Lahore is Pakistan's second largest city and the capital of Punjab province. It served for a time as a Mughal capital, and that period's architecture defines the centre. Lahore Fort and the Shalimar Gardens were inscribed together by UNESCO in 1981. The Badshahi Mosque opposite the fort was the largest mosque in the world when it was completed in 1673, and its courtyard holds eighty thousand people. In the walled old city stand the tiled facades of the Wazir Khan Mosque and the narrow bazaar lanes.
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See flights to Lahore →When to visit Lahore
November to March is the best window, with days between 15C and 25C. May to July is very hot, passing 40C. Monsoon rain falls between July and September. Morning fog in December and January can disrupt transport.
Things to do in Lahore
Badshahi Mosque
Commissioned by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1673, the mosque of red sandstone with three marble domes was the largest in the world when finished. Its courtyard holds eighty thousand people and it faces the fort directly.
Lahore Fort
Largely built under Akbar in the sixteenth century, the fort was inscribed by UNESCO in 1981. The Sheesh Mahal inside and the tiled panels on its outer wall are among the broadest surviving examples of Mughal ornament.
Shalimar Gardens
Laid out in 1641 under Shah Jahan, the gardens rise over three terraces and hold more than four hundred fountains. They are among the best preserved examples of the Mughal garden.
Wazir Khan Mosque
Completed in 1634, the mosque is known for the kashi kari tilework covering its surfaces inside and out. It stands within the walled old city at the end of the narrow bazaar lanes.
Lahore Museum
Opened in 1894, this is the country's most comprehensive museum, its collection running from Gandharan Buddhist sculpture to Mughal miniatures. The Zamzama gun at its entrance is a well known city landmark.
Wagah border
At the border crossing about 25 kilometres east of the city, a flag lowering ceremony is held every evening before sunset. It is performed by the guards of both countries facing each other and is watched from stands.
Flights from Turkey to Lahore
The flight from Istanbul to Lahore is about 5 hours 50 minutes on the great circle route, operated by Turkish Airlines. Allama Iqbal Airport lies northeast of the centre and connections to Islamabad and Karachi run from here.
Lahore FAQ
How many days do you need in Lahore?
Two days cover the fort, the Badshahi Mosque and the walled old city. Adding the Shalimar Gardens and the Wagah ceremony makes a comfortable three day programme.
How far is the airport from the city centre?
Allama Iqbal International Airport is about 15 kilometres from the centre. The taxi ride takes between 30 and 45 minutes depending on traffic.
What do you need to enter Pakistan?
A visa is required for a Turkish passport; Pakistan operates an online e-visa and the application is made before travel. The rules can change, so the current position should be checked.
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