From the maze of the Bhool Bhulaiya to the kebabs of Chowk, here are seven places that show you the real charm of the City of Nawabs.
Lucknow is a city that rewards slow travel. Its grand monuments, old bazaars and famous food tell the story of the Nawabs of Awadh, and most of the city's highlights are only a short drive from our hotel. If you are visiting for the first time, start with these seven places.
1. Bara Imambara
Built in 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, the Bara Imambara is Lucknow's most famous monument. Its central hall is one of the largest of its kind, built without beams to support the roof. Upstairs is the Bhool Bhulaiya, a maze of narrow passages that is easy to get lost in, so hire a guide at the gate. The complex also includes the Asfi Mosque and a stepwell, the Shahi Baoli.
2. Rumi Darwaza
Just outside the Bara Imambara stands the Rumi Darwaza, a 60-foot gateway that has become the symbol of Lucknow. It is at its most beautiful in the early morning or in the evening when it is lit up, and it is the best spot for photographs of old Lucknow.
3. Chota Imambara
A short walk away, the Chota Imambara is known as the Palace of Lights for its chandeliers and decorated interiors. The white domes and gardens make it one of the most photogenic places in the city.
4. Hazratganj
Hazratganj is the heart of modern Lucknow. Its Victorian-style shopping street is full of cafés, bookshops and boutiques, and an evening stroll here, known locally as "ganjing", is a Lucknow tradition. Do not leave without trying the basket chaat.
5. The British Residency
The ruins of the British Residency are a reminder of the 1857 uprising, when the complex was under siege for months. The shell-marked walls, peaceful lawns and small museum make it a moving visit for history lovers.
6. Ambedkar Memorial Park
This huge park on the banks of the Gomti is built almost entirely of red sandstone, with grand halls, rows of stone elephants and wide open spaces. It is especially striking in the evening when it is lit up.
7. Chowk and Aminabad for food
No trip to Lucknow is complete without its food. The old lanes of Chowk and Aminabad are famous for galouti and tunday kebabs, nihari, Awadhi biryani, kulfi and the soft sweet malai makhan (available only in winter). Go hungry, and go in the evening when the streets come alive.
Before you go
Wear comfortable shoes: the monuments involve a lot of walking and stairs
Dress modestly at the Imambaras, and carry a scarf to cover your head
Start early in summer, as the afternoons get very hot
Keep some cash for small shops and street food
Planning a day out?
Our front desk is happy to arrange a car with a driver for a full-day city tour, and to suggest the best route for your plans. Just ask at the reception or call us before you arrive.