Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is many things rolled into one. The City of Nawabs is where any ardent traveler can enjoy a tryst with history, culture, shopping, fun, spirituality, food, leisure, and more. From centuries-old British and Mughal edifices and fun-filled amusement parks to gardens, street bazaars, museums, and temples, there are lots of places to visit once you have checked in at one of the best hotels in Lucknow.
Need some help to plan your itinerary? Read on. Here’s a list of some of the iconic Lucknow places to visit:
Best Places to Visit in Lucknow in 2024
1. Bara Imambara
Bara Imambara | #1 of 25 Places to Visit in Lucknow
Counted among the top historical places in Lucknow, Bara Imambara aka Asafi Imambara is a historical monument that dates back to 1784. Built by Asaf-ud-Daula, one of the renowned Nawabs of Awadh, the complex comprises a large mosque (Asfi Mosque), a labyrinth (the Bhul Bhulaiya), and a stepwell with running water (Shahi Baoli). The structure boasts of two large gateways that will lead you to the central hall, which is touted to be the largest vaulted chamber in the world.
- Timings: Sunrise to Sunset; every day
- Entry Fee: ₹ 25 for Indians; ₹ 500 for foreign nationals
- Places to Stay: Hotels near Bara Imambara
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2. Chota Imambara
Chota Imambara | #2 of 25 Places to Visit in Lucknow
The imposing historical structure of Chota Imambara was built in 1838 by Muhammad Ali Shah, the third Nawab of Awadh. Also called Imambara Hussainabad Mubarak, it was initially built as a congregation hall for the devotees of the Shia community. However, the place later served as the mausoleum for the Nawab as well as his mother. The interiors of the structure are beautifully ornamented with chandeliers and crystal lamps brought from Belgium which earned it the moniker ‘the Palace of Lights’. The exteriors feature elements of intricate Islamic calligraphy, adding to its visual appeal.
- Timings: 6:00 am to 5:00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: ₹ 25 for Indians; ₹ 300 for foreigners
- Places to Stay: Hotels near Chota Imambara
3. British Residency
British Residency | #3 of 25 Places to Visit in Lucknow
Also called the Residency and the Residency Complex, the British Residency is a complex of buildings that once served as the residence of the British Resident General. Constructed in the last quarter of the 18th century, the place served home to over 3000 British residents during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Currently, the Residency is in ruins and is a protected monument under the Archeological survey of India.
- Timings: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: Free
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4. Rumi Darwaza
Rumi Darwaza | #4 of 25 Places to Visit in Lucknow
When you want to witness the grandeur of the Awadhi style of architecture, make your way to the Rumi Darwaza, an imposing gateway located between Bara Imambara and Chota Imambara. This gateway built in 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula is about 60-feet tall and is generally used as the logo for Lucknow city. Since the gate is modeled after the Sublime Porte in Istanbul, it is sometimes referred to as the Turkish Gate.
- Timings: 24×7
- Entry Fee: Free
- Places to Stay: Hotels near Rumi Darwaza
Also read: Best Places to Visit in April in India
5. Chattar Manzil
Chattar Manzil or Umbrella Palace, which once served as the residence for the Awadhi rulers and their wives, is another must-visit tourist places in Lucknow. Just as the name suggests, the building features an umbrella-shaped dome. The structure displays elements from various styles of architecture, the most important of them being the European style. Currently, the building serves as a government office yet it is visited by travelers on account of its architectural beauty.
- Timings: 08:00 am to 06:00 pm; closed on Saturdays and Sundays
- Entry Fee: Free
- Places to Stay: Hotels near Chattar Manzil
6. Dilkusha Kothi
Dilkusha Kothi | #6 of 25 Places to Visit in Lucknow
Located on the banks of the River Gomti, Dilkusha Kothi is the remains of a house that was built in the early 19th century. Built in the English baroque style of architecture, the building once served as the hunting lodge and summer resort of the Nawabs. Nothing much is left of the building today, except for the external walls, a few towers, and a beautiful garden. However, due to its historical significance and architectural grandeur, Dilkusha Kothi has earned a place in the list of Lucknow tourist places.
- Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: Free
7. Husainabad Clock Tower
Husainabad Clock Tower | #7 of 25 Places to Visit in Lucknow
Located adjacent to the Rumi Darwaza, Husainabad Clock Tower is another heritage monument dotting the cityscape of Lucknow. Built in 1881 by the Hussainabad Trust at a cost of 1.75 lakhs, this 221-feet structure is modeled after the Big Ben Clock Tower of London. The clock is designed like a flower with 12 petals and its pendulum is 14 feet long. Popular as the tallest clock tower in the country, it displays the Gothic and Victorian styles of architecture.
- Timings: 24×7; every day
- Entry Fee: Free
- Places to Stay: Hotels near Husainabad Clock Tower
YOU CAN ALSO VISIT: Ram Mandir Ayodhya
8. Amrapali Water Park
Amrapali Water Park | #8 of 25 Places to Visit in Lucknow
When you are in the mood for some aquatic fun, head off to Amrapali Water Park, one of the best water parks in Lucknow. The place has a fine range of rides and slides, such as Aqua Trail, Black Hole, Float Slide, and Crazy Cruise, among others. Complete with restaurants and video game parlors, Amrapali is a perfect entertainment zone to keep you engaged for a whole day, especially during summers.
- Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: ₹ 800 for adults; ₹ 600 for kids
9. Four Seasons Fun City Water Park
Four Seasons Fun City Water Park | #9 of 25 Places to Visit in Lucknow
Located within a sprawling land of over 30 acres, Fun City is another place to have oodles of fun with your family and friends. Offering a variety of adventurous water rides and twister rides such as Jet Splash, Family Slide, Multi Cruise, and Float Slide, and Racing Reverse Multi-Lane Slide, the place is ideal for people of all ages. Another key attraction here is the Snow Park that promises you a really ‘cool’ experience.
- Timings: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: ₹ 200 per person
10. Aminabad Market
Aminabad Market | #10 of 25 Places to Visit in Lucknow
One of the best places to shop in Lucknow is the Aminabad Market, which has been in operation since the times of the Nawabs. From embroidered chikan garments, jewelry, and footwear to carpets, bed sheets, and local handicrafts, you will find almost everything here. And don’t forget to bargain to get the best deals. Once you are done with shopping, make your way to some of the top eateries located in the area, such as Wahid Biryani, Kalika Chat House, and Tunday Kababi, and refill your engine with some delectable grubs.
- Timings: Morning till night; closed on Thursdays
- Must-visit destinations: Madan Sarees, Sargodha Cloth House, Keshav Décor, Om Prakash Seth, Dupatta Mahal, and Sri Keshav Handloom
You may also like our blog on Lucknow’s most loved Awadhi dishes.
11. Hazratganj Market
Hazratganj Market | #11 of 25 Places to Visit in Lucknow
The Hazratganj Market, a century-old shopping area located in the heart of Lucknow, is where you can find the city’s vibrant soul. Housing numerous showrooms, factory outlets, restaurants, shopping complexes, malls, and theatres, the place is a shopper’s paradise. The Ganj Carnival held here on the second Sunday of every month is a major crowd puller. While you are here, don’t forget to cater to your hunger pangs at the Royal Café, J.J Bakers, the Cherry Tree Café or the other eateries dotting the area.
- Timings: Morning till night; closed on Sundays
- Must-visit destinations: Sahara Mall, Janpath, Kashmir Government Arts Emporium, Gandhi Ashram, Ram Advani Booksellers, Naza Computer Market
- Places to Stay: Hotels near Hazratganj Market
12. Chowk
Looking for an amazing variety of chikan garments? Head off to Chowk, another popular and age-old market in Lucknow that exudes an unmistakable Awadhi vibe. With over 5000 shops, the place offers you a great street shopping experience as well as a glimpse into the city’s cultural heritage. From stunning chikan and zardozi garments, handmade jewelry, Nagra footwear, and perfumes, to melt-in-the-mouth kebabs, tasty biriyanis, and rabris, you can find it all in Chowk.
- Timings: Morning till night; closed on Thursdays
- Must-visit destinations: Nazraana Chicken Showroom, Paridhan Chikan Udyog, Rahim Ki Nihari, Saraswati Chikan Store
13. Indira Gandhi Planetarium
Indira Gandhi Planetarium | #13 of 25 Places to Visit in Lucknow
A visit to the Indira Gandhi Planetarium must be on your list of things to do in Lucknow, especially if you are a science enthusiast or traveling with your kids. The planetarium is designed in such a way that it resembles the planet Saturn, which makes it different from all other planetariums in the country. With its high-tech projection system and daily screenings that reveal the wonders of the universe, it is a great place to spend a day learning a thing or two about celestial bodies.
- Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; closed on Mondays
- Entry Fee: ₹ 25 per person
- Places to Stay: Hotels near Indira Gandhi Planetarium
14. Ambedkar Park
Ambedkar Park | #14 of 25 Places to Visit in Lucknow
A public park and memorial built across 107 acres in Gomti Nagar, Ambedkar Park honors Dr. Ambedkar, Jyotirao Phule, Kanshi Ram, Narayana Guru, and many other social reformers who worked for equality and social justice. A striking feature of the park is that the whole place is built using red sandstone bought in from Rajasthan. The key attractions here include the Ambedkar Stupa, Pratibimb Sthal with statutes of 62 elephants, the museum, and Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Samajik Parivartan Gallery, among others.
- Timings: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: ₹ 15 per person
- Places to Stay: Hotels near Ambedkar Memorial Park
15. Nawab Wahid Ali Shah Zoological Garden
Nawab Wahid Ali Shah Zoological Garden | #15 of 25 Places to Visit in Lucknow
Nawab Wahid Ali Shah Zoological Garden, more popularly known as Lucknow Zoo, is counted among the best places to visit in Lucknow for nature lovers and family holidaymakers. Established in 1921 over 71 acres of land, the place is home to over 440 mammals, 340 bird species, and several species of reptiles and many other wonders of the wild. While here, you can enjoy toy train rides and paddle boating, take a look at the British-era vintage train displayed in the zoo, and visit the butterfly park and nature interpretation center. Your little ones can also have a great time at the children’s park.
- Timings:
- 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (February to April and August to October)
- 8:00 am to 6:00 pm (May to July and November to January)
- Closed on Mondays and public holidays
- Entry fee: ₹ 60 for adults; ₹ 30 for children
16. State Museum
State Museum | #16 of 25 Places to Visit in Lucknow
The state museum that is located within the Lucknow Zoo is another key attraction you can include in your Lucknow itinerary. The major exhibits here include artifacts related to Awadhi arts and culture and several excavated antiquities from regions in and around the city. This four-storied building also contains an Egyptian mummy and a wooden sarcophagus.
- Timings: 10:30 am to 4:30 pm; closed on Mondays and public holidays
- Entry Fee: ₹ 5 for Indian adults; ₹ 2 for children; ₹ 50 for foreign tourists
17. Ram Manohar Lohiya Park
Counted among the top 10 places in Lucknow, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya Park is a public park developed by the Lucknow Development Authority. As the name suggests, it is built in memory of the great freedom fighter and socialist political leader Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya. Located in Gomti Nagar over a sprawling area of 76 acres, the park boasts of jogging tracks, acupressure tracks, a lake, a fish and duck pond, swings and benches, an amphitheater, a flower garden, and an open exercise area. Whether you want to spend a quiet evening strolling through the gardens or break a sweat on the jogging tracks, the park is an ideal spot.
- Timings: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: ₹ 5 per head
18. Gomti Riverfront Park
Gomti Riverfront Park | #18 of 25 Places to Visit in Lucknow
Gomti Riverfront Park has been one of the main tourist places in Lucknow ever since its establishment, thanks to its pristine location and scenic surroundings. Known among the top picnic and recreation spots in the city, the park stretches over 2 km across the banks of the Gomti River. One of the key attractions here is the musical fountain and the park looks stunning in the evening hours when the whole area is lit up. Equipped with jogging tracks, cycling tracks, play areas for children, etc. the park makes for a great spot to spend some time with your loved ones in the evenings.
- Timings: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: ₹ 10 per head
19. Janeshwar Mishra Park
Janeshwar Mishra Park | #19 of 25 Places to Visit in Lucknow
An urban park located in Gomti Nagar, Janeshwar Mishra Park is dedicated to the late politician Janeshwar Mishra. It is designed after the Hyde Park in London and counts among the top eco-friendly parks in the country. There are two large water bodies within the park which attract lots of migratory birds all through the year. Complete with jogging and cycling tracks, walkways, play areas for kids, gondola rides, and lush green settings, the park serves as a green lung in the city where you can refresh and relax.
- Timings: 5:00 am to 9:00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: Free
- Gondola Ride: ₹ 100 for 20 minutes
20. Chandrika Devi Temple
Dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Chandi, a form of Durga, the Chandrika Devi Temple is among the must-visit temples in Lucknow. The shrine, which is located on the banks of River Gomti, is believed to be about 300 years old. Goddess Chandi, the presiding deity of the temple, is worshipped here in the form of a stone with three heads. Known for its spiritual vibes, the temple is visited by devotees all through the year and especially during the festival of Navaratri.
- Timings: 5:00 am to 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: Free
21. Fun Republic Mall
Fun Republic Mall | #21 of 25 Places to Visit in Lucknow
When you want to enjoy a good session of retail therapy, fun, food, and entertainment, make your way to the Fun Republic Mall. Counted among the top shopping malls in Lucknow, it is located in the prime area of Gomti Nagar and houses several retail outlets, a spacious food court, and a gaming zone. You can also catch the latest releases at the Fun Cinemas, a plush multiplex located within the mall.
- Timings: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: Free
22. Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid | #22 of 25 Places to Visit in Lucknow
Another gem in the list of Lucknow tourist places in the Jama Masjid. Like all other masjids in the country, it is a spiritual center for Muslim devotees. But that’s not all. This 19th-centuary edifice is a visual treat and one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in the city. A key highlight here is the giant pillars that feature Hindu and Jain carvings.
- Timings: 05:00 am to 9:00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: Free
23. Constantia House
Constantia House | #23 of 25 Places to Visit in Lucknow
When you want to witness the architectural grandeur of the British era, you must make a visit to the Constantia House. It is part of the renowned La Martiniere College, one of the premier educational institutions in the city. The building houses the tomb of Major Claude Martin, the French general who started its construction way back in 1785. Considered to be the largest European funerary monument in the country, the Constantia House exhibits an unusual mix of architectural styles.
- Timings: 08:00 am to 6:00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: Free
24. Satkhanda
Satkhanda | #24 of 25 Places to Visit in Lucknow
An iconic watchtower located in Lucknow, Satkhanda is an incomplete, four-storied structure that dates back to the 1800s. King Mohammed Ali Shah who started the construction of the building planned it to be a watchtower with seven stories but could complete only four due to his untimely demise. The design of this red-brick tower shows influences of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which makes it one of the interesting monuments to visit in Lucknow.
- Timings: 24×7
- Entry Fee: Free
25. Charbagh Railway Station
Railway stations don’t usually qualify as a tourist destination, do they? But the Charbagh Railway Station in Lucknow is an exception to this. Counted among the most iconic railway stations in India, it has a regal appearance, similar to that of a palace or mansion. The huge building features elements of Rajput, Awadhi and Islamic styles of architecture complete with minarets and domes. Don’t forget to click some pictures of this grand structure because you don’t get to see such stunningly designed railway stations every day.
- Timings: 24×7
- Entry Fee: Free
- Places to Stay: Hotels in Charbagh Railway Station
All excited to explore the city? Remember, this blog covers only the most iconic places to visit in Lucknow. There’s certainly more, from the Buddha Park, Marine Drive, and Begum Hazrat Mahal Park to the Tomb of Saadat Ali Khan and Kaiserbagh Palace, among others. There is also a fine range of restaurants in Lucknow that will tickle your taste buds with authentic Mughlai and Awadhi flavors. Plan your itinerary such that you can experience the best of Lucknow in terms of sightseeing, shopping, food, and fun.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lucknow:
Q: What should I buy in Lucknow?
A: When in Lucknow, you should definitely buy handmade textiles especially chikankari work. Aminabad, Hazratganj, Chowk, Nakhas and Kapoorthala are the best shopping places in Lucknow for clothes. You can also find some great jewellery pieces in Lucknow's Alambagh Market.
Q: Where can I try the very famous kebabs of Lucknow?
A: Tunday Kababi on Old Nazirabad Road in Aminabad is one of the best places in Lucknow to try the delectable galauti kebabs. The street next to Tulsi Theatre in Hazratganj is also lined with eateries serving authentic non-vegetarian delights.
Q: I'd love to try Awadhi dishes. Any recommendations?
A: You might already know about Lucknow's tunday kebabs but there's a lot more you can try in the city. Boti, mutton korma, Mughlai parantha, biryani, khasta sabzi, rabri and khurchan are other must-try street foods in Lucknow.
Q: How is the nightlife in Lucknow?
A: The City of Nawabs has a dazzling nightlife that can be best enjoyed at pubs and bars in Lucknow like Grand Cabana, Be the Beer, Big Daddy, JW Club, Sky Bar, Underdoggs, Saqi, Urban Turban, Farzi Cafe, Bar Bar, Ttamasha, Cheer Peer, The Pebbles, Urban Qettle, Rustic Haus, Page 3, Munick and Percussion.
Q: Where can I go in Lucknow with kids?
A: There are a number of water parks like Nilansh, Amrapali, Dream World, Four Seasons Fun City and Anandi which make the best places to visit in Lucknow with kids.
Q: How to reach Lucknow by air?
A: Lucknow is served by Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport that has direct links to major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Jammu, Kolkata, Patna, Goa, Pune and Jaipur and international destinations like Dubai, Muscat and Bangkok.
Q: Which are the main bus and train stations in Lucknow?
A: Main bus stations in Lucknow are situated in Alambagh and Kaisar Bagh. The two major railway stations in the city include Lucknow Junction and Lucknow Charbagh, situated right next to each other.
Q: Are there any interesting weekend getaways from Lucknow?
A: Religious travellers might like to explore sacred places to visit near Lucknow like Ayodhya (136 km) and Allahabad (200 km). Dudhwa National Park, Chitrakoot, Varanasi, Khajuraho, Jhansi, Agra, Gwalior and Nainital are other popular places for weekend trips from Lucknow.
This post was last modified on 10-Apr-2024