• On Thursdays there is a regular Sufi gathering at the shrine of Shah Jamal. The renowned drummer Pappoo Saein and his disciples perform on the huge two-sided dhol, and devotees of the saint enter trances and dance wildly as hundreds of people watch. There is a separate seating area for women and foreigners; this is very comfortable and has the best view in the enclosure.

• Catch a movie at Sozo World in fortress stadium. Fortress Stadium is also a shopping area if you are a die hard fan of inexpensive linens, clothes etc, and has the only Joyland (amusement park) within the city as well as Sindbad Amusement center. Another amusement park is a part of Sozo Water Park.

• Cricket - Pakistanis, like their Indian neighbours, love cricket passionately. The Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore often hosts international matches and is relatively comfortable. If you're brave enough try some of the colorful and appetizing snacks brought into the stands by a myriad of sellers of all ages.

• You can always shop in the old "anarkali" bazaar or the newer "liberty market". Both of these places are famous for women's clothes and accessories.

• You can also head for the museum on lower mall road.

• Medical tourism is a growing industry in Lahore due to its high quality and low cost, especially in sectors like Dental treatment, Hair transplant, Cosmetic surgery and Open heart surgery.

• Lahore has long been a bastion for sport. An excursion to a Polo game would be a memorable experience. Pakistan is one of only 8 nations to play Polo professionally, and fields some 26 professional clubs. Lahore's most famous club is Lahore Polo Club, where emperors, kings and other notables have been playing for centuries. Foreign teams often play here in friendly games, and facilities are first rate.

• Lahore abounds with history. From the Muslim emperors, the pre Islamic empires that preceded them, to the British, the Sikh empire to the modern day. A walk around the old city is like living "The History Channel".

• Go Carting in Sozo, near Jallo Park

• No visit is complete without going to Liberty and visiting Joyland! one of the City's BEST amusement parks, just buy a wrist band and you will have access to every ride in the park.

• Watch the daily ceremony at Wagha Border with India

• Take a water bottle with you when going to bazaars for some shopping.

• Go to bazaars and look around, you can buy amazing jewelery, crockery, souvenirs and of course clothes! One baazar that is not to be missed is Anarkali and Ichra. Just hop onto a rizksaw or a taxi and ask to be taken there, you'll be there in a snap!

• Make a video journal of your stay, you will see a lot more through your video then anything else. Remember to take a camera as well ( try to buy a rechargeable kind, so you can charge it as the battery's criteria might be different from foreign standards, or your camera's standards).

• Go shopping at New Auriga Shopping Mall, Main Boulevard Gulberg

• Another great place for shopping is at Sadiq Trade center. There is also a large indoor kids theme park inside.

• Buy the Rs.50 posters that you can get on the footpath near Punjab university,it would cost around 700-1000 in bigger shops!

On Saturdays there is a regular "Movie night" organized by Lahore Film and Literary Club at South Asian Media Centre. The projector featuring full HD/Blu Ray 108op resolution ,ensures you get the best of picture quality and sound followed by discussions after the films, available as part of the LFLC evenings. You can also interact with friends over a cup of coffee at the cafe which also serves as a perfect place to initiate debate or simply share an idea. The club offers other facilities with its literary club offering literary seminars, poetry readings and a library.

Wall City

• The Lahore Fort is a huge mass of a structure where the Mughals built their imperial quarters, followed by the Sikhs. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There is a small museum dedicated to the Sikh period of the 18th century. A friendly museum caretaker might agree to take you into the summer rooms underground. The tomb of Sikh ruler, Ranjit Singh, is also located in Lahore. Entrance fee for non-Pakistanis is Rs 200.

• The Badshahi Mosque was built by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and was long the largest mosque in the world. Entrance is free, but you will be asked to pay about Rs 10 (Nov 2006) to the shoe keeper upon exit. Try going late at night, when there are few people there. Do not wear shorts to this or any mosque; women are advised to wear long or half-sleeved clothing, and to carry a shawl so they can cover their head. Remove shoes before entering.

• The Inner City is full of little shrines and palaces, of which the most impressive are the Imperial Baths and the Asif Jah Haveli (recently restored). Try finding a guidebook detailing walks in the inner city.

• Right in front is a park with Minar-e-Pakistan or the Eiffel Tower of Pakistan. It was built on the site where in 1940 the creation of a separate state for Muslims was recognized.

Gates of Inner City

In the Mughal days, the Old City was surrounded by a 9 meter high brick wall and had a rampart running around it which served as a protection for the city. A circular road around the rampart gave access to the city through thirteen Lahore Gates. Some of the imposing structures of these gates are still preserved.

• The Raushnai Gate, or the "Gate of Light" is between the royal mosque and the citadels. There is a very famous gali / street commonly known as the shahi mahala. The name shahi has been given after the Shahi Qila. People living here are simple. There are various food shops located around the gate.

• The Kashmiri Gate is so called because it faces the direction of Kashmir.

• The Masti Gate is not the actual name but is rather twisted and pronounced instead of "Masjidi," which means a mosque.

• The Khizri or the Sheranwala Gate. As already noted, the river in former times flowed by the city walls, and the ferry was near this spot. The gate was, therefore, named Khizri, after the name of Khizr Elias.

• The Yakki Gate. The original name was "Zaki," which was derived from the name of a martyr saint, who, according to tradition, fell fighting against the Moghal infidels from the north, while gallantly defending his city

• The Dehli Gate is so called because of its opening on to the highway from Lahore to Delhi.

• The Akbari Gate was named after Mahomed Jala-ud-din Akbar, who rebuilt the town and citadel.

• The Mochi Gate is the name wrongly pronounced. It was name was actually Moti meaning a pearl. It was called so after the name of Moti Ram, an officer of Akbar, who resided here at that time.

• The Shah 'Almi Gate was named after Mohomed Mo'azzam Shah 'Alam Bahadur Shah (the son and successor of Aurangzeb). He was a mild and generous Emperor, who died in Lahore on the 28th February 1712.

• The Lahori Gate also known as the Lohari gate has been named after the city of Lahore.

• The Mori Gate is the smallest of the gateways and as its name implies, was in old times used as an outlet for the refuse and sweepings of the city.

• The Bhatti Gate was named after the Bhatis, an ancient Rajput tribe who inhabited these quarters in old times.

• The Taxali Gate was named after the Taxal or royal mint, that used to be in its neighborhood during the period of the Mahomedan Emperors.

Mall Road

• Lahore Museum (which displays the Fasting Buddha of Gandhara)

• Toolinton market, now converted into a museum

• Lahore Art Gallery. The Croweaters Gallery

• 'General Post Office

• University of Punjab (Old Campus)

• National College of Arts of which Rudyard Kipling's father was the principal, and offers a thesis show every winter.

• Kim's Gun is outside the NCA

• Lahore ZooLocated in the heart of the town and set in modern style is the Lahore zoo founded in 1872. It is one of the oldest Zoos in the sub continent. The material used in some of the construction even bears the marks of 1853. The Lahore zoo attracts a large crowd throughout the year. Driving along the Sharah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, just ahead of the charring cross and opposite to the WAPDA House is the main gate of the Zoo

• Lawrence Gardens & Library, also known as the Bagh-e-Jinnah, It is opposite to Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It is amongst the biggest gardens of Lahore.

• Chamman Ice Cream. A famous ice-cream parlour offers 20 different flavours. They also offer milk-shake of various kinds.

• WAPDA house building the WAPDA House building is, an example of a modern office block, with a glass dome and a roof garden.

• Summit Memorium is located in the locale more commonly known as Charing Cross. Few know the presence of a library / museum below the Charing Cross roundabout that is all about the OIC and Islamic Summit and is a treat to visit.

• Punjab Provincial Assembly Building

• Shahdin Manzil

• Free Manson Hall

• Al Hamra Arts council

• Lahore Fortress the Fortress Stadium is an attempt to combine the architecture of a fort like Rohtas with a sports stadium. Many exhibitions held here. The Stadium is the site of the famous Horse and Cattle Show in March. Joyland amusement park is also located here.

• Ferozsons Book Center

• Masjid-e-Shohada

• Lovers park

Other Sights

• Following the canal side road to the east of the city is Jallo Park. It is a large drive-in park with drive in zoo and a man made lake. Spread over an area of 450 acres it has expanses of lawns, a forest research center, a children's park, a small museum and a gift shop. Sozo Water Park is another attraction in this park. Also see Sindbad, Joy Land and Sky Land. The Park is 28 kms from Lahore. It can be visited by road and by rail. A rail car leaves for Jallo Railway Station every half hour.

• Race Course Park Situated on Jail Road, Race Course Park deservedly attracts not only town dwellers but visitors as well.

• Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park Gulshan-e-Iqbal park in Allama Iqbal Town

• Hiran Minar is set in peaceful environs near Lahore. Hiran means deer. It used to be favorite hunting sport of all Muslim kings, especially of Moghals. Jehangir erected this minaret to commemorate the death of his pet deer (Maans Raaj). It served a double purpose as from it top the hunters could locate the habitations of deers. It is a beautiful picnic as well as a historic spot. A high Bara Dari Ghat is constructed right in middle of a Talab. A man made big lake, boating facility is also available. A good garden lay out is surrounding the place.

• Chhanga Manga is a man-made forest 68 kms from Lahore. There is a lake, and a miniature railway, which winds its way through its forest. Chhanga Manga has 12,510 acres of plantations. It is a popular picnic spot spread over 50 acres with a lake and rowboats, motorboats, children's park, swimming pool, cafeteria, canteen and rest houses

• The Daata Darbar is the shrine to Lahore's patron saint, Hazrat Daata Ganj Bakhsh. This vast modern structure is always filled with people praying, collecting or bestowing alms, or eating at the huge charity 'langar' or soup kitchen.

• Gawal mandi food street

• Old Anarkali food street

• Shalimar Gardens is a UN World Heritage sight.

• Wagah Border The border between Pakistan and India is also an attraction for tourists.

Museums

• Lahore Museum established during the British Raj in 1864. It displays a complete cross-section of the Culture and History of the region with rare and best collection of the Buddhist art from the Gandhara Period, Islamic artifacts, Calligraphy, Old Manuscripts, Arms, Costumes and Jewelry

• Shakir ali Museum ,this museum was actually Shakir's House at 93, Tipu Block, New Garder Town, Lahore, which he made for himself. After his death it was bought by Idara-I-Saqafat-e-Pakistan and formally turned into a museum on April 3rd, 1976. The idea behind it was not only to preserve the great artist's paintings and other masterpieces under one roof but also to open this combination of modern and traditional archietecture to the public.

• Fakir Khana Museum a very large and interesting private Museum known as Faqirkhana lies inside the Bhatti Gate and is worth visiting. The museum houses a variety of old paintings, including some by great masters, original manuscripts in different languages and artifacts from South East Asia and the Indo-Pak sub-continent.

• Mughal Museum situated at Poonch house, Multan Road, Lahore it was established in 1950. This is an Industrial and commercial Museum, which is meant to depict country's economic resources both in the form of raw products and worked objects. Its collection is arranged in one gallery and one large hall of the building. The main hall displays a range of variety of material such as well plated musical instruments, table lamps of camel skin from Multan and Bhawalpur, cotton, silken-woolen and embroidered textiles from all important cites of Pakistan.

• Toolinton Market Museum at Mall Road.

• Museum of Cricket is located inside Lahore Gymkhana, Mall road.

• PIA Planetarium

• National Science Museum at UET G.T. Road Lahore.

By plane

Allama Iqbal International Airport [1] is located about 20-30 minutes from the city centre. Taxis and shuttles are available to take passengers from the city to the airport - with unmetered taxis it is advisable to set the rate beforehand. The new proposed Lahore Mass Rapid Transit System will be linked from different parts of the city to the airport.

The airport is a major hub by Pakistan standards, but not by international standards Pakistan International Airlines [2] with daily departures to the rest of Pakistan, connecting flights into nearby hub airports Qatar, Dubai, Bangkok for onward connections to the Middle East, Europe, North America, and South-East Asia.

Other airlines operating in and out of Lahore are:

• Thai Airways [3]
• Emirates [4],
• Gulf Air [5],
• Qatar Airways [6],
• Kuwait Airways [7],
• Etihad Airways [8],
• Shaheen Airlines [9],
• Singapore Airlines [10],
• Air Blue [11],
• Saudi Airlines [12],
• Indian Airlines [13]

...and many more.

By train

The main railway station is located near the city centre. There are routes from all major Pakistani cities. The Samjhauta (Friendship) Express runs twice a week between Lahore and Amritsar, across the border in India.

Apart from that, trains to southern e.g., Multan, DG Khan, Karachi etc and northern parts e.g., Gujrat, Gujranwala, Jhelum, Rawalpindi, Peshawar etc. run from the main station. It also connects to the western part of Pakistan to Faisalabad and beyond.

Local Stations of Lahore are Shahdara Bagh, Badami Bagh, Moghalpura, Baghbanpura, Harbanspura, Jallo, and Wagah. There is mostly peak hour services operate within these local stations for commuters to Lahore.

By car

A modern motorway connects Lahore to Islamabad and Faisalabad. New Motorway link has been being built to connect it to Peshawar (A western border city).

Note: While Pakistani traffic is generally chaotic and highly dangerous, the motorway is very comfortable and one of the few places traffic laws are enforced. Now a days, new Traffic Police has arrived and is enforcing traffic laws on Highways too.

Taxis are possible to/from the Indian border for ~Rs 400.

By Bus

From the Indian border, bus #4 runs to the Main train station for Rs 20.

Minibuses are the cheapest way to get between the larger cities, and the only way to get to some more remote destinations. They can be uncomfortably crowded, so if possible opt for a more comfortable larger bus.

Skyways, Niazi Express and a couple others operate large, comfortable buses to Islamabad, Peshawar, Faisalabad and many other cities and towns from their own bus terminals near M2 Motorway Interchange. These services are rather affordable and convenient way of inter city travel.

Daewoo [14] has its own terminal away from the main bus station on Ferozpur Road near Kalma Chowk. This terminal is only minutes away from famous Liberty Market, Gaddafi Stadium & other popular shopping areas. Clean, comfortable, air-conditioned coaches run regularly between Lahore to all major cities of Punjab & NWFP and many smaller cities and towns such as Islamabad, Multan, Faisalabad and Peshawar. Daewoo is bit expensive but it is the only service that provides a good quality travelling experience.

Generally getting around is a pretty experience, you get to see a lot more on foot, just remember to wear comfortable shoes if you are gonna be walking a distance.

Beware about asking address from people in Lahore. You will often be misguided and will end-up going somewhere else. Do confirm the address by two or three people.

Walking Due to the traffic, distances, extreme heat, and hordes of goggling locals, however, most tourists will prefer to use other means of transport.

Auto-rickshaws or 'Qingqi'(pronounced chingchi) are open rickshaws with (narrow) rear-facing seats, or with two seats facing forward and two backward. They are handy for moving around in the Inner City, since it's easier to see where you're going. Tourists used to average western road etiquette might be horrified by the chaos on the roads - but it almost seems to work. Qingqi drivers have an unbelievable sense of space, speed and angles and you may well learn to trust them (or not). Rickshaws are the cheapest and, for women, the safest individual forms of public transport. Haggle thoroughly with the driver; if you do not speak Punjabi or Urdu or are clearly a foreigner, try to get a Lahori friend to ensure you don't get ripped off. Try to find a rickshaw with a well-padded seat, otherwise you will come out bruised and aching.

Taxis are mostly unmetered and often privately operated. Most taxi drivers and, indeed, rickshaw drivers, carry mobile phones; it may be useful to take a number down if you find someone especially reliable. Do not take taxis in the Inner City, as the streets are narrow and very crowded. Either walk or take a qingqi.

Minivans are probably the most dangerous form of public transport, with very rash drivers. Women will find these especially uncomfortable, as they are very crowded. Often women must sit in an undersized cubicle or with the driver, to prevent harassment.

Buses are usually cleaner and more comfortable than minivans, and usually a have a separate seating area for women. Saami Daewoo bus service is an airconditioned bus service operates for different parts of the city.

From the airport - When you arrive at the airport you will likely be besieged with touts offering you taxis and rooms. It's wise not to book anything through them and arrange a taxi yourself to the hotel of your choice. Some of the mid-range and most top-end hotels offer a courtesy shuttle from the airport.

• Feroz Sons book shop is the oldest book shop of Lahore.

• The traditional bazaars of the inner city are roughly divided according to ware. Bargaining is de rigueur.

• The Anarkali bazaar, named after a courtesan who was buried alive for loving a prince, is one of the chief shopping areas.Anarkali Bazaar is a treasure-trove, selling virtually everything from handicraft to transistor radio, tin sauce pan to refrigerator, a maze of lanes and alleys which stretch northwards from the Mall at the Central Museum end.

The bazaars in the old city are the ones people dreams about-tiny alleys, some of which will admit a rickshaw, a string of donkeys or carts- and pedestrians have to leap into doorways to give room. Some alleys are only possible single file.

• Ichra Bazaar has the best quality of unstitched silk, cotton and printed material of all sorts. On the other hand Mozang Bazaar sells some particularly interesting hand-block printed cloth, tablecloth and bedspread

• Panorama, located on Mall Road, an ideal place to buy informal clothes. It houses over 1000 shops so you have a large variety of clothes to choose from and that is too at a competitive price.

• Trendy types congregate in the Gulberg and Defence suburbs. Liberty Market is a large circular market with hundreds of shops selling clothing, electronics, and so on. A basement shop in Liberty (tell the rickshaw driver it's near H Karim Bakhsh) has good handicrafts, and can be bargained with.

• MM Alam Road is the hippest part of town, with all the most expensive designer shops, including fine furniture and clothing, both Western and Pakistani, and the best restaurants.

• Raja Centre in Gulberg has a good selection of handloom 'khadi' fabric, both stitched and unstitched. Higher end khadi can be bought at the Khaadi shop in Mini Market.

• Hafeez Centre is one of the continent's biggest mobile and computer markets, with inexpensive software (pirated), and hardware that can be bargained for.

• Fortress Stadium has a huge variety of very inexpensive DVDs.

• Ehsan chappal house has amazing shoes for ladies, also check out Stylo shoes for stylish shoes and clutches/purses

• Liberty Market

• PACE, the ultimate shopping mall, you will everything, food,clothes, electronics, movies in one amazing package!

Lahoris are famed for their food and for their consumption thereof. This is reflected in the array of restaurants in town.

Budget

Every Lahori food item has an expert attached to it.

• For nihari, go to Haji Nihari on Jail Road or inside Lohari Gate; for chicken paratha rolls go to Karachi Silver Spoon in Liberty Market, and so on.

• The 'Food Street' of Gowal Mandi is a must-visit for dinner - you'll find a street full of shops selling fine Lahori fare, and the setting, amidst traditional jharoka architecture, is lovely. If you make it to Food Street, go by auto rickshaw (30rupees) or walk to Mochi Gate and try Rasheeds kebabs or Saiyns kebabs. Mochi Gate is also home to Fazal Sweets and Rafique Sweet House.Bhaiya kabab in Model Town is foremost name in Kabab Street, where you will enjoy bar-b-que with fresh soda. A 200/300 meter long street with historically preserved 2/3 storey old houses on both side which are ligthen up in a very special way giving a very historical and magnificent look. The envoirnment is a real creatio nof culutre of Lahore, the mughla era. You will find around a hundred restaurants in this street which mouth watering menus. Do try Chappal Kababas, Saag with Makai ki roti, Golas of Ice, Sardar ki Machli and anything you like because alot of variety is present.

• Phajjay Ke Paye at Red Light Area - Heera Mandi Lahore, is Very famous and highly energetic. For those having physical weakness or sexual weakness or any similar problem must try this dish.

• Chaman Ice Cream, Beaden Road adjacent to Hall Road, Aside Mall Road, Lahore - Serves a vast variety of various flavours of cie creams, ice cream shakes, juices ans stuff. Don't miss it ! Its worth it.

• Basheer-dar-ul-Mahi at Mazang Chok Lahore - Fried Fish is served in 2/3 forms. You will see people queued up in lines to get their order here. Don't go if you don't have much time. But this fish is worth waiting this much. Parathas and Lassi at Mazang Lahore - Near the Baheer-dal-ul-Mahi is this very cheap and small scale restaurant. Serves paraths of potatoes, minced chicken, egg and others with Tea or delicious Lassi. Don't miss this at breakfast or anytime you want to have something energetic

Mid-range

Lahore has seen the birth of several mid-range cafes recently. Notably Masoom's for cakes, desserts and coffee, and sandwiches at Coffee, Tea and Company nearby. In Defence, Hot Fuzon is another good cafe and a Masoom's franchise. Chinese food is also very popular in Lahore, but be warned that it is very strongly altered to local tastes. One notable example is Hsin Kuang which sits in a pagoda-like structure near Mini Market and is very popular, but the quality varies. It is renowned for its strong-flavoured soup.

• Mini Golf. Don't miss this place for great open air atmosphere where you can also get sheesha.  edit

• Mirchi, MM Alam Road. Perhaps the best Lahori food in the city, and is of good hygienic quality. Try the tamatar paneer and the sheesh toauk.  edit

• Pepperica. This restaurant run by famous Artist Rana Shujaat serves various dishes to suit the tastes of various types of customers. The chicken Jalferazi is the most popular and highly demanded by the customers.  edit

• Chatkhara. Serves snack food like samosas, chaat and dahi bhallay  edit

• Bandu Khan Restaurant.  edit

• Liberty Market. Offers good standard Pakistani food. The mutton karahi at Rs510 is a popular dish and easily serves two people, while most dishes are half that price. They also offer salads, but see the Stay Healthy section below.  edit

Splurge

• Cafe Aylanto, 2-C 9th Commercial Lane, ☎ +92 21 587-5724. Has the best non-Pakistani food in town. Try the shrimp and avocado salad. You can also take your own wine to the restaurant and they'll be happy to serve you make sure to inform them on the door if you have alcoholic drink with you.  edit

• Zouk, MM Alam Rd, ☎ +92 42 571-2731, [23]. One of Lahore's institutions, despite the distressing decor. It serves a mix of Continental and Thai food. It is highly popular among elites.  edit

• Freddy's, 12C MM Alam Road, ☎ +92 042 575-4416. Family-oriented restaurant which has a safe, vaguely continental menu. Freddy's offers an afternoon high tea buffet, which offers a full variety foods and some drinks.  edit

• Village, 103-B-2 MM Alam Rd, ☎ +92 42 578-5523. A vast mud structure which has an all-you-can-eat Pakistani buffet. It's a popular joint to take visiting tourists, as it combines a variety of local foods with good hygiene.  edit

• Salt n Pepper Grill. Owned by the same company as Village, with a fine a la carte menu. Try their sweet lassi.  edit

• Ziafat, 21-C-I MM Alam Rd, ☎ +92 42 575-0760. Authentic Pakistani food in a buffet style. Their menu is not as grand as Village, but the ambiance is a little more laid-back.  edit

• Dera. Right by the Gaddafi Stadium, sitting on your maniji and gulping lassi, you'll experience a unique truck driver atmosphere here. The food is excellent, but the prices are on the higher end. Favourite among the locals are the assorted naans, chicken mugalahi and mutton chops.  edit

• Fujiyama, 87 Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam (inside the Avari Hotel), ☎ +92 42 636-6366, ex. 2196. It's the only real Japanese restaurant in town, and is considered to be the most expensive.  edit

• Nandos, Plot No. 100-B/II, M. M. Alam Road, Gulberg III, Lahore (Near Pizza Hut MM Alam Road), ☎ +92-42-111626367. A globally famous restaurant chain.  edit

• Costa Nostra. Authentic Italian food, overseen by Pak-Italian owners. Started as a reservation-only, high-end gourmet experience with a rather well put together table d'hote, it now has a basement pizzeria where you can't go wrong if want a pizza pie that resembles something from Rome and not Chicago.  edit

by zubair raza

Alcohol is illegal for Pakistanis. Though clubbing is not an extremely popular thing to do, there are clubs and a great amount of things to do.

Clubs

• Parties at Farmhouse
• Caviar Lounge, a bar/club in Royal Palm.
• Club Bhurban, in Pearl Continental hotel
• Uptown LA in Defence R block.. the club opens after 11:00 pm at night till 4:00 am in the morning
• Peeru's Cafe, which is situated about an hour outside of Lahore. Peeru's, a cafe with an artistic flair. Saturday night is always Jazz Night, Peeru's cafe is really the only place which has live jazz music. Tuesday is Sufi night. Sitting inside, it even feels like some cafe in Venice.