Things to Do in Lucknow
There are ample things to do in Lucknow to rejuvenate your tired soul and to immerse into a wide array of memorable experiences. From strolling by the oldest lanes to having a historic tour and reminiscing the age of Nawabs, Lucknow offers tons of avenues to delight every kind of traveler.
If you’re a food lover then you can have a gastronomic tour of this city to experience the best of Nawabi taste and flavors. The visitors can even indulge into a joyous shopping experience, or they can buy chikankari clothes that reflect the splendor and transient nature of Indian crafts.
To reveal the best of Lucknow you can also take a heritage tour that will give you a chance to spot all the important landmarks of the city. Lucknow also offers tons of enthralling activities for the kids to keep the fun quotient high.
You can also stroll by the historical gardens to reveal the magnificent tales of this city or enjoy the panorama of nature at the lush green parks. Since it is filled with so many pleasurable things to do, it is quite difficult to pinpoint what to do in Lucknow! So get ready to experience the best of Lucknow by indulging in a range of activities that are on offer in this city!
If you are a history enthusiast and you want to relive the Sepoy Mutiny then a visit to the Residency Building in Lucknow is a must. Although, most of the structures are in ruins now, you can still visit the cemetery, the church and the graves of people who died in the Siege.
Address;
Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Deep Manak Nagar, Qaiserbagh.
Timing:
-The Residency remains open on all days except on Mondays and
-Holidays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Entry fee:
-The entry fee is Rs. 15 for Indian citizens and
-Rs. 200 for foreigners.
The Chota Imambara is an architectural marvel and its unique features are the chandeliers that adorn the structure -thereby goes the name as the Palace of Lights. Bought by the Nawab from Belgium these chandeliers are lit up during special festivals like Muharram. It is yet another one of the best Places to see in Lucknow.
Timing:
The Imambara remains open on all days from 6:00 am to 5:00pm. Best time to visit 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Address:
West of Bara Imambara, Lucknow, 226001.
Entry Fee: The entry fee to this place is
-Rs.25 for Indian visitors and
-Rs. 300 for foreigners.
This gate has been named after the famous thirteenth century Muslim Sufi mystic, Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi. The Rumi Darwaza is one of most famous Tourist attractions in Lucknow which is accessible by the public all day.
Address:
17/11, Hussainabad Road, Lajpat Nagar Colony.
Best time to visit:
-You should try visiting it when the weather is mild and not when it is extremely hot or cold.
-You should also visit it with time on hand, because it takes nearly an hour to see and understand the beauty of the structure.
If you are a history enthusiast and you want to relive the Sepoy Mutiny then a visit to the Residency Building in Lucknow is a must. Although, most of the structures are in ruins now, you can still visit the cemetery, the church and the graves of people who died in the Siege.
Address;
Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Deep Manak Nagar, Qaiserbagh.
Timing:
-The Residency remains open on all days except on Mondays and
-Holidays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Entry fee:
-The entry fee is Rs. 15 for Indian citizens and
-Rs. 200 for foreigners.
If you are looking for Tourist attractions in Lucknow that are rich in historical and cultural heritage, then you must pay a visit to the Chattar Manzil. Standing on the banks of the River Gomti, this palace has been home to the great Nawabs of Lucknow. The structure consists of the Bari and Choti Manzils of which only the Bari Manzil survives.
The Chattar Manzil should be on the top in your list of Places to visit in Lucknow. This historical structure has octagonal domes that cover the top of the individual structures. It is from these domes that the building gets its name Chattar or umbrella.
Address:
The Chattar Manzil is in Qaiserbagh.
Timing:
-It remains open 8:00 am to 6:00pm on all days except Sundays and to enjoy your trip visit Manzil when the weather is mild.
The Ambedkar Memorial Park in Lucknow too is one of the most important Places to see in Lucknow. It is also known as Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Samajik Parivartan Prateek Sthal. The park covers an area of one hundred and seven acres.
The park has museums and galleries commemorating the life of Ambedkar and other great freedom fighters of India. The entrance to the park is a unique one as both sides of the path are lined by sixty two majestic stone elephants.
Address:
Located in Vipul Khand 2, Gomti Nagar.
Best time to visit:
If you want to visit the Ambedkar Memorial Park then it is advisable that you do so when the weather is good, because on summer afternoons the heat is unbearable.
Timing:
The park remains open on all days from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Entry Fees:
The entry fee is Rs. 20 per head.
If you are an animal enthusiast then a visit to the Lucknow Zoological Garden must feature in your list of Places to visit in Lucknow. This zoo holds historical importance as well because it was built to commemorate the visit of Prince of Wales Edward VIII. The zoo covers nearly 71.9 acres of land and houses more than nine hundred species of animals, birds and reptiles.
Address:
The zoo is located in Hazratganj Road, Opposite to Civil Hospital, Lucknow 226001.
Timing:
The zoo remains open on all days except Mondays from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. However, since the zoo is primarily an open area, you should try visiting the zoo in the early hours of the day otherwise the heat will become intolerable.
Entry Fee:
- For adults (above 12) Rs.60.
- For kids (below 12) Rs.30.
The Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya Park is another endeavour by the Uttar Pradesh government to establish Lucknow as an important tourist spot for both Indians and foreigners. This park consists of four courtyards, a water body and fish and duck ponds.
It also has jogging tracks, modern day acupressure track and play areas for children. The park is covered with trees and is the ideal place to exercise and relax. The park also has a unique and modern rainwater harvesting facility within its grounds.
Address:
The address of the park is Vipin Khand, Gomti Nagar.
Timing:
The best time to visit the park is from January to March when the weather is good and you can visit all the places within the park grounds.
Entry Fee:
-Rs.5 for Adults (above 5yr.).
The Indira Gandhi Planetarium should feature amongst your list of Places to visit in Lucknow. This planetarium is entirely air-conditioned and has state of the art projectors. The shows in the planetarium are held in both Hindi and English, which makes it a favourite amongst children. The planetarium holds special shows from 6:00 pm onwards during summer vacations.
Address:
Located in 9, NabiUllah Road, Suraj Kund Park, Lucknow.
Timing:
-The planetarium also holds regular shows at 1:00 pm, 2:30 pm,
-4:00 pm and 5:00 pm every day.
If you want to watch the shows in English then you will have to purchase tickets for the first shows that are held on Saturday and Sunday. Rest of the shows throughout the week are held in Hindi.
Entry fee:
-The entry fee for the planetarium is Rs. 25 per head.
-For differently abled individuals the authorities do not charge any entry fees.
Hazratganj is a bustling market that lies in the heart of Lucknow. The foundation for this market was laid in the year 1827 by Nawab Nasiruddin Haider. However, the market was renamed in the year 1842 and came to be known as Hazratganj. It has been so named after Nawab Amjad Ali Shah who was known as ‘Hazrat’.
The market is rich in history as well as culture. If you are looking for beautiful chikankari items or exclusive handicrafts of Uttar Pradesh, then Hazratganj is the place to be. The best time to visit the market would be from October to March. During this time the weather in Lucknow is comfortable and you can do your shopping in peace.
Address:
Downtown Lucknow.
Timing:
-The market place remains open on all days of the week except on Sundays.
-Shops in the market remain open from 10:00 am in the morning to 11:00 pm at night.
The Jama Masjid is one of the most beautiful mosques in India. Built on lines similar to the one in Delhi, this mosque too is an architectural splendour. The construction of this mosque was started in 1839 by Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah Bahadur.
The mosque is rich in history and is one of the favourite haunts of history enthusiasts. The mosque has a central prayer hall with eleven massive arches. The pillars in the mosque are covered with beautiful and intricate carvings that are reminiscent of Indo-Islamic art.
Address:
Located in Tahseen Ganj, Husainabad, Lucknow.
Timing:
The mosque remains open to visitors for all days of the week from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm. However, you should try to visit the mosque during the early hours of the day, so that you can admire the architectural splendour of the mosque with ease.
Of all the major Places to visit in Lucknow Dilkusha Kothi holds a special place. It is the ruins of a house that was built on the lines of baroque houses found in England. Although, this house was the summer resort for Nawabs, yet it was built by a Britisher, Major Gore Ouseley.
The house stands witness to the splendour of British India. It was designed on lines of the major palaces and halls in England. The Kothi is a beautiful culmination of Indian and British style of art and architecture.
Address:
The Dilkusha Kothi lies four kilometres from the central market of Lucknow, i.e. Hazratganj.
Timing:
The Dilkusha Kothi remains open to visitors on all days of the week from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Entry Fee:
-Rs. 5.00 for Indians.
-Rs. 100 for foreigners.
The Constantia House is a part of the grounds of the La Martiniere College of Lucknow. It is also a major historical spot because during the Sepoy Mutiny the British forces had converted this house into a fortress. You can still see the plaques commemorating the contribution of the young students of La Martiniere College in protecting the Residency against the mutineers.
Other than being a historical spot, the Constantia House is also known for its extensive burial grounds.
Address:
The exact address of the building is La Martiniere Road Lucknow 226001.
Timing:
-The building remains open to visitors all days of the week from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and there is no entry fee.
-However, if you want to really enjoy your visit then try planning a trip some time from January to March.
The Lucknow State Museum is located within the grounds of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Gardens, in Banarasi Bagh. This museum has an extensive collection of archaeological artefacts, coins and paintings. You will also find a wide collection of ancient weapons and musical instruments in the museum.
Similarly, if you want to learn about your country’s history then a trip to this museum must feature on your list of top Places to visit in Lucknow.
Address:
Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Gardens, in Banarasi Bagh.
Timing:
The museum remains open on all days except on Mondays from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm for all visitors.
Entry fee:
-Rs.5 per person for Adults,
-Rs.3 per child.
-For foreigners the entry fee is Rs. 100 per head.
If you are looking for a place to sit and meditate then you should pay a visit to the Shri Ram Krishna Math in Lucknow. The Math stays true to the principles of Swami Vivekananda and welcomes all visitors with open arms. The widespread grounds of the Math and its well kept temple grounds add to the serenity of the place.
The temple has been made using white marble and red sandstone. The incorporation of red sandstone in the temple commemorates the Mughal heritage of the city.
Address:
The Math is located at IT Crossing, Nirala Nagar.
Timing:
-8:30 am to 12 noon on all week days,
-and from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
The Math remains closed from 12 noon to 4:30 pm.
Best time to visit:
January to March, so that you can enjoy the temple grounds as well.
If you want to visit a place that has been built on the lines of the Leaning Tower of Pisa then pay a visit to Satkhanda in Lucknow. It is a historical spot in Hussainabad and it stands just outside the grounds of the Chota Imambara of Lucknow. The construction of this tower was started by King Mohammed Ali Shah.
However with the death of the Nawab the construction of the watch tower was abandoned. Hence, only four levels of the tower had been built. Originally, it was planned that the tower would have seven levels and hence, the name ‘Satkhanda’. It is one of the major landmarks of Lucknow.
Address:
Outside the grounds of the Chota Imambara of Lucknow.
Timing:
- 24*7.
The Janeshwar Mishra Park has been developed by the Lucknow Development Authority to provide city dwellers a chance to enjoy a recreational facility that is lush, green and environment friendly. The greenery in the park also provides a suitable habitat for various species of birds.
The water bodies within the park attract migratory birds, which are rare sights in a busy city like Lucknow. The best time to visit the park would be during the months of January, February and March. The park is nearly 376 acres in size.
Address:
It is located at Patrakarpuram Road on the outskirts of Gomti Nagar.
Timing:
5:00 am to 9:00 pm on all days of the week.
Entry fee:
- Rs. 100 for gondola ride.
This monument was built to pay tribute to the mutineers of the Revolt of 1857 who have been recognized as the first freedom fighters of India. The Shaheed Smarak stands opposite the Residency Building in Lucknow. The white monolith pays homage to all those unknown soldiers who laid down their lives in the hope to free India from British dominance.
When you visit the Smarak you must pay tribute to the fallen heroes of India. After that you can enjoy walking in the gardens that surround the structure. You can also go for paddle boat rides in the water body near the Smarak.
Address:
The exact address of the Shaheed Smarak is Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Mukarimnagar, Qaiserbagh Lucknow.
Timing:
- 24*7.
Lucknow is known for its architecture and grandeur. Among the list of palaces is the Firangi Mahal. During the reign of the Mughal emporer Aurangzeb, this grand monument belonged to a French businessman named Neal who lived here with other French traders. Situated between the Victoria Road and the popular Chowk of Lucknow, the building is no less than a palace. It was confiscated by the government of Aurangzeb and was transferred to the emperor’s properties.
Moreover, Aurangzeb’s consultants used this building for imparting Islamic education and it soon became one like the Oxford in popularity. The place has a special significance for Islamic heritage and culture and its preservation. Once a centre of learning and culture, this palace is open for tourists who want to witness the Islamic culture of that era. While you are in Lucknow, you should surely visit this grand monument.
Location:
Situated between the Victoria Road and the popular Chowk of Lucknow.
Timing:
24/7.
This monument built by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan is also known as the Pearl Palace. Situated on the banks of River Gomti, it was used by the royal family of Lucknow to watch animals on the other side of the river as well as bird-watching. The palace derives its name from its white pearl-like appearance.
If you visit the Moti Mahal, you also get to visit two other buildings Shah Manzil and Mubarak Manzil which were built on both sides of the Pearl Palace and are presently being used as government offices. Once, the monument also acted as an important building for enemy operations at that time; today, its lawns are used for public events like exhibitions and parties.
Address:
Situated on the banks of River Gomti.
TIming:
The palace is open for visitors from 11 am to 11 pm.
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Lucknow Things To Do FAQs
What are the best things to do in Lucknow?
Here we have shortlisted some of the must-try activities so that even if it is a short trip, you know what to do in Lucknow!
1. Try to figure out your way to the top at Bhool Bhulaiya!
This unique architectural structure is a part of the Bara Imambara complex and consists of a labyrinth with 500 odd identical doorways! It is believed that it is here that the Nawab of Awadh liked playing hide and seek with his wives!
Legend says if you figure out your way properly, you may find the hidden treasure! And if you manage to seek your way out to the top, you are endowed with a breathtaking view of Lucknow.
The main complex of Bara Imambara is a Mughal complex built by the fourth Nawab of Awadh and is replete with courtyards, gateways, and step wells connected by an arched central hall where you can gasp into the tales of the bygone era!
2. Take a stroll in the historical gardens of the British Residency
The British Residency has a collection of gardens and buildings, all of which reek of the repercussions of the first breakthrough with the freedom struggle- the mutiny of 1857! When the Indians came out all guns blazing, 3000 British soldiers sought refuge here.
In fact, you can even see the age-old cannon and bullet marks here! You can take a stroll in these historical gardens to seep into the rich history of Lucknow, and this is also considered to be one of the best things to do in Lucknow.
3. Buy yourself a treat at Tunday Kebabi
This simple restaurant undoubtedly serves the best culinary fare in the city! If you do not reach early, you may find that you do not get a seat even on a weekday! Their specialty is the tunde ke kabab- galawati kebab made of buffalo meat!
You may have had the dish elsewhere, but this is the most authentic version of it! Apart from this, the restaurant serves a plethora of kebab platters and biryani varieties, all of which will leave you salivating!
4. Take a heritage walk
This is an initiative of the Uttar Pradesh government, where you can have a guided tour of all the important landmarks of the city! An English speaking guide meets you at Tila Wali Masjid and guides you while taking you around the architectural complexes, mosques, food havens, and shopping zones!
5. Bargain for a good chikankari piece at Hazratganj
There is not a single shade of color of chikankari clothes that you will not see in the vibrant local bazaar of Hazratganj! The lanes of this market are dotted with chikan shops, selling all types of kurtas and sarees in cotton, muslin, and organza.
You can also buy dupattas, bangles, bindis, jewelry, and everything else under the sun here! And the best part is you can even bargain to get a great discount on these items!
What are the best things to do in Lucknow with kids?
So you have brought your kids along and don’t know what to do in Lucknow that will interest them? Here is the list of some of the best things to do in Lucknow, with kids!
1. A playdate with Royal Bengal Tigers
The Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological garden houses over 400 species of animals and birds, including Asiatic lions and Royal Bengal Tigers! Your kid will be intrigued by the sheer beauty and majesty of the plethora of animals living here!
And to make it more enjoyable for them, the zoo also offers a toy train ride for the kids! You can even take your kids into the Uttar Pradesh State Museum, located in the premises of the zoo!
2. Take the water slides at Anandi Water Park!
Kids and water are a combination that rarely goes wrong! Anandi Water park has many water slides and shallow pools where you can safely leave your child to have a splash! This water park also offers a few fun rides, a water play area, and slides to accelerate the fun quotient of the kids! On the weekend, the park is thronged with tourists as well as locals alike.
What is Lucknow famous for?
Lucknow is famed for having a rich heritage and culture that reflects in its architecture, food, music, and sartorial style. The imprint of this culture can be seen all over the city: from the obscure Safed Baradari to the Imambaras.
It also holds the reputation for having a happening classical music and dance scene, and Kathak is reputed worldwide! The Lucknow gharana is famed worldwide for the facial expressions used to communicate the story, with a list of famed exponents like Nawab Wjid Ali Shah and Pandit Birju Maharaj!
It is also extremely renowned for chikankari work- which has been incorporated by even Manish Malhotra in his clothes!
Which dish is Lucknow famous for?
It would be unfair to pinpoint just one dish from the diverse culinary spread of the city, so we are going to provide you with a few to choose from! And you should definitely indulge in a gastronomical tour as it is one of the top things to do in Lucknow!
1. Kakori kebab
One of the top picks among the kebabs you need to try; this goes best with the pudina chutney! You could try these at Tunday kababi itself!
2. Chicken Pasanda
Chicken, cheese, and khoya- what could go wrong? Topped with coconut cashew sauce, this is a lip-smacking dish that will leave you wanting for more. The best place to have it is probably at the Chowk.
3. Galawati kebab
The most famous dish of the city was created by the nawab’s chef when the old nawab of Lucknow faced difficulty in chewing the food. This kebab specialty is extremely mouthwatering and melts in your mouth with every bite!
4. Shahi tukda
The traditional Mughlai dessert, this dish can be found here in its most authentic form! Made of bread, milk and dry fruits with saffron sprinkled on top, the shahi tukda will be the perfect culmination of your food walk in the city!
Which place is best for shopping in Lucknow?
Considering it is a treasure trove of varied types of ornaments and fabrics, going on a shopping spree is one of the top things to do in Lucknow! But you need to know the right places to look in, and you should be good at haggling!
1. Hazratganj
If you ask a local what to do in Lucknow- he will definitely direct you here! Located in the middle of the city, Hazratganj has every type of ethnic attire and fabric you could want! On top of that, the streets are lined with bangle shops that sell multi-colored bangle varieties!
But the best things to pick out from here are the chikankari pieces, khadi attires, handwoven sarees, and glass bangles!
2. The Chowk
Located near the Bada Imambara, this local market is a treasure trove of handicrafts and jewelry items! You can also find here chikankari kurtas and traditional zardozi fabric that are the heritage of Lucknow. Apart from this, it is a shoe paradise, and you can buy juttis and Nagra footwear at a low price here!
3. Aminabad Market
This is where you will find the celebrated Dupatta Mahal, which sells the best fabrics in the city! Apart from that, you can also buy chikan kurtas, bedsheets, and sarees here!
How to reach Lucknow?
Lucknow is well-connected to all the major cities in India by various modes of communication that we have enlisted below.
- By Air
The Amausi Airport (LKO) is the main airport of Lucknow, and it receives daily from all the major cities of the country- Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kochi, etc.
- By Train
Lucknow is well connected to the rest of the country via the extensive rail network of the country. It has a number of railway stations, of which the most important ones are Lucknow Charbagh, Badshahnagar, Lucknow Junction and Alamnagar. Most of the trains run quite frequently( 3-4 times a week).
- By Bus
Kaisarbagh is the primary bus station in the city, and it has buses coming in from many states daily.
What is the best time to visit Lucknow?
- March to April(Early summer) is the best time to visit Lucknow as the weather remains extremely pleasant. You should, however, refrain from visiting Lucknow in May, June, and July, which are the main summer months as it becomes sweltering hot during this time in Lucknow.
- Monsoon(July-September) may bring moderate rainfall but the weather in Lucknow remains pleasant during this time.
- Winter( November to March) is a good time to visit Lucknow as the weather remains pleasant during this time. You may need to pack heavy woolens as the nights are pretty cold during this time!
Is Lucknow safe for tourists?
It is the safest city in the whole state of Uttar Pradesh! So you might not worry about your safety once you’re over here. However, be careful about conveyance as you may not get any transportation medium late at night.
