Lahore is Pakistan's most interesting city, the cultural, intellectual and artistic centre of the nation. Its faded elegance, busy streets and bazaars, and wide variety of Islamic and British architecture make it a city full of atmosphere, contrast and surprise. Being the center of cultural and literary activities it may rightly be called the cultural capital of Pakistan. The warm and receptive people of Lahore are known for their traditional hospitality.

Lahore consists of an old city area flanked on the southeast by newer commercial, industrial, and residential areas that are in turn ringed by suburbs. Notable structures within the old city include the mosque of Wazir Khan (1634) and Lahore Fort. A walled complex that covers some 36 acres (14.5 hectares), the fort is a splendid example of Mughal architecture. The mosque and the fort are decorated in marble and kashi, or encaustic tile work. Other historic landmarks include the Badshahi (Imperial) Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world; the 14-foot- (4.3-metre-) long Zamzama, or Zam-Zammah, a cannon; Ranjit Singh's buildings and mausoleum; the Shahdara gardens, and the magnificent Shalimar Garden. The fort and Shalimar Garden were added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1981.

The main attraction of the city is its beautiful Architecture and bustling Bazaars. The Moghul buildings are probably the most attractive. On an average one can easily spend two full days of sightseeing here. There are numerous mosques monuments bazaars, evening Musical programs and a variety Lifestyle in the city. The Lahore Museum is the largest in the country and houses articles from all over the country.

The massively fortified walls of Lahore Fort speak eloquently of the centuries of passing history that they have witnessed. The fort encloses an area of approximately thirty acres and it is possible to spend many hours wandering there, lost in contemplation of times gone by, trying to reconstruct in your imagination a way of life that the world will never see again.

Lahore is a fun city to walk through. Be sure to visit some of the small markets and shops (the Anarkali bazaar will keep you busy) and spend time at the British-built Mall, and a relatively new and modern shopping area (Gulberg). If you’re in Lahore in late February or early March try to see the National Horse and Cattle Show Pakistan’s version of a rodeo featuring equestrian competitions camel and tent-pegging displays dancers from the provinces and music concerts.

The city has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. It is a fine place to watch the world rush by. The improbable mix of painted trucks, cars, bullock carts, buses, handcarts, and scooters with whole families.

Lahore offers some delightful picnic spots. Tourists can find shady groves and green carpets at Shalamar Gardens, Jehangir's Tomb and the Jinnah Gardens, the Jallo Park the newly built lqbal Park and Changa Manga Forests. Boats can be hired at the river Ravi, or at Baradari, another of the riverside pleasure-houses built by the Mughals and an ideal place for relaxation.

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