One day in Lahore itinerary – What to do in Lahore, Pakistan

Lahore, also called the “heart of Pakistan”, is the second most populous city in Pakistan. It is also the largest city in the province of Punjab. The preliminary results of the census show the city’s population to be over 11 million. The place offers a rich look into the history and culture of the region and exhibits classic architecture belonging to different past eras. Your one day in Lahore will therefore without a doubt leave you with memories that will last you a lifetime. 

One day in Lahore Itinerary

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What’s the Best Time to Visit Lahore?

Lahore welcomes tourists with open arms all year round. However, the weather can sometimes become unwelcoming. You can visit Lahore from mid-February to the end of April and from mid-September to November. If you think you can manage the moods of the weather, you can also try coming in during the monsoon season to enjoy lots of rain.

A Few Facts About Lahore

Lahore is also one of those walled cities with a lot of history to its name. The walled city had many famous gates during the Mughal era, including Akbari Gate, Mochi Gate, Taxali Gate and Yakki Gate, to name just a few. Politically, this place is also famous for the many rulers who ruled over the entire country.

Streets of Lahore
Streets of Lahore, Author: Guilhem Vellut, Source: Flickr

One day in Lahore itinerary

There are many fun activities you can plan to do in Lahore. Due to its cosmopolitan and historical nature, you will get to see some of the most famous places in whole of Pakistan. Make sure to install a suitable app for quickly navigating around the city. You can also install a cab-hailing app for hiring services like Careem or Uber to make your journey quick. Follow this guide and make the most of your trip even if you’re short on time. These are the top sights and things to do during your one day in Lahore.

Early Morning

Shalimar Gardens

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. Walk through the royal pavilions and see the sleeping chambers. See the sleeping place of Begum Sahib or enjoy the fresh air passing through the fountains. Refresh, recharge and rejuvenate yourself before you continue with your journey.

Shalimar Gardens, Lahore
Shalimar Gardens, Lahore, Author: Guilhem Vellut, Source: Flickr
Shalimar Gardens, Lahore
Shalimar Gardens, Lahore, Author: Guilhem Vellut, Source: Flickr

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. Besides the historical artifacts, see some of the most beautiful woodwork from the Sikh and Mughal eras. Explore the old civilizations like Graeco-Bactrian and Gandhara.

Lahore Museum
Lahore Museum, Author: Guilhem Vellut, Source: Flickr

Mid-Morning

Lahore Zoo

Next stop, Lahore Zoo. It’s time to see one of the largest zoos in the world. The animals are already out there basking in the sun, providing you with those perfect shots. Besides animals, it also contains over 1200 trees of 20 different species. Kids can enjoy the electronic rides. Adults can take the camel rides or set a plan for a picnic and eat beside the beautiful waterfall.

Lahore Zoo
Lahore Zoo

Afternoon

Badshahi Mosque

Badshahi Mosque is one of the best known Mughal era pieces of architecture. Go to the Badshahi Mosque in the afternoon so you can see its resplendence and fully admire its impressive architecture. The mosque was completed by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1673 and is inlaid with red sandstone. It is considered to be the largest mosque built by the Mughals and is the country’s second largest mosque after Faisal Mosque in Islamabad. The mosque can accommodate up to 100,000 worshippers during the large Eid congregation.

Badshahi Mosque, Lahore
Badshahi Mosque, Lahore
Badshahi Mosque, Lahore, Author: Wasif Malik, Source: Flickr

Evening

Minar e Pakistan

Minar e Pakistan stands tall, reflecting the most critical part of this country’s history. Tourists who want to understand the ideology and foundation of the country would find it a great place to visit. Minar e Pakistan is the place where the declaration of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was passed on 23rd March 1940. The construction of Minar e Pakistan was completed in 1960. You can visit it in the evening to see the beautiful lights illuminating it at night.

Minar e Pakistan, Lahore
Minar e Pakistan, Lahore, Author: Nadeem Abbas Mushtaq, Source: Wikimedia

Night

M M Alam Road

M M Alam Road is one of the most famous places in the city. The road is named after one of Pakistan Air Force’s ace pilots Muhammad Mahmood Alam for his outstanding fighting spirit in the 1965 war.

The road is famous for some of the best restaurants in town. It offers you the kind of food variety that you would not be able to find anywhere else in the city. Not only will you be able to see the typical desi food but also the western fast food chains. M M Alam Road remains synonymous with the best eating places in the city. So, end your day by visiting any of the restaurants of your choice. Some of the great options include Ziafat, Café Aylanto, Tia Maria and Café Zauq.

Lahore Sunset
Lahore Sunset, Author: Umair Khan, Source: Flickr

Where to stay in Lahore?

Luxus Grand Hotel

Luxus Grand Hotel

4-Egerton Road, Opposite Aiwan-e-Iqbal, Lahore., 54000 Lahore

Luxus Grand Hotel is a five star luxury hotel, set in a peaceful environment away from the city crowds, close to the Lahore Zoo. It provides a luxurious stay, five star service and a great sense of comfort. The hotel features on-site multiple cuisine restaurants, gym and swimming pool.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

The Nishat Hotel

The Nishat Hotel

9A Gulberg III, Mian Mehmood Ali Kasuri Road, Gulberg, 54660 Lahore

The Nishat Hotel is a 5 star luxury hotel located in the main business hub of Lahore, only a 5-minute walk from Liberty Market. The hotel features pool, fitness center, relaxing spa and an on-site restaurant. The rooms are luxuriously furnished, stylish and well-appointed. They boast exceptional furniture and decor and feel luxurious and modern at the same time.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

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Best of Lahore, India - What to do and where to stayA complete one day itinerary for Lahore, India

If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Lahore Itinerary feel free to share it in the comments below!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip?

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully.
Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times.
Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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John Elijah
Travel Writer

John Elijah is an avid traveler and always ready to pack up his bags whenever he gets a chance to see some new place. He has seen some of the best places in Lahore, Beijing, London, and Sydney. He aspires to see as many beautiful places as he possibly can and share amazing experiences with the world.

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