Pakistan Travel Guide: 5 Things to See and Do in Old Lahore

The capital of the Punjab and the cultural center of Pakistan, Lahore served as an administrative center for Sikh, Mugha, and British empires. Here you'll find exquisite Mughal-era mosques, Sikh temples, and thriving Sufi shrines alongside statues of the Virgin Mary and ornate Anglican churches. As an American expatriate and teacher who lived in Lahore for over three years, here are my recommendations for five things to see and do in Lahore if you only have a day or two in the city.

1. Visit Badshahi Mosque

Badshahi Mosque is the architectural centerpiece of Old Lahore. It was completed in 1674 by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and can house up to 100,00 worshipers. Visitors should dress modestly and women will need a scarf to cover their hair. As you enter the main courtyard of the mosque, you will be expected to remove your shoes. If you are a foreigner, the shoe minders may try to extort a large amount of money from you when you pick up your shoes, but 10-20 rupees is sufficient.

Tip: At night, provided there are not power shortages, the mosque is lit up and the crowds are thinner, making an evening visit particularly pleasant.

2. Walk the Elephant Steps at Lahore Fort

Next to Badshahi Mosque is Lahore Fort. Sadly the fort itself has not been kept up, so if you've already visited Mughal forts in Agra and Delhi you may not find this one impressive. The best part about visiting is the people watching, as many local families come out to visit, especially on Sundays. Be sure to check out the Palace of Mirrors (sheesh mahal) and walk the wide steps constructed for the emperor's elephants to move in and out of the fort.

Tip: There are two ticket prices, one for locals and one for foreigners that costs about ten times as much. If you try to buy the cheaper local tickets and don't look Pakistani, you will be turned away at the gate.

3. Eat at Cooco's Den

In an old haveli overlooking Badshahi Mosque is Cooco's Den restaurant. Smack in the middle of the old city's red light district, the restaurant is run by an artist whose mother was a nachnevali (dancing girl). Paintings featuring dancing girls of all ages adorn the walls of each floor. Trek up the steep, winding staircase to the rooftop for the best ambiance and an excellent view of Badshahi mosque. Traditional Pakistani cuisine will be hoisted up from the ground floor kitchen in baskets and brought steaming to your table.

Tip: If your taxi or rickshaw driver doesn't know exactly where Cooco's Den is, have him drop you off at the mosque and get directions to walk from there.

4. Haggle at Anarkali Bazaar

Anarkali Bazaar, named for Mughal Emperor Jehangir's legendary lover who is said to have been buried alive, is a bustling center for shopping in the old city. Here you can browse saris, Pakistani textiles, ornate wood and metal crafts, book markets and all sorts of second-hand clothing shops. Most shops here do not have fixed prices, so use your bargaining skills or bring along a local friend to get a good price.

Tip: A great place to take a break from haggling is at Hafeez Juice Shop at the main entrance of Anarkali near the General Post Office.

5. Visit Lahore Museum

Also known as Central Museum, Lahore Museum is located on Mall Road, the city's main thoroughfare. The building itself is an attraction with its ornate Mughal-style architecture, but going inside will grant you access to galleries containing Buddhist art, Islamic artifacts from different time periods, a collection of calligraphy and manuscripts, and various arms, jewelry and period costumes.

Tip: A good itinerary would be to start your day exploring the museum, head over to Anarkali for lunch and shopping, spend the afternoon exploring the fort and the mosque and enjoy dinner at Cooco's Den.

Sources:

Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation