Multan, known as the city of saints, is Pakistan’s seventh most populous city. It is also the central city of Southern Punjab. Its history dates back to the old Indus Valley civilization that existed 5000 years ago. Multan has remained an economic and cultural center under different rulers and today is famous for its shrines of the Sufi Saints who came here in the medieval era, its unique architecture, Sufi music, parks, old buildings, traditions and cultural manifestations.
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What is the Best Time to Visit Multan?
Multan is a city worth seeing. It is the favorite spot of tourists who want to experience tradition, culture and history all at one place. The town is open for tourists throughout the year, but the best time to visit Multan is from October to March. In the rest of the year, the temperature can rise above 45 degrees and hence the weather becomes a little warmer.
One Day in Multan Itinerary
For a tourist, there is much to see in Multan. Visiting the shrines, taking leisurely strolls in the parks, walking the streets of the old city, boating in the lake and feasting upon the local cuisine are just a few things that need to be named. Multan has plenty of treats to offer in the form of archaeological sites and shrines, too.
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 Multan.
Early Morning
Tourists who want to intermingle with the locals and want to know about their culture must start their morning with a breakfast at Dhaba.
After this, the first destination should be the famous Ibn e Qasim Bagh. The great thing about Multan is its architecture. All the favorite sites like famous shrines, stadiums, gardens are located on the top edge of the city located in the center. From here, visitors can move to old bazaars and market and the rest of the town, located at the end of the slope.
Ibn e Qasim Bagh
Lush and green Ibn e Qasim Bagh is located on the site of Qasim Fort which doesn’t exist in its real form now. Taking leisurely strolls in the garden and listening to chirping birds in the early morning is fun, but Ibn e Qasim Bagh offers an opportunity to witness the relics of old Qasim Fort which used to have a circumference of 2000 m. The British government had destroyed the fort in an attempt to avenge the killing of its governor Lieutenant Alexander Vans Agnew.
Alexander vans Agnew Memorial
The British government also built the memorial of Alexander Agnew in Qasim Fort. It stands tall on the top mound and is visible from far off places. The monument is a lesson on how might can preserve history. The area also depicts how influences of two foreign invaders seem to compete with each other for dominance.
Shrine of Shah Rukn e Alam
A few steps up north, there is the tomb of Shah Rukn e Alam, a famous saint of the medieval era who belonged to the Suharwardia order of Sufi Islam. The shrine is worth a visit site for tourists and pilgrims. The vast tomb which is built with red tiles is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. Flocks of pigeons present in the yard of shrine also add to the mystique of the place and make it resemble Trafalgar Square, London.
Shrine of Bahaudin Zakariya Multani
The shrine of Bahaudin Zakariya, who is a notable saint of Suharwardia order, is also situated at the same place. This tomb is also a significant architectural site and one of the best mystic places in the world. Bahaudin Zakariya was the grandfather of Shah Rukn e Alam. Pilgrims pay a visit to the area to pray and get peace of mind. Seeing these sights not only adds to intellectual gain but also offers a soul-soothing experience.
Other places in the area are the Multan clock tower that houses the government offices, the shrine of Shah Shams Sabzwari and the shrine of Mai Meherban.
Shrine of Shah Yusuf Gardezi
You will have to leave the fascinating part of Multan you’ve been in this far for this one, but don’t worry, it’s not too far. The shrine of Shah Yusuf Gardezi, the person who restored the city upon his arrival in 1088, is about a mile to the southwest. It is an incredibly peaceful place where you can stop for a moment and simply enjoy. You will easily spot it thanks to its beautiful blue and white tiles which are still in great condition. Don’t miss out on this.
In the Afternoon
Old City of Multan
The history of Multan is vibrant. Invaders from Greece, central Asia and the Middle East have contributed a lot to the cultural diversity of this city. In afternoon, visitors really must visit the streets of Old Multan, starting from the iconic Dehli Gate. Old houses, seminaries and graveyards are present in this part of the city. The bazaars that offer handcrafted souvenirs, embroidered clothes and beautiful pottery items are also worth a visit. Tourists should also consider eating traditional Multani Sohn Halwa, which is a unique dessert.
In the Evening
Qasim Lake in Multan
Tourists who want to experience something unique and different should pay a visit to the Qasim Lake, located in the Cantt. Boating in the lake in the evening and walking in the adjoining park offers a mind-refreshing experience to the visitors. On the bank of the boat, there are restaurants and food stalls that provide a mixture of Eastern and Western cuisine. After visiting all the significant places in the city, dining on the bank of the lake is a perfect treat.
Where to Stay in Multan?
A good thing about Multan is that the city offers all types of hotels. So, tourists who are traveling on a budget can easily find a suitable place.
Avari Xpress Boutique Residence
Old Bahawalpur Road In-front of Multan High Court, 12345 Multan
However, if you’re looking for something more luxurious, Avari Xpress Boutique Residence is a great choice as it is one of the best rated hotels in the city. It features a fitness center and a business center and offers excellent service. The rooms are spacious, elegantly furnished and provide great comfort.
Extra tips for visiting Multan
– The transport costs are also not high. The mass transit system in the form of metro bus service is available for commutation. However, visitors can also use auto-rickshaws for moving from one place to another. They are not an expensive transportation mean.
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If you have any other propositions for this One day in Multan Itinerary feel free to share it in the comments below!
John Elijah
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.
wanted to pay a short visit to multan and found this lets see if I can find this useful and lets hope I get benefit of it, thanks for the overview with pictures these kind of things cannot be tracked on social media
Hi Danyal, thank you for your comment! We honestly hope you’ll have a good time and that our guide will help you with that. Let us know about your trip once you get back 🙂
You should add the shrine of Hazrat Shah Yousaf Gardez to the must visit places. He was the founder of modern Multan. His shrine is located in the old city and has great significance.
Hi Raza! Thanks for the tip, we will definitely add it!
I am impressed by the valid information provided about Multan. For more detail visit us at:https://www.facebook.com/Sufitravellers/