Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh was historically known as the Awadh region. Lucknow is known as the “Heart of North Indian Culture”.The city was famous for manners and hospitality. The place is known for its traditional chikan embroidery work. Chikankari is a unique craft involving a variety of textile fabrics.

Here, a variety of mango named “Dasheri” is famous. Lucknow zoo is one of the oldest in the country, was established in 1921. The city is known for its rich collection of animals and also has a wide collection of botanical species. There are many beautiful palace, parks and mythological places to visit in Lucknow.

Having said so much, here we present a list of 45 best places to visit in Lucknow, the city of Nawabs, Awadhi cuisine and Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb:

1. Bara Imambara

Bara Imambara is also known as Asfi Imambara, as it was named after the Nawab of Lucknow who got it constructed. It is an important place of worship for Muslims, especially on Muharram and one of the famous places to visit in Lucknow.

2. Ambedkar Memorial

The Memorial park was built for people who dedicated their lives to equality and human justice like Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar. Most of the people prefer to visit in the night time because of the beautiful view.

3. Rumi Darwaza

Rumi Darwaza is known as Turkish gate because it is modelled after Bab-i-Humayun gateway in Turkey. It looks even more majestic when lit up at night.

4. 1857 Memorial Museum Residency

This place is dedicated to the first war of independence of 1857, as it bears marks and scars of the firing that took place in the past. Amazing antiques and visual displays of war are placed here.

5. Mankameshwar Mandir

The first temple to have a women priest is the Mankameshwar Mandir in Lucknow. Mondays are considered most auspicious and are more crowded during the festival of Shiva Ratri.

6. Begum Hazrat Mahal Park

Named after the legendary Begum Hazrat Mahal, who bravely fought against the British and fled away, this visitor place is the crowd's favourite picnic spot. Begum Hazrat Mahal park also has many fountains, floral gardens and stone walkways.

7. Amrapali Water Park

It is a top pick for an adventure day outing with family and friends. Best aqua trial and splash pools rides are available here. It is one of the most famous places to visit in Lucknow.

8. Chandrika Devi Temple

The Chandrika Devi Temple is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Chandi. There is also a pond in the premises that holds a huge seated statue of Lord Shiva. Said to be a 12-century shrine. This temple is believed to have been part of the Hindu mythical era of the Ramayana.

9. Imambara

Imambara is beautifully decorated with chandeliers on the occasion of Muharram. The exterior is written with Quranic verses in islamic calligraphy on the walls of the monument. It also has a maze, where prisoners were exiled and left to find a way out.

10. Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Park

Dr Ram Manohar Lohiya Park, a local favourite spot in Lucknow, is located in Gomti Nagar. The park has ample of space for people to enjoy walking around and is dedicated to socialist Ram Manohar Lohia. Spring and Winter are wonderful times to visit this place in Lucknow.

11. Firangi Mahal

Firangi Mahal is an iconic visitable place in Lucknow. Located in Indira Nagar area of Lucknow, the palace dates back to the period of the Mughal Empire. As of today, the palace is source of education and establishment of some muslim academies.

12. Ramakrishna Math

Ramakrishna Math is an institution for monks dedicated to Shri Ramakrishna and a good visitable place in Lucknow. The main motto of the institute is “For one's own salvation, and for the welfare of the world”. One can get peace of mind here.

13. Dilkusha Kothi

Dilkusha Kothi was a former hunting lodge converted into a summer palace for Royals by the British. It was built in the English baroque style and today, its ruins are left for us to visit. The well-manicured garden is an amazing picnic spot.

14. Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid in Lucknow also adds to the culture and rich heritage of the city. The Mosque is decorated with Islamic features imbibed with Hindu-Jain Architecture. Important celebrations such as ramzan and other festivals enhance the glamour of this place in Lucknow.

15. Indira Gandhi Planetarium

The Indira Gandhi Planetarium in Lucknow, is shaped like Saturn. There are special 3D shows that take you on a virtual trip to space, stars and galaxies. We can observe various Indian satellites and learn about scientists like Aryabhatta,Varahamitra etc. at the planeterium.

16. Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary

Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary has dense forests with upto 250 species of birds and other wildlife. This visitable place in Lucknow is a nice spot for nature lovers. It becomes a lively haven in winters to many international and national migratory birds.

17. Anandi Water Park

Anandi Water Park in Lucknow is one of the largest water parks in the Northern India. Splash pads, swings and swimming activities with best resorts are available here. You can enjoy a fun-filled, thrilling day at this amazing visitable place in Lucknow.

18. Moti Mahal Palace

Moti Mahal Palace is famous for bird watching spots and other animal fights for entertainment in the period of Nawabs. It is situated on the banks of river Gomti and that is what makes it more special. At present, this place is having beautiful gardens, which is why it among the places to visit in Lucknow.

19. Marine Drive

Inspired by the development along the sea coast in Mumbai, Lucknow also got it's Marine Drive. It is a long stretch of beautiful green area along the banks of river Gomti, which is lit up at night as the musical fountain plays in the background. It is a Hangout place for people, where people also enjoy jogging, cycling and other activities. There are certain foodstalls nerby to cater to hungry souls.

20. Constantia

Constantia is another historic visitable place in Lucknow. The building has a European styled structure, with a well preserved books and lobby room. Architectural highlights such as carved arts and decorated balconies about heritage and culture are surely worth a visit.

21. Lucknow Chowk

Lucknow Chowk is one of the oldest markets in the state. Embroidery works, handmade jewellery, decor items, and the Lucknowi kebabs can be found here. Around 5000 stalls are in streets of Chowk Market, which make it crowded and special. It is best place for shopping and food eatables in Lucknow.

22. Shah Najaf Imambara

Shah Najaf Imambara is one of the most popular tourist spots in Lucknow. The dome-shaped monument houses the graves of Nawab Ghazi-Ud-Din Haider and his three wifes. Beautiful floral yard with white marble was built at the period of Mughal Empire. Visitors must remove footwear and cover head before entering mosque.

23. Hathi Park

Hathi Park is the most visited park in Lucknow as it is close to the Imambara complex. There are various kinds of swings and slides for kids in the park. Many games and other activities are arranged in the park for toddlers.

24. Hussainabad

Hussainabad is a place with an amazing collection of portraits and art gallery of Nawabs. This historical building has around 30 stairs that leads to the art gallery. Besides, there is the worl'd tallest clock tower and a pond with a beautiful view. Needless to say, it is noted among the important tourist spots in Lucknow.

25. Sikandar Bagh

Lucknow is known as the city of gardens or baghs also. Sikandar Bagh is an ancient mansion with greenery and beautiful gardens. This place is known as a site for Botanical research and people usually go there for spending time with family or friends.

26. Kaiserbagh Palace

Kaiserbagh Palace is one of the most famous monuments and exotic masterpieces of Mughal Architecture. It was constructed under the rule of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah and is connected to the Begum Hazrat Mahal's stronghold during the revolt of 1857. It is also one of the important tourist spots in Lucknow.

27. Scorpio Club

Scorpio Club is the best place to beat the summer heat amidst cool blue waters. Thrilling and adventurous rides are simply amazing. You can enjoy a luxurious stay at this place if you are travelling to Lucknow from another city.

28. Shaheed Smarak

Shaheed Smarak is established in memory of soldiers, who lost their lives during 1857 War of Indian Independence. This pillar was built in the 1970’s and since then, it stands their as a symbol of India's rich history. It is surrounded by greenery and has seating facilities to spend some time along the Gomti River. Perfect spot to experience Sham-e-awadh!

29. Fun Republic Mall

Fun Republic Mall is one of largest and most popular mall in Lucknow, launched in 2007. Brand outlets, food stalls, cosmetics stores and other showrooms are present here. You can enjoy fun activities and watch movies in the Fun Cinemas as well.

30. Chattar Manzil

Chattar Manzil is known as Umbrella palace and is a historic place in Lucknow. Another of those lovely tourist spots in Lucknow, it was built by Nawab Ghaziuddin for the Nawabs and their wives to stay. The palace has large underground rooms and was a part of the movie Jolly LLB 2. At present, this place sites the Central Drug Research Institute.

31. Gautam Buddha Park

Gautam Buddha Park is a good place to visit in Lucknow. With lots of greenery, this park is a lace where you can afford paddle boating at a reasonable prices. It is a great picnic spot with electric motors and rides. You can visit this place on weekends with family and spend some time together in green lawns and play areas.

32. Dewa Sharif

Dewa Sharif is considered as one of prominent shrines for Muslims and is an important place for spiritual experience in Lucknow. One unique fact about the place is that the Hindu festival Holi is celebrated with great joy among people there. People play with Gulaal every year with huge gatherings in Dewa Sharif. It is an amazing place to visit in Lucknow.

33. Dream World Amusement Park

Dream World amusement park is full of thrill and enjoyment with fun activities and amazing rides. Besides this, it also has indoor games, houseboat rides, and special space for occasions such as parties and get-togethers. You can enjoy if you visit Lucknow during the summers.

34. Chota Imambara

Also known as Imambara Hussainabad Mubarak, this historic monument adds to the list of tourist spots in Lucknow. It is the palace of lights because of the stunning chandeliers and decorations that light up the building. The real glamour of this place can be seen during Moharram when the festivities of Shia Muslims take place.

35. Disney Water World Park

Disney Water World Park is situated in Lucknow, on the Raebareli Road and is water-cum-amusement park. For locals and visitors, it is the ultimate chill-out zone for its well decorated indoor water park, club, hotel, restaurants and party lawns.

36. Aminabad

Aminabad is the oldest shopping hub in Lucknow and also a centre for authentic cuisine. Aminabad is a combination of various markets, clusters of houses, book stores, and food outlets. You can buy clothes, books, stationery, chikan works, spices, dry snacks, hosieries and wedding decorations here.

37. Safed Baradari

Situated in the heart of the city, the Safed Baradari was constructed in the year 1854 by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. It is also known as Qasr-ul-Aza, which means a place of mourning. Constructed in white marble, the decorative structure has 12 outlets, hence the name. It has a spacious hall ornamented with delicate chandeliers and intrinsic architectural motifs. It is a wonder of its time and must-visit place in Lucknow.

38. Lucknow Zoo

Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Prani Udyan, earlier known as Prince of Wales Zoological Gardens, is popularly known as Lucknow Zoological Garden or the Lucknow Zoo. It has a variety of animals along with a museum to enjoy with kids and family.

39. Hazratganj Market

Hazratganj is a large market complex with a good mix of retail outlets, malls, food joints and street shops. You can get amazing Chikankari fabric, artificial jewellery, textiles, kurtas, and footwear here at pocket-friendly prices. Janpath, Lovelane, and Seva Chikan are famous fabric outlets in this market.

40. Tomb of Saadat Ali Khan

The Tomb of Saadat Ali Khan was built in the best classical traditions of the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. The floor inside the tomb is covered with black and white marble, which is rather rare for this part of India, due to the scarce marble resources and its extremely high price.

41. Botanical Garden

The Lucknow Botanical Garden boasts of a very extensive public park with verdant green plants, shrubs and herbs favourite among evening walkers. It serves as a picnic spot to get an escape from sultry summer and flower shows where thousands of flower species are showcased.

42. Kala Gaon

Kala Gaon (Arts Village) is an Awadhi village located along the Indira Canal. Uninfluenced by the modern lifestyle and technologies, this traditional village gives tourists a chance to explore rural India. The hamlets are beautifully adorned with trees and the mud huts.

43. Gomti Riverfront Park

The lush green surroundings across the banks of Gomti river that's around 15 kms long has been created as in keeping with International Standards. The park stretches over 2 km in area. Its predominant enchantment is the musical fountain. The musical fountain attracts around 200-300 human beings on a regular foundation. Others include a huge amphitheatre, biking and going for walks tracks, boating, and play region for kids.

44. Shahi Baoli

The Shahi Baoli was constructed in order to be used as a water reservoir. The exquisite Indo-Islamic architectural design of this structure makes it an impeccably unique edifice. Entrance to the Shahi Baoli is through a double-arched gateway. On moving further, an open flight of stairs led down to the step-well.

45. Phoenix Pallasio Mall

Recently inaugurated, the Phoenix Pallasio mall is the heart of the city nowadays. You will find people visiting the magnificent building in large groups with family and friends. It houses an expansive number of fashion stores for women, men and kids. Also, there is a musical fountain that adds to its charm in the evening hours.

If you visit Lucknow don't forget to buy famous Chikankari Attire, Zardosi fabrics and Handmade jewels. Being one of the popular and most loved dishes in Lucknow, you can find kababs and chole bhature everywhere in Lucknow to satisfy your hunger. You can visit the parks and recreation areas for fun.

All in all, the city of Nawabs has everything to offer to visitors. From history and culture to contemporary buildings, from greenery and waterfront to busy markets, there is everything to suit your taste. In the end, Muskuraiye ki aap Lucknow mein hai!

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45 Best Places To Visit In Lucknow, The City Of Nawabs and Kababs