Things to do in Lahore
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Café Aylanto
With seating inside and outdoors, this good-looking café tosses up a range of pastas as well as other Continental tempters including New Zealand lamb chops and Norwegian salmon steaks. For pure indulgence you can't beat the lobster thermidor.
reviewed
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Café Zouk
Funky Zouk whips up imaginative Continental and Thai creations including a divine Pattaya sweet and sour fish, Ethiopian chicken in red pepper sauce and a superb New York cheesecake. Cocktail buffs can sip on a piña colada (minus the kick).
reviewed
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Aitchison College
At the eastern end of The Mall, Aitchison College, the 'Eton of Pakistan', is the most prestigious school in the country. Run on the lines of an English public school, the Mughal-Gothic style building is surrounded by manicured sporting fields.
reviewed
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Nairang Galleries
This small but high-quality gallery focuses on Pakistani art with items selling upwards of Rs6000. There's also a little café, replete with spongy sofas, that is a perfect place to cool your heels over a steamy cup of coffee.
reviewed
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Race Course Park
Southeast of Bagh-i-Jinnah on Race Course Rd, the cool, green Race Course Park is the place to catch a polo game. It's also good for a stroll or jog - there's less human traffic on weekdays (late afternoons can get busy, though).
reviewed
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Ejaz Galleries
Just off MM Alam Rd (turn at KFC) this classy gallery has an innovative collection of paintings by Pakistani artists. The paintings are also for sale (expect to pay around Rs6000 to Rs100000 per piece).
reviewed
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Chaman
For a cool cone or three you really can't do much better than Chaman, which has carved a name for itself as one of Lahore's most-loved ice-cream parlours. If you have room, try the fruit juices.
reviewed
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Sunehri Masjid
The small Sunehri Masjid, in the centre of the Old City, was built in 1753 by Bikhari Khan and is famous for its three gilded domes and gold-plated minarets, still shining as brightly as ever.
reviewed
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Pizzerio Uno Chicago Grill
Decked out in an Al Capone theme, this is perhaps Lahore's best place to sink your chompers into a 12oz fillet steak. Its tandoori chicken pizza is also a treat, as is the Chicago cheesecake.
reviewed
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Langay Bazaar
Close to the Lahore Fort, Langay Bazaar is the area to find musical instruments. Competition between shops is high, so it's worth looking around and bargaining hard to bag the best deal.
reviewed
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Cookers
The outdoor dining area on The Mall is a great place to tuck into salt 'n' pepper squid, Arabian sole in lemon-herb sauce or coconut chicken curry. Bookings for dinner are recommended.
reviewed
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Ziafat
Ziafat predominantly attracts young families, some of whom unfortunately allow their little darlings to treat the place like a playground. Nonetheless, the buffet is good value.
reviewed
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Kim's Bookshop
Specifically caters to tourists, which accounts for its commendable selection of novels and general-interest books about Pakistan. It also sells good postcards (Rs10 to Rs20).
reviewed
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Fiesta
Although not as legendary as Chaman next door, Fiesta is working hard to win the hearts of ice-cream aficionados with a tantalising melange of sweet-sounding scoops.
reviewed
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Cathedral Church of the Resurrection
The Anglican Cathedral Church of the Resurrection has an English language Communion service at 08:00 and 17:00 on Sunday. There are several other churches in Lahore.
reviewed
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Village Restaurant
This restaurant gets the stamp of approval from travellers for its satiating buffet. Recommended for those contemplating a civilised feeding frenzy.
reviewed
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Shezan
This family restaurant serves up Pakistani and Continental favourites including mutton handi and cheese stuffed chicken breast. Also does takeaway.
reviewed
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Moti Bazaar
Inside Taksali Gate is Moti Bazaar that's the best place to buy cheap, good quality chappals (sandals). Expect to pay upwards of Rs400 a pair.
reviewed
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Classic
A good collection, especially of magazines. International newspapers and magazines ordered on request; these take up to 10 days to arrive.
reviewed
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Mei Kong
This large Chinese restaurant has an extensive menu with vegetable chow mein and prawn chop suey among the usual Chinese fare.
reviewed
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Faluda Shop
Opposite Fiesta, this is a good place to sample your very first faluda (vermicelli and ice cream).
reviewed
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Chitrkar Studio & Gallery
Apart from frequent art exhibitions, Chitrkar puts on an enjoyable classical music evening once a month.
reviewed
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National Hockey Stadium
Opposite Qaddafi Stadium, this is the venue for field hockey matches and football (soccer).
reviewed
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Landa Bazaar
Opposite Delhi Gate, this bazaar sells decent secondhand clothing and shoes. Haggle hard.
reviewed
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Vanguard Books
You can get maps and magazines here but the books are mainly of the educational genre.
reviewed