Explore Awe-Inspiring Culture: 10 Best Things To Do In Lucknow, India

things to do in lucknow india
Nikhil
Nikhil 
Published
| 4 min read
Siddhartha Kataki
Endorsed by a Lucknow Local Expert
|
Siddhartha Kataki
Devyanshi Tripathi
Endorsed by a Lucknow Local Expert
|
Devyanshi Tripathi

India is artistically and culturally rich, which goes without saying! And when you talk about art, Lucknow is the city that comes to the mind, as it is a city of intriguing culture and breathtaking artworks. Here, art lingers in the air making it an inspiring and culturally rich city of India. Lucknow is known for its people and monuments. There are a number of places one can witness in Lucknow where art amalgamates with humans. If you are planning to travel and wondering which place should you visit next, then Lucknow should be your choice. Spending at least five days in Lucknow would capture your attention with glimpses of rich history and enchanted artwork in every nook and corner in this city of tehzeeb (refinement).

1. Bara Imambara

Bara-imambara
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user [Unknown] used under CC BY 2.5

What makes Bara Imambara monument exceptionally special is the reason behind its construction. This monument was built by Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula as a relief project for the famine that took place back in 1784. The supreme architecture of the monument make it the world’s largest arched hall. The hall measures up to 50 meters (164 ft) long and extends to 15 meters (49 ft) high. The uniqueness in the construction is that the blocks join together in an interlocking system. Additionally, there is no usage of girders and beams.

Bara Imambara

Address: Near Machchhi Bhavan, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003

Website: Bara Imambara

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2. Rumi Darwaza

RUMI DARWAZA, LUCKNOW
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user ReshmiC used under CC BY-SA 3.0

This 18.2 m (60 ft) tall massive door is known as Rumi Darwaza. Rumi Darwaza was built back in 1784-89 in the reign of the Nawab Asaf-Ud-Dula. The artistic work of this humongous door is identical to an ancient portal in Constantinople, Turkey, which is also referred as the Turkish Gate. This monument is counted as the symbol of Lucknow, which generated employment after the famine that had hit the city in the 1780s.

Rumi Darwaza

Address: 17/11, Husanabad Road, Lajpat Nagar Colony, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003

Website: Rumi Darwaza

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Devyanshi

Devyanshi
Lucknow

Rumi Darwaza is a famous attraction, but it's literally just a architectural gate and a spot to take pictures. It's recommended for history buffs, but if you're not one, you're better off checking it out on your way from British Residency and Bara Imambara to Hazratganj. If you still want to spend some time in the area, check out the larger-than-life Globe in the Global Park on the Parivartan Chauraha. 

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3. The famous Lucknow Zoo

Lucknow Zoo Asiatic Lion
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Prachi Srivastava used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Visiting a zoo is definitely fun in itself, especially when you are with children. When it comes to the zoos in India, the famous Lucknow Zoo cannot go uncounted. This is the oldest zoo in the country, which makes it a must-visit if you are in Lucknow. Lucknow Zoo is a treat to visit, with exotic and rare animals in the habitats.

The famous Lucknow Zoo

Address: Hazratganj Road, Opp to Civil Hospital, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001

Website: Lucknow Zoo

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4. 1857 Memorial Museum

1857 war memorial
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Khalid Ahmed used under CC BY-SA 3.0

To those who carry the pride of the nation in their hearts, the 1857 Memorial Museum will fill you up with even more pride. This museum carries the footprints of the 1857 uprising in the name of freedom. The ruins of the residency are preserved in the same manner. Hence, this memorial is certainly a treat to visit. The design of the museum represents the first struggle for freedom that was carried out in 1857. There are old photographs, lithographs, paintings, documents and a lot more to take you on a breathtaking journey.

1857 Memorial Museum

Address: River Bank Colony, Qaiserbagh, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001

Website: 1857 Memorial Museum

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5. Shopping at Hazratganj Market

Renovated Hazratganj011
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mohitextreme used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Shopping at Hazratganj is certainly going to be an experience of a lifetime, especially for those who love to shop. You can choose an evening or morning to shop. Hazratganj is comprised of a number of consumer brands that offer vibrant products to tourists. There are a number of reputed shops that are known for their artistic handloom works. When you reach Hazratganj, don’t forget to sip a coffee at The Coffee House.

Shopping at Hazratganj Market

Website: Shopping at Hazratganj Market

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Devyanshi

Devyanshi
Lucknow

Hazratganj metro station

If you're staying anywhere near the airport or railway station, the best way to reach Hajratganj is the Metro. Get off at the "Hajratganj" underground station and walk up to the main market. Also, if you're shopping on a budget, the best place will be Love Lane, a small, hard-to-spot street next to The Hazlenut Factory. The whole market is known for high-end luxury shops, but Love Lane is the spot for college-goers. I exclusively shopped there when I needed a big wardrobe on a budget. 


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6. British Residency

The Residency, Lucknow
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Anoopkn used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Another major attraction is the British Residency, which was built by the Nawab of Awadh in 1800 A.D. This old tourist spot is designed as a cluster of building for British officials. Not just that, but this place also carries historical significance from the outlook of the first freedom struggle. The brick walls of the residency give a glimpse of the violence that this place has witnessed over time.

British Residency

Address: Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Deep Manak Nagar, Qaiserbagh, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001

Website: British Residency

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7. State Museum

The State Museum in Lucknow was established in 1863; it moved to the present building in the zoo in 1963. The museum has...

Posted by Lucknow Magic on Saturday, 17 December 2016

The state museum of Lucknow is one of the most important places to visit if you are anywhere in Lucknow. This old museum is a three-storey building with a plethora of galleries that are devoted to natural history, bronzes, paintings, coins, sculptures, and so on. Each gallery has something insightful to talk about. Once you visit this museum, it is hard to avoid imagining what life must have been like in the past. If you are a lover of history, certainly this place is not meant to be missed. You might take a little longer to complete all the galleries, but make sure that you do because the State Museum is something worth your time.

State Museum

Address: Narhi, Hazratganj, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001

Website: State Museum

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Nida

Nida
Lucknow

Good Tip

I would like to share the pic of "Gharara".. A traditional long skirt dress wore in Lucknow, India as a lavish party dress.. You can get authentic designs and variety with chikankari, Zardozi, kamkhwab and zari handworks!!

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Devyanshi

Devyanshi
Lucknow

Tagore Library

While you're at the State Museum, take some time to visit the Tagore Library, just 10 minutes ahead on the same road. Most people will overlook this, but if you’re an art and culture enthusiast, make sure to have this on your itinerary. One of the oldest libraries in India, it is the main information bank of the University of Lucknow. Aside from the abundance of books, the library also houses age-old manuscripts, ancient coins from the Mughal era, century-old paintings, and other art pieces.

It is located within the University of Lucknow and can be reached via the metro. Board the train and stop at the “University” station. Exit from the left gates, and you’ll find yourself standing right in front of the gate no. 4 of the University’s entrance. 

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8. Indira Gandhi Planetarium

Indra gandhi planetarium lucknow....

Posted by Tanveer Alam on Thursday, 12 April 2012

The beautiful building of the Indira Gandhi Planetarium was created in the shape of Saturn, which is a benchmark of architecture in itself. Astronomy shows are arranged on a daily basis using 3D animation and other techniques in the Indira Gandhi Planetarium. The show gives a glimpse into the world of astronomy. You can spend some leisure time over here and submit to your curiosity.

Indira Gandhi Planetarium

Address: 9, Nabi Ullah Road, Suraj Kund Park, Near Dali Ganj Bridge, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226008

Website: Indira Gandhi Planetarium

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9. Dr. Ambedkar Park

Dr B R Ambedkar Park Lucknow ( Uttar Pardesh )

Posted by Charanjit Lagah Photography on Wednesday, 29 October 2014

The public park known as Dr. Ambedkar Park is a treat to visit. The well-lit paths and fountains all over the place make this park a lovely place to spend an evening. This park honors the life of Jyotirao Phule, Narayan Guru, Kashi Ram Shahuji Maharaj, Dr. Ambedkar, and other historical figures who devoted their lives for humanity. This park was built by Mayawati during her tenure of administration in Uttar Pradesh, India.

Dr. Ambedkar Park

Address: Vipul Khand 2, Vipul Khand 3, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226010

Website: Dr. Ambedkar Park

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Devyanshi

Devyanshi
Lucknow

Ambedkar Park

The best time to visit this park will be after 4 pm. Spend a few hours exploring until the lights come on. It's a magnificent site during the daytime, but it is equally, if not more, stunning at night. Also, all the street food vendors open late in the day. 

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10. Dine at Oudhayana

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Posted by Vivanta by Taj on Friday, 16 December 2016

After a tiresome day, visit Oudhayana to give your soul a delectable feast. The delicious food served along with an exceptional ambiance makes this place enchanting. This is especially valid if you are fond of authentic food. It is a great place to experience the delicacies of Lucknow.

Dine at Oudhayana

Address: Vipin Khand, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226010

Website: Dine at Oudhayana

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Siddhartha

Siddhartha
Lucknow

Dastarkhwan Lalbagh

The local cuisine of a place speaks volumes about its culture. Equally famous for its Kebabs and Nawabs (a royal title bestowed upon the princely rulers), Lucknow is a foodie's paradise. Although the Nawabs are long gone, the kebabs remain alive and kicking!

The streets of the city are dotted with eateries, each serving mouth-watering delicacies. I was fortunate to visit the city in 2021 on a 2000-km-long road trip from New Delhi to Guwahati. The 2nd phase of the COVID pandemic was hot on our heels, which made the trip somewhat daunting yet adventurous.

I am drooling over succulent pieces of meat, grilled to perfection, waiting for my dinner at Dastarkhwan Lalbagh.

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Let’s experience it now!

Don’t wait anymore! Pack your bags and take a trip to Lucknow. These 10 places will certainly offer you a unique new experience. Make sure you visit all these spellbinding places in Lucknow.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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This article has been endorsed by Lucknow local expert Siddhartha Kataki and 1 other(s)

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Nikhil NG is a writer, brand strategic consultant, traveler and the founder of SuccessRider.com. His writing inspires people to travel on a budget. Plus, he helps hospitality dealers achieve...Read more

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