لاهور

Understand

Lahore is the second largest city in Pakistan with a population of roughly 8.5 million. The traditional capital of Punjab for a thousand years, it had been the cultural centre of Northern India extending from Peshawar to New Delhi. The origins of Lahore are shrouded in the mists of antiquity but Lahore is undoubtedly ancient.

Today, Lahore is certainly worth a visit, but don't come expecting a tranquil city overflowing with history, art and culture: these qualities do exist but are hidden under the surface of a sprawling, traffic clogged and polluted south Asian city. Forward planning is recommended if the tourist is going to get the most out of what Lahore has to offer - the time of year to visit, the choice of hotel, the restaurants to dine at, the art galleries and the shopping areas to frequent are all key to getting the most out of your stay.

Lahore is a relatively friendly and liberal city. There is an old saying, that in every Lahori, there is a Mughal prince. The city has known ages of cultural, intellectual, musical, literary and humanistic evolution, which has consequently led to the fermentation and over fermentation of this rich brew we call Lahore.

Get in

thumb|Allama Iqbal International Airport

Get around

Lahore is a huge and sprawling city. In the old town, walking or a tuk-tuk are your only options. You get to see a lot more on foot, just remember to wear comfortable shoes if you are going to be walking a great distance. Other than in winter, it will be too hot to walk long distances during the day. Sunday mornings are quiet and are a good time to explore.

Locals are generally helpful in providing directions to well-known spots. However, you should still ask two or three people to confirm the address, especially if you are driving. Using the GPS function on your phone can also be helpful.

See

thumb|Alamgiri Gate, Lahore Fort

thumb|Minar-e-Pakistan at night

Do

On Thursdays there is a regular Sufi gathering at the . The renowned drummer Pappoo Saein and his disciples perform on the huge two-sided dhol, and devotees of the saint enter trances and dance wildly as hundreds of people watch. There is a separate seating area for women and foreigners; this is very comfortable and has the best view in the enclosure. Catch a movie. Theaters include Sozo World (in Fortress Stadium), the DHA Cinema (R Block DHA near Defence Public School for Boys), Cinestar (Township), Cinegold (Bahria Town), or The Plaza Cinema (on Queen's Road). On Saturdays there is a regular "Movie night" organized by Lahore Film and Literary Club at South Asian Media Centre. The projector featuring full HD/Blu-ray 1080p resolution, followed by discussions after the films, available as part of the LFLC evenings. You can also interact with friends over a cup of coffee at the cafe which also serves as a perfect place to initiate debate or simply share an idea. The club offers other facilities with its literary club offering literary seminars, poetry readings and a library.

Lahore has long been a bastion for sport. An excursion to a polo game would be a memorable experience. Pakistan is one of only 8 nations to play polo professionally, and fields some 26 professional clubs. Lahore's most famous club is Lahore Polo Club, where emperors, kings and other notables have been playing for centuries. Foreign teams often play here in friendly games, and facilities are first rate. Cr…

Eat

Lahoris are famed for their food and for their consumption thereof. This is reflected in the array of restaurants in Lahore. thumb|Food street near Shahi Qila.

Drink

Alcohol is illegal for Muslim Pakistanis. Clubbing is quite popular but not easy to find, majority of the clubs being private and invite only.

Clubs Parties at Farmhouse Caviar Lounge, a bar/club in Royal Palm. Club Bhurban, in Pearl Continental hotel Uptown LA in Defence R block. The club opens after 11PM at night till 4AM in the morning Chalupa club. Disco beat in Muslim town. Bon vivant cafe Panini Italian Cafe. AK lounge:First floor shop4 and 5 in Xinhua mall in Gulberg 3. Cafe rock: 56 b3 Gulberg 3. Cafe forest: 57 T Gulberg. Chez Nur bistro: 39 C1 Gulberg 3.Tel:(92)35759835. Gulberg: 2B 3 Gulberg 3. Defence: 181/Y Block, phase three DHA. Cinamoon Coffee lounge and Bakery: Sharah e Quaid e Azam, Avari Hotel. Coffee tea and company: 3B3 Gulberg. Espresso: Chez Casa, Gulberg three. Florigelium: 73L, Gulberg. Gloria Jeans Coffee: Defence: 42Z, Commercial; and Gulberg: 25/2B, Kasuri road. Lahore Grand: Zafar Ali Road. Lums: DHA, Lahore Cantt. Mall of Lahore: 172 Tufail Road, Lahore Cantt. Hobnob Cafe:DHA phase 2. Jamin Java Cafe: Has three branches in Lahore mainly in Defence, Gulberg and Johar Town. Luciano at Ammar Belal: Kasuri road, Gulberg. Malees cafe: At Jail road and in Gulberg, three at MM.Alam road. White Dining Lounge: At MM.Alam road, Gulberg, Lahore. World Fashion cafe: Kasuri road, Gaulberg, Lahore. Roasters: Gulberg 3, Lahore. Nadia cafe: Pearl Continental Hotel, Sharah e Quaid e azam.

Sleep

For the visitor there are three broad options of areas in which to stay In or near the old town - has the advantage of having all the historical sights on your doorstep - however you are then limited for evening entertainment unless you want a long tuktuk ride. However the two 'rooftop' restaurants overlooking the mosque are nearby. Along Mall Road probably in one of the big and expensive chain hotels - you will be equidistant from the old town and the nightlife In Gulberg or Defense - where you will having the nice restaurants and shopping on your doorstep, and are nearer the airport.

These tradeoffs are important because of Lahore's awful traffic, and you want to minimise the amount of (daytime especially) travel in the city. Sunday mornings are very quiet however and this is a good time to visit Mall Road and the old town.

Hotels and guesthouses are the two main options in the city. Hotels are a bit more expensive but usually have western-style toilets and are cleaner.

Stay safe

Street crimes in Lahore are not common but special precautions must be taken by visitors.

Demonstrations aren't uncommon and should be avoided at all cost. In early 2006, the Prophet Muhammad cartoon protests quickly got out of hand, and several businesses were torched along with scores of cars. If a large demonstration or protest is underway, foreigners should try to remain at their hotels until the dust settles. In general, visitors will find the locals very curious, very eager to help. Being friendly and smiling at people goes a long way. If you're a woman, though, it's best to be sparing with smiles lest people get too friendly; though this is mostly in areas like bazaars, not the actual city. If you enter a mosque, women should wear a dupatta, which is a scarf used by local females to cover their heads. Men & women should also remove their shoes while entering in a mosque. Avoid traveling to unlit areas at night, especially alone. Use common sense when hanging out with friends, and definitely avoid being intoxicated in public as it is an Islamic country. Beware of pickpockets when you are in crowded areas like Liberty market, the airport, bus stands, the railway station, Anarkali, Ichra shopping centre, or Mall road.

In an emergency you can call police help line 15 or call Rescue Services at 1122.

Stay healthy

Lahore abounds with excellent street food, but unless you've been on the road for some time and developed an iron stomach, it's always wise to exercise some caution. Look for busier street stalls, especially those in Gowal Mandi (food street), and stick to food that's hot and has just been cooked. Salads can also cause problems - if you must, one of the fancier restaurants in Gulberg is probably a safer bet than eating a salad at a dhaba or street stall.

Bottled water is highly recommended. Some budget places offer free filtered water, but even that is suspect in Lahore.

Medical care is excellent for those who can afford it and, if you can, avoid public hospitals. The Fátima Memorial Hospital is usually a fair bet, with decent rates, good hygiene, and good care.

Doctors hospital on Canal and National Hospital in Defence Housing Authority offers excellent services but at a higher cost.

Farooq Hospital (West Wood Branch) near Thokar Niazbeg offer better Health services and is not very expensive.

Be aware that travelling as women only may be more challenging, as you will be the centre of a lot of attention, and a few people (taxi drivers and waiters) behave poorly (refusing to take you / give you the bill / telling you what you should be doing).