Lahore, Pakistan 4 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring Historic Lahore
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Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Aylanto (38-B Main Boulevard, Gulberg III) offering a variety of Pakistani and continental dishes.
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9:00 AM - Midday: Visit the iconic Badshahi Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world built by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Nearby, explore the Lahore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Mughal and Islamic architecture.
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Midday - Afternoon: Indulge in local cuisine for lunch at Bukhara (4-P, Main Boulevard, Gulberg III) known for its traditional Punjabi dishes. After lunch, visit the Walled City and explore its bustling markets, including Anarkali Bazaar, Johar Bazaar, and Mochi Gate.
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Late Afternoon - Evening: Relax at the Shalimar Gardens, a beautiful terraced garden created by Shah Jahan as a gift to his wife Mumtaz Mahal. In the evening, watch the traditional Pakistani dance performance called Rangoli at Alhamra Arts Center (Racecourse Road, Gulberg III).
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Dinner: Savor Kebabs and local delicacies at Karachi Karim (Majid House, M.M. Alam Road)
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Where to Stay: The Avari Hotel Lahore offers comfortable accommodation and is centrally located. Another great option is Courtyard by Marriott Lahore for a more upscale experience.
Day 2: Modern Lahore & Minar-e-Pakistan
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Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or try The Little Steak House (136-C Main Boulevard, Gulberg III) for an American-style breakfast.
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9:00 AM - Midday: Visit the Minar-e-Pakistan, a national monument marking the site of the Pakistan Resolution in 1940. Nearby, explore the National Museum of Pakistan and learn about the country’s history and culture.
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Midday - Afternoon: For lunch, dine at Cafe de Mall (3rd Floor, Emporium Mall, Gulberg III) offering international cuisine with a view of the bustling mall. Spend the afternoon shopping at the nearby Mall of Lahore or Emporium Mall.
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Late Afternoon: Explore Gaddafi Stadium, one of the largest cricket stadiums in the world, and take a walk around the scenic Jilani Park.
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Dinner: Head to The Olive Tree (38-B Main Boulevard, Gulberg III) for Italian cuisine or Mochi’s Tapas Bar (21-A, Block D, Gulberg III) for Spanish tapas.
Day 3: Day trip to Wagah Border & Lahore Zoo
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Morning: Start early and drive to the Wagah Border, the border crossing between India and Pakistan, for the daily Lowering of the Flags ceremony (around 5 PM). It’s a must-see spectacle!
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Lunch: Grab lunch at Chicken Tikka Inn in Wagah (near the border) for some delicious Pakistani street food.
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Afternoon: Return to Lahore and spend the afternoon visiting the Lahore Zoo or the Samundari Gardens.
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Dinner: Enjoy a relaxed evening at Gulberg Greens (Block J, Gulberg III) for international cuisine.
Day 4: Shopping & Departure
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Morning - Afternoon: Spend your final day in Lahore shopping for souvenirs and traditional crafts at the Haveri Gate Bazaar, Khadi Prakash (23-B Main Boulevard, Gulberg III), or Sophia’s (10-C MM Alam Road).
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Lunch: Have lunch at The Urban Food Co. (15-A, Block D, Gulberg III) for a mix of international and Pakistani dishes.
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Afternoon - Evening: Depending on your flight schedule, you might still have time to visit the charming Mauj Dhaire or enjoy a final walk in Jilani Park before heading to the airport.
Things to Know:
- Lahore is generally safe during daytime, but it’s recommended to avoid walking alone at night.
- Pakistani Rupee (PKR) is the local currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments.
- Tuk-tuks and rickshaws are common modes of transport, but taxis can be arranged via apps like Careem or Uber.
- English is spoken widely among young people and professionals, but it’s always helpful to learn a few Urdu phrases before your trip.
- Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites or crowded areas. Women are advised to cover their heads with a scarf.
- Stay updated on the current political situation and any travel advisories regarding Pakistan.