20 Places to Visit in Lucknow With Friends on Your First Trip (+things to do)

Muskuraiye, Aap Lucknow mein hain – Smile you are in Lucknow. A warm welcome that reflects the manners and sophistication of a truly cultured city.

Capturing the essence of the City’s Soul – Lucknow.

Known for its refined royal culture, gracious people, and aromatic food delicacies, this city goes beyond the ordinary.

Did you know that the city of Nawabs seamlessly blends both Mughal and British Raj-era architecture and is a major player in Mango Production, ranking among the Top 10 mango-producing states in India?

Each corner of this city whispers delightful stories, embodying a glorious past and thriving present – a Legacy waiting to be discovered by you.

In short, if you have a passion for uncovering hidden gems with storied pasts, then, My friend,

Lucknow – The city of Nawabs- is your destination.

I’ll be your Guide to discovering all the places in Lucknow to visit with friends that offer a glimpse into local culture, traditions, and cuisines with a rich history.

The details shared in this blog post are specially for first-time travelers, providing a local perspective on the wonders Lucknow offers.

Before we dive in, let’s take a moment to understand the roots of Lucknow, the city I proudly call Home.

Know about the Flourishing Era of Lucknow History and Culture

Lucknow, not just a city, but the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh in North India, stands proudly on the northwestern shore of the Gomti River.

While Hindi is the commonly spoken language, the Lucknawi style in Hindi adds a unique charm to communication.

Known as the City of Nawabs, Lucknow owes its cultural and Historical evolution to the Mughal Empire.

During the reign of the Fourth Nawab, Asaf-ud-Daula, Lucknow witnessed its golden Period, becoming the cultural capital of North India.

The Nawabs were known for their lavish lifestyles and support of the arts, leading to the creation of historical monuments that continue to captivate visitors today.

So, let’s explore more about the lifestyle of the Mughal era, the fusion of culture & traditions, and the delightful cuisine that is still alive in the hearts of the City of Nawabs.

12 Best Places to Visit in Lucknow with Friends

As we embark on this journey, I recommend dedicating a minimum of 2-3 days to fully immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Lucknow, exploring both its historic and modern dimensions.

Make sure to enjoy your time with the local people- these moments will become lasting memories for you and your friends.

Ensure it’s a trip to remember!

I’ve split the Lucknow itinerary into 3 days.

Each day, we’ll explore different areas of the city: Chowk, Kaiserbagh, Hazratganj, and Gomti Nagar. 

Let’s start by exploring the places to visit in Chowk, Lucknow.

Day 1 – Explore the Mughal Architecture in the Historic area of Chowk

Begin your Lucknow journey in the lively area known as Chowk, where the city’s royal culture and sophistication shine.

This bustling area has always been the heart of Lucknow’s historical charm, capturing the essence of the Nawabi (Royal) era. It is filled with beautiful historical monuments, offering plenty to see and explore.

For a delightful morning, I recommend starting your day with a visit to the famous Bada Imambada, followed by other architectural marvels, Which we will cover one by one.

To make the most of your time in Chowk, consider spending the evening wandering through its charming lanes.

Here, you can witness the age-old craft of chikankari embroidery and experience some legendary food legacies, which we’ll discuss in more detail later.

These sightseeing and exploration experiences will set the tone for a day filled with cultural immersion.

So, here are the must-visit places in Chowk, Lucknow :

1. Visit the Historical Bada Imambada

Bada Imambada, also known as Asafi Imambara, is one of the best historical places to visit in Lucknow, the City of Nawabs.

Built in 1784 by Asaf-ud-daulah, the Nawab of Awadh, this monument is an architectural marvel.

Fun fact: Do you know this entire monument was built without using wood or brick?   How amazing is that? Let’s explore more about it.

Due to its brilliant architecture and many interesting stories, Bada Imambara is one of the popular tourist attractions in Lucknow.

The ground floor features the world’s largest arched hall, standing without any beams or pillars to support the ceiling.

This magnificent structure is a fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture.

On top of this building is the famous Bhool Bhulaiya (Labyrinth), a must-visit for tourists. It has over 1,000 passages and 489 similar doors, making it easy to get lost.

Note: It’s highly recommended to hire a guide to navigate the labyrinth, as finding your way out can be challenging.

After exploring the labyrinth, visit the Shahi Baoli (the five-storeyed stepwell) within the premises of Bada Imambada. This steepwell was used by Nawab officials to secretly observe visitors.

From inside the well, one can see the reflections of people entering through the doorways, much like an ancient CCTV system. The water in the baoli is said to come from the Gomti River.

While inside the Imambara premises, capture some beautiful pictures and visit the Asafi Masjid on the other side. This mosque is another example of magnificent Mughal architecture.

The ticket to visit Bada Imambara costs around INR 50 per person. 

You can visit anytime between 6:00 am and 5:00 pm.

However, I recommend adding this to your morning itinerary to fully appreciate its beauty and craftsmanship.

It will take around 2-3 hours to explore the entire area.

2. Embrace the beauty of Rumi Darwaza 

After Bada imambada, you can visit the magnificent Rumi Darwaza .

This 60-foot-tall gateway features a unique architectural style and grandeur.

Built by Nawab Asaf-ud-daula it is an example of Awadhi architecture.

Now, when the city is expanded, this huge gateway is marked as an entrance to Old Lucknow.

Here, this gate is also called the Turkish Gate.

Due to its resemblance to the grand historical gates of Constantinople (now Istanbul)

This beautiful gateway features intricate carvings of flowers, which are delightful to see.

Situated between the Bada Imambara and Chhota Imambara (discussed later in the next section)

This area is generally very busy all day, because of its city’s main attraction and as a pathway, bustling with tourists on weekends.

I recommend you to visit this huge gateway in the morning, and after that try to manage sometime in the night to have a walk around it to get a glimpse of the magnificent lightning – one of the best places to visit in Lucknow in night.

The sight is surreal.

You’ll witness the Fantastic view of it.

And talking about its popularity you might have seen it in many Indian films as well.

For photography enthusiasts, it’s a great place. 

Now, after crossing the Rumi Darwaza, you’ll see Chota Imambara.

3. Visit Chota Imambara

One visiting Bada Imambara, cannot leave Chota Imambara. 

A beautiful monument was built as a congregation hall for Shia Muslims, by Mohammad Ali Shah, Nawab of Awadh in 1838.

Did you know it took 54 years to finalize it?

It consists of a huge hall decorated with chandeliers and beautiful crystal glass-lamp stands brought from Belgium.

European Visitors and writers often considered it the Palace of Lights because of its charismatic decoration.

In the exteriors, you can also admire the Islamic calligraphy with beautiful detailing.

The complex consists of a Garden and, an artificial lake making it more picturesque,

Two replicas of the Taj Mahal (built for Mohammad Ali Shah’s daughter and her husband).

There are also other structures facing the tomb such as a Treasury, Hussainabad Mosque, and Satkhanda which is the next place to admire.

Making all this So Fascinating, isn’t it?

Visit here to witness the glory of Lucknow’s History and Culture.

4. Visit Satkhanda in Lucknow

Historical spot located on the grounds of Chota Imambara is a must visit place named Satkhanda.

The purpose of building this as a watch -tower to get a bird’s eye view of the old city area of Lucknow.

However, the construction of this watch tower is abandoned after the death of the nawab Mohammad Ali Shah.

Hence, only four floors has been built.

After this, you’ll see the Clock Tower.

5. Get a Towering experience at the Husainabad Clock Tower 

Although you might have seen many clock towers in India and the world, let me tell you that this is the tallest clock tower in India, known as the Husainabad Clock Tower.

Standing 221 feet, modelled after the Big Ben Clock Tower in London.

Even today, the clock in this tower shows the correct time. 

Get some pictures there, sit around for a while, and have some Tea from the bustling stalls around and enjoy the view.

In the evening, have the delight of the delicacies of the Chowk area.

(which we will discuss in the later section)

Day 2 – Discover the Legacy of British Design and the Vibrancy of Gomti Nagar 

With the arrival of east India company Lucknow witnessed a change in the style of Architectural marvels.

This shift in Architectural style lead to the blend of European designing.

The Britishers ruled over the city for a century and their influence can be seen in the notable examples which are mentioned below-

6. Reign of the British Era – British Residency 

After that, another place in old Lucknow that you should visit is the British Residency, considered a national monument. 

It was one of the major sites during the 1857 rebellion, and you can still see bullet marks on its walls.

At that time, this place was the residence of the British Resident General, which was attacked during the war.

 Although it turned into ruins after the war, the residential complex is well-maintained surrounded by flower beds and huge lawns serving as the most iconic tourist attraction of the city.

Here, you can learn a lot about the Indian independence movement. 

7. Shaheed Smarak

Established in 1970, Shaheed Smarak also known as Martyr’s Memorial is a white marble structure situated within a beautiful park.

It stands on the banks of the Gomti River, opposite the British Residency.

It’s been built to honor the sacrifices of countless soldiers who laid down their lives in service of the nation’s security.

Simply have a walk around it to get a glimpse of this Structure.

No entry fee is required to visit here.

8. Dilkusha Kothi Palace

Dlikusha Kothi is a very exquisite style of architecture built in the 18th century.

When you visit the building, you’ll relate that the design of this entire mansion seems as if you are looking at a building from a foreign country.

This is because, under the influence of Britishers, the designs were mostly taken from England, Europe, and France.

The Nawabs had also alliances with the British armies.

You’ll come across large stairs built in the part of the mansion with a huge main courtyard.

During the British colonial period, Lakori bricks were mostly used for such patterns.

By now, its walls have turned black.

However, the most astonishing part is there is no roof above it.

And the reason behind this was –

Back when the rebellion of 1857 happened in India, due to the intense fighting in that rebellion, the roof of the upper part was demolished.

Now, talking about the backside is where Artisans have done most of their work.

The designs of the walls have been created in such a way that it looks very magnificent.

Even after so many years, its Glory remains intact.

You can visit here between 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, with a fee of INR 5 per person.

Best things to do in Lucknow apart from Heritage walk

After having the Heritage walk to the city’s most famous Historical Architectural marvels,

Here are the top recommendations to other things to experience in the City of Nawabs.

These explorations will gave you more clarity to understand in depth the cultural atmosphere of Lucknow.

9. Dive deep into the Flavour of Cuisines

Think of Lucknow, and Tunday Kebabs will pop into your head.

Isn’t it?

Lucknow’s most famous Tunday kababi restaurant ranks 11th on the World’s most legendary Restaurants in 2023.

Your visit to Lucknow will be an absolute failure, if you don’t indulge in the variety of cuisines it has to offer.

Having Tunday Kebabs for the first time is the top things to do in Lucknow.

One of the most famous foods in Lucknow-The city of Nawabs.

Earlier, During the reign of Mughal empire , the Awadh region (now Lucknow)

has flourished with Mughlai cooking Techniques.

If you have already visited Hyderabad, Kashmir, Kolkata or Punjab you can easily bear similarities to those cuisines of Lucknow .

The food in Lucknow is fond of Dum style cooking (the art of cooking over a slow fire)

You’ll find the Food in Lucknow more subtle because they are rich in fats because of the extensive use of milk, cream and spices giving it a more delightful flavour.

Here is a list of the most famous Food in Lucknow you can indulge your Taste buds in –

• Kebabs
• Biryani
• Korma
• Nihari
• Mughlai Paratha
• Sheermal

 And a lot more .

And not just this, if you are a Pure vegetarian , you can also indulge your taste buds in the age-old variety of Desserts and some delightful Chats .

You can visit Royal Cafe, Moti Mahal, Curry leaf – Best places to visit in Lucknow for Food.

The taste of the food is so good that you will never forget it.

Explore the Local Markets: Places to Visit in Lucknow for Shopping

The city of Lucknow is not only flourished with rich food flavours

It has bustling local markets that are more than just a shopping district.

You’ll experience it as a Cultural extravaganza 

Here i have listed down the 3 most amazing Lucknow local market where you can shop like there is no tomorrow.

10. Chowk market : Rediscover Old Lucknow’s Glory

Chowk isn’t just a haven for food enthusiasts, it’s a shopper’s delight with markets that narrates stories of great craftsmanship .

Speciality of Lucknow for shopping is the chikan embroidery clothing.

It’s a kind of embroidery done through hands crafting intricate patterns on fabric.

This refined chikankari is keeping alive the tradition that has adorned Lucknow for centuries.

After chowk exploration, you can visit the Hazratganj market 

11. Hazratganj Market : Heart of Lucknow

Since my childhood, I have been a frequent visitor to Hazratganj.

Hazratganj is often considered as Heart of Lucknow.

This market serves a variety of specialities of Lucknow for shopping.

Walking down the lanes in the evening brings a vibrant energy in the atmosphere.

This place serves the fusion of culinary delights and vibrant market magic.

Allow your tastebuds to refine in joy as you explore the diverse flavours such as iconic Basket chaats to aroma’s to delightful street foods.

You can also explore the night bazaar here with many amazing shops offering you with their intricacy and refinement of options.

One of the famous Tourist attractions markets in the city of Nawabs.

12. Aminabad Market : Hidden gem

Now, its time to dive in into the not your usual market – Aminabad Market.

This Local market is considered as a real gem of the city when it comes to shopping.

As soon as you step in, you’re hit by the lively vibe and the colourful chaos of shops all around.

From age old Traditional shops to the modern versions – truly a shoppers paradise.

You can explore here some more chikankari clothes at lower cost and beautiful Nagras (footwear) to pair with it.

Although you have to negotiate the price with the shopkeepers – it’s like a sport here.

and the joy of finding the great deal will be priceless.

Walk around the lanes and explore , who knows you might discover something truly unexpected here.

How to Get to Lucknow

1. Flight

Talking about the air route, you can arrive at Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport.

The airport is well- connected to the major cities of India, you can easily book a flight to Lucknow from other airports.

2. Road

If we prefer to drive your own vehicle, you can reach Lucknow by road because the National highways and road network is really good.

3. Train

If you prefer traveling by train, you can get direct trains to Charbagh Railway Station from every corner of India.

You can check the train schedules and easily book the tickets through the official website of Indian Railways or other online ticketing Platforms

This station is located in the central hub of the city making your travelling within the city much more easier.

How to travel in Lucknow and around

The famous Historical attractions of different areas are within waking distance of one another.

However, if you planned to visit specific areas, Here are the easiest way you can get around in Lucknow :

1. Cabs

You can go in different parts of the city with the cab services available with Ola and Uber. This will make your travelling in and around the city more convenient,

2. Auto

The city is well equipped with public transportation. To plan a budget friendly trip it is recommended to have the Auto ride’s available.

3. Rickshaws

If you don’t prefer long walks, taking the rickshaw is a great way. These are available in every corner of the city.

4. Rent a bike or Car

For local commuting, you can rent a bike or scooty. If you have a big group of friends, and you want to use a taxi.

Tip – You can negotiate a daily rate with a taxi driver who will also act as your local guide.

Best Time to Visit Lucknow

The best time to visit for sightseeing is from October to March, as the weather during these months is most favorable.

If you plan to visit during the summer holidays, be prepared for intense heat and dry weather.

Conclusion

With this, we end our journey of exploring Lucknow.

While you travel back with long life memories, take a moment to regather the varied experiences this city has unfolded.

From historical landmarks, to culinary indulgence, to exploring vibrant markets

Offering you with insights that are beyond the tourists perspective.

As a local resident, I’m glad that you planned to visit Lucknow and uncover the city’s hidden gems and discover its authentic charm.

Comment down below your best experience you have witnessed in the city.

Until we meet again , on our next cultural exploration .

Frequently Asked Questions