Top 15 Best Places to Visit in Lucknow | Top Tourist Attractions in The City Of Nawabs

Bara Imambara is a historical monument built by Asaf ud Daula in 1784. It is famous for “Bhool Bhulaiya“, a labyrinth at the top of the main Imambara building. The Bhool Bhulaiya consists of over 1000 passages and 489 doorways. It has the world’s largest hall complex, which isn’t supported by beams or pillars, making it a fantastic work of Mughal architecture. 

Interestingly, Bara Imambara was made with Choona (limestone), Urad dal, Sheera, Rice husk, Tree gum, Jaggery and Honey. Cement was not used in the construction of this architectural marvel. 

Remember to hire a guide while visiting the complex. They will help you better understand the place’s history and architecture. Also, Guides will help you explore the labyrinth (Bhool Bhulaiya) rather than getting lost in it.

Nawab Asaf ud Daula tried to help his people earn a livelihood during the famine. Hence, he started the construction of the Bara Imambara complex. The complex also comprises the Asafi mosque and a Shahi Baoli (stepwell). Overall, the Bada Imambara complex is one of the best tourist places to visit in Lucknow.

Bara Imambara Information

If you buy combined ticket, you can visit Bara Imambara, Chhota Imambara, Picture Gallery and Shahi Hamam.

Chota Imambara was built by the 3rd nawab of Awadh, Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah, in 1838. Also known as Hussainabad Imambara, It is a beautiful building located at a distance of 1 km from Bada Imambara. It has the tomb of Nawab buried there alongside his mother. The inside of the Imambara building is decorated with chandeliers, lamps, mirrors, and crystal glass. The exterior of Chota Imambara has Islamic calligraphy written on its walls. 

Chota Imambara Details

Built by Asaf Ud Daula in 1784, Rumi Darwaza is a gate that stands between Bada Imambara and Chota Imambara. It stands 60 ft tall and represents Awadhi architecture. Historically, it used to be the entrance to Old Lucknow city. Now it serves as a gateway for vehicles passing underneath. Rumi Darwaza is also called the Turkish Gate because it looks similar to Turkey’s Bab-iHümayun (Sublime Porte) gateway. 

You can visit here for free anytime. Although to view and photograph Rumi Darwaza, the best to visit is at sunrise or sunset. As of 2023, Rumi Darwaza is under renovation.

Rumi Darwaza Info

Hussainabad clock tower is one of the tallest clock towers in India. It stands 220 feet high from the ground. It was built in 1881 and designed by Roskell Payne to celebrate the arrival of Sir George Cooper. The clock tower has a square base with a clock made of gun metal parts. Even today, the clock shows the correct timing. 

The clock tower is located near the Rumi Darwaza and Bada Imambara. It was also the site of a battle during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

Hussainabad clock tower is a popular tourist attraction in Lucknow, showcasing the city’s rich heritage and culture.

Lucknow Clock Tower Details

Janeshwar Mishra Park is the largest park in Asia, spreading over 376 acres. This park has a statue of Samajwadi Party leader, Late Janeshwar Mishra. When you enter the park, you will see vast greenery all around. This place is suitable for walking, picnicking or relaxing amidst the lap of nature. Inside the park is a long jogging track, a cycle track, lakes and a kid’s play area. A tricolour flag is also inside, resembling the one at Connaught Place in Delhi.

Janeshwar Mishra Park Information

Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Samajik Parivartan Prateek Sthal, also called Ambedkar Park, covers an area of about 107 acres. It is built with red sandstone brought from Rajasthan. The park has a huge statue of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar and about 124 elephant statues. Inside the park, you will find a central dome that houses a bronze statue of Dr Ambedkar and a museum that displays his life and works.

Tip: You can visit the park at night when it is illuminated with colourful lights.

Ambedkar Park Lucknow Details

Gomti Riverfront Park is a newly opened park in Lucknow near Ambedkar Park. It was built to preserve the Gomti River and its surroundings. The park has an area of about 2 km. The park’s main attraction is the musical fountain, seen from both sides of the Gomti River. You can come here with your friends and family in the evening and enjoy the serenity of the place. The park also has lush green lawns, jogging tracks, and walking paths. 

Gomti Riverfront Park Info

Hazratganj is located in the heart of Lucknow city. Popular among shopping lovers, this place offers Victorian-style architecture. You can see several lamp posts, fountains, and colourful benches here. From Lucknow’s famous Chikankari to the Naza market selling electronics products, this place is known for its cafes, restaurants, theatres etc. Coming to eateries, many popular restaurants like Royal Cafe, Moti Mahal, Aryan, Shukla Chaat Bhandar, and Tunday Kababi are present here. Many cultural events and festivals are celebrated at this place.

Tip: To shop and eat at Hazratganj Market, you should visit during the evening when the market is lively and colourful.

Aminabad market, famous for Chikankari and Zardozi, is a popular tourist spot for shopping among locals and tourists. This market has existed since the era of Awadhs. The best time to visit this market is from November to February, as the summers are pretty hot in Lucknow. Aminabad market is also famous for its street food having kebabs, biryani, chats and kulfis. You can also shop for jewellery at the best prices. One needs to have good bargaining skills to get the best prices while shopping here.

Lucknow Zoo, known as Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Prani Udyan, is a favourite destination for wildlife lovers. One of the oldest zoos in India, it was built in 1921 to welcome the Prince of Wales. 

You can see various animals in the zoo, like Royal Bengal Tiger, White Tiger, Leopard, Lion, Wolf, Bear, Elephants, Rhino, Giraffe, Zebras, Deer, Monkey, Emu Ostrich etc. There is an Aquarium, Snake park and Food Court in the Zoo complex. In addition to animals, you can also see a wide diversity of plants, trees, and herbs. For leisure purposes, a classic toy train is present in which you can travel almost the entire zoo. The Lucknow State Museum is also located inside the zoo complex.

If you are visiting with kids and young children, Lucknow Zoo is one of the best places to visit in the city.

Lucknow Zoo Timings: 08:30 AM- 05:00 PM (Tuesday to Sunday), closed on Monday.

Lucknow Zoo Ticket Booking: Online Ticket Booking Link

As of 2023, Lulu Mall, Lucknow, is the second-largest mall in India. Covering an expansive 2,200,000 sq ft, it offers a great shopping, dining and entertainment experience for visitors of all ages. You can find everything from fashion, electronics, home decor, and more at the mall. You can also enjoy some delicious cuisines from around the world at the food court or the restaurants.

Apart from Lulu Mall, There are many other malls in the city, such as Phoenix Palassio and Sahara Gunj in Hazratganj.

The name Charbagh means four gardens and refers to the four gardens that used to exist here till 1867. 

Charbagh is famous for its railway station, one of India’s most beautiful and historic railway stations. One of them still exists today and is located across the railway station. 

If you visit Lucknow by train, you will get to see the beautiful station building and architecture.

Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium is India’s fifth-largest international cricket stadium. It is the home cricket ground of the Uttar Pradesh cricket team and the IPL team Lucknow Super Giants. If you visit Lucknow during a scheduled match, do not miss a chance to see this beautiful cricketing venue.

If you love museums and have a curiosity about how things work, Regional Science City Lucknow is the place to be. Some of the highlights of Science City include Fun Science Gallery, Living World Gallery, Planetarium, 3D Science Show and Innovation Hub etc. It is quite famous between school-going children and teenagers.