Lahore, Pakistan | World’s Best Cities

Lahore, Pakistan

Pakistan’s cultural capital reveals its ancient history with every step, from the Mughal-era landmarks like the grand Badshahi Mosque to its intricate Lahore Fort and the serene Shalimar Gardens. Lahore’s #40 Sights & Landmarks ranking is testament to centuries of architectural and artistic excellence. The city’s poetic soul finds expression in its rich literary traditions, with iconic names like Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Allama Iqbal rooted in its cultural fabric. The bounty inspires millions of modern storytellers who give the city a Top 5 Facebook Check-ins ranking and #17 spot for Instagram Hashtags. Lahore’s relative affordability only helps in drawing artists and bards of a new generation. They come for ancient inspiration, of course, but also for the bustling bazaars such as Anarkali and Liberty Market that offer everything from handcrafted textiles to aromatic spices. Food lovers flock to the famous Gawalmandi Food Street, where the smoky flavors of kebabs and the tang of Lahori fish evoke the city’s culinary mastery. With a GDP per capita rank among the highest in Pakistan, the city has become a magnet for domestic and foreign investment, from new transit to green spaces across the city. Lahore’s burgeoning IT sector further underscores its role as a national economic engine.