Lucknow has long been synonymous with exquisite craftsmanship, classical music and the gentle art of refined hospitality. Walking through its bustling streets, you’ll find remnants of its regal past, from the awe-inspiring Bara Imambara, an 18th-century architectural marvel, to the intricate chikankari embroidery that has made the city a global name in fashion. No wonder Lucknow ranks an impressive #36 in our overall Lovability index. The #8-ranked Facebook Check-ins and #23-ranked Google Trends are helped by the city’s food scene, celebrated for its kebabs and biryanis, as well as a packed festivals calendar featuring events like the Lucknow Mahotsav, a showcase of rich local heritage, from Kathak performances to poetry recitals in Urdu. And Lucknow is making it easy to gather here. The Gomti Riverfront Park and revamped Janeshwar Mishra Park offer tranquil escapes, reflecting the city’s focus on enhancing public spaces and quality of life, while the construction of a new integrated bus terminal and the expansion of Lucknow Metro will improve connectivity for its four-million-plus residents and growing number of visitors. Lucknow is also leveraging its strategic location as a logistics hub for North India. The Uttar Pradesh government’s US$80-billion investment goal for infrastructure by 2028 is fueling sectors such as IT, electronics and defense manufacturing.