Things to Do in Lucknow: A Two-Day Plan for First-Timers

Lucknow rewards slow travellers. Two days is enough to cover the big monuments, eat well and still have time to wander. The trick is to split the city in two: the old city on day one, and the colonial and modern city on day two.

Before you go: opening days, timings and ticket rules for monuments change, so check the current details before heading out. Shoes come off at religious sites, and modest clothing is expected.

Day 1, morning. Start at the Bara Imambara, built in 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula. Its vast central hall has no pillars supporting the roof, and the upper floors hold the famous Bhool Bhulaiya, a maze of narrow passages. Hire an official guide if you don't want to get lost in it. The Rumi Darwaza, the grand gateway just outside, is a short walk away.

Day 1, late morning. Walk on to the Chhota Imambara (Hussainabad Imambara), often called the Palace of Lights, and the Hussainabad Clock Tower nearby. All three sit close together, so you can cover them on foot or by a short e-rickshaw hop.

“Split the city in two: the old city first, then everything else.”

Day 1, lunch and evening. Head into Chowk for lunch. Kebabs, nihari, biryani and kulcha are all within a short walk of each other (see our street food guide for names). Spend the evening in Hazratganj, the city's central promenade. Locals call a slow stroll here 'ganjing', and it's the best free activity in Lucknow.

Day 2, morning. Visit the Residency, the ruined complex tied to the 1857 siege, where broken walls and a small museum tell the story of that year. It's quiet, green and good for photographs.

Day 2, afternoon. Cross over to Gomti Nagar side for Janeshwar Mishra Park, one of the city's largest parks, and the Ambedkar Memorial Park, known for its sandstone monuments. Both are best enjoyed on a cool day with no rush.

Day 2, evening. Spend it shopping or eating. Aminabad and Hazratganj are good for chikankari and street food, and the Gomti riverfront is pleasant after sunset.

When to go: October to March is the comfortable season, with winter mornings sometimes foggy. Summers are hot, so if you travel then, keep the middle of the day for the shade and for lunch.

Getting around: the metro is handy for Charbagh, Hazratganj and Indira Nagar, but the old city is best reached by auto or e-rickshaw. App cabs work across the city.