10 Best Places To Visit In Lahore
Lahore the “city of gardens”. It is the capital of the Pakistani province of Punjab. Lahore is the 2nd largest city after Karachi and 16th most crowded city in the world. Unfortunately Pakistan is the one of the least traveled countries but now the country is opening its doors more and more for tourism. Visiting Pakistan is nothing if you don’t visit Lahore. Lahore is well-known for its centuries-old historical background and numerous historical monuments. Lahore is also filled with various Historical Buildings, Monuments, Bazaars, Malls, Parks and Restaurants. Let’s get started!
1- Wagah Border
Wagah Border means “lowering of the flags” for the border ceremony between Pakistan and India. It is a daily military practice that the security forces of Pakistan and India have jointly followed since 1959. This ceremony takes places every evening just before the sunset. The ceremony start with a parade by the soldiers of both sides and ends with lowering the flags simultaneously. Attending this ceremony and experiencing those crowd cheering voices, love and passion of the people of both sides for there country is worth it. It is usually the most crowded on independence day of Pakistan that is 14th August.
2- Lahore Fort
The “Lahore Fort” or “Shahi Qila” is a citadel in the city of Lahore. It was built by Mahmood Ghazni in 11th century. It has 21 notable monuments and has been almost entirely rebuilt in 17th century. Lahore Fort contains royal palaces, halls, mosques, gardens, fountains and royal baths from the Mughal period. It also has “Sheesh Mahal” the “Palace of Mirrors” which is most visited in Lahore fort. The architecture and construction takes you back to grandeur of Mughal Era.
3- Minar-e-Pakistan
Minar-e-Pakistan is a national monument situated in “Manto Park” now called “Greater Iqbal Park”. It’s the place where the Lahore Resolution was passed by the All-India Muslim League on 23rd of March, 1940 for a separate homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent. Monument’s architecture is a mix of Islamic, Mughal and Modern styles. You can also take a lift to experience the top view from the monument. The grater Iqbal Park also has a wonderful dancing fountain, Pakistan history museum, you can take a golf cart ride around the park and enjoy the scenery.
4- Badshahi Mosque
Badshahi Mosque is a Mughal Era mosque and it is considered to be Lahore’s one of the most iconic landmark. It is the second largest mosque in Pakistan. It was built by Emperor Aurangzeb in 1673. It’s entirely made up of Red sandstone's. It was discovered that around 40,000 people in a single worshiping prayer session can be accommodated. The craftsmanship of the grand mosque leaves you stunned for a while. You can sit and admire the peaceful atmosphere inside the mosque.
5- Walled City of Lahore / Masjid Wazir Khan
Walled City of Lahore also known as “old city” was used to be the old arrangement of Lahore. The city had twelve entry gates and is almost 4000 years old. Walled city has some of the iconic monuments like Wazir Khan Mosque, Shahi Hammam (royal bath) and Badshahi Mosque. Walled City Lahore is the “cultural heart of Lahore” and is home to many of it’s tourist destinations.
Masjid Wazir Khan is a 17th century mosque and was considered to be the most ornately decorated mosque of Mughal Era. Foreigners are not allowed to stay in during prayer timings. But before and after the prayers anyone can visit. It is recommended to hire a travel guide to get all the history about the place.
Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, Walled City of Lahore, Masjid Wazir Khan and Minar-e-Pakistan are in the same vicinity so these places can be visited in a single day.
6-Shalamar Gardens
Shalamar Gardens are a Mughal Garden Complex. It is from that period of Mughal Empire when its was at it’s artistic and aesthetic peak. It was built in 1642 by Shah Jahan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These gardens consists of White marble fountains, chambers, corridors, several structures and numerous wellsprings. It is a good place for nature lovers to relax near greenery and water. There are three terraces in the middle of the gardens known as Hayat Baksh, Faiz Baksh and Farah Baksh.
7-Food Street and MM Alam Road
MM Alam Road stands for Muhammad Mahmood Alam road. Its one of the busiest roads of Lahore during weekends and holidays. This delightfully outlined road is filled plenty of shopping centers,various brand outlets and restaurants.
Food Street in Lahore is a great tourist attraction, offering mostly Lahori Cuisine. Walking through amazingly lit food street is appealing to you eyes as the colorful lit buildings gives refreshing feels and the food odor increase your food cravings.
8-Replica Eiffel Tower, Bahria Town
Eiffel Tower as one of the most iconic monument has over 130 reproductions in the world. One of them is in Lahore built by Bahria Town and is the third largest copy of Eiffel Tower in the world. The height of Eiffel Tower, Bahria Town is 80 meters and has 3 floors. You can take up a lift to have a breathtaking view and you can also dine in to enjoy food at L’ Eiffel (Coffee Shop); Fine Dine (Restaurant).
9- Lahore Museum
Lahore Museum is now one of the Pakistan’s most visited and highly regarded museums. It was opened in 1894 and is located on the Mall Road Lahore. The museum is known for it’s collection from Mughal Empire, Sikh Empire, British Empire in India and Buddhist art from the ancient Indo-Greek and Gandhara kingdoms. It also has antiques from the seasons of the development of Mohenjodaro and Harrapa etc. The visit to Lahore is incomplete without visiting Lahore Museum.
10- Army museum
Army Museum Lahore is second of it’s kind the first one is in Rawalpindi. It was built a year back from now so it’s pretty new. It was inaugurated by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on 13th August 2017. Visiting this museum for the first time is a totally different experience from your expectations. Its takes you back on a long journey of the hardships, struggles and success our country has been through. There are very realistic structures of war times of Pakistan, partition of the sub-continent, siachen, war scenes etc. Alongside each structure brief description and history is provided. It also has a huge collection of centuries old guns, rifles, bullets, swords and chain mail. This is not all. There’s a lot more to witness about the history of Pakistan in the Army Museum Lahore. That’s why it is recommended as a must visit place in your list.
Conclusion
LAHORE is the heart of Pakistan. Everything in Lahore depicts the culture, tradition, history and our religion. And as Pakistani’s and Lahori’s we love our country the most and admire it’s beauty from the depth of our hearts. I hope that you will also fall in love with this city when you’ll travel and explore it. Do let me know in the comments section, how do you like it when visit.
