23 cool things to do in Lahore when you’re stuck for ideas

Published Date: 20 July 2024

Updated Date: 1st October 2024

Lahore is a historical city, and its top attractions are dominated by a centuries-old fort, ancient monuments, and Mughal-era mosques. Places like Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, Minar-e-Pakistan, and Fort Road Food Street are undoubtedly must-visit sights. 

But once you have seen all these best places to visit in Lahore, what’s next? Or you may know the standard stuff and want to venture beyond the norm. 

Here’s where we’re here to help. We have crafted this guide full of cool and unusual things to do in Lahore, whether you feel super fancy or on budget. 

From riding on a driverless train to catching live comedy shows, keep scrolling for cool things to do in Lahore when you are stuck for ideas with a map for navigation!

A local’s guide: 23 cool things to do in Lahore when you’re stuck for ideas

1- Get Adventurous with a Karting race

Are you bored of Netflix and looking for something adventurous that combines excitement and speed? Head to the 2F2F go-karting club to satisfy your need for speed and the thrill of racing with your gang or family. 

Located in Lahore Cantt, the arena is also great for an adventurous date with your bae. While you take a spin on the curvy track, the adrenaline rush is enough to make you feel what the characters must have felt in go-karts. 

One session on the main track for adults (age 18 and above) will last 15 minutes. Their safe and meticulously designed 1.5 km track caters to first-timers and pro racers. 

Speed junkies can reach hair-raising velocity as the karts can top out at 100km/h. So, if you are looking for adventurous things to do in Lahore for couples or friends, race into the 2F2F go-karting arena and live out your motoring fantasies in style.

Location: Lahore Cantt

Charges: 4500 rupees for adults

2- Find an Unusual Slice of nature at the Botanical Gallery

Rung he Rung Botanical and Clouds Gallery by Nayyar Zia Artworks is a great place to go where nature lovers can find an unusual slice of nature as every spare centimeter of its walls is covered in pressed flower art, clouds photographs and a unique collection of plant-related art. 

With botanical artwork, this one-of-a-kind botanical gallery also features a mini pollination section, plant zone, and exotic wood furniture section. 

What’s more? There is an art café outside the botanical gallery, which is a paradise for all those of you who are suckers for a peaceful ambiance.  

Although it is not new, it continues to be the city’s best-kept secret. You can book a guided tour with a naturalist to get information about plants and flowers or visit it on your own.

If the hustle and bustle of the city has got you down, this is a great place to recharge. Remember to book your guided tour in advance and leave your cell phone outside the gallery.

Location: Gate 10, Gaddafi Stadium 

Timings: 12:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Charges: 

• 1500 rupees for a guided tour 
• 3000 rupees for a guided tour with scientific information (prior booking required)
• 1000 rupees for visiting on your own

3- Catch Live Stand-Up Comedy Shows

Bored of the usual weekend outings and craving a different hangout experience with your friends? Why not have a laughter riot with your friends at Strictly Social, which hosts some of the amazing stand-up comedy shows in town? 

Catching a live standup comedy show is one of the best things to do in Lahore with friends at the weekend. This place will redefine your idea of a perfect hangout, as it is more than a place to grab a bite. Think of the aroma of food, a dose of laughter, and meeting with like-minded. 

They rope in the best entertainers out there and provide a platform for amateur comedians to perform. It is conveniently located in Gulberg and has a large seating capacity with quirky and amazing neon-lit interiors, making it the perfect spot to have a good enthralling laughter session with your gang. 

While you are there, enjoy live performances and indulge in their burgers and mocktails for a great night.

Location: Hali Road, Gulberg

Timing: 3 p.m.-12 a.m.

4-Cool off at the Oasis

Looking for fun things to do in Lahore during summer when the temperatures skyrocket in the city? Lahore has some waterparks and aqua resorts that offer a perfect escape from the scorching heat with various aquatic activities. 

One such member-exclusive aquatic paradise is Oasis Aqua and Golf Resort, which is no less than a haven where you can spend a fun-filled day around the water. 

Enjoy relaxing beachy waves at the beach, make a splash at the typhoon river, and experience the thrill of water surfing.

Location: Main Multan Road

Timing: 12-10 p.m.

Entry fee: Membership only

5-Spend a relaxed afternoon at Model Town Park

Lahore is a busy metropolis that has little to offer for nature lovers. However, a few parks that it has seem to be the only consolation available in this bustling city. 

If you want to see Lahore at its most relaxed, spend a relaxed afternoon at Model Town Park, the perfect place for jogging, paddle boating, and watching waterfowl. 

The park has a boating lake, rose garden, wooden huts, peacock enclosure, etc. Put its 2-km long mud jogging track to good use, sip your worries with hot tea from its canteen, relax with a book, or bring a picnic basket. 

Location: Model Town, Lahore

Timing: 5:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Entry Fee: Rs.50/-

6-Check out South Asia’s biggest private museum

Lahore is the cultural capital of Pakistan and home to more than a handful of museums with hundreds of historical specimens that represent Pakistan’s rich heritage. One such museum is the 20th-century Fakir Khana Museum, the largest private museum in South Asia. 

Located inside the Bhatti Gate, this museum has an extensive collection of 20,000 specimens, including 10,000 manuscripts dating back to the 18th and 20th centuries. 

The key highlights here include Buddhist and Gandhara art, textile collections from the Sikh period, a collection of manicure paintings including the famous Nawab Mumtaz Ali’s painting made with a single hair, gifts from Maharaja Ranjeet Singh and Queen Victoria, and more. 

For all the history buffs and art lovers, your itinerary for the Lahore trip must include a visit to Fakir Khana museums. Don’t forget to make an appointment before the visit.

Location: Walled city

Timing: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

7-Visit 135 years old market for antique shopping

Lahore, with its rich history and culture, is a great place to buy exotic antique pieces. However, the city has a few antique stores with gems worth taking home. 

Kasera Bazaar is a 135-year-old market selling copper and brass utensils, home décor items, crockery items, chandeliers, and lamps. Although it is famously known as a household utensil and crockery market, it is frequented by antique collectors.

A well-known antique store in this market is Heritage by Umar Hayat Butt, which has been in business for over 100 years. 

Their exquisite collection includes brass and copper antique pieces, wooden handicrafts, jewelry, vintage decorated pieces, etc. Certain handicraft items, perfect as souvenirs, can’t be found anywhere else in the city.

Location: Kesara Bazaar

Timing: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Don’t forget to check out as well…

8- Enjoy high-rise dining with the City’s best views

As the dining scene in Lahore has gone sky high with many rooftop restaurants, foodies can dine in with the city’s best views. If you want food with a view, the Skye Restaurant by Indigo is a great option. 

It is perched on the Indigo Hotel’s 18th floor and provides a dazzling setting for dinner. 

The menu showcases the best Pakistani flavors with dishes like mutton karahi, biryani, lamb chops, malai boti, and more. It serves Pakistani and Italian dishes along with its hi-tea buffet. 

Impressive aerial views of the city, good food, live music, and a luxurious seating area are the key highlights.

Location: Gulberg III

Timing: 12 p.m.-12 a.m.

9-Enjoy ice skating at Winter Wonderland

Lahore does not have a frozen lake like Gulkin Hunza or an outdoor ice-skating rink like Malam Jabba Ski Resort, where adventure seekers can enjoy ice skating in winter. 

But luckily, it has an indoor ice-skating rink at Winter Wonder Lahore where they can flaunt their skills on the ice rink. 

You don’t have to wait for the winter to experience the thrill of gliding on the ice as it is open all year round. The standard ticket includes access to the rink, and one session will last after an hour.

Location: Bahria Town

Timing: 1 p.m.-12 a.m.

Ticket: Rs.1599 (standard), Rs.2999 (premium)

Read More>>> Badshahi Mosque: A Guide to Mughal-era Magnificent Mosque in Lahore

10-Take a scenic aerial joyride

Lahore is a city one keeps discovering again and again. What if you discover the city from a bird’s eye view? Yes, you read that right; this is possible in Lahore. Aerial joyrides in Lahore let you see the city’s iconic landmarks from a unique perspective and provide a thrilling adventure. 

The ride lasts 20 minutes, but that is enough to enjoy the unrivaled views across the city and forget about all your worries. Riding across the walled city of Lahore is a highlight, with stunning sweeping views of the Mughal-era structures and its dense streets that are woven together into a maze-like network. 

Departing from Lahore Airport, you can see all the major historical attractions for which Lahore is famous for. With a bird’s eye view of the city’s landmarks, it is surely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Location: Lahore airport

Duration: 20 minutes

Charges: Rs.18,000 per person

Read More>>>> Lahore Fort- A complete guide to Lahore’s most admired historical place

11-Listen to qawwali at Qawwali lounge

Live performances by famous artists, Sufi music, and good food define the vibrant nightlife of Lahore. For people who love good food and soulful Sufi music, Qawwali Lounge is a great place to feel the whole vibe of a Sufi night and relish the most exquisite flavors from Pakistan and the West.

Booking a table at Qawwali Lounge is one of the best things to do in Lahore at night with friends. The trance-like melodies of sufi music and mouth-watering food make it a perfect place to unwind after a long workday. 

They have a stage for a complete Qawwali setup and host Qawwali night very regularly. 

The menu ranges from desi cuisines to Pan-Asian dishes and Italian to American dishes. Its dimly lit interiors, artists performing in the backdrop, and delectable food are something that you won’t mind going back for.

Location: M.M. Alam Road, Gulberg III

Timing: 4 p.m. – 2 a.m.

12-Have a glimpse of Lahore on a sightseeing bus

You can catch a glimpse of Lahore on a roofless double-decker sightseeing bus for as little as 800 rupees for an old city tour. The sightseeing bus is decked with vibrant colors, runs throughout the day at regular intervals, and takes you through the city. The sightseeing tour starts from Gaddafi Stadium or Liberty Chowk if Gaddafi Stadium is closed due to cricket matches. 

ourist buses stop at the city’s famous sights, giving visitors plenty of time to admire the ancient architecture and learn about Lahore’s history and heritage.

From heritage tours (every weekend) to Wahga Border tours for witnessing the flag-lowering ceremony and old city tours (weekdays) to governor house tours (every weekend), there are many types of tours that cater to different interests and preferences.

Pick up Location: Punjab Stadium, Main Ferozpur Road

Operation hours: 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Ticket fare: Standard fare is Rs.800 for locals and Rs.1500 ($5.39) for foreigners

13-See Lahore through the eyes of the artists at Zulfi’s Art Gallery

For anyone who wants to experience Lahore in the artists’ brushstrokes, visiting local art galleries can be an enriching experience. 

Exploring these art galleries can connect you with Pakistan’s diverse cultural legacy, whether you are a new artist or an art connoisseur. There are a few art galleries that you can visit to introduce yourself to Pakistani artists and their work. 

One such art gallery is Zulfi’s Art Gallery by Zulfiqar Ali Zulfi, which is the most prominent private art gallery in Lahore that offers an enhancing glimpse into the street culture of old Lahore, the rural side of Punjab, the city streetscape at night, and more. 

Art lovers will appreciate how the artist uses the light to depict the different times of day while capturing the hustle and bustle of old Lahore on the canvas, whether it is twilight in a bustling bazaar or a misty morning in the older part of the town. 

It is open to the public during specific hours, so make sure to make an appointment before your visit.

Location: Johar Town

Timing: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Entry Fee: Free

14-Indulge in live classical music and performances

Dance, classical music, food —it all comes together at the inner courtyards of Lahore Fort. Think of a relaxed night under the moonlit sky filled with live tabla sitar performances, Kathak dance, and Danka Performances with your loved ones. 

These live classical music and dance performances are part of history by night organized by the walled city of Lahore authority. They host this event every weekend, which starts at 7:30 PM. 

Whether you are a classical music admirer or want to relive the Mughal era through these performances in the courtyards of Lahore Fort, grab your squad or family and immerse in this one-of-a-kind cultural experience.

Location: Lahore Fort

Timing: 7:30-9:30 p.m. (weekends)

Ticket: 1800 rupees per person

15– Lose yourself in a historic Walled city

The walled city of Lahore features monuments, Mughal architecture, Havelis (impressive private mansions), and historic gates. Stroll through the bustling streets of the walled city and feel like you have wandered into the medieval period. 

Enter through any gate and get lost in the narrow walkways without any destination. Every wrong turn reveals a new surprise as you stumble upon the centuries-old Wazir Khan Masjid, Shahi Hamam, Haveli Asif Shah, Haveli Barood Khana, Akbari Mandi–Asia’s largest spice market, and more. 

On your exploration, keep an eye out for well-preserved houses at Wazir Khan Square and centuries-old mosques like Neevin Mosque, Sunehari Mosque, and Begum Shahi Mosque. Exploring the historic walled city is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Lahore for free.

Don’t forget to check out as well…

16-Show your artistic side at Lahore Heritage Club

Lahore Heritage Club is a great place to catch a glimpse of Lahore as it was a few decades ago. It features a collection of historical artifacts and antiques showing the different phases in the city’s timeline. 

With preserving history in the form of relics, the Lahore Heritage Club is also famous for hosting events at regular intervals for singers, poets, and artists. 

These events include Painting in Paris, Bazm-e-sher, Shab-e-mosiqe (open mic night), candle painting, and more. Whether you want to show your poetic side to the world or are good at singing, book a slot in the next Bazm-e-Sher and Painting in Paris event to show your artistic skills.

Location: Gulberg III

17- Read and sip at Fasana Book café

Are you a bibliophile who loves snuggling up with a massive mug of coffee and a good book while away an afternoon? Luckily, Lahore has a book cafe that has a reading room with an impressive collection of books to immerse in. 

Located on the top floor of Readings DHA, Fasana book café is a haven for all book readers, where they can cozy up a book of their choice with a cup of coffee.

Its peaceful ambiance makes it perfect for reading sessions. 

The menu ranges from coffee to smoothies and burgers to brownies, which are enough to see you through a few chapters.

Location: DHA

Read More>>> Wazir Khan Mosque-Guide to the can’t miss historical landmark in Lahore

18-Try recreational Kayaking at Zacky Farms and Polo Club

If you’re looking for an adventurous way to shake up the routine of everyday life, nothing can beat indulging in aqua activity that takes your fancy, such as kayaking. 

Not many people know that Lahore has wonderful places like Zacky Farms and Polo Club for kayaking enthusiasts out there to zip up the paddling jacket and really let loose. 

Fantastic fun for all ages and ability levels, it offers a refreshing retreat and allows you to get up close to nature. Paddling through the calm waters lets you feel truly immersed in the natural environment and appreciate the beauty of the outdoors. 

Get a gang together and make a splash. You can drop by anytime between 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. You need to make prior reservations before visiting it. 

They host farm experience days on Saturdays and Sundays at regular intervals, which also include horse riding, pony rides, interaction with farm animals, and fruit picking (seasonal) with kayaking. 

Do note that they only welcome families and women. 

Location: Barki Road

Timing: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Saturdays & Sundays)

Ticket: 850 rupees per person

19-Ride on the driverless train to discover the city

Whether you want to spend less time on the roads or see the city from a different angle, riding on the driverless orange line train is one of the best things to do in Lahore, especially with your friends. 

The route starts from Raiwind Road and covers a larger portion of the city, including the famous Chauburji, Lakshmi Chowk, GPO Chowk, Nicholson Road, and Shalimar Gardens. 

Orange Line train offers unobstructed, panoramic views of the city, and witnessing Lahore’s historical structures is the highlight of the tour when you pass by the city’s famous landmarks, such as Shalimar Gardens and Chauburji. 

Start: Raiwind Road

Ends: Dera Gujran, GT Roads

Timings: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Ticket: 25 to 45 rupees (depending on kilometers covered)

Distance: 27km

Duration: 45 minutes

Read More>>> An insider guide to the Walled city of Lahore

20 -Take a Zip line ride at Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park

Do you crave adventure? No need to go to Malam Jabba or Hunza Valley? You can test the adventurer in you in Lahore by taking a zip line ride at Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park. A 900 m long zipline lets you fly 60 feet above the greener space of the Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park. 

Although Lahoris can enjoy a zipline ride in Adventure Park, opposite Bahria Town’s main gate, this zipline is the longest in the city and can take any thrill-seeker on an adventurous challenge. 

Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or feel the thrill of flight, taking a zip line ride at Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park is one of the best fun things to do in Lahore. 

Location: Allama Iqbal Town

Timing: 5:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.

21-Sample Lahore’s delicious street food

Lahore is amply stocked with many great places to eat, but we bet the taste won’t match the food you will have on the streets of old Anarkali Bazaar. 

Tangy delights such as gol gappy (hallow fried puri stuffed with chickpeas tamarind sauce and served with savory water) and papri chaat (fried flour crackers loaded with chickpeas, yogurt, and potatoes), savory delights such as samosa (fried pastry made with spiced potato filling) and Aloo tikki (flavorful snack made with boiled potatoes), and sugary delights like jalebi (swirls of fried dough soaked in sugar syrup) and Kulfi (frozen dairy dessert) are some delicious street food you can try. 

Also, don’t miss out on exceptional treats like kababs (rolled meatballs) and aloo Paratha (flatbread with potato filling). 

22- Explore ancient bazaars of Lahore

Lahore is a historical city that is home to many street markets and ancient bazaars that reflect its rich culture. Every standard list of best things to do in Lahore features the visit to Liberty Market and Anarkali Bazaar, but if you have already visited these two famous markets of Lahore, take things up a notch by exploring the ancient bazaars and markets of old Lahore. 

The Walled City is famous for its winding, narrow lanes, and there are plenty of different bazaars lining these streets, which are interconnected with each other through a network. 

On your exploration, you may find it interesting that where one bazaar ends, another begins. Most bazaars are exited before partition and can be accessed from various directions. 

If you enter from the Delhi Gate and cross the famous Kashmiri Bazaar, you will reach the Kasera Bazaar near Sunehri Masjid. Kasera Bazaar is adjacent to 125-year-old Waan Market. From here, you can also get to the Sooha Bazaar (the gold market), Rang Mehal, and then the famous Shah Alam Market.

23-Soothe your Soul at Data Darbar

Data Darbar is one of Sufism’s most revered sites and serves as a symbol of the city’s cultural heritage. Visiting this 11th-century shrine is one of the best things to do in Lahore. 

Data Darbar is South Asia’s largest Sufi shrine, which is the resting place of the continent’s most famous Sufi saint, Ali Hujwiri, a.k.a Data Data Ganj Baksh. Located near Bhatti Gate, Data Darbar attracts people from all walks of life who seek solace and blessings. 

It is open to the public at all hours and allows free entry for all visitors. Thursdays are the busiest days when people gather there to listen to live qawwalis (Islamic devotional singing), which serenade the audience. 

The qawwalis take on a special hue during the annual Urs festival, when the shrine is adorned with colorful lights. 

Location: Near Bhatti Gate

Timing: 24/7

Entry fee: Free

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About Author:

Sondus Ubin

Sondus Ubin is a freelance lifestyle writer specializing in travel and food. With nearly 10 years of experience in lifestyle content creation, her toes are dipped in the exciting world of travel and food. In her time working as a travel writer, she has had the opportunity to interact with frequent travelers and travel photographers. All that knowledge she gains and her passion for travel make it possible for her to bring you informative yet fun travel content. Trust her words to help you plan your dream trip. She lives in Lahore, where she explores the city’s most intriguing, interesting, and unusual places and captures the beauty and essence of every place through her lens. When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her giving her eyes a much-needed break from screens with a good book, painting landscapes, or trying out new recipes.