Things To Do in
Lucknow

The crown jewel of Lucknow — a massive 18th-century Nawabi structure with the famous Bhulbhulaiya (rooftop labyrinth) that has 1,000 passages. Built by Nawab Asaf ud-Daula in 1784 as famine relief.

The iconic 60-foot gateway modelled on the Sublime Porte in Istanbul — the symbol of Lucknow. A masterpiece of Nawabi architecture, built in 1784.

Even more ornate than Bara Imambara — an 1838 Shia Muslim shrine built by Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah. The interior glitters with Belgian chandeliers, gilded brocade and lacquer work.

The site of the famous Siege of Lucknow (1857 Uprising) — haunting ruins of the British Residency still bear bullet holes and cannon marks. Now a UNESCO tentative heritage site.

The tallest clock tower in India — a 67-metre Victorian tower built in 1881, just across from the Chota Imambara. One of India's finest examples of Indo-Gothic architecture.

A stunning 19th-century school/college built by General Claude Martin — a unique blend of Baroque, Nawabi and Gothic architecture. One of the most beautiful buildings in India.

Tunday Kababi in Chowk has been serving the legendary Galouti Kebab (made from 160+ spices, so tender it melts instantly) since 1905. The most iconic Lucknow food experience.

The dum-cooked Awadhi biryani — fragrant, subtle, worlds apart from the spicy Hyderabadi version. Try it at Wahid Biryani or Idris Biryani in Chowk.

Lucknow's royal dessert — bread soaked in khoya, cream and saffron. Try at Chappan Bhog on Hazratganj for authentic Shahi Tukda and malai makkhan.

Lucknow's premier shopping-and-eating boulevard — chaat, kulfi, basket chaat and kachori lined along a beautiful colonial-era shopping arcade.

Slow-cooked meat Nahari (nihari) — the quintessential Lucknow breakfast, simmered overnight in huge degs. Wahid Restaurant near Chowk opens at 7 AM.

Lucknow is the world capital of Chikan — a delicate hand-embroidery on fine white cotton, with 36 different stitch patterns. Buy directly from government emporiums for authenticity.

Gold-thread embroidery on rich fabrics — once made for Nawabi royalty, now available for kurtas, shawls and cushions in the old Chowk bazaar area.

Lucknow's oldest and busiest market — a labyrinthine warren of shops selling everything from Chikan to street food to antiques, unchanged for 200 years.