'''Lahore''' (?????) is Pakistan's second largest city, and the capital of the north-eastern Punjab province. It is widely considered the country's cultural capital. The heart of Lahore is the Walled or Inner City, a very densely populated area of about one square kilometre. Founded in legendary times, and a cultural centre for over a thousand years, Lahore has many attractions to keep the tourist busy. The Mughal and Sikh legacy survives in the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque and Gurdwara, the Mall is lined with colonial-gothic buildings from the British Raj, and the suburbs of Gulberg and Defence feature palatial mansions and trendy shopping districts.
Understand
Lahore is the second largest city in Pakistan with a population of roughly 8.5 million. The traditional capital of Punjab for a thousand years, it had been the cultural center of Northern India extending from Peshawar to New Delhi. Lahore is Pakistan's second-largest city after Karachi. The origins of Lahore are shrouded in the mists of antiquity but Lahore is undoubtedly ancient.
Today, Lahore can be best described as a city that is just so wonderful, so very fabulous, that every nook and corner of the city speaks of a certain vibrant, a certain zeal, a spirit of life, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Perhaps it is the maturity of the city, which manifests itself in the various parts of Lahore. It is present in the monuments, in the bazaars, in the old buildings lining the Mall, or in the vast expanses of the sports grounds in the Cantonment. But most vividly, this great Lahori spirit is visible in the people of Lahore, the Zinda dilan-e-Lahore.
Lahore is a city of culture, of history, of an unrivaled charm that sets it apart from every other city on earth. It seems that great Lahori spirit has invaded and saturated this city over the centuries, to the effect that Lahore today is not just a city, not just a place in one corner of this planet, but a whole universe in itself. There is an old saying, that in every Lahori, there is a Mughal prince. The city has known ages of cultural, intellectual, musical, literary and humanistic evolution, which has consequently led to the fermentation and over fermentation of this rich brew we call Lahore. ''Few cities of the world, if indeed any, can lay claim to such a wonderful past or present.''
History
Legend has it that it was founded about 4,000 years ago by Loh, son of Rama, the hero of the Hindu epic, the '''Ramayana'''. Reminiscence of its hoary past are the remains of a subterranean temple attributed to Rama, in the northern part of the '''Royal Fort'''. Historically, it has been proved that Lahore is at least 2,000 years old. After Islam came to South Asia, it became a center of learning, and attracted some of the region's greatest mystics, writers and artists. The people of Lahore, when they want to emphasize the uniqueness of their town say '''_gLahore, Lahore aye_h (_hLahore is Lahore_h)'''. Lahore is the city of poets, artists and the center of film industry. It has the largest number of educational institutions in the country and some of the finest gardens in the continent.Apart from being the cultural and academic center of the country, Lahore is the showcase for '''Mughal''' architecture in Pakistan. For more than 200 years, beginning from about 1524 AD, Lahore was a thriving cultural center of the great '''Mughal Empire'''. Mughal Emperors beautified Lahore, with palaces, gardens and mosques.
'''Hieun-tasng''', the famous Chinese pilgrim has given a vivid description of Lahore which he visited in the early parts of the 7th century AD. Lying on the main trade and invasion routes to South Asia, Lahore has been ruled and plundered by a number of dynasties and hordes. Muslim rule began here when '''Qutub-ud-din Aibak''' was crowned in Lahore in 1206 and thus became the first Muslim Sultan of the subcontinent. It waxed and waned in importance during the Sultanate.
However, it touched the zenith of its glory during the '''Mughal''' rule from 1524 to 1752. The Mughals, who were famous as builders, gave Lahore some of its finest architectural monuments, many of which are extinct today.
It was Akbar_fs capital for 14 years from 1584 to 1598. He built the massive Lahore Fort on the foundations of a previous fort and enclosed the city within a red brick wall boasting 12 gates. Jahangir and Shah Jahan (who was born in Lahore) extended the fort, built palaces and tombs, and laid out gardens.
Jahangir loved the city and he and his wife Noor Jahan are buried at Shahdara. Aurangzeb (1658-1707), gave Lahore its most famous monument, the '''Badshahi Masjid''' (Royal Mosque) and the '''Alamgiri''' gateway to the fort.
During the eighteenth century, as Mughal power dwindled, there were constant invasions. Lahore was a suba, a province of the Empire, governed by provincial rulers with their own court. These governors managed as best they could though for much of the time it must have been a rather thankless task to even attempt. The 1740s were years of chaos and between 1745 and 1756 there were nine changes of governors. Invasions and chaos in local government allowed bands of warring Sikhs to gain control in some areas.
Lahore ended up being ruled by a triumvirate of Sikhs of dubious character and the population of the city invited '''Ranjit Singh''' to invade. He took the city in 1799. Holding the capital gave him enough legitimacy to proclaim himself the Emperor. Descriptions of Lahore during the early 19th century refer to it as a _gmelancholy picture of fallen splendor._h
The British, following their invasion of Lahore in 1849, added a great many buildings in '''_gMughal-Gothic_h''' style as well as bungalows and gardens. Early on, the British tended to build workaday structures in sites like the Fort, though later they did start to make an effort to preserve some ancient buildings. The '''Lahore Cantonment''', the British residential district of wide, tree-lined streets and white bungalows set in large, shaded gardens, is the prettiest cantonment in Pakistan. Since Independence in 1947, Lahore has expanded rapidly as the capital of Pakistani Punjab.
''All this makes Lahore a truly rewarding experience. The buildings, the roads, the trees and the gardens, in fact the very air of Lahore in enough to set the mind spinning in admiration.A poet has written about this phenomenon one experiences in the environs of Lahore. ''When the wind whistles through the tall trees, when the twilight floods the beautiful face of the Fort, when the silent canal lights up to herald the end of another chapter in history, the Ravi is absorbed in harmony, mist fills the ancient streets, and the havelis come alive with strains of classical music, the spirit of Lahore pervades even the hardiest of souls.''
Read
'''Guide to Lahore''' by Masudul Hasan (1978)
'''A Guide to Lahore Fort''' by Nazir Ahmad Chaudhry (2004)
'''Masterpieces of Lahore Museum''' by Lahore Museum (2006)
'''Amritsar to Lahore''' by Alter (2000)
'''Lahore''' by Amin (1998)
'''Lahore''' by Pran Neville (1993)
'''The Dancing Girls of Lahore''' by Luoise Brown
'''City of Sin and Splendour: Writings on Lahore''' by Bapsi Sidhwa (2005)
Get in
By plane
'''Allama Iqbal International Airport''' [http://www.lahoreairport.com.pk/] is located about 20-30 minutes from the city centre. Taxis and shuttles are available to take passengers from the city to the airport - with unmetered taxis it is advisable to set the rate beforehand. The new proposed Lahore Mass Rapid Transit System will be linked from different parts of the city to the airport.
The airport is a major hub by Pakistan standards, but not by international standards Pakistan International Airlines [http://www.piac.com.pk/] with daily departures to the rest of Pakistan, connecting flights into nearby hub airports Qatar, Dubai, Bangkok for onward connections to the Middle East, Europe, North America, and South-East Asia.
Other airlines operating in and out of Lahore are:
Thai Airways [http://www.thaiairways.com/]
Emirates [http://www.emirates.com/],
Gulf Air [http://www.gulfairco.com/],
Qatar Airways [http://www.qatarairways.com/],
Kuwait Airways [http://kuwait-airways.com/],
Etihad Airways [http://www.etihadairways.com/],
Shaheen Airlines [http://www.shaheenair.com/],
Singapore Airlines [http://www.singaporeair.com/],
Air Blue [http://www.airblue.com/],
Saudi Airlines [http://www.saudiairlines.com/],
Indian Airlines [http://www.indian-airlines.nic.in/]
...and many more.
By train
The main railway station is located near the city centre. There are routes from all major Pakistani cities. The Samjhauta (Friendship) Express runs twice a week between Lahore and Amritsar, across the border in India.
Apart from that, trains to southern e.g., Multan, DG Khan, Karachi etc and northern parts e.g., Gujrat, Gujranwala, Jhelum, Rawalpindi, Peshawar etc. run from the main station. It also connects to the western part of Pakistan to Faisalabad and beyond.
Local Stations of Lahore are Shahdara Bagh, Badami Bagh, Moghalpura, Baghbanpura, Harbanspura, Jallo, and Wagah. There is mostly peak hour services operate within these local stations for commuters to Lahore.
By car
A modern motorway connects Lahore to Islamabad and Faisalabad. New Motorway link has been being built to connect it to Peshawar (A western border city).
Note: While Pakistani traffic is generally chaotic and highly dangerous, the motorway is very comfortable and one of the few places traffic laws are enforced. Now a days, new Traffic Police has arrived and is enforcing traffic laws on Highways too.
'''Taxis''' are possible to/from the Indian border for ~Rs 400.
By Bus
From the Indian border, bus #4 runs to the Main train station for Rs 20.
'''Minibuses''' are the cheapest way to get between the larger cities, and the only way to get to some more remote destinations. They can be uncomfortably crowded, so if possible opt for a more comfortable larger bus.
'''Skyways''', '''Niazi Express''' and a couple others operate large, comfortable buses to Islamabad, Peshawar, Faisalabad and many other cities and towns from their own bus terminals near M2 Motorway Interchange. These services are rather affordable and convenient way of inter city travel.
'''Daewoo''' [http://www.sammi.com.pk] has its own terminal away from the main bus station on Ferozpur Road near Kalma Chowk. This terminal is only minutes away from famous Liberty Market, Gaddafi Stadium & other popular shopping areas. Clean, comfortable, air-conditioned coaches run regularly between Lahore to all major cities of Punjab & NWFP and many smaller cities and towns such as Islamabad, Multan, Faisalabad and Peshawar. Daewoo is bit expensive but it is the only service that provides a good quality travelling experience.
Get around
Generally getting around is a pretty experience, you get to see a lot more on foot, just remember to wear comfortable shoes if you are gonna be walking a distance.
'''Walking''' Due to the traffic, distances, extreme heat, and hordes of goggling locals, however, most tourists will prefer to use other means of transport.
'''Auto-rickshaws''' or 'Qingqi'(pronounced chingchi) are open rickshaws with (narrow) rear-facing seats, or with two seats facing forward and two backward. They are handy for moving around in the Inner City, since it's easier to see where you're going. Tourists used to average western road etiquette might be horrified by the chaos on the roads - but it almost seems to work. Qingqi drivers have an unbelievable sense of space, speed and angles and you may well learn to trust them (or not). Rickshaws are the cheapest and, for women, the safest individual forms of public transport. Haggle thoroughly with the driver; if you do not speak Punjabi or Urdu or are clearly a foreigner, try to get a Lahori friend to ensure you don't get ripped off. Try to find a rickshaw with a well-padded seat, otherwise you will come out bruised and aching.
'''Taxis''' are mostly unmetered and often privately operated. Most taxi drivers and, indeed, rickshaw drivers, carry mobile phones; it may be useful to take a number down if you find someone especially reliable. Do not take taxis in the Inner City, as the streets are narrow and very crowded. Either walk or take a qingqi.
'''Minivans''' are probably the most dangerous form of public transport, with very rash drivers. Women will find these especially uncomfortable, as they are very crowded. Often women must sit in an undersized cubicle or with the driver, to prevent harassment.
Buses are usually cleaner and more comfortable than minivans, and usually a have a separate seating area for women. Saami Daewoo bus service is an airconditioned bus service operates for different parts of the city.
'''From the airport''' - When you arrive at the airport you will likely be besieged with touts offering you taxis and rooms. It's wise not to book anything through them and arrange a taxi yourself to the hotel of your choice. Some of the mid-range and most top-end hotels offer a courtesy shuttle from the airport.
Talk
The most common languages are Punjabi and Urdu. For the use of English there is a big diversity between different areas of Lahore. Education is generally high in Lahore and a great many of residents understand and speak a form of English. It is rather hard to find somebody capable of speaking proper English in old city and other surrounding areas but you won't have any such a problem in Lahore, especially if you are visiting old city, fort, food street and other surrounding areas including Mall Road, Gulberg, Defense, ''etc'' you will find it easy to communicate in English.
See
Wall City
'''The Lahore Fort''' is a huge mass of a structure where the Mughals built their imperial quarters, followed by the Sikhs. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There is a small museum dedicated to the Sikh period of the 18th century. A friendly museum caretaker might agree to take you into the summer rooms underground. The '''tomb of Sikh ruler, Ranjit Singh''', is also located in Lahore. Entrance fee for non-Pakistanis is Rs 200.
'''The Badshahi Mosque''' was built by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and was long the largest mosque in the world. Entrance is free, but you will be asked to pay about Rs 10 (Nov 2006) to the shoe keeper upon exit. Try going late at night, when there are few people there. Do not wear shorts to this or any mosque; women are advised to wear long or half-sleeved clothing, and to carry a shawl so they can cover their head. Remove shoes before entering.
'''The Inner City''' is full of little shrines and palaces, of which the most impressive are the '''Imperial Baths''' and the '''Asif Jah Haveli''' (recently restored). Try finding a guidebook detailing walks in the inner city.
Right in front is a park with '''Minar-e-Pakistan''' or the Eiffel Tower of Pakistan. It was built on the site where in 1940 the creation of a separate state for Muslims was recognized.
Gates of Inner City
In the Mughal days, the Old City was surrounded by a 9 meter high brick wall and had a rampart running around it which served as a protection for the city. A circular road around the rampart gave access to the city through thirteen [http://www.pakistan4ever.com/gates_of_lahore.asp Lahore Gates]. Some of the imposing structures of these gates are still preserved.
'''The Raushnai Gate''', or the "Gate of Light" is between the royal mosque and the citadels. There is a very famous gali / street commonly known as the shahi mahala. The name shahi has been given after the Shahi Qila. People living here are simple. There are various food shops located around the gate.
'''The Kashmiri Gate''' is so called because it faces the direction of Kashmir.
'''The Masti Gate''' is not the actual name but is rather twisted and pronounced instead of "Masjidi," which means a mosque.
'''The Khizri or the Sheranwala Gate'''. As already noted, the river in former times flowed by the city walls, and the ferry was near this spot. The gate was, therefore, named Khizri, after the name of Khizr Elias, the patron saint, according to the Mahomedan belief, of running waters and streams, and the discoverer of the water of immortality.
'''The Yakki Gate'''. The original name was "Zaki," which was derived from the name of a martyr saint, who, according to tradition, fell fighting against the Moghal infidels from the north, while gallantly defending his city
'''The Dehli Gate''' is so called because of its opening on to the highway from Lahore to Delhi.
'''The Akbari Gate''' was named after Mahomed Jala-ud-din Akbar, who rebuilt the town and citadel.
'''The Mochi Gate''' is the name wrongly pronounced. It was name was actually Moti meaning a pearl. It was called so after the name of Moti Ram, an officer of Akbar, who resided here at that time.
'''The Shah 'Almi Gate''' was named after Mohomed Mo'azzam Shah 'Alam Bahadur Shah (the son and successor of Aurangzeb). He was a mild and generous Emperor, who died in Lahore on the 28th February 1712.
'''The Lahori Gate''' also known as the Lohari gate has been named after the city of Lahore.
'''The Mori Gate''' is the smallest of the gateways and as its name implies, was in old times used as an outlet for the refuse and sweepings of the city.
'''The Bhatti Gate''' was named after the Bhatis, an ancient Rajput tribe who inhabited these quarters in old times.
'''The Taxali Gate''' was named after the Taxal or royal mint, that used to be in its neighborhood during the period of the Mahomedan Emperors.
Mall Road
'''Lahore Museum''' (which displays the Fasting Buddha of Gandhara)
'''Toolinton market''', now converted into a museum
'''Lahore Art Gallery'''. '''The Croweaters Gallery'''
'''General Post Office''
'''University of Punjab''' (Old Campus)
'''National College of Arts''' of which Rudyard Kipling's father was the principal, and offers a thesis show every winter.
'''Kim's Gun''' is outside the NCA
'''Lahore Zoo'''Located in the heart of the town and set in modern style is the Lahore zoo founded in 1872. It is one of the oldest Zoos in the sub continent. The material used in some of the construction even bears the marks of 1853. The Lahore zoo attracts a large crowd throughout the year. Driving along the Sharah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, just ahead of the charring cross and opposite to the WAPDA House is the main gate of the Zoo
'''Lawrence Gardens & Library''', also known as the Bagh-e-Jinnah, It is opposite to Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It is amongst the biggest gardens of Lahore.
'''Chamman Ice Cream'''. A famous ice-cream parlour offers 20 different flavours. They also offer milk-shake of various kinds.
'''WAPDA house building''' the WAPDA House building is, an example of a modern office block, with a glass dome and a roof garden.
'''Summit Memorium''' is located in the locale more commonly known as Charing Cross. Few know the presence of a library / museum below the Charing Cross roundabout that is all about the OIC and Islamic Summit and is a treat to visit.
'''Punjab Provincial Assembly Building'''
'''Shahdin Manzil'''
'''Free Manson Hall'''
'''Al Hamra Arts council'''
'''Lahore Fortress''' the Fortress Stadium is an attempt to combine the architecture of a fort like Rohtas with a sports stadium. Many exhibitions held here. The Stadium is the site of the famous Horse and Cattle Show in March. '''Joyland''' amusement park is also located here.
'''Ferozsons Book Center'''
'''Masjid-e-Shohada'''
'''Lovers park'''
Other Sights
Following the canal side road to the east of the city is '''Jallo Park'''. It is a large drive-in park with drive in zoo and a man made lake. Spread over an area of 450 acres it has expanses of lawns, a forest research center, a children's park, a small museum and a gift shop. '''Sozo Water Park''' is another attraction in this park. Also see '''Sindbad''', '''Joy Land''' and '''Sky Land'''. The Park is 28 kms from Lahore. It can be visited by road and by rail. A rail car leaves for Jallo Railway Station every half hour.
'''Race Course Park''' Situated on Jail Road, Race Course Park deservedly attracts not only town dwellers but visitors as well.
'''Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park''' Gulshan-e-Iqbal park in Allama Iqbal Town
'''Hiran Minar''' is set in peaceful environs near Lahore. Hiran means deer. It used to be favorite hunting sport of all Muslim kings, especially of Moghals. Jehangir erected this minaret to commemorate the death of his pet deer (Maans Raaj). It served a double purpose as from it top the hunters could locate the habitations of deers. It is a beautiful picnic as well as a historic spot. A high Bara Dari Ghat is constructed right in middle of a Talab. A man made big lake, boating facility is also available. A good garden lay out is surrounding the place.
'''Chhanga Manga''' is a man-made forest 68 kms from Lahore. There is a lake, and a miniature railway, which winds its way through its forest. Chhanga Manga has 12,510 acres of plantations. It is a popular picnic spot spread over 50 acres with a lake and rowboats, motorboats, children's park, swimming pool, cafeteria, canteen and rest houses
'''The Daata Darbar''' is the shrine to Lahore's patron saint, Hazrat Daata Ganj Bakhsh. This vast modern structure is always filled with people praying, collecting or bestowing alms, or eating at the huge charity 'langar' or soup kitchen.
'''Gawal mandi food street'''
'''Old Anarkali food street'''
'''Shalimar Gardens''' is a UN World Heritage sight.
'''Wagah Border''' The border between Pakistan and India is also an attraction for tourists.
Museum
'''Lahore Museum''' established during the British Raj in 1864. It displays a complete cross-section of the Culture and History of the region with rare and best collection of the Buddhist art from the Gandhara Period, Islamic artifacts, Calligraphy, Old Manuscripts, Arms, Costumes and Jewelry
'''Shakir ali Museum''' ,this museum was actually Shakir's House at 93, Tipu Block, New Garder Town, Lahore, which he made for himself. After his death it was bought by Idara-I-Saqafat-e-Pakistan and formally turned into a museum on April 3rd, 1976. The idea behind it was not only to preserve the great artist's paintings and other masterpieces under one roof but also to open this combination of modern and traditional archietecture to the public.
'''Fakir Khana Museum''' a very large and interesting private Museum known as Faqirkhana lies inside the Bhatti Gate and is worth visiting. The museum houses a variety of old paintings, including some by great masters, original manuscripts in different languages and artifacts from South East Asia and the Indo-Pak sub-continent.
'''Mughal Museum''' situated at Poonch house, Multan Road, Lahore it was established in 1950. This is an Industrial and commercial Museum, which is meant to depict country's economic resources both in the form of raw products and worked objects. Its collection is arranged in one gallery and one large hall of the building. The main hall displays a range of variety of material such as well plated musical instruments, table lamps of camel skin from Multan and Bhawalpur, cotton, silken-woolen and embroidered textiles from all important cites of Pakistan.
'''Toolinton Market Museum''' at Mall Road.
'''Museum of Cricket''' is located inside Lahore Gymkhana, Mall road.
'''PIA Planetarium'''
'''National Science Museum''' at UET G.T. Road Lahore.
Night Life
Though clubbing is not an extremely popular thing to do, there are clubs and a great amount of things to do.
'''Clubs'''
Parties at Farmhouse
There is a bar/club in Royal Palm called Caviar Lounge
Club Bhurban located on the Pearl Continental hotel
Uptown LA in Defence R block.. the club opens after 11:00 pm at night till 4:00 am in the morning
Peeru's Cafe, which is situated about an hour outside of Lahore. Peeru's, a cafe with an artistic flair. Saturday night is always Jazz Night, Peeru's cafe is really the only place which has live jazz music. Tuesday is Sufi night. Being sit inside, one even feel like in some cafe in Venice.
Do
On Thursdays there is a regular '''Sufi gathering''' at the shrine of Shah Jamal. The renowned drummer Pappoo Saein and his disciples perform on the huge two-sided dhol, and devotees of the saint enter trances and dance wildly as hundreds of people watch. There is a separate seating area for women and foreigners; this is very comfortable and has the best view in the enclosure.
Catch a '''movie''' at Sozo World in fortress stadium. Fortress Stadium is also a shopping area if you are a die hard fan of inexpensive linens, clothes etc, and has the only Joyland (amusement park) within the city as well as Sindbad Amusement center. Another amusement park is a part of Sozo Water Park.
'''Cricket''' - Pakistanis, like their Indian neighbours, love cricket passionately. The Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore often hosts international matches and is relatively comfortable. If you're brave enough try some of the colorful and appetizing snacks brought into the stands by a myriad of sellers of all ages.
You can always shop in the old "anarkali" bazaar or the newer "liberty market". Both of these places are famous for women's clothes and accessories.
You can also head for the museum on lower mall road.
'''Medical tourism''' is a growing industry in Lahore due to its high quality and low cost, especially in sectors like Dental treatment, Hair transplant, Cosmetic surgery and Open heart surgery.
Lahore has long been a bastion for sport. An excursion to a Polo game would be a memorable experience. Pakistan is one of only 8 nations to play Polo professionally, and fields some 26 professional clubs. Lahore's most famous club is Lahore Polo Club, where emperors, kings and other notables have been playing for centuries. Foreign teams often play here in friendly games, and facilities are first rate.
Lahore abounds with history. From the Muslim emperors, the pre Islamic empires that preceded them, to the British, the Sikh empire to the modern day. A walk around the old city is like living "The History Channel".
Go Carting in Sozo, near Jallo Park
No visit is complete without going to Liberty and visiting Joyland! one of the City's BEST amusement parks, just buy a wrist band and you will have access to every ride in the park.
Watch the daily ceremony at Wagha Border with India
Take a water bottle with you when going to bazaars for some shopping.
Go to bazaars and look around, you can buy amazing jewelery, crockery, souvenirs and of course clothes! One baazar that is not to be missed is Anarkali and Ichra. Just hop onto a rizksaw or a taxi and ask to be taken there, you'll be there in a snap!
Make a video journal of your stay, you will see a lot more through your video then anything else. Remember to take a camera as well ( try to buy a rechargeable kind, so you can charge it as the battery's criteria might be different from foreign standards, or your camera's standards).
Go shopping at New Auriga Shopping Mall, Main Boulevard Gulberg
Another great place for shopping is at Sadiq Trade center. There is also a large indoor kids theme park inside.
Buy the Rs.50 posters that you can get on the footpath near Punjab university,it would cost around 700-1000 in bigger shops!
Learn
The chief schools of Lahore include the English-style public school Aitchison College (for boys), Crescent Model School, Divisional Public School Model Town, Central Model School Lower Mall, Lahore Grammar School, Lahore American School, International School of Choueifat, the Convent of Jesus and Mary (for girls),Lahore College of Arts and Sciences and Beacon house.
Lahore is the center of Pakistani higher education. The University of the Punjab is the oldest such institution in the subcontinent, and the library has a fine, if rather faded, collection dating back to Raj times.
'''University of the Punjab''' [http://www.pu.edu.pk], oldest and most famous institution of higher education in the country. Three Nobel prize winners are associated with this university.
'''The Government College''' [http://www.gcu.edu.pk/] also dates to the Raj, and is ensconced in a magnificent campus of that era. Other old institutions include Kinnaird College and Lahore College (both for women only).
'''University of Engineering & Technology''' [http://www.uet.edu.pk], G.T Road Lahore. This is one of the oldest institutes of Pakistan which has been functioning since 1921. It is the largest engineering university in the country and students from all over Pakistan come here to study the many courses offered by the university at graduate & post graduate levels. A lot of foreign students from Iran, Saudi Arabia, The Middle East, Somalia, Bosnia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and many other countries are found in good numbers here. The National Museum of Science and the National Library of Sciences are also a part of the university.
'''King Edward Medical College''' [http://www.kemu.edu.pk/] is one of the two most prestigious medical schools in the country. Other medical schools include Fatima Jinnah, and Allama Iqbal.
'''The National College of Arts''' [http://www.nca.edu.pk/] teaches graphic design, fine arts (including the only program in miniature painting), architecture and music.
'''The Lahore University of Management Sciences''' [http://lums.edu.pk] is the most prestigious university in the country. At present it offers courses in economics, computer sciences, social science and law.
'''The Lahore School of Economics''' [http://www.lahoreschoolofeconomics.edu.pk/] offers an intense and very well-reputed business and economics programme in its cramped city quarters and its vast campus far outside the city.
'''The Beaconhouse National University''' is a new institution and offers a liberal arts education.
'''University College Lahore''', located in outskirts of the city near the Motorway on Raiwind Road provides University of London External Program degrees in a wide range of subjects including Economics, Management, Finance, Accounting and Law.
Buy
'''Feroz Sons book shop''' is the oldest book shop of Lahore.
The traditional bazaars of the inner city are roughly divided according to ware. Bargaining is de rigueur.
'''The Anarkali bazaar''', named after a courtesan who was buried alive for loving a prince, is one of the chief shopping areas.Anarkali Bazaar is a treasure-trove, selling virtually everything from handicraft to transistor radio, tin sauce pan to refrigerator, a maze of lanes and alleys which stretch northwards from the Mall at the Central Museum end.
The bazaars in the old city are the ones people dreams about-tiny alleys, some of which will admit a rickshaw, a string of donkeys or carts- and pedestrians have to leap into doorways to give room. Some alleys are only possible single file.
'''Ichra Bazaar''' has the best quality of unstitched silk, cotton and printed material of all sorts. On the other hand Mozang Bazaar sells some particularly interesting hand-block printed cloth, tablecloth and bedspread
'''Panorama''', located on Mall Road, an ideal place to buy informal clothes. It houses over 1000 shops so you have a large variety of clothes to choose from and that is too at a competitive price.
Trendy types congregate in the Gulberg and Defence suburbs. Liberty Market is a large circular market with hundreds of shops selling clothing, electronics, and so on. A basement shop in Liberty (tell the rickshaw driver it's near H Karim Bakhsh) has good handicrafts, and can be bargained with.
'''MM Alam Road''' is the hippest part of town, with all the most expensive designer shops, including fine furniture and clothing, both Western and Pakistani, and the best restaurants.
'''Raja Centre''' in Gulberg has a good selection of handloom 'khadi' fabric, both stitched and unstitched. Higher end khadi can be bought at the Khaadi shop in Mini Market.
'''Hafeez Centre''' is one of the continent's biggest mobile and computer markets, with inexpensive software (pirated), and hardware that can be bargained for.
'''Fortress Stadium''' has a huge variety of very inexpensive DVDs.
'''Ehsan chappal house''' has amazing shoes for ladies, also check out Stylo shoes for stylish shoes and clutches/purses
'''Liberty Market'''
'''PACE''', the ultimate shopping mall, you will everything, food,clothes, electronics, movies in one amazing package!
Eat
Lahoris are famed for their food and for their consumption thereof. This is reflected in the array of restaurants in town.
Budget
Every Lahori food item has an expert attached to it.
For ''nihari'', go to '''Haji Nihari''' on Jail Road or inside [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lohari_Gate Lohari Gate]; for ''chicken paratha rolls'' go to '''Karachi Silver Spoon''' in Liberty Market, and so on.
The 'Food Street' of '''Gowal Mandi''' is a must-visit for dinner - you'll find a street full of shops selling fine Lahori fare, and the setting, amidst traditional jharoka architecture, is lovely. If you make it to Food Street, go by auto rickshaw (30rupees) or walk to Mochi Gate and try Rasheeds kebabs or Saiyns kebabs. Mochi Gate is also home to Fazal Sweets and Rafique Sweet House.Bhaiya kabab in Model Town is foremost name in Kabab Street, where you will enjoy bar-b-que with fresh soda. A 200/300 meter long street with historically preserved 2/3 storey old houses on both side which are ligthen up in a very special way giving a very historical and magnificent look. The envoirnment is a real creatio nof culutre of Lahore, the mughla era. You will find around a hundred restaurants in this street which mouth watering menus. Do try Chappal Kababas, Saag with Makai ki roti, Golas of Ice, Sardar ki Machli and anything you like.
'''Phajjay Ke Paye''' at Red Light Area - Heera Mandi Lahore, is Very famous and highly energetic. For those having physical weakness or sexual weakness or any similar problem must try this dish.
'''Chaman Ice Cream''', Beaden Road adjacent to Hall Road, Aside Mall Road, Lahore - Serves a vast variety of various flavours of cie creams, ice cream shakes, juices ans stuff. Don't miss it ! Its worth it.
'''Basheer-dar-ul-Mahi''' at Mazang Chok Lahore - Fried Fish is served in 2/3 forms. You will see people queued up in lines to get their order here. Din't got if you don't have much time. But this fish is worth waiting this much. Parathas and Lassi at Mazang Lahore - Near the Baheer-dal-ul-Mahi is this very cheap and small scale restaurant. Serves paraths of potatoes, minced chicken, egg and others with Tea or delicious Lassi. Don't miss this at breakfast or anytime you want to have something energetic
Mid-range
Lahore has seen the birth of several mid-range cafes recently. Notably Masoom's for cakes, desserts and coffee, and sandwiches at '''Coffee, Tea and Company''' nearby. In Defence, '''Hot Fuzon''' is another good cafe and a Masoom's franchise. Chinese food is also very popular in Lahore, but be warned that it is very strongly altered to local tastes. One notable example is '''Hsin Kuang''' which sits in a pagoda-like structure near Mini Market and is very popular, but the quality varies. It is renowned for its strong-flavoured soup.
Mini Golf. Don't miss this place for great open air atmosphere where you can also get sheesha.
Mirchi. M Alam Road. Perhaps the best Lahori food in the city, and is of good hygienic quality. Try the tamatar paneer and the sheesh toauk.
Pepperica. This restaurant run by famous Artist Rana Shujaat serves various dishes to suit the tastes of various types of customers. The chicken Jalferazi is the most popular and highly demanded by the customers.
Chatkhara. Serves snack food like samosas, chaat and dahi bhallay
Bandu Khan Restaurant.
Liberty Market. Offers good standard Pakistani food. The mutton karahi at Rs510 is a popular dish and easily serves two people, while most dishes are half that price. They also offer salads, but see the ''Stay Healthy'' section below.
Splurge
Cafe Aylanto. -C 9th Commercial Lane. 92 21 587-5724. Has the best non-Pakistani food in town. Try the shrimp and avocado salad. You can also take your own wine to the restaurant and they'll be happy to serve you make sure to inform them on the door if you have alcoholic drink with you.
Zouk. M Alam Rd. 92 42 571-2731. ttp://cafezouk.com.pk/. One of Lahore's institutions, despite the distressing decor. It serves a mix of Continental and Thai food. It is highly popular among elites.
Freddy's. 2C MM Alam Road. 92 042 575-4416. Family-oriented restaurant which has a safe, vaguely continental menu. Freddy's offers an afternoon high tea buffet, which offers a full variety foods and some drinks.
Village. 03-B-2 MM Alam Rd. 92 42 578-5523. A vast mud structure which has an all-you-can-eat Pakistani buffet. It's a popular joint to take visiting tourists, as it combines a variety of local foods with good hygiene.
Salt n Pepper Grill. Owned by the same company as Village, with a fine a la carte menu. Try their sweet lassi.
Ziafat. 1-C-I MM Alam Rd. 92 42 575-0760. Authentic Pakistani food in a buffet style. Their menu is not as grand as Village, but the ambiance is a little more laid-back.
Dera. Right by the Gaddafi Stadium, sitting on your ''maniji'' and gulping lassi, you'll experience a unique truck driver atmosphere here. The food is excellent, but the prices are on the higher end. Favourite among the locals are the assorted naans, chicken mugalahi and mutton chops.
Fujiyama. 7 Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam. nside the Avari Hotel. 92 42 636-6366, ex. 2196 . It's the only real Japanese restaurant in town, and is considered to be the most expensive.
Nandos. lot No. 100-B/II, M. M. Alam Road, Gulberg III, Lahore. ear Pizza Hut MM Alam Road. 92-42-111626367. A globally famous restaurant chain.
Costa Nostra. Authentic Italian food, overseen by Pak-Italian owners. Started as a reservation-only, high-end gourmet experience with a rather well put together table d'hote, it now has a basement pizzeria where you can't go wrong if want a pizza pie that resembles something from Rome and not Chicago.
by zubair raza
Drink
'''Alcohol''' is illegal for Pakistanis but you can easily get it from Firdos Market. Beer such as Heineken, Carlsberg and even Pakistan's own Murree Beer are available. If you want to hit up a nice western bar, the Royal Palm is probably your best bet, but to go there you must be accompanied by a member. Alcohol is sold to non-Muslim foreigners at the Holiday Inn until 6pm daily. Bring your passport.
Sleep
Hotels and guesthouses are the two main options in the city. Hotels are a bit more expensive but usually have western-style toilets and are cleaner.
Budget
There are only two real options for most travelers. However, if you feel like breaking the mould, there are some fairly awful and over-priced options near the train station, which is in an overwhelmingly busy and chaotic part of the city - not for the faint-hearted.
Regale Internet Inn. urriaya Mansion 65. 92 42 731-1987. egale_internet@hotmail.com. ttp://www.regale.com.pk/. s150 (dorms), Rs350 (doubles). The owner, Malik, is a former journalist can show you some amazing off-the-wall stuff in the city, including weekly trips to Shah Jamal on Thursday nights. It's slightly expensive for what it is, but pretty much the best option in town and worth it for the security and to meet other travelers. There are a few fakes, so make sure you make it to the real one, which is down an alley and upstairs, behind H. Karim Busch & Sons supermarket.
Afzaal Tourism Family Guest House. 7a Wahdat Park. 92 42 756-1165. fzaaltourism@yahoo.com. Rs150. A guest house in a very small family home. It's not signed, making it difficult to find. The owner, Mr. Afzaal is helpful and has a lot of information about what to see and do in Lahore.
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Mid-range
Shalimar Hotel. 6 Liberty Market. 92 42 575-8811.
The Sunfort Hotel. 2-D/1, Liberty Commercial Zone. 92 42 576-3810. info@sunforthotel.com. 92 42 575-4277. ttp://www.sunforthotel.com/.
Kashmir Palace Hotel. 4 Empress Rd. 92 42 631-6700. otelkashmir@brain.net.pk.
Ambassador Hotel. Davis Rd. 92 42 631-6820.
Amer Hotel. 6 Lower Mall. 92 42 711-5015. nfo@amerhotel.com.pk.
Alpine Hotel. 8-M-Block. n Model Town Extension. 92 42 516-8401.
Windmills Hotel. 9-A, B-II, Husain Chowk, Gulberg-III. (42) 578 5758 - 62.
Mirage Hotel. 1 Lake Rd. 92 42 7238126 or 27. 92 42 7246344. eservations@miragelahore.com. ttp://www.miragelahore.com. S $35 + tax. Internet/Wi-Fi and Airport pickup and drop-off.
Splurge
Avari Hotel. 7 Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam. 92 42 636-6366. ahore@avari.com. ttp://www.avari.com/hotel-avarilahore.html.
Pearl Continental Hotel. hahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam. 92 42 636-0210. ttp://www.pchotels.com/PCHL/index.php. chl@hashoogroup.com. 92 42 636-2760. Possibly the nicest hotel in Lahore, particularly the new wing.
Radisson Hotel Lahore at the Royal Palm. 2 Canal Bank Rd. 92 612 93204433. Adjacent to the Royal Palm Golf & Country Club, opening 2009.
Holiday Inn. 5-26 Egerton Rd. 92 42 631-0077. ttp://www.holidayinnlahore.com/. nfo@holidayinnlahore.com.
Hyatt Regency. Upscale apartment and hotel complex in the Pace Circle area; scheduled to open December 2010.
Stay safe
Violence in the form of assassinations and bombings have increased throughout Pakistan over the past couple of years, and unfortunately Lahore has been involved in a tragic share of these. Consult your embassy regarding travel warnings.
Demonstrations aren't uncommon and should be avoided at all cost. In early 2006, the Prophet Muhammad cartoon protests quickly got out of hand, and several businesses were torched along with scores of cars. If a large demonstration or protest is underway, foreigners should try to remain at their hotels until the dust settles, especially if what they're protesting has anything to do with the West.
In general, visitors will find the locals very curious, very eager to help and often eager to relieve tourists of their money, though certainly not of their lives. Even the biggest and most fearsome green-turbaned men will usually be friendly and helpful. Being friendly and smiling at people goes a long way. If you're a woman, though, it's best to be sparing with smiles lest people get too friendly; though this is mostly in areas like bazaars, not the actual city.
If you enter a mosque, women should wear a dupatta, which is a scarf worn over your shoulders and which can be drawn to cover your head. Men should remove their shoes and avoid wearing shorts.
Avoid traveling to unlit areas at night, especially alone. Most of Lahore is lit up all night long because it has a big and booming nightlife. Use common sense when hanging out with friends, and avoid being intoxicated in public as it is an Islamic country.
Beware of pickpockets when you are in crowded areas like Liberty market, the airport, bus stands, the railway station, Anarkali, Ichra shopping centre, or Mall road. There are also con-men looking out for foreigners. Beware of fake policemen or men claiming to belong to the intelligence agencies, even if they show you a business card. See also Common scams.
In an emergency you can call '''police help line 15''' or call Rescue Services at 9211.
Stay healthy
Lahore abounds with excellent street food, but unless you've been on the road for some time and developed an iron stomach, it's always wise to exercise some caution. Look for busier street stalls, especially those in Gowal Mandi (food street), and stick to food that's hot and has just been cooked. Salads can also cause problems - if you must, one of the fancier restaurants in Gulberg is probably a safer bet than eating a salad at a ''dhaba'' or street stall.
Bottled water is highly recommended. Some budget places offer free filtered water, but even that is suspect in Lahore.
Medical care is excellent for those who can afford it and, if you can, avoid public hospitals. The '''Fatima Memorial Hospital''' is usually a fair bet, with decent rates, good hygiene, and good care.
Doctors hospital on Canal and National Hospital in Defence Housing Authority offers excellent services but at a higher cost.
Get out
Changa Manga - A human-made plantation about 70km from Lahore, which is worth visiting for all wildlife and nature lovers.
Across the Ravi River is the town of '''Shahdara''', where you'll find the tomb of the emperor Jahangir and his charismatic wife Nurjehan.
About 35km from '''Sheikhupura''', is the shrine of '''Hiran Minar''', which is a pavilion-like monument to a pet antelope of the Mughal emperor Jahangir. The site was built on his former hunting grounds.
The ancient city of '''Harappa''' was one of the first Indus Valley excavation sites; a must see if you're into archaeology. Harappa lies about 300km southwest of Lahore
Visas & Permits
'''FedEx''' on the Mall is now handling visa applications, which is a major development! They charge Rs600 for the service, have all of the forms you need, and send the application to Islamabad. As of 2008, they are handling applications for Iran and India. Check with them about China and other neighboring countries. Bring a couple of passport photos and the visa fees in cash.
'''FedEx''' at Ghalib Market Gulberg is handling VISA applications for UK visitors.