Walled city of Lahore
Lahore is a city that blends history and modernity. It is believed to be nearly two thousand years old. With that being said, wandering the endless labyrinth of narrow alleyways of the Walled City of Lahore lets you soak in rich history, vibrant culture, and old-world charm wherever you go. Once you’ve been to Lahore, you will want to return over and over again, as it is the kind of city where you’ll feel like there’s more to experience.
The truth is, there is always more to do, see, and eat in Lahore. But if you are just here for 48 hours, there are a few things you must do to get a feel for this historic city, see the Mughal-era monuments, and dip your toe in the culture Lahore is famous for.
Though 48 hours is not an ideal length of time to see historical sites in Lahore, you can certainly try. This 2-day Lahore itinerary blends heritage with mouthwatering food, shopping, and spirituality, allowing you a decent amount of time to explore the cultural capital of Pakistan.
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How to Get Around Lahore?
Lahore is huge, and most tourist attractions are spread out over the Walled City of Lahore. Hiring a taxi or an auto rickshaw is the best option to get around the city. Using car-riding services like Yango and InDrive is a budget-friendly option compared to hiring a taxi or auto rickshaw. Lahore’s Metro Bus and Orange Line Metro Train are fast and cheap options that get you to some of the tourist attractions quickly, but they get extremely crowded and don’t go everywhere.
Where to Stay in Lahore?
Whether you are looking for high-end accommodation options or want to keep things budget-friendly, there is a wide variety of hotels in Lahore for every budget. Pearl Continental Hotel, Avari Hotel, Four Points by Sheraton, and Faletti’s Hotel are some great accommodation options for a luxury experience.
You can’t be wrong with the Grand Millennium Hotel and Lahore Continental Hotel if you are looking for a mid-range hotel.
If budget is a concern, Rose Palace Hotel and Golden One Hotel are great options.
What is the Best Time to Visit Lahore?
The best time to visit Lahore is from mid-December through mid-April. October and November are not the best months to visit Lahore because it is a time when the city is shrouded in a dense layer of hazardous smog. Summer is not the best time to visit Lahore as it experiences extreme heat during the summer months. For the best weather, plan your Lahore trip between mid-February and late-March.
Day 1 in Lahore: Explore the Walled City of Lahore
For first-time visitors to Lahore, a visit to the Walled City of Lahore or Old City is a must. It is home to many Mughal-era monuments, centuries-old mosques, ancient bazaars, and other sites to dig into on repeat visits. So, on your first day in Lahore, start where it all began, spend time admiring the architectural beauty of these monuments, and enjoy delicious street food that you will find in every nook and corner of the winding streets of the Old City.
Delhi Gate Lahore
The Delhi Gate
Enter the Old City through the historic Delhi Gate, one of the famous gates of the Old City. Wander around and explore the surrounding area of Delhi Gate to get a dose of culture. There are plenty of old havelis inside the Delhi Gate that are marvels of architectural design and artistry, including Haveli Mian Sultan, Dina Nath Haveli, and more. Meandering through alleyways and bustling Kashmiri Bazaar gives you an authentic look at daily local life.
floral painting – inside view of Shahi Hamam
Shahi Hammam
After wandering the labyrinth of winding alleyways near Delhi Gate, head to Shahi Hammam, a Mughal-era royal bath built in the 17th century, to admire the magnificent frescoes, exquisite floral paintings, and an intricate network of heating spaces and a drainage system. In case you start to feel fatigued, stop by its on-site café to replenish yourself with tea, coffee, and snacks.
Wazir Khan mosque
Wazir Khan Mosque
Devote your afternoon to visiting the Wazir Khan Mosque, conveniently located just a few meters from the Shahi Hammam. The Delhi Gate opens into the Kashmiri Bazaar, leading straight to the Wazir Khan Mosque – the famous Mughal-era mosque commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1641.
The interior and exterior of the mosque are embellished with intricate frescoes, calligraphy, and colorful mosaic tilework that makes you feel like you are stepping into a kaleidoscope. To really get a feel for the Mughal city and a bird’s eye view of the entire mosque, climb one of its minarets.
Note:
It is necessary to dress conservatively when visiting Wazir Khan Mosque, as it is a place of worship. This means wearing clothes that don’t expose your legs and upper arms. Women should also cover their heads with a scarf or dupatta inside the mosque.
Haveli restaurant at Fort Road Food street
Fort Road Food Street
End your evening by visiting Fort Road Food Street. This food street is lined up with beautifully restored havelis that are decked in bright colors and feature wooden balconies and doors, which reflect the persona of the Old City. Andaz Restaurant, Coco’s Dens, and Haveli Restaurant are some of the famous rooftop restaurants renowned for their desi menu and jaw-dropping views of the Badshahi Mosque.
Fort Road Food Street is one of Lahore’s best places to eat. Climb to the top story of one of the rooftop restaurants for a delightful culinary experience. If you come here before sunset, you will be treated to views of the sunset over the Badshahi Mosque.
Day 2 in Lahore: Soak up Some Ancient History
 Spend your second day visiting the famous Mughal-era monuments, which are the symbols of Lahore’s visual identity. Wander through the preserved monuments (some of which date back to the 16th century), soak up some ancient history, and admire the architectural beauty of these monuments. End your day exploring the famous Anarkali Bazaar and tuck into traditional Pakistani cuisine at Gawalmandi Food Street.
Shalamar Garden
Shalimar Gardens
Start your morning the royal way — with a refreshing walk at Shalimar Garden. Commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1642, Shalimar Gardens offers a perfect blend of nature, architecture, and royal heritage. It is calming to wander through its quadrilateral garden (Persian-inspired Char Bagh), which was designed to create an earthly utopia, providing a tranquil escape that will transport you to another time.
Marvel at the intricate fretwork adorning the red masonry walls, the elaborate waterworks that provide tranquility, and the architecture that invites you to immerse yourself in the timeless grandeur of the Mughal Empire. The entry fee is 20 rupees for locals and 500 rupees for foreigners. It is open to the public between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
Alamgiri Gate of Lahore Fort with small garden in foreground
Lahore Fort
After spending a peaceful morning at Shalimar Gardens, head to the Lahore Fort — a UNESCO World Heritage site, which once served as a royal residence for Mughal emperors. Though it has existed since the 11th century, the foundation of the modern fort dates back to the 16th century under the Mughal dynasty.
There are 21 notable monuments in the fort that are worth visiting, some of which date back to Akbar the Great’s period. Wandering around the Lahore Fort is a great introduction to the Mughal architecture and the city’s ancient history. Lahore Fort is open to the public between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM. The entry fee is 50 rupees for Pakistani citizens and 500 rupees for foreign visitors.
Badshahi Mosque
Badshahi Mosque
In the afternoon, arrive at the Badshahi Mosque, which sits opposite the Lahore Fort and is just a short walk away from the fort. Built in 1673 under the Mughal dynasty, it is one of Pakistan’s most famous historical sites, showcasing the architectural extravagance of the Mughal emperors. Its architectural style is inspired by Delhi’s Jama Masjid, and you will definitely notice the resemblance. The red sandstone exterior, triple marble domes, towering minarets, and intricate artwork are the distinctive features that make it the most impressive structure in the city. Lahore Fort’s Alamgiri Gate and Minar-e-Pakistan can be seen from its archways. There is no entrance fee to visit the Badshahi Mosque, and it is open daily to the public from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Note:
Entrance is free, but you will need to pay 20 rupees for shoe storage, as shoes must be removed before entering.
Evening View of Minar-e-Pakistan
Minar-e-Pakistan
Venture next to Minar-e-Pakistan, a monument built on the site where the Pakistan Resolution was passed in 1940, which led to the partition of Pakistan. It is situated just a few minutes’ walk from the Badshahi Mosque. Its design is an amalgamation of Mughal, modern, and Islamic architecture. Around Minar-e-Pakistan, there are plenty of manicured lawns that are filled with people picnicking and relaxing. Entry is free for all, and it is open around the clock.
Anarkali Bazar
Anarkali Bazaar
Spend the evening at the 200-year- old Anarkali Bazaar — one of the oldest markets in South Asia. A 10-minute drive from Minar-e-Pakistan will take you to the Anarkali Bazaar. It has two parts: Old Anarkali and New Anarkali. The older part of this bazaar is famous for its authentic Pakistani cuisine and street food, while New Anarkali features a variety of shops selling traditional clothes, jewelry, shoes, and other accessories. After window shopping your heart out, head to the Old Anarkali Food Street, which is located south of the Anarkali Bazaar. Waris Restaurant and Yasir Broast are the most celebrated names of this food street and are highly recommended for exotic dishes and local delicacies.
Waris Tikka and Nihari at Anarkali Bazzar
FAQs: How to Spend 48 Hours in Lahore
Here are some quick answers to the frequently asked questions I see most often about Lahore:
Are 48 Hours in Lahore Enough?
Two days or 48 hours in Lahore might be enough to cover the city’s historic places, but you may not have enough time to fully experience it. I would say the ideal time in Lahore for tourists is three days, which allows them to cover most major attractions and explore the modern part of the city.
Is Lahore Worth Visiting?
Yes, Lahore is definitely worth visiting for its vibrant culture, rich history, and mouth-watering food. It is the cultural capital of Pakistan and has plenty to offer for tourists and history buffs alike. Is Lahore a Walkable City? Lahore isn’t a very walkable city because of its large size and heavy traffic. However, the historic Walled City is pedestrian-friendly and great for exploring on foot.
Street food at Anarkali Bazaar
What to Eat in Lahore?
Lahore is famous for its delicious street food. When you are in Lahore, don’t forget to visit Shahi Muhalla near Badshahi Mosque and Anarkali’s food street to savor the flavors of local delicacies, such as kebabs, gol gappa, Jalebi, dahi bhalay, samosa, and papri chaat, while experiencing the lively street life.
Is Lahore Safe for Tourists?
Yes, Lahore is generally safe for tourists of all genders. When you’re out exploring, especially in crowded places, be aware of your surroundings. Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables.
Final Thoughts
Lahore is a vibrant, loud, and historical city, which doesn’t unfold gently over days. But for culture seekers and history buffs, it offers something rare: a sensory overload wrapped in historical charm. Give Lahore and its awe-striking monuments, medieval-era Old City, and fabled street markets a chance, and it may surprise you. In just 48 hours, tourists can see, eat, shop, and soak their way through a city that glows with historic richness and pulsates with the relentless rhythms of humanity.
