- Best time
- Oct–Mar
- How long
- 2–3 days
- Stay a night
- ₹1,000–9,000
- Food a day
- ₹300–2,000
- Nearest railhead
- 0 km away
- Nearest airport
- 15 km away
Plan Lucknow in a minute. Day-by-day plan, stays, budget and trains — free on JrnyLoop.
Plan this tripAbout Lucknow
The city of tehzeeb — Awadhi kebabs and biryani in Chowk, the Bara Imambara’s maze, chikankari shopping and the ruins of the Residency.
Things to do in Lucknow
Bara Imambara & Bhool Bhulaiya
The Bara Imambara, also known as the Asafi Imambara, is a major imambara and mosque complex in Lucknow built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784. It features a grand vaulted hall and a fascinating rooftop maze known as Bhool Bhulaiya.
Tip: Hire an authorized guide near the entrance to help you navigate the labyrinth safely.
Rumi Darwaza
The 60-ft Awadhi gateway was built by Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula in 1784. This impressive monument was modeled after the Sublime Porte in Istanbul and used to mark the entrance to Old Lucknow.
Tip: Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Asafi Imambara and Teele Wali Masjid.
Chhota Imambara
Chhota Imambara is a historic congregation hall and mausoleum built in 1838 by Muhammad Ali Shah. Often called The Palace of Lights by European visitors, the monument features magnificent chandeliers, crystal glass lamp-stands, and intricate Islamic calligraphy.
Tip: You can use the same ticket to visit the nearby Satkhanda or Bara Imambara if you plan a longer day out.
The Residency
The Residency is a group of several historic buildings located in the heart of Lucknow. It served as the residence for the British Resident General and now stands in ruins as a reminder of the 1857 siege.
Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes as you explore the expansive grounds and uneven terrain
Hazratganj
Hazratganj is the central business district and a prominent market area in Lucknow. It features a mix of bazaars, shopping complexes, restaurants, hotels, theatres, and cafés. It is a lively spot for local evening walks.
Tip: You can easily reach the market using the Lucknow Metro via the Hazratganj station.
Chowk Food Walk
Chowk Food Walk is a culinary journey through the old city of Lucknow. Travellers can taste local specialities like tender kebabs, rich nihari, and the seasonal sweet treat known as makhan malai.
Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes as you explore the narrow lanes of the old city.
Ambedkar Memorial Park
A vast public memorial in Gomti Nagar dedicated to B. R. Ambedkar and other social reformers. It features expansive grounds built with massive red sandstone and includes 124 monumental elephant statues. The entire site looks especially striking when it is lit up at night.
Where to stay in Lucknow
Hazratganj
Central, walkable, cafes and shops.
Charbagh
Budget hotels at the station.
Gomti Nagar
Big hotels in the new city.
What to eat
Tunday Kababi
Melt-in-the-mouth galouti kebabs in Aminabad and Chowk.
Idrees Biryani
Dum-cooked Awadhi biryani in Chowk.
Prakash Kulfi
Kulfi-falooda in Aminabad.
Royal Cafe basket chaat
Hazratganj’s famous chaat.
Good to know
- Chowk and Aminabad food lanes come alive after sunset.
- Buy chikankari in Chowk and Aminabad for better prices.
Going to Lucknow? Build the plan, split costs with your group and keep tickets in one place.
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