Five Things To Know Before Travelling To Lahore.

Discover architectural wonders from the Mughal era, taste finger licking good food, and shop until you drop at bustling bazaars, Lahore is a must-add to your travel bucket list. Here’s Belle’s ultimate guide on what to see and do. 

Travelling to Lahore: You can get to Lahore by flying into Allama Iqbal International Airport, which is the main airport in the city. Sadly, there are no direct flights at the moment, so with a stopover, your shortest flight time will be around 11 hours.

There are several airlines that operate flights from London Heathrow to Lahore including Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines. All these airlines offer convenient connections and comfortable flights. I travelled from London Heathrow to Lahore with the  Qatar Stopover Program, which gives you a complimentary hotel stay and a visa-free entry into Qatar. It’s a great opportunity to explore the city or simply rest before the second leg of your journey. This is especially important when travelling long distances with kids.

Tourists will need a visa to enter Pakistan, which you can get online. Check out  Pakistan’s High Commission offices in London  for more information. 

Where to stay in Lahore: When it comes to accommodation, Lahore has a wide range of options to suit different budgets. But make sure you select the right location for your visit because Lahore is a massive city and where you stay matters. 

A popular option is Gulberg, which is centrally located and gives easy access to the old and modern parts of the city. The most  popular hotel here is the famous Pearl Continental Hotel. This luxurious 5-star hotel offers top-notch amenities, elegant rooms, and a range of dining options.

The DHA area is a prestigious residential area that is known for its modern infrastructure, wide roads, and well-maintained parks. It offers a variety of accommodation options, from apartments,  houses to country clubs. The area is also home to many shopping malls, as well as posh western restaurants. We stayed in Defence Lodges inside the Defence Club in the J Block area. This is attached to a golf course and has many restaurants onsite. It is a great place to stay if you prefer a more exclusive and serene environment away from the hustle and bustle of the main city.

What to see in Lahore: The Badshahi Mosque is a must-see  magnificent architectural gem and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. You’ll be in awe of the stunning marble work, beautiful calligraphy, and the spacious courtyard from the moment you step foot inside. It’s central location, makes it easily accessible for tourists. The entry cost for visiting Badshahi Mosque is generally free, but donations are appreciated to help with its maintenance. As for the opening times, the mosque is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset.

If you want to understand the rich history of this wonderful city, then visit Lahore Fort. It is also known as Shahi Qila and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside, it is home to numerous attractions that showcase the history of the region. Some of the main attractions within the fort include the stunning Sheesh Mahal, which means Palace of Mirrors. It gets its name from the intricate mirror work that adorns its walls, ceilings, and even the floors. You’ll be mesmerised by the dazzling reflection of light and the intricate patterns created by the mirrors. It’s like stepping into a magical world! Legend has it that the Sheesh Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The palace was designed to replicate the night sky, with the mirrors representing stars. It’s said that the queen would be able to see the stars even during the daytime, creating a celestial ambiance. It’s also worth paying extra for a guide, who can unlock the landmark’s rich history. My guide told me how the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond had been part of the Lahore Fort’s treasury during the Mughal era. In fact, this precious gem was displayed at the landmark before it was taken by the British Empire and eventually ended up on Queen Elizabeth II’s crown. The entry fee is 500PKR, which is less than £2.

4. Where to eat: Once the hunger pangs hit, head to the famous Food Street in Gawalmandi. This   offers a wide variety of delicious street food options. As you stroll down the street, you’ll find numerous stalls and small restaurants serving up local specialties. From juicy kebabs and succulent tikkas to flavourful biryanis and spicy curries – there’s something for everyone’s taste buds. One of the most famous dishes you can try is the Lahori Chargha, which is a whole roasted chicken marinated in a blend of spices. Another popular item is Nihari, which is a slow-cooked meat stew that’s bursting with flavour. It’s traditionally eaten for breakfast and is best enjoyed with naan. If you have a sweet tooth, then don’t miss out on trying traditional desserts like Jalebi, which is a crispy and syrupy treat, or Kulfi, which is a creamy ice cream.

If you want to enjoy food from across the globe in a posh setting then head to the food street in  Defence Raya. This is home to a parade of high end international restaurants offering gourmet cuisine from across the globe.

Where to shop in Lahore: Lahore is famous for its shopping culture and is teeming with bustling bazaars and mega malls. If you only have enough time to visit one mall then head to Packages Mall, which is  located on Walton Road. It offers a wide range of stores selling fashion, electronics and home décor. You can also enjoy delicious food at the mall’s food court and many restaurants or catch a movie at Cinepax Packages Mall.

If you have more time, then it is also worth checking out Emporium Mall  on Abdul Haque Road. It is one of the largest malls in Pakistan and is home to high-end fashion brands,  a food court with various dining options, a cinema, and a play area for kids.

But Lahore is best known for its vibrant markets. Anarkali Bazaar is a historic market that is famous for its traditional clothing, jewellery and handicrafts. It is very busy and chaotic so it’s best to visit here with a local guide. Another popular one is Liberty Market, which is located in Gulberg and is a popular shopping destination for local clothing, shoes, accessories and cosmetics.

 If you’re looking for stunning homeware then head to Fortress Stadium Market, which is near Fortress Stadium. Inside you will find Guildford, which sells stunning hand painted pottery such as plates, vases, and lamps.