Things to do in Lucknow
Lucknow, being the capital of Uttar Pradesh, invites people due to its culture, monuments, food, and bazaars. It is referred to as the city of Nawabs, and Nawabi traditions remain alive to date. The city has an old section reflecting history and heritage, and a new section reflecting development and modern life. When you visit the city, you find various things to do in Lucknow that cover sightseeing, eating, shopping, and leisure. Travellers of every age group can explore the city with interest. For comfortable accommodation during your visit, consider staying in service apartments in Lucknow.
The historical monuments show you the grandeur of the Mughal and Nawabi period. The markets offer traditional handicrafts and embroidery work. The food corners give you Mughlai dishes that have become world famous. If you want a relaxing break while visiting the city, you can explore the top cafes in Lucknow. Families, students, and working professionals all have something to like about the city. There are ten things that you need to do in Lucknow if you wish to view the full picture of the city.
Top things to do in Lucknow
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Explore Bara Imambara
Bara Imambara in Lucknow
You can start your journey to Lucknow by visiting Bara Imambara. Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula constructed it in 1784 when there was a great famine. He began its construction to give employment to the people. There is a big central hall in the monument, 50 meters long and 15 meters high. There are no beams or pillars under the hall, which distinguishes it. You can move inside the complex and see Bhool Bhulaiya, which is a maze with narrow corridors and disorienting routes. There are over 1,000 passages here, and guides take tourists through them.
You can also view Shahi Baoli, which is a stepwell found within the same compound. The spot also provides an overview of the city from the terrace if you ascend with the guide. Admission prices are Rs. 50 for Indian nationals and Rs. 500 for foreign visitors. The monument is open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Situated in the historical section of Lucknow, Bara Imambara is close to Rumi Darwaza and Chota Imambara, making it easy to visit several places at once.
- Address: VW86+MQ3, Husainabad Trust Rd, Machchhi Bhavan, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003
- Architectural style: Mughal architecture
- Opened: 1784
- Founder: Asaf-ud-Daula
- Hours: 6:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Nearest Metro Station: KD Singh Stadium Metro Station and Durgapuri Metro Station
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Visit Chota Imambara
Chota Imambara in Lucknow
Chota Imambara is situated near Bara Imambara and is also of historical importance. Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah constructed this monument in 1838 as his mausoleum. You are able to glimpse a white edifice with a golden dome that is notable in its architecture. Within the monument, you can see chandeliers from Belgium, Quranic calligraphy on walls, and decorative lamps. Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah’s tomb, along with that of his family, is located within the Imambara. The monument lights up at the time of festivals and provides a special experience to visitors.
The complex also includes a water tank and smaller structures featuring carvings. Indian citizens pay an entrance fee of Rs. 25, whereas Rs. 300 is paid by foreign visitors. The visiting time is from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. As Chota Imambara is situated near Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza, tourists tend to cover all three in the same excursion. You can take a cycle rickshaw or an auto rickshaw from Hazratganj or Charbagh Railway Station to access this place. Visiting Chota Imambara provides you with an insight into the Nawabi lifestyle and architecture in Lucknow.
- Address: 447, Husainabad, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003
- Architectural style: blend of Mughal, Persian, and Indo-Islamic traditions
- Opened: 1838
- Founder: Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah
- Hours: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Nearest Metro Station: Lucknow University Metro Station and Durgapuri Metro Station
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Walk through Hazratganj Market
Hazratganj Market in Lucknow
Hazratganj Market is the core of shopping in Lucknow. You can walk along streets lined with branded stores, local shops, bookstalls, jewellery shops, and handicraft stores. The city also features numerous cafes, fast food restaurants, and restaurants. Tourists like to walk around Hazratganj in the evening when there are still open shops and the place is filled with life. On the second Sunday of the month, Ganjing Carnival is conducted by the administration, so traffic is free for a couple of hours in the streets. Open-air shopping, live shows, and food stalls are then enjoyed by people.
You can purchase Chikan embroidery clothes, shoes, books, perfumes, and home furnishings from Hazratganj. Restaurants such as Royal Café and Sharma Tea Stall are also popular among food enthusiasts. The marketplace operates from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. Being in the heart of the city, Hazratganj is easily accessible from anywhere in Lucknow. For those seeking a mix of contemporary shopping and old-style food, Hazratganj Market is still a place to visit.
- Address: 68, Vidhan Sabha Marg, Block E, Lalbagh, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001
- Founded: 1842
- Famous for: Chikankari and Handicrafts, Luxury and Designer Brands, Contemporary Boutiques, Restaurants and Cafes, and many more.
- Hours: 24*7
- Nearest Metro Station: Hazratganj Metro Station
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Try Tunday Kababi
Tunday Kababi in Lucknow
No trip to Lucknow is complete without trying Galouti Kebabs at Tunday Kababi. The original shop is in Aminabad and has been serving food since 1905. The Galouti Kebab is soft and employs a combination of over 100 spices in the preparation. It is consumed with paratha, which complements the taste. In addition to kebabs, you can also have biryani, nihari, and korma at this restaurant. The Aminabad branch has a plain seating system, but it is always crowded with customers. Tunday Kababi has opened other units in Lucknow, but locals and tourists still vouch for the Aminabad outlet as the original.
The restaurant opens at 12:00 PM and serves food until 11:00 PM. The average cost of a meal for two people comes to around Rs. 500. Located in a busy market, the restaurant gives you a chance to shop and eat in the same area. When you taste Galouti Kebab, you understand why Lucknow’s food enjoys global recognition.
- Address: 168/6, Old Nazirabad Rd, Mohan Market, Khayali Ganj, Aminabad, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226018
- Founder: Haji Murad Ali
- Famous for: galouti kebabs
- Hours: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
- Nearest Metro Station: Husainganj and Hazratganj
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Walk inside The Residency
The Residency in Lucknow
The Lucknow Residency brings you to the past of the First War of Independence in 1857. The complex was a residential and administrative centre for British officers. In the time of revolt, the site was the hub of the Siege of Lucknow. You can explore the remains of houses, offices, and other buildings. Bullet holes on the walls still exist, which speak of the battle. There is a museum in the complex that presents photographs, artefacts, and models from 1857. There is a cemetery within that houses the graves of British officers and families who lost their lives during the uprising. The site is looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Ticket charges are Rs. 25 for Indian tourists and Rs. 300 for foreign tourists. The Residency is open between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. The site is close to Hazratganj, making it convenient for tourists who wish to shop and learn about history in a single visit. A visit to The Residency gives tourists an insight into the position of Lucknow during the Indian freedom struggle.
- Address: VW6G+7P3, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Deep Manak Nagar, Kaiser Bagh, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226018
- Completed: 1800
- Famous for: crucial role in the Siege of Lucknow during the Indian Rebellion of 1857
- Ticket Price: INR 20
- Hours: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Nearest Metro Station: Vishwavidhyalaya Metro
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Visit Rumi Darwaza
Rumi Darwaza in Lucknow
Rumi Darwaza is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Lucknow. It was constructed by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784 and has a height of 60 feet. The gateway separates the Bara Imambara and Chota Imambara complex. People name it Rumi Darwaza due to its resemblance to gateways in Turkey. Travellers utilise it as a photo and video background. The architecture is stunning in the evening when the lights fill it. Unlike other monuments, Rumi Darwaza does not charge an entry fee, and you may visit at any hour of the day.
A lot of tourists opt for evening visits due to cooler temperatures and lighting facilities. As the gateway is in a busy area, you may also view nearby food stalls and markets. Walking distance from here is Chowk Market and other local attractions. Going to Rumi Darwaza provides you with a feeling of being at the entrance of an architectural icon that has symbolised Lucknow for over two centuries.
- Address: 17/11 Hussainabad Road, Lajpat Nagar Colony, Lajpat Nagar, Machchhi Bhavan, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003
- Built: 1784
- Height: 18 m (60 ft)
- Architect: Asaf-ud-Daula
- Founder: Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula, Mughal
- Famous for: Awadhi architecture, historical significance, and unique design
- Ticket Price: INR 0
- Hours: 24*7
- Nearest Metro Station: D. Stadium and Charbagh
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Unwind at Ambedkar Memorial Park
Ambedkar Memorial Park in Lucknow
Ambedkar Memorial Park in Gomti Nagar spans across an extensive space with sandstone buildings, walkways, and sculptures. The park was dedicated to Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Jyotiba Phule, Kanshi Ram, and other social reformers. On entering, you notice rows of big stone elephants that go all around the entrance. Within the park, you can stroll on long walks, go up stairs to view magnificent structures, and hang out in open areas. The park is visited by families, students, and tourists in the evenings when lighting enhances the ambience. Entry charges Rs. 20 for Indian nationals.
The park is open between 11:00 AM and 9:00 PM. The park has broad roads and a parking facility where people visit. Individuals also take morning walks and click photographs around the park. Ambedkar Memorial Park provides visitors with an opportunity to get out of their houses and learn about major figures who played a crucial role in Indian society.
- Address: Vipul Khand 2, Vipul Khand 3, Vipin Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226010
- Built: 2008
- Famous for: grand scale, impressive architecture, and its tribute to prominent social reformers
- Ticket Price: INR 15
- Hours: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
- Nearest Metro Station: Charbagh Metro Station
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Enjoy Gomti Riverfront
Gomti Riverfront in Lucknow
Gomti Riverfront provides you with a nicely developed recreational area along the Gomti River. The site includes walking paths, cycle tracks, gardens, and fountains. One visits with family in the evening to hang out by the water. Kids like the musical fountains that run at periodic intervals. One also finds joggers and sports enthusiasts using the riverfront for a daily workout. It has an entry fee of Rs. 10, and the site is open from 6:00 AM until 10:00 PM. The evenings attract more visitors due to cool winds and lighting.
On the Gomti Nagar side, the riverfront is also road-accessible from various points of Lucknow. People also prefer this spot due to the reflections of sunlight and moonlight on the water during sunrise and after sunset. You can take a seat on benches, stroll around the park, or hire cycles for short cycles. The Gomti Riverfront provides you with an equal combination of recreation, exercise, and family picnic all in one place.
- Address: VX2C+PGX, Jiamau, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226010
- Built: 2017
- Famous for: scenic views, recreational facilities, and peaceful atmosphere along the banks of the Gomti River in Lucknow
- Ticket Price: INR 10
- Hours: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Nearest Metro Station: Indira Nagar Metro Station
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Visit Chowk Market
Chowk Market in Lucknow
Chowk Market depicts the conventional shopping culture of Lucknow. The market is narrow streets with small shops selling chikankari clothes, ittar scents, jewellery, and handicrafts. Chikan embroidery clothes draw the majority of tourists since they depict Lucknow’s conventional craft. You can purchase sarees, kurtas, and dupattas with hand embroidery at various price levels. Apart from shopping, Chowk Market also has foodstuffs such as kebabs, biryanis, and sweets. Rahim’s Kulcha Nahari and Idrees Biryani are popular shops here.
The market is open from 10:00 AM until 11:00 PM every day. The most appropriate time to visit is evening when stores stay open completely and the roads start getting busy. You may go to Chowk Market by auto rickshaw or local bus from Hazratganj or Charbagh. Shopping at Chowk Market provides you with genuine Lucknow items and food in a single location, making it a must-visit for tourists.
- Location: Central part of Old Lucknow
- Founded: 13th century
- Famous for: Wide array of traditional handicrafts, cuisine, and cultural heritage, particularly for its authentic chikankari and zardozi apparel, traditional perfumes (ittar), and delectable street food
- Hours: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Nearest Metro Station: Lucknow University Metro Station and the Charbagh Metro Station
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Visit Lucknow Zoo
Lucknow Zoo in Lucknow
Lucknow Zoo, alternatively referred to as Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Prani Udyan, spans 71 acres and shelters a diverse range of animals. It began in 1921 and has been drawing children and families ever since. The zoo contains tigers, lions, elephants, giraffes, bears, and reptiles. You can also take a ride on a toy train that goes around the zoo. A butterfly park and aquarium provide more diversity to the outing. Within the zoo, the State Museum contains artefacts, coins, and other historical items. Entry charges are Rs. 60 for adults and Rs. 30 for kids.
The zoo operates from 8:30 AM until 5:30 PM, excluding Mondays when it is closed throughout the day. Situated close to Hazratganj, the zoo is easily reachable by both locals and tourists alike. Families spend half a day here due to the vast area and various attractions. The zoo provides visitors with a chance to witness wildlife, experience recreational facilities, and study history at one location.
- Address: check, Butler Rd, Dalibagh Colony, Butler Colony, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001
- Founded: 1921
- Total wildlife: 1012 wildlife and 104 species
- Famous for: Diverse collection of wildlife, historical significance, and family-friendly attractions
- Ticket Price: INR 80
- Hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Nearest Metro Station: Sachivalaya Metro Station
Conclusion
These things to do in Lucknow offers tourists a balanced combination of history, shopping, cuisine, and recreation. While visiting Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara, and Rumi Darwaza, you experience Nawabi architecture. The Residency provides you with the history of 1857. Hazratganj and Chowk Market enable you to shop and relish food. Tunday Kababi provides you with the taste of Galouti Kebabs. Ambedkar Memorial Park and Gomti Riverfront provide you with walking and relaxation spaces in open areas. Lucknow Zoo provides an opportunity for families to spend time with animals and visit museums. These ten activities provide you with a complete idea of the city. Lucknow is a city that has culture, tradition, and development, and these ten activities will enable you to experience all facets of the city in depth.