Lahore, the heart of Pakistan, a hustling bustling city with a
population of over seven million, is definitely a place worth visiting
if you are planning on visiting South East Asia. Famous for its rich
culture and historical background, this city not only boasts the fifth
largest mosque made by the Mughal Emperor Shahjan, it also has the best
sights and the most interesting places to eat out. In just the initial
few minutes you would be amazed by the overwhelming hospitality of the
lahorites (natives). If you are offered something to eat or drink every
five minutes or so, trust me you're in Lahore.
The Food Street
The famous food street was once the red light area, a restricted place where you would never want to take your family with you. This however changed when the historic buildings were bought and renovated to serve as restaurants where now the elite and the most fashionable class of Lahore love to visit. Food tastes amazing and is served in a traditional way, the way it was served in the Mughal times. You would be offered variations of pan masala afterwards which gives a nice aroma to your breath. Almost every restaurant offers a spectacular collection of cultural souvenirs.
Badshahi Mosque
From the food street, you can see Badshahi Mosque or the Emperor's Mosque. This grand, historical structure is not only the fifth largest mosque in the world, but is also one of the most beautiful architectural structures of the era. Built in 1673, this mosque would take you back in history and give you a glimpse of the Moghul times.
The Lahore Fort
Along aside the mosque is the Lahore fort which was built by Emperor Akbar in 1566, but it was created and demolished many times before in the history. It is a very famous tourist attraction.
The Minaar-e-Pakistan
This famous minaret now stands in the place where the Lahore resolution was passed in 1940 and the idea of a separate homeland for Muslims of the Indian Subcontinent was first put through. Incredibly, just seven years after that Pakistan came in to being. The minaret is present in Iqbal Park, Lahore.
Anarkali
Who has not heard of the famous love story of the Emperor Saleem (shekhoo) and his qaneez (maid) Anarkali? The legend goes that the famous Anarkali was an extraordinarily beautiful young woman. When she danced, people would watch her amazing beauty in wonder. Soon enough, she became the most favorite dancer of Emperor Akbar's court. This could not remain hidden from the eyes of young shekhoo, who was mesmerized with her charming looks. When Akbar received the information about this blossoming romance, he sentenced Anarkali to death. She was buried alive behind the walls and her romance met a sad ending. The famous Anarkali bazaar in Lahore is given the name in memory of the beautiful Anarkali.
Walled City of Lahore
Lahore was once surrounded by walls from outside to protect it from foreign invaders and there were seven gates to enter the city. Of these, only two remain active to date while others have been demolished for new constructions or gave away with time. Bhati gate and Lohari gate are the last memoirs of the historical times when Mughals were in reign. Entering these gates you will see tall buildings with narrow streets, sometimes so narrow that you cannot even stretch your arms. Sunlight reaches only at the top of these buildings. There are balconies with carved wood work and windows with amazing craft. Even the doors to each building have such amazing carvings on them that one seems to be taken back thousands of years ago. A day spent in the walled city of Lahore would definitely give you a taste of the history of Indo-Pak region.
MM Alam Road
If you want to look for top branded shops and the best food places in Lahore, visit MM Alam rd. This modern road boasts of more than 50 eateries that offer fast food, ala carte, buffets, high teas, steak houses, pizza places and many more. Shop all you want and stop to eat a bit. Or while your order waits, go out for a bit of shopping! As the evening sets in, this road thrives with youngsters and families looking to spend some quality time with their loved ones.
The Food Street
The famous food street was once the red light area, a restricted place where you would never want to take your family with you. This however changed when the historic buildings were bought and renovated to serve as restaurants where now the elite and the most fashionable class of Lahore love to visit. Food tastes amazing and is served in a traditional way, the way it was served in the Mughal times. You would be offered variations of pan masala afterwards which gives a nice aroma to your breath. Almost every restaurant offers a spectacular collection of cultural souvenirs.
Badshahi Mosque
From the food street, you can see Badshahi Mosque or the Emperor's Mosque. This grand, historical structure is not only the fifth largest mosque in the world, but is also one of the most beautiful architectural structures of the era. Built in 1673, this mosque would take you back in history and give you a glimpse of the Moghul times.
The Lahore Fort
Along aside the mosque is the Lahore fort which was built by Emperor Akbar in 1566, but it was created and demolished many times before in the history. It is a very famous tourist attraction.
The Minaar-e-Pakistan
This famous minaret now stands in the place where the Lahore resolution was passed in 1940 and the idea of a separate homeland for Muslims of the Indian Subcontinent was first put through. Incredibly, just seven years after that Pakistan came in to being. The minaret is present in Iqbal Park, Lahore.
Anarkali
Who has not heard of the famous love story of the Emperor Saleem (shekhoo) and his qaneez (maid) Anarkali? The legend goes that the famous Anarkali was an extraordinarily beautiful young woman. When she danced, people would watch her amazing beauty in wonder. Soon enough, she became the most favorite dancer of Emperor Akbar's court. This could not remain hidden from the eyes of young shekhoo, who was mesmerized with her charming looks. When Akbar received the information about this blossoming romance, he sentenced Anarkali to death. She was buried alive behind the walls and her romance met a sad ending. The famous Anarkali bazaar in Lahore is given the name in memory of the beautiful Anarkali.
Walled City of Lahore
Lahore was once surrounded by walls from outside to protect it from foreign invaders and there were seven gates to enter the city. Of these, only two remain active to date while others have been demolished for new constructions or gave away with time. Bhati gate and Lohari gate are the last memoirs of the historical times when Mughals were in reign. Entering these gates you will see tall buildings with narrow streets, sometimes so narrow that you cannot even stretch your arms. Sunlight reaches only at the top of these buildings. There are balconies with carved wood work and windows with amazing craft. Even the doors to each building have such amazing carvings on them that one seems to be taken back thousands of years ago. A day spent in the walled city of Lahore would definitely give you a taste of the history of Indo-Pak region.
MM Alam Road
If you want to look for top branded shops and the best food places in Lahore, visit MM Alam rd. This modern road boasts of more than 50 eateries that offer fast food, ala carte, buffets, high teas, steak houses, pizza places and many more. Shop all you want and stop to eat a bit. Or while your order waits, go out for a bit of shopping! As the evening sets in, this road thrives with youngsters and families looking to spend some quality time with their loved ones.
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