Lahore
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At a glance
- Country
- Pakistan
- Region
- Punjab
- Population
- 13 million
- Best time to go
- October to March
- Main airport
- Lahore Allama Iqbal International (LHE)
- Coordinates
- 31.52°N, 74.36°E
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Overview
Lahore is the cultural heart of Pakistan, a city of Mughal monuments, gardens and legendary food. The great fort and Badshahi Mosque stand side by side at the edge of the walled city, whose lanes still hum with craftsmen and traders.
Lahoris are famously hospitable and proud of their city. Come hungry, take it slowly and let a local guide lead you through the old city's gates and bazaars.
Things to see
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Photo: Romero Maia, CC BY-SA 4.0 Badshahi Mosque
A vast red sandstone mosque built by Aurangzeb, with a courtyard that holds tens of thousands.
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Photo: Rohaan Bhatti, CC BY-SA 3.0 Lahore Fort
A sprawling Mughal citadel with marble pavilions and the glittering Sheesh Mahal mirror palace.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Moiz Ismaili, CC BY-SA 4.0 Wazir Khan Mosque
The most beautifully decorated mosque in the city, covered in tile work and frescoes.
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Photo: Muhammad Ashar, CC BY-SA 3.0 Shalimar Gardens
Terraced Mughal gardens of pools, fountains and pavilions laid out for Shah Jahan.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Guilhem Vellut, CC BY-SA 2.0 Lahore Museum
An outstanding collection of Gandharan sculpture, miniatures and crafts on the Mall.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Idaudpota, CC BY-SA 4.0 Walk the walled city
Enter through Delhi Gate and follow the lanes past bazaars, havelis and historic mosques.
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Photo: Eclicks by Bunny, CC BY-SA 4.0 Wagah border ceremony
A theatrical evening flag-lowering ceremony at the border with India, with crowds cheering on both sides.
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Photo: Tahsin Shah, CC BY-SA 4.0 Fort Road food street
Rooftop restaurants serve karahi and kebabs with views of the illuminated Badshahi Mosque.
Where to stay
Gulberg
Modern and central, with the best restaurants, cafés and hotels.
Hotels in GulbergMall Road
Close to the museum and colonial landmarks, convenient for the old city.
Hotels in Mall RoadDHA
Leafy and quiet, with upmarket dining.
Hotels in DHA
Getting around
Ride-hailing apps and rickshaws are easy to find, and the Orange Line metro crosses the city.
The airport is around 15 km east of the centre, about 30 minutes by car.
When to go
October to March is the most pleasant season, though winter smog can be heavy from November to January. Summers are extremely hot, with monsoon rains in July and August.
Plan your trip to Lahore
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.