Lucknow’s history is what makes the city unique. The city prospered under the Nawabs and rose to prominence during the Mughal era in the eighteenth century.
We will be discussing a culture that has endured over the years and has left a recognisable mark on every tourist place in Lucknow. The real unifying factor in Lucknow is growth—not just physical development, but also growth in terms of design, religion, art, and culture.
The food, institutions, monuments, and inhabitants of Lucknow will all demonstrate the utmost cultural generosity! We’ll discuss a few cool locations, some trivia, and how to get to the “City of Nawabs.” Read on to know more about Lucknow’s tourist places!
How to reach Lucknow?
By Air
Those who want to visit Lucknow can board the flight to the Lucknow Airport. You can reach anywhere in the city from the airport via a cab, bus, or auto-rickshaws.
By Train
The Charbagh Station, which is 3km away from the city centre, can be accessed via North and Borth-Eastern Railway Stations. You can reach anywhere in the city by hiring a cab, bus, or auto-rickshaws from outside the station.
By Road
Reach Lucknow via the NH 24, 25, and 28, by boarding a bus, cab, or driving yourself there.
15 best places to visit in Lucknow
Bara Imambara
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One of Lucknow’s most well-known landmarks is the Bara Imambara. It is a significant place of worship for Muslims who go here annually to observe the Islamic holiday of Muharram. It is also renowned as Asafi Imambara, after the name of the Nawab of Lucknow who ordered its construction. The magnificent maze, known locally as Bhul Bhulaiya and found on the Imambara’s upper level, is one of the monument’s most famous features, making it a popular visiting place in Lucknow.
Distance: 5km from Charbagh Station
Best Time to Visit: October-March
Timings: 06:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Entry Fee: Indian Adults: INR 50; Indian Children: INR 25; Foreigners: INR 500;
How to Reach: Durgapuri Metro Station is the nearest to the location and is 3km away from it. You may either hire a cab, auto, or rickshaw from outside the station to reach Bara Imambara.
Chhota Imam Bara
Source: Government of Lucknow
The grand historical structure of Chhota Imambara was built in 1838 by Muhammad Ali Shah, the third Nawab of Awadh. It is also called Imambara Hussainabad Mubarak. It was initially built as a congregation hall for devotees of the Shia community. However, later this place served as the mausoleum of the Nawab as well as his mother.
It serves as a gallery for display of life size portraits of the Nawabs of Awadh. There are around 30 stairs to reach the Picture Gallery. In front of the Picture gallery, there is a beautiful pond surrounded by green lawns and trees. The portraits of Nawabs indicate the contemporary grand costumes and jewellery used in those days.
Also known as Hussainabad Imambara, the structure looks like an architectural wonder because of the exquisite calligraphy on its exterior, turrets and the gilded dome. The interior of the structure was beautifully decorated with chandeliers and crystal lamps brought from Belgium, earning it the nickname the Palace of Lights. The exterior features intricate Islamic calligraphy elements, adding to its appeal. That’s why there is a huge crowd of people to see here also. You can come here anytime between 6:00 am to 5:00 pm. The entry fee here is Rs 25 for Indians and Rs 300 for foreign nationals.
Chhota Imambara address
Husanabad Road, Daulatganj, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226003, India
Chhota Imambara Lucknow entry ree
- Rs 50 per person for Indian adults
- Rs 25 per person for Indian children
- Rs 10 for digital camera
- Rs 25 for video camera
- Rs 500 per person for foreigners (inclusive of Bara Imambara, Chhota Imambara, Picture Gallery, Shahi Hamam)
Chhota Imam Bara Lucknow timings: 6 AM to 5 PM Monday to Sunday
Distance: 7.1 km from Charbagh Station
Best Time to Visit: October-March
Rumi Darwaza
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One of India’s most stunning buildings is the Rumi Darwaza in Lucknow, constructed by Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula in 1784. Similar to the Bara Imambara’s arch, this construction lacks any additional wood or iron fittings to improve stability from the outside, but it is still stable today.
There is a tower area on top of the structure, which previously housed a sizable lantern to illuminate the tower at night. It is highly recommended to pay a visit to this magnificent specimen of Awadhi architecture.
Distance: 5.8km from Charbagh Station
Best Time to Visit: October-March
Timings: 24 hrs
Entry Fee: None
How to Reach: Charbagh and Pandeyganj Metro Station is the nearest to the location and is 2km away from it. You may either hire a cab, auto, or rickshaw from outside the station to reach Rumi Darwaza.
The Residency
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A complex of homes from the Nawab era known as a residency consists of a number of these structures. The residence, constructed during the reign of Nawab Saadat Ali Khan II, took part in the siege of Lucknow in 1857. The residence, constructed during the reign of Nawab Saadat Ali Khan, was damaged in the 1857 siege of Lucknow. The ruined buildings still bear the marks of cannon fire and conflict. The abandoned structures are now encircled by flower beds and lawns, giving it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Lucknow.
Distance: 4.1km from Charbagh Station
Best Time to Visit: October-March
Timings: 07:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Entry Fee: Indian: Rs 5 per head; Foreigners: Rs 100 per head;
How to Reach: You may either hire a cab, auto, or rickshaw from outside the station to reach The Residency.
Know about: House for rent in Lucknow
Lucknow Zoo
Source: Pinterest
One of the top tourist destinations in the city is the Lucknow Zoo. This zoo, which is popular with both locals and visitors, has played a significant role in educating Lucknow’s population about the value of protecting the environment and animals.
There are 57 reptiles, 348 birds, and 447 mammals in the Lucknow Zoo, representing 97 distinct described species of animals. On Fridays, the Nature Interpretation Centre hosts “Touch Table Programs” at this zoo. This interactive equal education offers a hands-on opportunity to learn about animal skins, bird and pheasant eggs, elephant tusks, and more.
Distance: 3.6km from Charbagh Station
Best Time to Visit: October-March
Timings: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM; Monday closed
Zoological Garden Timings: 08:30 AM to 05:30 PM(Feb-April; August to October); 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM(May-July); 08:30 AM to 05:30 PM(November-January)
Entry Fee
| Ticket Type | Window Ticket Rate | Online Ticket Rate in Rs | |
| Entrance Ticket for above 12 years | 60 | 54 | |
| Entry ticket for 5 years to 12 years | 30 | 27 | |
| Package ticket for above 12 years | 100 | 90 | |
| Package ticket for 5 -12 years | 50 | 45 | |
| Video Camera Ticket | 50 | ||
| Morning Walk Pass – for a Month | 100 | ||
| Morning Walk Pass – for a Year | 500 | ||
| Free Entry for below 5 Years | |||
| For School Students: 10% concession on groups above 50 students. | |||
How to Reach: The Hazratganj Metro Station is the nearest to the location and is 1.5km away from it. You may either hire a cab, auto, or rickshaw from outside the station to reach Lucknow Zoo.
Jama Masjid
Source: Pinterest
Without visiting the well-known Jama Masjid, your tour of Lucknow would be incomplete. What other way is there to discover much more about the tradition that has long dominated the city? Jama Masjid is one of the best Lucknow places to visit.
Consider this architectural marvel from the 15th century, which features gorgeous white sandstone lettering, lovely minarets, and faultless domes. It is one of the best mosques in India, including over 260 pillars and 15 arched domes, thanks to the beautiful masonry and sculptures.
Distance: 7.6km from Charbagh Station
Best Time to Visit: October-March
Timings: 05:00 AM to 09:00 PM
Entry Fee: None
How to Reach: You may either hire a cab, auto, or rickshaw from outside the station to reach Jama Masjid.
Sikander Bagh
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The Sikander Bagh, originally the summer home of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, serves as another memory of the cruelty of the “Siege of Lucknow.” The 120 square yards, while having the name “garden,” also include a villa, several loopholes, a doorway, defensive walls, and corner bastions. It is one of Lucknow’s most beautiful spots to visit because of the Botanical Garden, National Botanical Research Institute, open spaces, and seats in the middle, and is a Lucknow famous place.
Distance: 5km from Charbagh Station
Best Time to Visit: October-March
Timings: 09:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Entry Fee: None
How to Reach: You may either hire a cab, auto, or rickshaw from outside the station to reach Sikander Bagh.
Indira Gandhi Planetarium
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At Suraj Kund Park on the banks of the River Gomti, there is a particular attraction exclusive to Lucknow called the Indira Gandhi Planetarium. This planetarium was built in 2003 with a new form that resembles the planet Saturn, replete with outer rings, in the typically ambitious Lucknowi architectural style.
The interior of the structure is air-conditioned, and it has cutting-edge projection technology that can be used for a variety of fun special effects during movies. In the short years since they started, their daily shows that aim to increase the public’s understanding of the universe have become highly popular,making it one of the best Lucknow visiting places.
Distance: 5.1km from Charbagh Station
Best Time to Visit: October-March
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Monday closed
Show timings: 01:00 PM; 02:30 PM; 04:00 PM; and 05:00 PM and at 06:00 PM in summers
Booking Timings: 11:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Entry Fee: Adults: Rs 25; Group of 30 and more: Rs 10 per head;
How to Reach: Aminabad or Charbagh railway Metro Station is the nearest to the location and is 2km away from it. You may either hire a cab, auto, or rickshaw from outside the station to reach the planetarium.
Hazratganj
Source: Pinterest
A significant retail area in the centre of Lucknow is called Hazaratganj. Nawab Saadat Ali Khan, who had ascended to the throne with the assistance of the British in January 1798, founded it in 1810.
For strolls in the heart of the city, this market used to be a favourite of British officials, Nawabs, and zamindars. Hazratganj is currently a bustling neighbourhood with a significant number of Lucknow’s neighbourhood bazaars. Customers could leave the store with a brand-new kurta or saree or a classic white Chikan. It should be at the top of your things to do in Lucknow list.
Distance: 3.9km from Charbagh Station
Best Time to Visit: October-March
Hazratganj Market Timings: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Entry Fee: None
How to Reach: The Hazratganj Metro Station is the nearest to the location and is 1km away from it. You may either hire a cab, auto, or rickshaw from outside the station to reach Hazratganj.
Chattar Manzil
Source: Pinterest
The Nawabi city’s historical path never stops! Welcome to Chattar Manzil, also known as the “Umbrella Palace” and another magnificent landmark in Lucknow. It was once the residence of the women of the Awadh kings.
The monument combines elements of Indo-European and Nawabi architecture. It is one of the best architectural attractions in Lucknow because of the interesting umbrella-shaped domes and spacious basement rooms.
Distance: 5.6km from Charbagh Station
Best Time to Visit: October-March
Timings: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Entry Fee: None
How to Reach: Hazratganj Metro Station is the nearest to the location and is 3.8km away from it. You may either hire a cab, auto, or rickshaw from outside the station to reach Bara Imambara.
Gomti Riverfront Park
Source: Pinterest
Another great tourist destination in Lucknow is the Gomti Riverfront Park. The highly green and beautiful attraction, which is located along the banks of the Gomti River, is a great place for a stroll or picnic. This Lucknow tourism place attracts a lot of visitors because of its musical fountains at night, amphitheatre, specialised bicycling and running paths, and boating options.
Distance: 6.7km from Charbagh Station
Best Time to Visit: November-March, April-June
Timings: 06:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry Fee: Rs 10
How to Reach: Hazratganj and Lekhraj Market Metro Station is the nearest to the location and is 2km away from it. You may either hire a cab, auto, or rickshaw from outside the station to reach the riverfront.
Marine Drive, Lucknow
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Locals frequent a route along the Gomti River that is named after Mumbai’s well-known Marine Drive. Locals frequent Lucknow’s Marine Drive in the evenings and early mornings because of its breathtaking vistas of the Gomti River. It features a variety of parks and other attractions for people of all ages. On this list of places to see in Lucknow, it is a must-visit location because it offers some of the most magnificent river vistas, and is the place to visit in Lucknow.
Distance: 8.5km from Charbagh Station
Best Time to Visit: October-March
Timings: 11:00 AM to 09:00 PM
Fountain Timings: 07:30 PM – 09:00 PM
Entry Fee: None
How to Reach: You may either take a cab, auto, or rickshaw from outside the station to reach Marine Drive.
Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary
Source: Pinterest
One of the most famous places in Lucknow is Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, situated in the Unnao area along the Kanpur-Lucknow route. One of the numerous wetlands in North India, the sanctuary was renamed Shahid Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary in 2015. It also has a lake. There are about 250 different bird species in the area, along with other fauna. Peafowl, Sarus Crane, King Crow, and Indian Roller are a few of the species that are frequently seen in this area.
Distance: 40.2km from Charbagh Station
Best Time to Visit: October-March
Timings: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Entry Fee: Indian: Rs 30; Foreigners: Rs 350
How to Reach: You may either hire a cab or auto from outside the station to reach the sanctuary. You can also board a bus to the Nagar bus stop to reach the sanctuary.
Ambedkar Memorial Park
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Dr. B. R. Ambedkar is honored at the public space and memorial known as Ambedkar Memorial Park. The park, one of the best tourist destinations in Lucknow, is stretched across a sizable 107 acres, and the structures inside are constructed from Rajasthani red sandstone. Ambedkar stupa, a sangrahalay, a picture gallery, pratibimb sthal, and the drashya sthal are among the structures found inside.
Distance: 7.7km from Charbagh Station
Best Time to Visit: October-March
Timings: 11:00 AM to 09:00 PM
Entry Fee: Rs 10
How to Reach: Badshah Nagar Metro Station is the nearest to the location and is 4km away from it. You may either hire a cab, auto, or rickshaw from outside the station to reach Bara Imambara.
Janeshwar Misra Park
Spread across 376 acres, the Janeshwar Misra Park in Lucknow’s Gomti Nagar Phase-II area is developed on the lines of Hyde Park, London.Besides the flora and fauna, the park boasts two large water bodies, gondola rides, a children’s play area, jogging and cycling paths, walkways and eateries. The park also has a storytelling house and a heritage engine from Gujarat.
Address of Janeshwar Mishra Park: Janeshwar Mishra Park, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226010
Nearest metro stations: The Badshah Nagar Metro Station and the Lekhraj Market Metro Station are the nearest stations.
Janeshwar Mishra Park timing: The park is open every day from 5 AM to 9 PM.
Entry fee: Entry is free for senior citizens, the specially-abled and children below 12 years. Others must purchase a Rs 10 ticket. The gondola ride costs Rs 100 per person.
Best time to visit: January to March
Things to do in Lucknow
Heritage walk in Lucknow
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The Lucknow Heritage Walk is a unique offering from the Uttar Pradesh Tourism department. It’s a pleasant guided tour that lets you see Lucknow firsthand. You’ll meet your English-speaking tour at the initial position outside Tila Wali Masjid after scheduling your walk time on your phone or through their website. From there, you’ll follow them as they first circle the mosque, then make their way to the Bara Imambara, and finally enter the interesting labyrinth of the Chowk neighborhood.
Distance: 4.1km from Charbagh Station
Best Time to Visit: October-March
How to Reach: You may either hire a cab, auto, or rickshaw from outside the station to reach the place.
See also: Lucknow pin code
Oudhyana
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If you’re visiting the City of Nawabs and have not tried the food, the trip isn’t complete. Aside from street food that is a must-try, you should visit Oudhyana. When you visit Oudhyana, which is located inside the Vivanta by Taj’s lobby, you can be guaranteed to get the best dining expertise in this area.
The best Awadhi and Mughlai food would be served to you by the incredibly kind and experienced wait staff as you make your way to your table beneath exquisite chandeliers.
Every dish is wonderful and well-spiced, giving richness and depth to every mouthful without dominating the taste. This includes the melt-in-your-mouth kebabs, luscious parathas, and delightful biryanis.
Distance: 7.7km from Charbagh Station
Timings: 12:30 PM to 02:45 PM; 07:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Must Try: Chicken Achari Tikka, Mutton Nihari, and many more.
How to Reach: You may either hire a cab, auto, or rickshaw from outside the station to reach the restaurant.
FAQs
Does Lucknow merit a visit?
Lucknow is among the most popular tourist destinations in the nation, attracting visitors from all over the world. Although tourists come to this city mostly to eat the local specialities like kebabs and biryanis, there are still several attractions that are worthwhile seeing.
What time of year is ideal for visiting Lucknow?
August to October during the monsoon is the ideal season to visit Lucknow.
What is Lucknow's most well-known dish?
The city provides a broad variety of meals for food aficionados, from kachoris, and chai-samosa to chole bhature and tokri chaat.
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