Lucknow is associated with two famous sayings – ‘Pehle Aap‘ means you first, and ‘Muskuraiye Aap Lucknow Me Hai‘ means smile because you’re in Lucknow. These show how welcoming and respectful the city’s environment bestows to its visitors and travelers.
This post will teach you about the best places to visit in Lucknow, food, activities, souvenirs, budget, and more.
In case you are not aware, Lucknow is one of the best cities in India if you want to taste the local street food and authentic Awadhi cuisine. Perhaps this is why the city is also known as the city of kebabs.
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Perhaps this is why 3.58 million people in this city call themselves Nawabs and savor long discussions over Sharma’s Tea.
Once ranked India’s second happiest city, the country’s potential street food capital, Lucknow, is often overlooked by travelers and tourists.
Therefore, we aim to show travelers the unique facets of Lucknow, including the best places to visit, delicious foods, souvenirs, the best time to visit, and more.
Here are the top 15 Lucknow best places to visit:
| Place Name | Admission Cost in INR (as in 2019) |
|---|---|
| Bara Imambara & Bhul Bhulaiyya | 50 for Indians, 500 for foreigners |
| Chota Imambara | Included in Bhul Bhulaiyya (Combined Pass) |
| Rumi Gate | Free |
| Hussainabad Clock Tower & Picture Gallery | Free; Included in Bhul Bhulaiyya (Combined Pass) |
| British Residency Buildings | 25 for Indians, 300 for foreigners |
| Dilkusha Palace or Kothi | Free |
| La Martiniere College | Free |
| Saadat Ali Khan Tomb | Free |
| Shah Najaf Imambara | Free |
| Chatter Manzil & Farhat Baksh Kothi | Free |
| Begum Hazrat Mehal Park | Free |
| Aminabad Market | Free |
| Chowk | Free |
| Riverfront & Marine Drive, Gomti Nagar | 10 for admission + Camera charges extra might apply |
| Ambedkar Park | 10 for entry + Camera charges additional might apply |
If I tag this place #1 in our list of Lucknow’s best places to visit, this shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Built by Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula in 1784, Bara Imambara is a Muslim mourning place and an epic piece of architecture. Its hall is enormous, made in a china plate shape, and stands without any pillars or beams. Amazing, no?
Above Imambara, a labyrinth (Bhul Bhulaiyya in Hindi) is made. It’s a maze that was mainly created to block the entrance for unwanted people during the Nawabs.
Bhul Bhulaiyya has over one thousand doors, and out of every four doors, only one is correct. So, it becomes difficult for a new person to find the right way on their own.
Therefore, it is advisable to go with a local guide.
In addition, the Bhul Bhulaiyya complex consists of four significant buildings: Bhul Bhulaiyya, Bara Imambara, Shahi Baoli, and Asafi Mosque.
Furthermore, each has its uniqueness, as seen in the table above.
The combined pass bought at Bhul Bhulaiyya is valid for all four places, including Hussainabad Clock Tower, Chota Imambara, and Picture Gallery.
| Inside Bara Imambara Complex | What’s so unique? |
|---|---|
| Bara Imambara | It has the largest hall standing without any pillar or beams. |
| Bhul Bhulaiyya | It has many identical doors, which makes a person forget the right door; Hollow walls make one voice perfectly audible at another far end of the wall. |
| Shahi Baoli | A stepwell is believed to be still connected with the nearby Gomti river. |
| Asafi Mosque | It is the 5th largest mosque in the world. |
Timings: Sunrise to Sunset, Opens 1:30 pm on Fridays, closed on Mondays
Photography: Allowed
Also known as Imambara Hussainabad Mubarak, this is a small (therefore ‘Chota’) Imambara perched at around 400 meters away from the Bara Imambara.
Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah built it in 1838 and was to serve as a mausoleum for himself and his mother.
On one side of the Chota Imambara is the tomb of Princess Zinat Asiya; on the other is the ‘reply’ building.
The Imambara and tomb are pretty picturesque, and you could spend a decent amount of time here!
Timings: Sunrise to Sunset, Opens 1:30 pm on Fridays, closed on Mondays
Photography: Not allowed inside.
Rumi Gate is perhaps the most iconic building in the city. It serves as a gate to the city and is next to the Bara Imambara complex. It stands on the busy road of Bara Imambara.
You’re advised to halt at this gate’s front side and gaze at its intricate architecture.
Pro tip: An evening in Gulab Vatika, which is next to Rumi Gate, will be a memorable experience in your life.
Timings: 24/7 open
Photography: Allowed
Hussainabad Clock Tower is one of India’s tallest clock towers. It’s an accurate replica of Big Ben in London.
People locally refer to this as ‘Ghanta Ghar.’ It’s worth visiting if you like symmetrical architecture.
Next to the clock tower, the picture gallery consists of mystical paintings of Nawabs of Awadh. Mystical? Because few images appear to be looking at you no matter where you go!
Timings: Clock Tower – 24/7 Open; Picture Gallery – 10 am to 4 pm
Photography: Allowed at Clock Tower; Not Allowed in Picture Gallery
British Residency is perhaps the most visited attraction in Lucknow. This place beholds a grand historical event during the mutiny of 1857 by freedom fighters.
Every building inside the Residency is destroyed and lays without any roof except one mosque, which is still in good condition.
The walls of those buildings still have deep marks of bullets that were fired during the mutiny.
If history is your thing, you should not miss this place. The 1857 Memorial Museum inside the Residency complex conducts regular shows (at an interval of 30-60 minutes) in English and Hindi, showing this place’s history.
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm, closed on Mondays
Photography: Allowed, camera charges apply (Please note that you can’t take tripod, monopod or any camera accessory inside the premises)
Dilkusha Palace, or more locally Dilkusha Kothi, is a monument perched in the offbeats of Lucknow. Although Lucknow Charbagh railway station lies just a few kilometers away, this place is amazingly one of the peaceful places of Lucknow.
Gore Ouseley built this building as a hunting lodge for Nawab Saadat Ali Khan. However, Nawab gradually started using it as a summer residence.
One exciting story behind this is that when British actress Mary Linley Taylor visited Dilkusha Kothi, she was so amazed that she decided to name her house’ Dilkusha.’ The actress then called her home’ Dilkusha,’ in the Jongno district of Seoul, South Korea.
It might not be the most recommended place from a photographer’s eye, but creativity has no limits.
Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, all days of the week.
Photography: Allowed
So, our next destination in the list of Lucknow’s best places to visit is something special: a college in the present day.
The country’s college, which has produced many famous personalities such as Priyanka Chopra, K. Raghunath, and Muzaffar Ali, is esteemed in education-giving and blessed with eye-catching architecture.
La Martiniere Boy’s College of Lucknow is a perfect example of French architecture. Frenchman Claude Martin, who lived in Lucknow during Nawabs, erected this building.
However, originally, this place was meant to be Claude Martin’s summer home, but after he died early, it was converted into a school as per his last wish.
Timings: Visit during school hours, Sunday closed
Photography: Allowed
Saadat Ali Khan was the 6th Nawab of Awadh, and his son Ghazi-Ud-Din Haider erected this tomb.
As you enter, you’ll find two tombs inside—one of Saadat Ali Khan and the other of his wife, Khurshid Zadi. These buildings are made of Lakhauri bricks, lime mortar, and plaster to give them a fine edge.
The place is also full of lush greenery and fine gardening, which concludes that it is photogenic. Photographers, this is your bait!
In addition, we admire its beauty; in our opinion, it is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.
Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Photography: Allowed
The city of Imambaras has many Imambaras, of which people know only a few. Imambaras are holy places built for the avatars of Allah and used for mourning by Muslims.
Shah Najaf Imambara, built by the first ‘king’ and last Nawab of Awadh Ghazi-Ud-Din Haider, is a replica of Hazrat Ali’s burial site in Najaf, Iraq.
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
Photography: Not allowed inside Imambara
Farhat Baksh Kothi was built in 1781 by Frenchman Claude Martin as his residence. But later, as he died in 1800, Nawabs bought the site and started living there unless Nawab Wajid Ali Shah built Qaiserbagh Palace (a destroyed building).
However, Chattar Manzil is just an addition (and a slight modification) to Farhat Baksh Kothi. Ghazi-Ud-Din Haider started the construction, which his son Naseer-Ud-Din Haider completed.
Also, Chattar Manzil was used as a place of residence for the wives of Nawabs. Chattar means umbrella, which the building possesses at the top. And therefore, it is also known as Umbrella Palace.
Most noteworthy, both buildings suffered greatly during the 1857 siege of India. Furthermore, both the state and the central government are continuously working on restoring their maximum possible glow.
Again, history lovers should pay a quick visit here!
Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Photography: Allowed
Begum Hazrat Mahal was the wife of the last Nawab of Awadh, Wajid Ali Shah. She’s best known for her support during the mutiny of 1857 in India from the Awadh region.
Therefore, this park is dedicated to her. Furthermore, the Indian government has made a marble memorial inside the park to honor her contribution.
It lies within walking distance of Saadat Ali Khan’s tomb. Above all, it is a go-to place for peace seekers.
Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Photography: Allowed
So, Aminabad Market, or locally, Aminabad Bazaar, is one of the oldest and busiest markets in the City of Nawabs. The market is famous for wholesale and retail buying of clothes, artificial jewelry, stockings, and wedding decorations.
Most noteworthy, the world-famous Chikankari, i.e., Chikan embroidery clothes, are available at affordable prices. The Chikan embroidery is the symbol of Lucknow, and it should be #1 in your souvenirs from Lucknow.
The world-famous Tunday Kebabi’s main branch is located here in the bustling market of Aminabad. Eating kebabs at the Tunday Kebabi is a must-have experience in Lucknow, as the taste is unforgettable. And yes, it’s for non-vegetarians only.
Similarly, Biryani lovers have their luck, too. Also, the world-famous (seriously) Wahid Biryani is just around the corner of the Tunday Kebabi.
In addition, vegans can try another favorite — Prakash ki Kulfi (a sweet Indian dish). Look for it on maps or ask a local for help.
Timings: Market is closed on Thursdays
Photography: Allowed
Chowk is yet another market that exhibits Lucknow’s old-age vibes. Whether you’re looking for a Chikan kurta or a sari, you’ll find everything here.
Moreover, from the famous Azhar Bhai Ka Paan to Rahim ki Nihari or the taste-rich Idris ki Biryani, you’ll get a real treat here if you’re fond of non-veg food.
Timings: All days open
Photography: Allowed
Now that we have enough of Old Lucknow let’s move on to the new. Riverfront and Marine Drive are in New Lucknow.
Riverfront — as the word suggests — is a beautiful park built on the banks of the Gomti River, stretching for about 2 km.
However, the colorful lighting makes the park even more beautiful in the evening. It is perfectly suitable for spending ample quality time with your family and friends.
Also, it’s perfectly suitable for photoshoots.
Timings: Sunrise till 8 pm
Photography: Allowed
Indeed, this place had to be on our list of best places to visit in Lucknow.
More formally, Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar Park is dedicated to Bhim Rao Ambedkar for his social work. This iconic place is entirely made of marble and various bonsai trees.
Most noteworthy is the grand statues of Ambedkar Sahab, which are perched at different locations inside the park.
Also, the whole park is made in such a way as to depict the life of Bhimrao Ambedkar. The aerial view of the park seems to be of a flower with four petals.
In addition, this place becomes extremely hot in summer, so if you come here on a summer day, please choose the evening to visit this park.
Moreover, from the photographer’s eye, this place exceeds the minimum requirements — it is a perfect place for great photos.
Timings: 11 am to 9 pm, every day (some holidays affect its timings, please check afore)
Photography: Allowed
In Lucknow, people eat chicken and wear Chikan.
Lucknow probably has India’s best taste in non-vegetarian and vegetarian foods. From Biryani to Nimish, you’ll probably spend days if you’re to savor each delicacy the city has to offer.
Read this crisp Lucknow Food Guide by Team Misfit Wanderers; your tongue will remember the taste forever.
Nonetheless, here’s the table of foods & eateries’ names you should check out in Lucknow:
| Vegetarian Food Items | Non-Vegetarian Food Items |
|---|---|
| Prakash Kulfi | Tunday Kebabs |
| Royal Cafe’s Basket Chaat | Wahid Biryani |
| Sharma’s Tea | Idrees Biryani |
| Netram Kachoris | Raheem’s Kulcha Nihari |
| Shukla Chaat | Lalla Biryani |
| Nimish or Makkhan Malai at Chowk | Dastarkhwan |
| Ram Asrey’s Malai Gillori |
Here are a few exciting and fun activities in Lucknow if you have time.
Heritage walking is the best way to unravel the layers of history embedded in this Nawabi city. Rustic buildings, living Havelis, and hundreds of years of old heritage blended with modernities — a heritage walk can teach you much more about Lucknow than any video or article on the Internet.
You can do a self-guided heritage walk or contact Tornos for heritage walks in Lucknow.
Janeshwar Mishra Park in Gomti Nagar is Asia’s largest park. You’ll get acres of green land, swings for kids, fountains, boat rides, fish, and numerous species of plants and bonsai.
If you are looking for a peaceful time with family and in the lap of nature,Janeshwar Mishra Park is worth your time.
As of now, there’s one place inside the city where you can enjoy a boat ride in Gomti—Kudiya Ghat. Situated near the rustic Pakka Pul and the Hussainabad Clock Tower, this Ghat is sacred and has a few small temples of Hindu deities.
Tonga Ride or a horsecart ride is available outside the Bara Imambara Complex.
If you’re a food & flavors buff, check out Chatori Gali in your spare time in Lucknow. Near the 1090 Chauraha (roundabout) in Gomti Nagar, New Lucknow. From Chinese momos to Indian Tandoori tea, you can test out several delicacies in one place.
Yes. If you are fascinated by stars, planets, and the grand scheme of the cosmos, you’ll love the Indira Gandhi Planetarium. The building in which shows happen imitates the ringed planet of our solar system — Saturn.
The shows typically start late, so make sure you’re not too early.
The city is known for its mannerisms and etiquette, and its souvenirs have to reflect qualities. Here’s a list of souvenirs you can buy in Lucknow:
Most of these things are available in the Aminabad and Chowk markets. Other famous markets include Hazratgunj, Kapoorthala, and Nakkhas.
Here’s a map for your help:
Lucknow is a tier-2 modern city in India. It has been a key player in the Swachch Bharat mission.
The bottom line is that Sulabh Complex public toilets are available frequently inside the city. The city is clean, follows proper hygiene, and has public restrooms near attractions.
As a modern city, Lucknow has plentiful transport options. Most attractions are in Old Lucknow and are walkable.
Lucknow’s Charbagh Railway Station (LKO) is connected to all major stations in India. It is approximately 4 km from the city center.
Lucknow has four major bus stations: Kaisarbagh, Alambagh, Awadh, and Charbagh. These bus stations connect the city to other major cities in India.
Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow lies 15 km from the city center.
Lucknow gets ugly in summer — the sun’s scorching heat will make you plummet if you’re not used to it. Consequently, winters are the best time to visit Lucknow. Explicitly speaking, come in any month from October to March.
There are no set criteria, but to explore fully, you’ll need at least two days—one day to see places and attractions and the other for food and shopping.
Budget, on the other hand, is highly subjective. However, the following table will give you an estimate:
| Type of Tour | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Sightseeing & Attractions | INR 2,000 |
| Sightseeing & Attractions + Food Explore | INR 3,000 |
| Sightseeing & Attractions + Food Explore + Shopping | INR 5,000 |
Please note that these prices do not include expenses incurred in traveling to and from Lucknow to your place.
Lucknow does not have many hostels. However, many affordable hotels and lodges are available, mostly near Charbagh, Hazratganj, and Aminabad.
This was our blog on Lucknow travel places. We hope this has been helpful. Just in case you need any further assistance, contact us or Tweet your question, tagging us.
An appeal: Please do not throw litter around. Use a dustbin; if you can’t find one, take the trash with you and throw it when you see one. Your small steps like this one can make the world clean and green.
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hank you so much for sharing. I have found it extremely helpful, I would like to visit those places.
Sure, you're welcome :)