Lucknow gained popularity in the 18th century when the city was ruled by the Mughals, hence the name “The City of Nawabs”. Truly, Nawabs shaped Lucknow into one of the most beautiful tourist attractions for locals and international tourists. Lucknow is the only city in India that has still preserved its culture, showing us how the Mughals were part of this town once. Below we are going to present a list of the best places to visit in Lucknow. Let’s take a look.
21 Best Places to Visit in Lucknow
1. Bara Imambara
One of Lucknow's biggest, oldest, and most popular historical landmarks is the Bara Imambara. It’s a huge building consisting of Bowli, Asfi Mosque, and the monument’s highlight — Bhool Bhulaiya. The architecture resembles Mughal designs and is a religious place that hosts the festival of Muharram every year. The architects haven’t used wood or metal in the construction, making it the world’s unique and mesmerizing monument. In the middle of the hall, you can see Nawab Asaf-Ud-Dowlah’s grave with his crown.
Timings: 6 AM - 5 PM
Entry Fee: INR 25 / per person
2. Chota Imambara
In old Lucknow, Chota Imambara, or Hussainbad, is another attractive historical landmark that attracts local and foreign tourists annually. Muhammad Ali Shah constructed this monument, and his grave was made right next to his mother’s within this monument. It was built to serve as a place of worship for Shia Muslims in 1838. International tourists often refer to the Chota Imabara as the “Palace of Lights” because of the decorations and the ways it's adorned on special occasions. The exterior walls of the Imambara have Quranic verses written in Arabic calligraphy. It has a blend of Persian and Indo-Islamic architecture, which makes it truly a sight to behold.
Timings: 6 AM - 5 PM
Entry Fee: INR 25 / per person
3. Marine Drive
The place gets its name from the famous Marine Drive in Mumbai. It is the road that runs alongside the river Gomti in Lucknow. The road gives a peaceful vibe and looks quite vibrant when coupled with the pleasant atmosphere. There are benches available. It’s a perfect hangout spot for couples, friends, and families. You can also use it for jogging, cycling, and other fun activities. Plan a road trip with your partner on Marine Drive road in Lucknow during the sunset.
Timings: Open throughout the day
Fee: No entry fee
4. Lucknow Zoo
Witness the UP’s wildlife in Lucknow Zoo. Home to a wide variety of mammals and birds, it’s a fascinating tourist place for those who want to capture pictures with Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion, Black Bear, and numerous birds. Spanning over 71.6 acres, the zoo was built to welcome the Pince of Wales. Today, it has become a popular tourist attraction. In addition to hundreds of unique species, the zoo provides you with many adrenaline-rush activities, including a toy train
ride that gives you a complete tour of the Lucknow Zoo.
Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (closed on Monday)
Entry Fees: INR 80 for adults and INR 40 for children
5. Ambedkar Memorial Park
Built by the UP government, Dr. Ambedkar Memorial Park is an ideal place for history buffs. The park houses the statutes of famous political leaders and freedom fighters. Spread over 107 acres, this spacious park is home to many popular monuments constructed using the red sandstone collected from Rajasthan. You will get Ambedkar Stupa, a drashya sthal, and a photo gallery (to name a few).
Timings: 9 AM to 7 PM
Entry Fees: Free for Everyone
6. Rumi Darwaza
Your trip to Lucknow is incomplete without a visit to the city’s special Rumi Darwaza. This sixty- foot tall gate in the old Lucknow is also known as Turkish Gate. Built in 1748, this tall gate has seen Lucknow’s history and how it has emerged to success. Today, it is a high-traffic and crowded area, which remains occupied throughout the day. Although a lot has changed in Lucknow since the time Rumi Darwaza was built, this gate hasn’t changed. It offers the same
splendid view as it did before and looks even more stunning when it’s lit up at night.
Timings: Open 24 hours a day
Entry Fee: No
7. Hazratganj Market
Lucknow is all about the historical landmarks, and the tourist locations are all based on the famous history that speaks volumes about the city’s past. But let’s forget it for a while and focus on something thrilling. The central shopping center, Hazratganj Market, in Lucknow, has seen the biggest transformation over the past few years. It still serves as people’s favorite shopping destination, but with restaurants, theaters, hotels, and entertainment zones. Buy clothes, books, accessories, and souvenirs from Hazratganj Market.
Timings: 10 AM - 11 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
8. Jama Masjid
To learn more about the Mughal culture that has dominated the city for decades, you need to visit Jama Masjid. The beautiful domes, charming minarets, and the white walls decorated with sandstone calligraphy — everything about Jama Masjid look fascinating. The intricate stonework and more than 260 pillars make this historical worship place a must-visit tourist destination.
Timings: 5 AM - 9 PM
Entry Fee: Free
9. Anandi Water Park
Take some time away from the city’s noise and the cultural spots. A trip to the Anandi Water Park will be super exciting for your kids. The water park has an array of water rides and fun activities that can keep your kids busy throughout the day. The big resort and the club section make this water park a perfect tourist destination for those looking for some fun.
Timings: 10 AM to 7 PM
Entry Fee: INR 700 for adults and INR 600 for children
10. Sikander Bagh
Once served as the accommodation of the Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, the Sikander Bagh is now a 120-acre yard that is home to a villa, a gateway, bastions, and other scenic places that youd’ love to see. Built in the 18th century, the Sikander Bagh is on the Ashok Road and has now turned into a Botanical Garden and Botanical Research Institute.
Timings: 9:30 AM - 6 PM
Entry Fees: free
11. Hathi Park
Another break from the cultural side of Lucknow is this recreational kids’ spot featuring several Haathis that you can climb. It also has many slides. The park also consists of other areas that offer plenty of fun activities for your little ones. There are food stalls too. Overall, it is a recreational place for kids and families looking for some fun time.
Timings: 7 AM - 8 PM
Entry Fees: INR 5 per person
12. Chattar Manzil
Constructed by Nawab Ghazi Uddin Haider, Chattar Manzil is commonly famous as the Umbrella Palace. It’s a wonderful blend of Nawabi and European architecture. As the name suggests, the building has a Chhatri decorating its dome. You may have seen this palace in the Jolly LLB 2 movie. Built by a French General Major, Chattar Manzil is your ideal destination for tourists interested in Lucknow’s history and Bollywood fans.
Timings: 8 AM - 6 PM
Entry Fees: Free
13. Dewa Shareef
Looking for places to visit near Lucknow within 150 km? Dewa Shareef is your best option. At a distance of 25 kilometers from Lucknow, Dewa Sharif is a small city famous for being home to the shrine of Haji Waris Ali Shah. The place also houses a mosque within the town, and is thus visited by a large number of pligrims annually. If you want to see the best of Dewa Shareef, consider visiting the shrine during Holi. People celebrate this Hindu festival with great enthusiasm and color themselves. The shrine receives a huge crowd during the 10-day Urs
which lasts between October and November.
Timings: Open 24 hours a day
Entry Fees: No entry fees
14. Disney Water Wonder Park
Lucknow isn’t only known for its cultural and historical beauty, but the City of Nawab has many recreational places that make it a must-visit place for all tourists. Disney Water Wonder Park is one such water and amusement park, known for adventure sports and water slides. Spanning over 20 acres, you can participate in many recreational activities and water sports. If you are visiting Lucknow with family, take some time to visit Disney Water Wonder Park.
Timing: 10 AM - 7 PM
Entry Fees: INR 500 for adults and INR 400 for kids
15. Gautam Buddha Park
If you are visiting Hathi Park, Gautam Buddha Park is located near it, so a visit here is a must. Built in the 1980s, this park has many slides and swings. The lush greenery and beautiful flowers make it a perfect recreational place for your little ones and the family. You can also practice paddle boating here for a small fee. Enjoy the greenery, parking space, and recreational spots. The place gets a bit crowded on the weekend, so plan your trip accordingly.
Timings: 7 AM - 9 PM
Entry Fee: INR 5 per person
16. Moti Mahal
Famous as the Pearl Palace, Moti Mahal is built right next to Shah Manzil. The palace served as the residence of the Nawabs of Lucknow. It was built in such a way that Nawabs used to watch birds from the Mahal. It still serves as the bird-watching spot. The gardens in the surrounding area are used to host parties, conferences, and other special events.
Timings: 11 AM to 11 PM
Entry Fee: Free
17. Shah Najaf Imambada
On Rana Pratap Road, the Shah Najaf Imambada serves as a popular Muslim monument that has the graves of Ghazi-ud-Din Haider and his wives. Flaunting a beautiful Mughal architecture in the middle of the floral yard, this popular monument is an all-white structure made of marble. Make sure you wear appropriate outfits and cover your heads when entering the mosque. There is also a tonga and camel ride available within the vicinity of the Imambada.
Observe the large dome and capture the beauty of the pristine white structure that reminds us of the Mughal architecture. You are going to have a great time in this historical location.
Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fee: Free
18. Ramakrishna Math
Ramakrishna Math is a monk institution, which is devoted to Lord Rama Krishna. Built right next to the institute is a shrine, which is made of marble. The palace was constructed in the 19th century by Ramakrishna and hosts the statues of Swami Vivekananda and Mother Sarada Devi.
Timings: 8:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
19. British Residency
Once used as the headquarters for the members of the British East India Company, the British Residence of Lucknow has now turned into all ruins and a cemetery adjacent to the residency now houses the graves of people who died during the fight. To witness the light and sound show that reminds us of the revolt of 1857, you must visit the British Residency in the evening.
Timings: 10 AM - 5 PM
Entry fee: INR 5 per person
20. Indira Gandhi Planetarium
Located on the banks of River Gomti, the Indira Gandhi Planetarium is for science students and those interested in 3D shows and exhibitions. Learn more about Aryabhatta and Indian scientists while looking at the diverse models of the Indian satellites. You will love the 3D space shows that will take you on a virtual tour of the space. The architecture resembles solar system and is built in the Saturn shape.
Timings: 1 PM - 5 PM
Entry Fee: INR 25 per person
21. Bithoor
For those looking for places to visit near lucknow within 500 km, try Bithoor. In addition to its religious importance, Bithoor serves as a pilgrimage for Hindus. It is believed that the town was the residence of the two prominent people “Luv and Kush”. People also believe it’s a residence of Lord Brahma.
Bottom Line
The development of the city, not only in terms of culture but attractions and commerce, has caught the attention of tourists from all over the world. The sightseeing attractions in Lucknow are built to cater to the tourists’ demands. The above-listed places to visit in Lucknow are your best options if you are looking for a weekend getaway destination in UP.
