Unavoidable Travel Tips For Lucknow in 2024

‘Muskuraiye aap Lucknow mein hain’ (Wear a beautiful smile as you’re in Lucknow). Today let’s cover some important travel tips for Lucknow, the land of Nawabs. 

The capital city of Uttar Pradesh provides a wonderful opportunity to discover and live the rich history and diverse culture of Uttar Pradesh. A must-visit city, when on a trip to North India. 

Uttar Pradesh is a major North Indian state, playing an important role in India’s agricultural, political, cultural, art and craft, and historical development over the years. There are several interesting things to do in Uttar Pradesh, especially in its capital state; Lucknow.  

Lucknow is home to numerous historical landmarks, lavish parks, lively markets, and unending streets leading to a world of diverse culinary dishes. 

Lucknow travel tips for first-timers are a must, as there is so much to see here, you would get lost in this maze-like city if you don’t follow travel tips for Lucknow.

Lucknow Travel Tips 2024

We have covered only a few popular destinations to visit in Lucknow. However, these travel tips for Lucknow will be helpful even if you plan to visit all the places around the city:

1. The most important of travel tips for Lucknow is the time to visit Lucknow. As it is located in the Northern parts of India. It experiences heavy winter and summer. The best time to visit Lucknow is from October to March. As the climate is perfect for indoor and outdoor activities. 
2. Another Lucknow holiday advice would be, to book your train, or flight tickets in advance, as this is the peak tourist season in Lucknow and you might get expensive or no tickets at all. 
3. Among the most vital Lucknow holiday tips is the accommodations in Lucknow. If you want a luxury homestay in Lucknow, for a full Nawabi experience or an economical Air bnb, again, make your bookings well in advance. 
4. One of the most interesting and fun Lucknow tips and tricks is planning to visit specific areas in one day, make a good itinerary and make the best of your full day.
5. The best of all the tips in Lucknow for shophoholics is- Striking a good bargain. In markets like Chowk Bazar and Aminabad, bargain your heart out. 
6. Our Lucknow first-time guide for travelers suggests hiring a tour guide and book a tour package which would cover most of the places in the city. 
7. Another one of amazing travel tips for Lucknow is taking the local transportation options like auto, rickshaw and local taxis. They are the best and economical ways to traverse around. 
8. Read about Lucknow holiday tips in advance for a holistic experience. 
9. Travel in Lucknow tips 2024 can vary from what you knew from the past visits, therefore stay updated.
10. Last and most essential of all tour tips for Lucknow is behaving appropriately and maintaining cultural etiquette. Observing the rules and regulations followed in various monuments and historic places.

Detailed Lucknow first time-guide

This ancient city, popular for its tundey kababz, chikankari work, zardozi embroidery, and royal etiquettes, has been home to great literal minds, historians, kings, freedom fighters, and artists. It’s an aristocratic city, which tourists visit on Indian tours when visiting North India.

If you’re visiting Lucknow for the first time then these Lucknow holiday tips will come in handy.

Let’s begin with a list of the best places to visit in Lucknow, the Lucknow holiday advice covered further will make your visit, worthwhile.

• Bara Imambara

• Chota Imambara

• Marine Drive Lucknow

• Rumi Darwaza

• Hazratganj Market

• Lucknow Zoo

• Tomb of Saadat Ali Khan

• Satkhanda

• Chattar Manzil

• Dilkusha Kothi

• Husainabad Clock Tower

• Chowk Market

• British Residency

• Aminabad Market

• Constantia House

• Jama Masjid

• Gomti Riverfront Park

• Amrapali Water Park

• Four Seasons Fun City Water Park

• Indira Gandhi Planetarium Lucknow

The list of places to visit in Lucknow is endless, therefore it’s vital to have Lucknow travel recommendations, for an immersive and holistic experience.

1. Bara Imambara

One of the most iconic buildings in Lucknow, Bara Imambara of Lucknow is an ancient monument, popular for its mind-boggling maze or ‘bhool bhulaiya’ as it is called locally. As per records, there are 1024 ways to get inside the maze but only 2 exits.

Another name of this monument is Asfi Imambara after the “Nawab of Lucknow” who commissioned its construction. 

It is one of the most important places for Muslims to worship, especially during Ramadan. Bara Imambara is the largest structure in the world without any supporting beams. It is a masterpiece of engineering and Mughal architecture

Another amazing fact about Bara Imambara is the grave of a famous Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula, with his crown, and that no metal or wood has been used to construct this structure.

• Timings: Sunrise to Sunset, everyday 
• Entry Fee: INR 25 for Indian Nationals and INR 500 for foreigners

2. Chota Imambara

Next up on your itinerary of Lucknow holiday advice is the ‘Imambara’ of Hussainabad, Chota Imambara. You can find it just next to the ‘Bada’ Imambara, constructed by Mohammad Ali Shah in the 19th century. This is another impressive work of art. 

Chota Imambara is also known as the ‘Palace of Light’, because of the usage of glass and gigantic chandeliers which illuminate the interiors.

From huge minarets to lush green lawns, you can experience the true grandeur of Mughal architecture here. A place originally designed for worship was used as a resting place for the Nawab and his mother.

• Timings: 06:00 AM to 05:00 PM
• Entry Fee: INR 25 for Indian Nationals and INR 300 for foreigners

3. Marine Drive Lucknow

Marine Drive is one of Lucknow’s most famous tourist spots. It is situated on the bank of the Gomti River. You have probably heard about Mumbai’s Marine Drive but when you come to Lucknow you have to see Marine Drive in twilight moonlight.

The major Lucknow tips for first-timers include visiting the Marine Drive near Gomti River, in the evening, as the lighting here adds to the beauty of the Marine Drive.

As per the Lucknow first-time guide, the Marine Drive Lucknow is best for a morning jog or an evening stroll with your loved one or family.

• Timings: 05:00 AM to 11:00 PM
• Entry Fee: Free entry

4. Rumi Darwaza

On your travel tips for Lucknow list, we highly recommend visiting Rumi Darwaza. Built by Asaf-Ud-Daula it is also known as the Turkish Gate. 

This building is a marvel of Awadhi architecture and the history behind the Rumi Darwaza is also inspiring.

It exhibits features of the Mughal and Persian architecture and is generally compared to the Sublime Porte (Bab-i-Humayun) in Istanbul and stands at a height of 60 feet. 

It was built in 1784 by Awadhi artisans as a thank-you gift to the Nawab for taking care of their food supplies during a famine that hit Awadh. Paying homage to the Nawab who helped the people of Awadh is a must-do activity on your Lucknow visit and one of the top travel tips for Lucknow.

• Timings: Always Open
• Entry: Free

5. Hazratganj Market

Lucknow is heaven for shopaholics, from ancient markets, which will take you back in time to modern shopping arcades, you can find it all here. 

One of the most essential Lucknow tips for first-timers would be to spend an entire day at the Hazratganj Market it is a bustling market of Lucknow and also among the best places to go shopping on special occasions like Rakshabandhan, Diwali, Christmas and even Mother’s day shopping can be done here.

What can you expect to see in Hazratganj Market? 

In this market, you can find several multi-brand outlets, showrooms, retail complexes, malls, and multiplexes. 

Aside from shopping, travel tips of Lucknow also include exploring the innumerable food and Awadhi delicacy options here. They are a no-miss. 

Suggested Read: Best Restaurants in Lucknow

• Timings: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
• Entry: Free

6. Lucknow Zoo

The Lucknow Zoo, located in the river bank colony of the city, is one of the most well-known zoos in the country. It was built to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Whales to Lucknow.

The Lucknow Zoo is also known as the Nawab Wazid Ali Shah Prani Udyan and was originally known as The Prince of Wales Zoological Gardens. You can’t miss visiting the Zoo, note this as one of the most important tips for Lucknow tours. 

It houses a large number of mammals, birds, and reptiles. The most well-known animals in the zoo are the Royal Bengal Tiger, White Bengal Tiger, Himalayan Black Bear, and Asiatic Lion.

Many activities here are a major hit among kids and even adults. Live shows, exhibits, top train, museum, butterfly park, vintage train, and nature interpretation park. Visiting the Lucknow Zoo is among the most fun things to do in Lucknow.

• Timings: February to April – 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
• May to July – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• August to October – 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
• November to January – 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
• Closed Every Monday
• Entry: There are many activities and the prices for each differ. The tickets range from INR 25 to INR 100.

7. Tomb of Saadat Ali Khan

Saadat Ali Khan Ka Maqbara is a historic resting site of Saadat-Ali-Khan and his wife Khursheed Zadi. Their son constructed this tomb in Qasir Bagh in memory of his parents.  

A Lucknow tour guide tip- Dress appropriately when visiting this tomb. Carry a headgear with you, as covering your head is considered a sign of respect in Indian as well as Islamic cultures. 

• Timings: 05:00 AM to 08:00 PM
• Entry: Free

8. Satkhanda

Satkhanda, is a mesmerizing neighborhood in the heart of Lucknow, as a Lucknow holiday advice, we would say, don’t let this place slip off your radar.

Imagine wandering through narrow lanes filled with the stories of the past, infused with the rich aromas of age-old recipes, and beholding a tapestry of cultures unfolding before your eyes. 

Satkhanda is more than just a place; it’s a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. “Satkhanda” the name is derived from the words “Sat” (seven) and “Khana” (houses), pointing to the cluster of the seven houses which marked the inception of this locality. 

Influential families who played significant roles in the social and economic fabric of the city of the Nawabs resided here. 

Many legends and folklore take rounds about ‘Satkhanda’, claiming that it is guarded by mystical beings known as Djins. On our travel tips for Lucknow, we suggest, not visiting these monuments after dark.

• Timings: Open 24 hours
• Entry: Free

9. Chattar Manzil

Another Lucknow tour guide tip is exploring the historic palace, seated on the banks of River Gomti; Chattar Manzil. This architectural marvel is a true example of the Nawabi era.

Nawab Ghazi-ud-din Haider initiated the construction of Chattar Manzil and it was completed by his successors. 

It is known for its distinctive design and a beautiful blend of European and Nawabi architecture. From large domes to intricate designs, it displays truly stunning craftsmanship. 

The monument now serves as a famous museum and cultural center, offering glimpses into Lucknow’s golden history. The museum showcases a diverse collection of artifacts highlighting the cultural and historical significance of Awadh.

Based on the best travel tips for Lucknow, you should visit the Chattar Manzil Museum and explore the diverse cultural heritage of North India.

Here are two pro tips for Lucknow travelers- Don’t spend more than one hour at Chattar Manzil, visit other major attractions like the La Martiniers College near this monument, which can be explored in one day in Lucknow.

• Timings: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
• Entry: Free

10. Dilkusha Kothi

Dilkusha Kothi is a Baroque-style palace in Lucknow dating back to the early 18th century. It served as a summer resort and hunting lodge for the Nawabs. The architecture of the palace was influenced by European architecture. 

The intricate designs of the palace make it an important landmark in Lucknow. The ruins of Dilkusha Kothi were partially destroyed during the first war of independence in 1857 but visitors still visit this monument. 

Situated on the banks of the Indus River, Dilkusha is one of the most picturesque places in Lucknow. It has beautifully manicured lawns and is a peaceful place to enjoy a picnic or a day out.

• Timings: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Entry: INR 5 for Indian nationals and INR 100 for Foreigners

11. Husainabad Clock Tower

In the list of noteworthy Lucknow tips 2024 for travel, the Husainabad Clock Tower in Lucknow is a prominent historical landmark. It is famous for its remarkable blend of Mughal and Victorian architectural styles. 

Towering at 221 feet, the Husainabad Clock Tower is one of the tallest of its kind in India. 

It was built in 1881 by Nawab Nasir-ud-din Haider to celebrate the arrival of Sir George Couper, the first Lieutenant Governor of the United Provinces of Avadh.

Its marvelous architecture, historical significance, and scenic surroundings make it a must-visit attraction for tourists and history enthusiasts alike.

If you ask for travel tips for Lucknow, we recommend, spending a day around Husainabad Clock Tower, there is a lot to see and explore in the areas nearby.

• Timings: Always Open
• Entry: Free

12. Chowk Market

Picture this, you are passing through narrow alleys and streets, huddled with over 5000 shops, bustling with people, aromas of various spices, and delicious Awadhi food filling up your senses, you are in the alleys of Chowk Bazar Lucknow.

Lucknow is renowned across the world for its intricate, delicate, and beautiful Chikankari work also known as shadow work. One of the major travel tips for Lucknow, shop Chikankari kurtas, suits, sarees, and other embroidered things from Chowk Bazar. 

Another suggestion from the Lucknow first-time guide is to shop for various other things like Zardozi dresses, handicrafts, jewelry, artifacts, souvenirs and so much more, from Chowk Bazar.

Moreover, another Lucknow holiday advice would be to try the authentic Tundey Kabas, Biriyani, Lucknow ki Chaat, and Makhan Malai, in Chowk Bazar. Also, try the famous ‘Pink Tea’ in Lucknow. 

One of the most important Lucknow tips for first-timers, allocate at least 2 hours for Chowk Bazar, but 2 hours will also be less. We recommend, keeping at least 5 hours to experience Chowk Bazar to the fullest. 

• Timings: 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM (Sunday Closed)
• Entry: Free

We, hope these travel tips for Lucknow prove to be helpful and add to your overall experience and stay in Lucknow. Have a great time! The city of Nawabs is waiting for you.