There is a famous saying, "Jinne Lahore nai wekhya, unna ne kuch nai wekhya", meaning ‘One who hasn't seen Lahore is one who hasn't seen anything'.  Truly, this is no exaggeration! Lahore is an ancient city and has a wealth of history reflected in beautiful buildings, ancient bazaars, fabulous museums, lively festivals, delicious cuisine and a thriving and colorful culture. The city shows the influence of both the Mughal Empire (the 900 year old Muslim Dynasty Empire that ruled the entire Indian sub-continent) as well as British Rule after the Mughals. Lahore is the second largest city in Pakistan and is also referred to as "The Heart of Pakistan", not least because Lahorites, the locals, are larger than life and full of a zest for living. Lahore is located in the province of Punjab and the prevalent local dialect is "Punjabi" even though Urdu, the national language of Pakistan , as well as English, are spoken widely. Punjabi is a very 'colorful' and expressive language and as such, it reflects the truly colorful personalities of the Punjabis!

 Must-See Places:

1.                         Badshai Masjid (Emperor's Mosque):  The mosque was built in 1673 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. It is a breathtaking structure built of red sandstone and is an excellent example of the grandeur and intricate handiwork of Mughal architecture. It can accommodate north of 50 thousand people making it the second largest mosque in Pakistan.

2.                         Shahi Qila (Royal Fort): Otherwise known as The Lahore Fort, it is unclear when this fort was built. It dates back to well before 1025 AD. In 1981, the fort was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the famous sites within the fort are: Sheesh Mahal ( Palace of Mirrors ), Alamgiri Gate, Naulakha (Nine gem) Pavilion and Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque). The fort is 1,400 feet long and 1,115 feet wide.

3.                         Shalimar Bagh ( Shalimar Gardens):  These gorgeous gardens were built in 1641 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who later built the Taj Mahal in Agra ( India ) for his deceased wife. The Shalimar Gardens are famous for the detailed and intricate craftsmanship of its architecture. The gardens are laid out in three terraces, one on top of the other: the upper terrace is named Farah Baksh which means Bestower of Pleasure, the middle terrace is named Faiz Baksh which means Bestower of Goodness and the lower terrace is named Hayat Baksh which means Bestower of Life. The gardens feature a total of 410 fountains! The gardens are 658 meters north to south and 258 meters east to west. In 1981, Shalimar Gardens were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gardens are a popular picnic site for Lahorites.

4.                         Jehangir Ka Maqbara (Jehangir’s Tomb):   This is the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Jehangir who was in power from 1605 AD till 1627 AD. Jehangir’s son, Shah Jahan, built the tomb 10 years after his father’s death. The tomb is located in the center of a garden enclosed by walls. The tomb features four beautiful minarets each of which is 30 meters high. The interior of the tomb decorated with frescoes and intricate inlays as well as colored marble. The corridor around the mausoleum features breathtaking mosaics with flowers and Islamic verses. The interior of the mausoleum is an elevated tomb of white marble with mosaics. This tomb has the same architectural design as the Taj Mahal . On two sides of the tomb, the ninety-nine attributes of God are inlaid in black and gorgeous marble lace-like patterned stones allow light in.

5.                         Nur Jehan Ka Maqbara (Nur Jehan’s Tomb):  The name ‘Nur Jehan’ means ‘Light of the World’ which certainly befits this Mughal Empress (original name Mehr-un-Nissa) whose life was full of palace intrigue and political plotting of her own making. Nur Jehan’s life story deserves a book in its own right…she was the ultimate heroine with beauty, brains, a lust for power and an ability to manipulate men to her own desires. She lived from 1577 AD till 1645 AD. She was the twentieth, and favorite, wife of Mughal Emperor Jehangir, who was her second husband. Their love story is a local legand. In 1611, Jehangir saw Nur Jehan for the first time at a palace spring festival, called Nauroz (Nine Days). Jehangir became so besotted with her that he proposed immediately and they were married on the 25th of May of that year, 1611 AD, and thus Nur Jehan became his twentieth wife and was named Nur Mahal ("Light of the Palace"). In 1616, she was awarded the title Nur Jehan. Jahangir's actual name was Nur-ud-din Muhammad, and thus the name that he gave to his wife was his own first name combined with the first part of his regal name. When Jehangir died, Nur Jehan's brother Asaf Khan took the side of his son-in-law Khurrum against his sister. It was Khurram who became new Mughal emperor under the regal name Shah Jahan. Nur Jehan was confined to a comfortable mansion for the rest of her life. Nur Jehan died in 1645 AD and is buried near the tomb of Jahangir. Her brother Asaf's tomb is also located nearby.

6.                         Anaarkali (Pomegranate Blossom) Bazaar: Anaarkali Bazaar is an invitation to step into the hustle and bustle of an ancient era which is still alive & well! Anaarkali was the name of a renowned courtesan of Mughal Emperor Akbar’s time. The Bazaar is on Aibak Road . The narrow alleys and lanes of this bazaar are full of traditional wares like leather articles, embroidered garments, glass bangles, beaten gold and silver jewelry, and creations in silk. Amongst all the shops and stalls are old eateries with traditional snack food such as Chaat, Dahi Barray, etc. It is a great shopping and cultural experience but go with someone who is local and beware of pick pockets! The grave of Sultan Qutub-ud-din Aibak, who died falling off his horse while playing polo, is also located in Anaarkali Bazaar.

7.                         Chauburji or Char Minar (The Four Towers ): Chauburji is the gateway to the Garden of Zeb-un-nisa which was known to have existed in the Mughal era. The garden is attributed to Mughal Princess Zeb-un-Nissa, the accomplished daughter of Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb, in 1646 AD. This appears in one of the inscriptions on the gateway. The gateway consists of four towers (chau: four, burji: tower) and contains much of the brilliant tile work with which the entire entrance was once covered. The architecture of Chauburji represents a strong blend of Mughal architecture with ancient Muslim style of building. It has four minarets, which expand from the top (unique in the subcontinent). Some believe that there were dome-shaped roofs on the top of  these minarets which collapsed over time. The arches are Tudor style, adapted to Islamic architecture. The red brickwork is typical of Muslim buildings of the sub-continent. The main purpose of building Chauburji appears to be strictly monumental. The decrepit building, which has not lost its elegance, stands alone surrounded by hoardings and bustling traffic on the busy Multan Road . This garden is believed to have been extended from Nawankot in the south to the main city of Lahore towards north. However, no traces of such an expansive garden are now available. An inscription on the eastern archway records that the garden was built in 1646 A.D. Although most of the inscriptions have been lost, on the upper-most part of the construction Ayat-ul-Kursi can be seen in Arabic script in blue and worked in porcelain. Others include two couplets written in Persian above the arch: “This garden, in the pattern of the garden of Paradise , has been founded (missing line)... The garden has been bestowed on Mian Bai. By the bounty of Zebinda Begum, the Lady of the Age." It is thus understood that it was commissioned by Sahib-e-Zebinda (one endowed with elegance), Begum-e- Dauran (Lady of Ages) and was bestowed upon Mian Bai Fakhrunnisa (Pride of Women), the favorite female attendant of the princess.

9.                         Mosques of Lahore : Although the Badshai Mosque may be the most famous mosque in Lahore , the city is replete with splendidly built mosque that would be a pity for any traveler to miss. Some must-sees include: A) Dai Anga Masjid (Nurse Anga’s Mosque) is a mosque situated near the railway station. It is named after Dai Anga, a nurse whose real name was Zebunnisa. She was a wet nurse of the Mughul Emperor, Shah Jehan, and respected in the royal house. She built this mosque in 1635 A.D. The tomb of Dai Anga is known as the Gulabi Bagh (Rose Garden),B) Suneri Masjid (Golden Mosque) The founder of the mosque was Nawab Syed Bhikari Khan, son of Raushan-ud-Daula Turrabaz Khan, deputy governor of Lahore during the reign of Muhammad Shah and the viceroyalty of Mir Noin-ul-Malik. The Golden Mosque is situated in the Kashmiri Bazaar. It was built in 1753 AD. It features three beautiful golden domes. The mosque is elevated on a higher plinth, surrounded by old bazaars. It has a beautiful gateway, which measures 21.3 meters in length and a courtyard that measures 161.5 x 160.6 meters. The marble domes cover seven prayer chambers. Four lofty minarets stand at the four corners of the mosque, each with an outer circumference of 20 meters, soaring up to 54 meters. C) Wazir Khan Masjid (Wazir Khan Mosque): is famous for its extensive tile work. It has been described as ' a mole on the cheek of Lahore '. It was built in seven years, starting around 1634-1635 AD during the reign of the Mughul Emperor Shah Jehan. It was built by Shaikh Ilm-ud-din Ansari, a native of Chiniot, who rose to be the court physician to Shah Jehan and later, the Governor of Lahore. He was commonly known as Wazir Khan. (The word wazir means 'minister' in the Urdu language.) The mosque is located inside the Inner (or Walled) City and is easiest accessed from the Delhi Gate.  D) Other Mosques:  Masjid-e-Shuhda (Martyr's Mosque), Mosque of Mariyam Zamani Begum, the Lahori Gate Mosque and the Jamia Hajveria Mosque.

10.                      Bibi Paak Daaman is the name given to the shrine of Ruqayah bint Ali. Legend has it that it holds the graves of six ladies from Prophet Muhammad's household (Ahl Al-Bayt). Ruqayah bint Ali ibn Abu Talib was the daughter of first Shiah Imam Ali ibn Abu-Taalib (the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad) with his wife Umalbanin bint Huzaam. Ruqayah bint Ali was the full sister of Hadrat Abbas ibn Ali and also the wife of Muslim ibn Aqeel (emissary of third Shi'a Imam Husayn ibn Ali to Kufah). Others are said to be Muslim ibn Aqil's sister and daughters. It is said that these ladies came here after the event of the battle of Karbala on the 10th day of the month of Muharram in 61 AH (October 10, AD 680). Some scholars consider Ruqayah to have been the daughter of Sayid Ahmed Tokhta (12th century). Bibi Paak Daaman is located between Garhi Shahu and the Railway Station. The easiest way to go to Bibi Paak Daaman is from the Empress Road and from there, take the small road opposite Police Lines and then the first left-turn.

11.                      Daata Durbar (The Giver’s Pavilion): Data Durbar is the tomb of Hazrat Syed Abul Hassan Bin Usman Bin Ali Al-Hajweri, the famous Sufi saint of Iran . Hundreds of thousands of people come each year to the Durbar to pay their respects, say their prayers and make wishes. The Durbar also features Sufis dancing in a trance to Sufi music…it is truly a sight to behold. The large arena also includes Jamia Hajveria, or Hajveri Mosque. The Durbar is a must-see to experience the devotional/musical aspect of Islam.

12.                      Anderoon-E-Shehr (The Inner City): The Walled City of Lahore, also known as the " Old City" is the section of Lahore that was fortified by a city wall during the Mughal era. The Walled City of Lahore covers an area of 256 ha with a population of 200,000. The ancient and picturesque streets of the inner city remain almost intact. The Walled City has 13 gates which included ; Akbari Gate, Bhati Gate, Delhi Gate, Kashmiri Gate, Lohari Gate, Masti Gate, Mochi Gate, Mori Gate, Roshnai Gate, Shahalmi Gate, Shairanwala Gate, Taxali Gate, and Yakki Gate. All of these gates survived till 19th Century when the British, to derfortify the city, demolished almost all of the gates except Roshnai Gate. After that, some were rebuilt except for Delhi Gate and Lohari Gate as simpler structures. Shahalmi Gate was burnt to the ground during the roits of 1947 while Akbari Gate was also demolished for repairs but was never rebuilt . Today only 6 out of 13 gates survives which are: Bhati Gate, Delhi Gate, Kashmiri Gate, Lohari Gate, Roshnai Gate and Shairanwala Gate. Nevertheless, visiting the old city is one of the best ways to experience the ancient history of the city!

13.                      Heera Mandi (The Diamond Market) (The Red Light District):  This area is also known as Shahi Mohalla (Royal Neighborhood) due to its proximity to the royal quarters of the Mughals and was the center of the city's ‘Tawaif’ or courtesan culture in the Mughal era. The beautiful women here offer traditional and classical dances called ‘Mujras’ in addition to prostitution services. Heera Mandi is located in the northwest corner of the Walled City of Lahore, next to Roshnai Gate, Badshahi Masjid, Lahore Fort, and Hazuri Bagh. During the day the place is much like other Pakistani baazars and is also known for its good food, khussa (shoes) and the shops for musical instruments.

14.                      Minar-e-Pakistan (The Tower of Pakistan):  The Minar-e-Pakistan is a tall concrete unique minaret in Iqbal Park . It is about 60 meters high. It is officially recognized as the National Monument of Pakistan . This is the site where on March 23,1940, seven years before the formation of Pakistan , the Muslim League passed the ‘Lahore Resolution’, which is now referred to as the Pakistan Resolution. This was the first official declaration to establish a separate homeland for the Muslims living in the subcontinent. Pakistan now celebrates this day as a national holiday each year. The base of this tower is raised approximately four meters from the ground. It rises approximately 13 meters, forming a sculpted, flower-like base. From this point, it tapers as it rises. The base platform is shaped like a five-pointed star and it encloses crescent shaped pools. The tower is constructed of reinforced concrete, with the floors and walls rendered in stone and marble. It is a beautiful monument.

15.                      Mazaar-E-Iqbal (Tomb of Allama Iqbal): The Tomb of Allama Muhammad Iqbal is located in the Hazuri Bagh Lawn in the area where the Badshahi Mosque and the Lahore Fort face each other. The tomb is rectangular in shape and has two gates, one at the eastern and the other at the southern side, inlaid with marble. The grave is built of white marble. The tombstone is made of lapis lazuli and inscribed with Quranic verses in calligraphy. The tomb took thirteen years to build. The architecture reflects a combination of Afghan and Moorish styles and is entirely constructed of red sandstone. Iqbal was one of the major inspirations behind the Pakistan Movement, and is revered in Pakistan as Muffakir-e-Pakistan (The Thinker of Pakistan) or Shair-e-Mashriq (The Poet of the East). Iqbal died on April 21, 1938 in Lahore at the age of 60. The recently renovated Lahore airport has been named after him as Allama Iqbal International Airport . Hundreds of visitors come to the tomb every day to pay their respects to the poet-philosopher.

16.                      Iqbal Park (formally ' Manto Park '): This is a large and lush green space accommodating Minar-e-Pakistan.

17.                      Bagh-e-Jinnah (Jinnah's Garden): This is a historical park formerly known as Lawrence Gardens . The lush and large green space contains a botanical garden, a mosque, and a gorgeously constructed Jinnah library situated in a Victorian designed building. There are also entertainment and sports facilities within the park including an open-air theatre, a restaurant, tennis courts and the Gymkhana Cricket Ground. It is located on Lawrence Road next to Lahore Zoo, directly across from the Governor's House on The Mall. The park also has a tomb of a Shiite ' Sufi known as Baba Turat Muraad Shah which attracts a heavy number of visitors.

18.                      Hazuri Bagh ( Hazuri Garden ): This is a historic garden which has the Lahore Fort’s Alamgiri Gate on its Eastern side, the Badshai Mosque on its Western side, the Samadhi of Ranjit Singh on its Northern side and the Roshnai Gate on its Southern side. The Hazuri Bagh Baradari (Huzuri Garden Pavilion), built by Ranjit Singh, stands in the center of all this architectural greatness. This garden was built by Maharajah Ranjit Singh in 1813 to celebrate the capture of the famous Koh-i-Noor ( Mountain of Light) Diamond from Shah Shujah of Afghanistan . The Sera-I-Alamgiri (The Alamgiri Inn) formerly stood here. The garden was planned and built under the supervision of Faqir Azizuddin. After its completion, Maharajah Ranjit Singh allegedly ordered that marble be removed from various mausoleums of Lahore to construct a baradari (pavilion) here. This task was given to Khalifa Nooruddin. Elegant carved marble pillars support the baradari’s delicate cusped arches. The central area, where Ranjit Singh held court, has a mirrored ceiling. Both the garden and the baradari, originally a 45-foot, three-storey square with a basement approached by fifteen steps, suffered extensive damage during the Sikh wars and was only reclaimed and laid out according to the original plan during the British period. On 19th July, 1932, the uppermost story collapsed and was never reconstructed. Every Sunday afternoon, people gather in the gardens to hear people recite traditional Punjabi Qisse (Punjabi romantic legends or folk lore), such as Heer Ranjha and Sassi Punnun, and other Punjabi Sufi poetry. The tomb of Muhammad Iqbal lies within the garden.

19.                      Aitchison College : This is a magnificently built semi-private boys' boarding university-preparatory school. Aitchison College is the lineal descendant of the wards’ School at Ambala and the Chiefs’ Colleges. The college sprawls on a gorgeous 186 acre campus. Aitchison College was established on November 3, 1886, when the cornerstone of the school was laid by Frederick Hamilton-Temple-Blackwood, Earl of Dufferin, at the time Governor-General of India. The college was named after Charles Umpherston Aitchison, lieutenant governor of the Punjab at the time of the college's establishment. Starting off as a purely boarding school with one main teaching block, the college has evolved into a renowned institution with a multitude of facilities. Please note that there is no public access to the college so it is best to have a drive around the campus to enjoy its beauty.