Lahore is a city that blends history and modernity. It is believed to be nearly two thousand years old. With that being said, wandering the endless labyrinth of narrow alleyways of the Walled City of Lahore lets you soak in rich history, vibrant culture, and old-world charm wherever you go. 

Once you’ve been to Lahore, you will want to return over and over again as it is the kind of city where you’ll feel like there’s more to experience. The truth is, there is always more to do, see and eat in Lahore.

But if you are just here for 72 hours, there are a few things you must do to get a feel for this historic city, see the Mughal-era monuments, and dip your toe in the culture for what Lahore is famous for. 

Though 72 hours is not an ideal length of time to see historical sites in Lahore, you can certainly try.

This 3-day Lahore itinerary blends heritage with mouthwatering food, shopping, and spirituality and gives you a decent amount of time to explore the cultural capital of Pakistan!

Planning a Trip to Lahore: Lahore itinerary 3 days

How to get around Lahore?

Lahore is huge, and most tourist attractions are spread out over the Walled City of Lahore. Hiring a taxi or an auto rickshaw is the best option to get around the city. 

Using car riding services like Yango, Indrive, and Careem are budget-friendly options compared to hiring a taxi or auto rickshaw. 

Lahore’s Metro Bus and Orange Line Metro Train are fast and cheap options that get you to some of the tourist attractions quickly, but they get extremely crowded and don’t go everywhere. 

Where to Stay in Lahore?

Whether you are looking for high-end accommodation options or want to keep things budget-friendly, there is a wide variety of hotels in Lahore for every budget. 

Pearl Continental Hotel, Avari Hotel, Four Points by Sheraton, and Faletti’s Hotel are some great accommodation options for a luxury experience. 

You can’t be wrong with the Grand Millennium Hotel and Lahore Continental Hotel if you are looking for a mid-range hotel. 

If budget is a concern, Rose Palace Hotel and Golden One Hotel are great options.  

What is the best time to Visit Lahore?

The best time to visit Lahore is from mid-December through mid-April. 

October and November are not the best months to visit Lahore because it is a time when the city is shrouded in a dense layer of hazardous smog.

Summer is not the best time to visit Lahore as it experiences extreme heat during the summer months. 

For the best weather, plan your Lahore trip between mid-February and late-March.

DAY 1: Explore the Walled City of Lahore

For first-time visitors to Lahore, a visit to the Walled City of Lahore or Old City is a must. It is home to many Mughal-era monuments, centuries-old mosques, ancient bazaars, and other sites to dig into on repeat visits. 

So, on your first day in Lahore, start where it all began, spend time admiring the architectural beauty of these monuments, and enjoy delicious street food that you will find in every nook and corner of the winding streets of the Old City.

Delhi Gate

Enter the Old City through the historic Delhi Gate, one of the famous gates of Old City. 

Wander around and explore the surrounding area of Delhi Gate to get a dose of culture. 

There are plenty of old havelis inside the Delhi Gate that are marvels of architectural design and artistry, including Haveli Mian Sultan, Dina Nath Haveli, and more. 

Meandering through alleyways and bustling Kashmiri Bazaar gives you an authentic look at daily local life.

Shahi Hamam

After wandering the labyrinth of winding alleyways of Delhi Gate, head to Shahi Hamam, a Mughal-era royal bath built in the 17th century, to admire the magnificent Mughal-era frescoes, exquisite floral paintings, an intricate network of heating spaces, and drainage system. 

In case you are starting to feel fatigued, make your stop at its on-site café and replenish yourself with tea or coffee and snacks. 

Wazir Khan Masjid

After visiting Shahi Hamam, make your way to Wazir Khan Mosque, conveniently located just a few meters away. 

The Delhi Gate opens into the Kashmiri Bazaar, leading straight to the Wazir Khan Mosque – the famous Mughal-era mosques commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1641. 

The interior and exterior of the mosque are embellished with intricate frescoes, calligraphy, and colorful mosaic tilework that makes you feel like you step into a colorful kaleidoscope. 

To really get a feel for the Mughal city and a bird’s eye view of the entire mosque, climb one of its minarets.

Note:

It is necessary to dress conservatively when visiting Wazir Khan Mosque and later at Sunehri Mosque, as it is a place of worship. This means wearing clothes that don’t expose your legs and upper arms. Women should also cover their heads with a scarf or dupatta inside the mosque.

Sunehri Masjid

Continue your sightseeing at Sunehri Masjid, which is about 550 meters away from Wazir Khan Mosque in Chowk Kashmiri Bazaar. 

It was built in 1753 AD during the decline of the Mughal Empire. Sunehri Masjid is famous for its three gilded bulbous domes, hence its name. 

Though it has no definitive architectural style, it offers a glimpse of Hindu-Sikh architecture. Its design is an amalgamation of local traditions. 

The interior is adorned with patterns and fresco flowers. Entry is free for all. 

Fakir Khana Museum

Devote your afternoon to visit Fakir Khana Museum, the largest private museum in South Asia that represents the rich heritage of Lahore. 

It is situated less than 10 minutes’ walk from Sunehri Masjid. Opened in 1901, it houses a collection of more than 20,000 specimens of art and artifacts from the 18th to 20th centuries. 

Fakir Khana Museum is open to the public between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Be sure to make an appointment before your visit.

Fort Road Food Street

End your evening by visiting Fort Road Food Street. This food street is lined up with beautifully restored havelis that are decked in bright colors and feature wooden balconies and doors, which reflect the persona of the old city of Lahore. 

Andaz Restaurant, Coco’s Dens, and Haveli Restaurant are some of the famous rooftop restaurants renowned for their desi menu and jaw-dropping views of the Badshahi Mosque. 

Fort Road Food Street is one of Lahore’s best places to eat. Climb to the top story of one of the rooftop restaurants for a delightful culinary experience. 

If you come here before sunset, you will be treated to views of the sunset over the Badshahi Mosque. 

Day 2: Soak up Some Ancient History

Spend your second day visiting the famous Mughal-era monuments, which are the symbols of Lahore’s visual identity. 

Wander through the preserved monuments (some of which date back to the 16th century), soak up some ancient history, and admire the architectural beauty of these monuments. 

End your day exploring the famous Anarkali Bazaar and tuck into traditional Pakistani cuisines at Gawalmandi Food Street. 

Lahore Fort

Start your second day by heading to the Lahore Fort when it opens (8:30 AM daily). It receives less crowd in the early morning, so it will bring about a peaceful start to a day. 

Lahore Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which once served as a royal residence for Mughal emperors. 

Though it has existed since the 11th century, the foundation of the modern fort dates back to the 16th century under the Mughal dynasty. 

There are 21 notable monuments in the fort that are worth visiting. 

Wandering around the Lahore fort is a great introduction to the Mughal architecture and the city’s ancient history. 

Badshahi Mosque

The Badshahi Mosque sits opposite the Lahore Fort and is just a short walk away from the fort. 

Built in 1673 under the Mughal dynasty, it is one of Pakistan’s most famous historical places and can hold 100,000 worshippers. 

Its architectural style is inspired by Delhi’s Jama Masjid, and you will definitely notice the resemblance. 

The red sandstone exterior, triple marble domes, towering minarets, and intricate artwork are the distinctive features that make it the most impressive structure in the city. 

Lahore Fort’s Alamgiri Gate and Minar-e-Pakistan can be seen from its archways. There is no entrance fee to visit the Badshahi Mosque, and it is open daily to the public from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. 

Minar-e-Pakistan

Venture next to Minar-e-Pakistan, a monument built on the site where the Pakistan Resolution was passed in 1940, which led to the partition of Pakistan. 

It is situated just a few minutes walk from the Badshahi Mosque. Its design is an amalgamation of Mughal, modern, and Islamic architecture.

Around Minar-e-Pakistan, there are plenty of manicured lawns that are filled with people picnicking and relaxing. Entry is free for all, and it is open around the clock. 

Jahangir Tomb

In the afternoon, arrive at Jahangir Tomb — a 17th-century Mughal mausoleum situated in Shahdara Bagh along the banks of River Ravi. 

It takes about 20 minutes to get there from Minar-e-Pakistan. The interior and exterior of this Mughal funerary monument feature Mughal buon fresco, tile work, and pietra dura. 

The burial chamber contains a white-marble cenotaph of the fourth Mughal Emperor Jahangir. 

The tomb is surrounded by a Persian-style garden with a quadrilateral layout, where you can unwind after marveling at its architectural splendor.

Anarkali Bazaar

Spend the evening at the 200-old Anarkali Bazaar — one of the oldest markets in South Asia. A 30-minute drive from Jahangir’s Tomb will take you to the Anarkali Bazaar. 

It has two parts: Old Anarkali and New Anarkali. The older part of this bazaar is famous for offering authentic Pakistani cuisine and street food. On the other hand, you will find a variety of shops in New Anarkali that sell traditional clothes, jewelry, and other accessories. 

After window shopping your heart out, head to the Old Anarkali Food Street, which is located south of the Anarkali Bazaar. 

Waris Restaurant and Yasir Broast are the most celebrated names of this food street and are highly recommended for exotic dishes and local delicacies. 

Day 3: From Shalimar Gardens to Wagah Border

Having had a couple of days exploring the Old City and admiring the Mughal-era architectural marvels, it’s now time to stroll through the Shalimar Garden like royalty, visit Liberty Market in an upscale neighborhood of Lahore, and witness a high-stepping performance of Pakistani and Indian soldiers at the Wagah Border flag lowering ceremony. 

Shalimar Gardens

Start your morning the royal way — with a refreshing walk at Shalimar Garden. 

Commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1642, Shalimar Gardens offers a perfect blend of nature, architecture, and royal heritage. 

It is calming to wander through its quadrilateral garden (Persian-inspired Char Bagh), which was designed to create an earthly utopia, providing a tranquil escape that will transport you to another time.

Marvel at the intricate fretwork adorning the red masonry walls, the elaborate waterworks that provide tranquility, and the architecture that invites you to immerse yourself in the timeless grandeur of the Mughal Empire. 

The entry fee is 20 rupees for locals and 500 rupees for foreigners. It is open to the public between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM.

Liberty Market

After spending a peaceful morning at Shalimar Gardens, head to Liberty Market. It is an upscale market in the heart of Lahore’s popular neighborhood of Gulberg. 

With its shops selling everything from shoes to bridal wear, street food stalls, and the aroma of mouthwatering dishes being served at roadside restaurants, it is a treasure trove for avid shoppers and food lovers. 

There are a few contemporary rooftop restaurants near Liberty Market where you can have lunch with the city’s dazzling views, such as Monal Restaurant and Haveli Grill Restaurant. 

Do note that shops in Liberty Market are closed on Sundays.

Wagah Border

Make your way to Wagah Border before sunset to attend the flag-lowering ceremony that marks the closing of the Pakistan-India border. 

With soldiers from both sides outdoing one another in marching and people cheering for their heroes while booing their rivals, this ceremony is an entertaining showcase of nationalism and military prowess like no other! 

There is no fee to attend this ceremony, which takes place every sundown. Be sure to arrive early to secure a floor seat close to all the action.

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