Lahore has long been known as Pakistan's cultural capital, owing largely to its beautiful architecture, well-regarded universities, celebrated music and literary scenes, and numerous museums and galleries. The Punjabi city is also home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens. Lahore is a major culinary hub that's known for its rich, meat-based dishes and filling flatbreads. While many of the best things to do in Lahore revolve around history and art, a lot of visitors come for the food, first and foremost.
The best time to visit Lahore is between November and March, when the weather is pleasantly cool. Many festivities take place during this season, too. These include Basant, known locally as Jashn-e-Baharaan, a Punjabi celebration of spring that was traditionally associated with kite-flying (though kite bans due to accidents from kite fighting have subdued the celebrations). The Mela Shalamar in March is another popular event, honoring the late Sufi saint Shah Hussain, whose shrine is on the outskirts of town.
Lahore has plenty of transportation options, including buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws. One of the easiest ways to see a lot in a short amount of time is by taking a guided city tour that includes transportation. Auto-rickshaws are easy to hail off the street, though the types commonly used in Lahore are somewhat enclosed, making it difficult to take in views of the city from the backseat.
For some of the best views of the Badshahi Mosque, head to Haveli Restaurant, situated on the popular Lahore Fort Road Food Street. Hosed in the 17th-century Haveli Khalil Khan, the restaurant is worth visiting for its beautiful architecture, characterized by wrought-iron railings and carved jharokhas (lattice-screened windows). The menu is extensive, with plenty of Lahori specialties and barbecued meats alongside a solid selection of Chinese and European dishes.
