Anarkali Bazaar
Punjab -> Lahore -> Lahore City
09:00 - 21:00
April, August, December, February, January, July, March, November, October, September
Muhammad Ibrahim
Attraction Type
Description
Anarkali Bazaar, named after the legendary courtesan Anarkali, is one of Lahore’s oldest markets, dating back to the Mughal era, located in the heart of the Walled City. Spanning Old Anarkali (traditional goods, spices) and New Anarkali (modern shops, electronics), it offers a vibrant mix of shopping, street food, and cultural immersion. Known for its colonial-era architecture and bustling lanes, it attracts thousands for its handicrafts, clothing, and Punjabi cuisine like nihari and gol gappay. Despite challenges like overcrowding and limited parking, its proximity to Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque, along with its historical charm, makes it a must-visit cultural hub.
What To Do
- Shopping for traditional clothing (e.g., shalwar kameez, sarees), jewelry, and handicrafts
- Sampling street food like gol gappay, jalebi, and kebabs at food stalls
- Exploring Old Anarkali for spices, fabrics, and vintage items
- Visiting New Anarkali for modern shops and electronics
- Bargaining for antiques, books, and traditional footwear like khussas
- Photographing the vibrant market atmosphere and colonial-era architecture
- Attending cultural festivals or food fairs during holidays (e.g., Eid, Basant)
- Exploring nearby historical sites like Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque
- Experiencing local Punjabi culture through vendor interactions
- Visiting the Anarkali Tomb, a Mughal-era monument, within the Punjab Secretariat
What To Buy
Anarkali Bazar is renowned for its variety of traditional and modern goods, making it a treasure trove for shoppers looking for cultural items and souvenirs.
New Anarkali Bazaar
- Clothing: Shalwar kameez, sarees, sherwanis, lehengas, wedding attire
- Jewelry: Artificial jewelry, bangles, custom pieces
- Handicrafts: Embroidered textiles, cushion covers, Multan pottery
- Shoes & Accessories: Khussas, leather bags
- Books: Urdu Bazaar for literature, stationery
- Henna: Mehndi designs, henna powder
Old Anarkali Bazaar
- Spices: Turmeric, cardamom, biryani mixes
- Sweets: Falooda, rice pudding, barfi, gulab jamun
- Snacks: Dahi vada, fruit chaat (packaged)
- Paan: Traditional betel leaf from Paan Gali
Best Season to visit
April
August
December
February
January
July
March
November
October
September
Spring (March - April)
- Spring offers mild temperatures (15-25°C), ideal for shopping and sampling street food. The market is vibrant during Basant festivals, but crowds peak, so visit weekdays to avoid congestion.
Summer (May - June)
- Summers are hot (30-40°C) with high humidity, making daytime visits tiring. Early mornings or evenings are best for cooler shopping and food stalls. Fewer crowds due to heat.
Monsoon (July - August)
- Monsoon season brings rain (20-30°C), which can make lanes muddy and disrupt shopping. Covered shops and food stalls remain accessible, but carry rain gear. Less crowded.
Autumn (September - October)
- Autumn provides pleasant temperatures (15-25°C) and clear skies, ideal for exploring the market’s lanes. The vibrant atmosphere attracts more visitors, so visit weekdays.
Winter (November - February)
- Winters are cool (5-15°C), perfect for full-day visits and enjoying hot street food. Clear days enhance the market’s charm, but mornings may be foggy. Highly recommended for weekday visits.
