market. The fact that some of the greatest restaurants in Lahore are located on this beautifully designed road is one of the major reasons for visiting this area. From Village Restaurant to Jammin Java Café to Pompei to Burger Hub, there are many restaurants to impress any foodie. Similarly, the gorgeously lit Food Street is also another place to enjoy the smell and taste of all the delicious dishes that Lahore has to offer.
And there you have it, a guide on cool things to do in Lahore.