AI overview
Lahore is the capital of Pakistan's Punjab province and the country's second-largest city, with a population of over 14 million people. It serves as a major center for industry, education, and economics in Pakistan, and has long been the historic cultural heart of the Punjab region and one of Pakistan's most progressive cities.
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Place details
- Locality
- لاہور
- Region
- پنجاب
- Country
- پاکستان
- Population
- 13,004,135
- Timezone
Travel guide
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 centre of Northern India extending from Peshawar to New Delhi. The origins of Lahore are shrouded in the mists of antiquity but Lahore is undoubtedly ancient.
Today, Lahore is certainly worth a visit, but don't come expecting a tranquil city overflowing with history, art and culture: these qualities do exist but are hidden under the surface of a sprawling, traffic clogged and polluted south Asian city. Forward planning is recommended if the tourist is going to get the most out of what Lahore has to offer - the time of year to visit, the choice of hotel, the restaurants to dine at, the art galleries and the shopping areas to frequent are all key to getting the most out of your stay.
Lahore is a relatively friendly and liberal city. 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.
Get in
thumb|Allama Iqbal International Airport
Get around
Lahore is a huge and sprawling city. In the old town, walking or a tuk-tuk are your only options. You get to see a lot more on foot, just remember to wear comfortable shoes if you are going to be walking a great distance. Other than in winter, it will be too hot to walk long distances during the day. Sunday mornings are quiet and are a good time to explore.
Locals are generally helpful in providing directions to well-known spots. However, you should still ask two or three people to confirm the address, especially if you are driving. Using the GPS function on your phone can also be helpful.
See
thumb|Alamgiri Gate, Lahore Fort
thumb|Minar-e-Pakistan at night
Do
On Thursdays there is a regular Sufi gathering at the . 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. Theaters include Sozo World (in Fortress Stadium), the DHA Cinema (R Block DHA near Defence Public School for Boys), Cinestar (Township), Cinegold (Bahria Town), or The Plaza Cinema (on Queen's Road). On Saturdays there is a regular "Movie night" organized by Lahore Film and Literary Club at South Asian Media Centre. The projector featuring full HD/Blu-ray 1080p resolution, followed by discussions after the films, available as part of the LFLC evenings. You can also interact with friends over a cup of coffee at the cafe which also serves as a perfect place to initiate debate or simply share an idea. The club offers other facilities with its literary club offering literary seminars, poetry readings and a library.
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On the map
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