Lucknow is not just a city, it’s an experience that will stay with you for a long time. “Muskuraiye, aap Lucknow mein hain!”, from the moment you arrive, you’ll feel its old-world charm perfectly blending with modern vibes. Just imagine eating the most delicious kebab while sitting in a 200-year-old palace, visiting the grand gateways, and losing yourself in the city’s lively markets. Every corner of Lucknow has a story to tell.
Art and culture are the heartbeat of Lucknow. The city is known for its tehzeeb and adab, its graceful dance form Kathak, soulful traditional music, and a literary richness that continues to inspire. This city will surprise you in the best possible way. Whether you want to try traditional Awadhi food along with the fast food, take Insta-worthy pics, or simply explore the old legacy of North India, Lucknow has something for everyone. Sounds good, right? Let's discuss the top 15 things to do in Lucknow so that you can enjoy the Lucknow tour without much effort.
15 Best Things to Do in Lucknow
There are various things to do in Lucknow, from visiting grand architecture and enjoying cuisine to exploring lively bazaars and warm hospitality. Let's know the list of the things to do in Lucknow, India for a memorable trip.
1. Try the traditional Awadhi cuisine
When it comes to Lucknow things to do, food always tops the list. Begin your journey with the city’s royal Awadhi cuisine. It is among the best things to do in Lucknow. The food in Lucknow is delicious and is filled with irresistible aroma and flavours. From the famous Galouti Kebabs at Tunday Kababi to the fragrant Idris Biryani, every dish is packed with flavors that reflect Lucknow’s heritage. If you are a foodie, then this is one of the must-do things in Lucknow.
2. Visit Bara Imambara
Visiting Bara Imambara is one of the best things to do in Lucknow. The place was built by Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula and is famous for its massive central hall and the intriguing Bhool Bhulaiya maze, making it a paradise for history lovers. The fact that the hall was built without any supporting pillars makes it a marvel of engineering. There is an entry fee of ₹25 for Indians and ₹500 for foreigners.
3. Explore Old Lucknow
Exploring old Lucknow is one of the top things to do in Lucknow. This part of town is like going back in time, where every lane has a story to tell. Picture yourself passing through centuries-old royal havelis, grand mosques, and bustling bazaars that are still alive with the same charm they had years ago. Old Lucknow will not let you down in giving you a true taste of the city’s Nawabi heritage.
4. Visit the Elegant Rumi Darwaja
A trip to Lucknow wouldn't be complete without taking in the breathtaking views of the famous Rumi Darwaza. In the old city of Lucknow, the renowned Rumi Darwaza is a dramatic entrance that is 60 ft high. It features old Awadhi architecture and is situated between the Bara and Chota Imambara. In addition to being a perfect place to visit in Lucknow, this location is also among the most photographed in the world.
5. Watch Classical Kathak Dance
Kathak is the state dance of Uttar Pradesh, and watching traditional Kathak dance is one of the greatest ways to spend an evening in Lucknow. This elegant dance style has a long history in the city, and seeing a live performance is the best way to enjoy Lucknow's rich creative legacy. Trying this one of the offbeat things to do in Lucknow is a great way to immerse yourself in the cultural legacy of Lucknow.
6. Visit Ramkrishna Math
Ramkrishna Math is located in Nirala Nagar, Lucknow. It is the perfect place for cultural and spiritual awakening. Belur Math (Kolkata) is the headquarters of Ramkrishna Math. It was established in 1987. This place is dedicated to the teachings of Ramkrishna Paramhans, Swami Vivekananda, and Sarada Devi. Ramkrishna Math is the ultimate destination of Hindu, Buddhist, Rajput, and Islamic culture and beliefs, and white marble is used all over the Ramkrishna Math with beautiful carvings. You can visit the place between 8:30 am to 12 pm in the daytime and then 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm in the evening.
7. Shop at Hazratganj
Lucknow is famous for its affordable shopping options, and Hazratganj is the one-stop shopping destination for you. From chikankari outfits to trendy jewelry, it has it all. Add this to your list of top things to do in Lucknow if shopping is on your mind. You can find all the traditional and trending things here in Hazratganj.
8. Explore the famous Chikankari Shops
The beautiful chikankari embroidery, which is used in kurtas, sarees, and other garments, is a blessing in Lucknow. Exploring the Chikankari Workshops is one of the finest things to do in Lucknow. And what is better than watching artisans hand-embroider intricate designs on fabrics and picking it up for your loved ones as a unique souvenir. You can also talk with the artists personally to learn about their unique artistry.
9. Relax at Janeshwar Mishra Park
Janeshwar Mishra Park is a recently built park in Lucknow's Gomti Nagar. The park was made public in 2014 and is dedicated to the late Samajwadi Party leader Janeshwar Mishra. This park is one of the largest in Asia and is covered with flower beds, and it also has a canteen that offers food alternatives in addition to being a fantastic place for jogging and walking. The park is open from 5 am to 10 pm, and there is an entry fee of ₹10.
10. Explore Indira Gandhi Planetarium
Among the unique things to do in Lucknow, the Indira Gandhi Planetarium stands out. The Indira Gandhi Planetarium is sometimes called the Taramandal Show. It is located on the banks of the River Gomti in the Surajkund Park area of Lucknow. The exhibits, 3D models, and science and astronomy performances are the highlights of Indira Gandhi Planetarium. Through the 3D space presentations, you may also virtually travel to space and float among the stars and beautiful galaxies.
The building's remarkable architecture represents the solar system, and it is inspired by the form of Saturn, which has five rings surrounding its central body. If you are a science geek, then visiting Indira Gandhi Planetarium can be one of the things you can do.
11. Spend Time at Lucknow Zoo
This 71.6-acre Lucknow zoo was founded in 1921 by Nawab Nasiruddin Haider to commemorate the Prince of Wales's visit to Lucknow and is situated in the Colony of River Bank. Originally called the Prince of Wales Zoological Gardens, this zoo is well-known for its animals, birds, and reptiles. The Lucknow Zoo is home to more than a thousand animals representing hundreds of various species. A toy train trip around the zoo is one of the best activities to do in Lucknow.
12. Visit Chhota Imambara
Chhota Imambara is one of the most elegant and captivating structures in Lucknow. It is also known as the Imambara of Hussainabad and is located to the west of Bara Imambara. Its majestic structure is quite breathtaking and was built in 1838 by Muhammad Ali Shah, the third Nawab of Awadh.
During Muharram, the Imambara is exquisitely decorated with lights and ornaments. The European tourists and authors also refer to this 19th-century structure as the "Palace of Lights” due to the monument's amazing decorations on certain occasions. It is a stunning mix of Persian, Indo-Islamic, and Charbagh architectural and structural styles. There is an entry fee of ₹25 for Indians and ₹300 for foreigners.
13. Explore Moti Mahal Palace
The Moti Mahal is often called the Pearl Palace. It was constructed by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan. Besides Mubarak Manzil and Shah Manzil, this ancient landmark is situated on the banks of the Gomti River. Moti Mahal was once a part of the Qaisar Bagh complex and was formerly the home of the Nawabs of Lucknow. The Nawabs of the era enjoyed watching birds and other animals fight for amusement.
14. Visit Shahid Baoli
It was originally constructed as a reservoir for the local population. The Shahi Baoli is a complex blend of Islamic and Indian architectural traditions. Nawab Asif-Ud-Din Daula and Kifayat-Ullah, two of the best architects of the era, built it between 1784 and 1795. It's only a reservoir, but it's a pretty one, with some dazzling archways and beautifully carved entrances.
15. Visit Mankameshwar Temple
The Mankameshwar Mandir is located near Saraswati Ghat, on the bank of the Yamuna River. This is the first Hindu temple with a female priest and is devoted to Lord Shiva. Mondays are also the busiest since they are regarded as the most special day here. The Mankameshwar Mandir is a temple thought to be a thousand years old. It is a major attraction, particularly during the Shivratri festival. Visiting Mankameshwar Temple and seeking blessings is one of the best things to do in Lucknow with the family.
Conclusion
Lucknow is truly living up to its reputation as the City of Nawabs. It offers an enchanting blend of royal heritage, architectural brilliance, and yummy foods. From exploring the magnificent Bara Imambara and Bhool Bhulaiya maze to tasting the Galouti Kebab at Tundau Kababi, there are various things to do in Lucknow. For those seeking offbeat locations, the city does not disappoint them, from exploring scientific wonders at Indira Gandhi Planetarium to discovering hidden gems like Shahid Baoli and Moti Mahal Palace. Shopping at Hazratganj and walking on the streets of old Lucknow are some of the best things to do in Lucknow. So just come and discover why millions of people call Lucknow their favourite destination to visit.
