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Lahore is Pakistan’s cultural heart—vibrant, historic, and food-centric. Plan for warm hospitality, busy streets, and rich heritage sites.
Visa / entry requirements
- Check Pakistan’s eVisa system (https://visa.nadra.gov.pk) for eligible nationalities; many can get an eVisa for tourism/business.
- Required documents: valid passport (usually 6+ months validity), eVisa printout/approval, proof of accommodation, return ticket, and sometimes vaccination records.
- Arrival/immigration: have photocopies of passport and visa; expect routine questioning about stay and purpose.
Best time to visit
- October to March: ideal—cool, pleasant days and comfortable evenings.
- April to June: hot (can exceed 40°C/104°F by May–June).
- Monsoon (July–September): occasional heavy rain and humidity; summer festivals occur but heat is intense.
Safety tips
- Lahore is generally safe for tourists but exercise normal precautions: avoid isolated areas at night, watch belongings in crowded markets, and use trusted transport options.
- Stay updated on local advisories; political rallies can disrupt traffic or access to sites.
- Drink bottled water; avoid street ice and unpeeled raw produce unless you trust the vendor.
- Register with your embassy if recommended.
Local customs & etiquette
- Pakistan is culturally conservative—dress modestly. For women: cover shoulders and knees; carry a scarf for visiting religious sites. Men should avoid shorts in public.
- Greet with a handshake; some people (especially conservative or older) may prefer not to shake hands with the opposite sex—wait and follow their lead.
- Remove shoes before entering mosques and many homes.
- Public displays of affection are frowned upon.
- Accepting hospitality: if offered food or tea, it’s polite to accept at least a small amount.
Currency & money
- Currency: Pakistani Rupee (PKR). Cash is widely used; small vendors may not accept cards.
- ATMs available across the city; use bank ATMs and avoid isolated machines at night.
- Credit cards accepted in higher-end hotels, restaurants, and malls. Notify your bank before travel.
- Carry small change for rickshaws, street food, tips.
Transportation
- From the airport: taxis, app-based ride services (Careem, Uber where available), and hotel shuttles. Use official taxi counters or app rides to avoid overcharging.
- Within the city: tuk-tuks and rickshaws for short hops—agree fare beforehand or insist on the meter. Ride-hail apps offer safer, meter-based fares.
- Buses: public buses and private coaches run routes; can be crowded and slow.
- Driving: traffic is heavy and chaotic by Western standards—avoid driving unless experienced with local conditions.
- Rail: Lahore is a major rail hub if connecting from other Pakistani cities.
Must-know tips & local insights
- Food: Lahore is famed for its cuisine—try nihari, haleem, biryani, and street snacks (gol gappay, chaat). Eat at popular, busy stalls for better turnover and hygiene.
- Historical sites: must-visits include Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, Shalimar Gardens, and the Lahore Museum. Arrive early to avoid crowds and heat.
- Wagah Border ceremony: popular daily flag-lowering ceremony between India and Pakistan—expect crowds; arrive early for good seating.
- Shopping: Anarkali Bazaar and Liberty Market are great for textiles, traditional crafts, and jewelry. Bargain politely.
- Language: Urdu is national; Punjabi widely spoken. English is commonly used in tourism, business, and signage.
- Connectivity: buy a local SIM (Jazz, Telenor, Zong) at the airport or kiosks—bring passport copy for registration.
- Power & plugs: 230V, 50Hz. Plugs types C and D are common; bring an adapter.
- Tipping: customary in restaurants (10–15%) and for guides/porters.
Practical checklist
- Visa/eVisa approved and printed; passport with 6+ months validity
- Local currency (some cash) and card with bank notified
- Lightweight modest clothing, scarf for women
- Reusable water bottle, basic meds, and hand sanitizer
- Local SIM or roaming plan
- Addresses and phone numbers of accommodation and emergency contacts
Enjoyment tips
- Embrace the food scene; join a guided food walk to sample safely.
- Hire a local guide for historical neighborhoods to get context and avoid getting lost in the walled city.
- Keep a flexible schedule—traffic and crowds can affect timings.
Safe travels and enjoy Lahore’s warm hospitality and rich culture.