Lahore

About Lahore

Lahore is a city that has been fought over, ruled by, and rebuilt by a succession of some of history's greatest empires — and bears the architectural evidence of all of them. Settled for at least 2,000 years on the banks of the Ravi River in what is now eastern Pakistan, it served as the **capital of the Ghaznavid sultanate in the 11th century**, was conquered and embellished by the Mughal emperors from the 16th century onward, then became the **capital of the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh** in the early 19th century before passing to the British Raj. Each of these ruling powers left monuments that still define the city's skyline and character. The **Lahore Fort — a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the adjacent Shalimar Gardens** — is a vast Mughal citadel rebuilt and expanded by successive emperors from Akbar to Aurangzeb. Within its walls are some of the finest examples of Mughal decorative arts: the **Sheesh Mahal, or Palace of Mirrors, its every surface encrusted with tiny mirror fragments** that shatter candlelight into thousands of points; the Naulakha pavilion, inlaid with semi-precious stones in a technique identical to that of the Taj Mahal. The Shalimar Gardens, laid out in 1641 by Shah Jahan, are a formal Persian garden on three terraced levels, centred on a large marble pavilion. The **Badshahi Mosque, completed in 1673 and for two centuries the largest mosque in the world**, faces the fort across a vast open courtyard. The walled old city of Lahore contains one of the densest concentrations of Mughal, Sikh, and colonial-era architecture anywhere in the world, including the ornate **Wazir Khan Mosque — arguably the most beautifully decorated mosque in the subcontinent** — and the covered Lahori bazaars, some of the most atmospheric markets in South Asia. Lahore is best visited **between October and March**; summer temperatures regularly exceed 40°C. International flights connect via Islamabad, Karachi, Dubai, and London. The city's food scene — Lahori cuisine is widely considered among the finest in Pakistan — is an experience in itself, centred on the street restaurants of **Food Street in the old city**.

Highlights

• ✦ Mughal-era walled city with stunning Islamic architecture
• ✦ Badshahi Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world
• ✦ Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens are UNESCO sites

Practical info

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to visit Lahore Fort?

Foreign visitors pay around PKR 500 (roughly a few US dollars), while Pakistani nationals pay a much smaller domestic fee; the Badshahi Mosque itself is free to enter, though a small camera fee sometimes applies. Combined, a half-day covering both sites plus the surrounding Old City costs very little.

How do you get to Lahore Fort using public transport?

The Orange Line metro train runs from various parts of the city to stations within a short walk or rickshaw ride of the walled Old City, where the Fort and Badshahi Mosque sit side by side. A taxi or ride-hailing app from anywhere in Lahore typically costs little and is the simplest option for visitors unfamiliar with the metro.

Can non-Muslims visit Badshahi Mosque?

Yes, non-Muslim visitors are welcome outside the five daily prayer times, and modest dress with a head covering for women is required; robes are sometimes available to borrow at the entrance. Shoes must be removed before stepping onto the courtyard and prayer hall.

How long should you spend exploring Lahore Fort and the Old City?

Budget half a day for the Fort itself, which has multiple palaces and gardens spread across a large complex, then another hour or two for the Badshahi Mosque and a walk through the food streets of the walled Old City just outside its gates.

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