Lucknow isn’t just about kebabs and monuments (though those are essential). In fact, here’s a list of 51 things to do in Lucknow that prove the city has a little bit of everything. Trace the Nawabi past along grand gateways, chase spicy chaats through bustling bazaars, sip blush-pink chai at Akhbari Gate, or test your skills on cricket turfs and the city’s viral new pickleball courts. From rooftop cafés and winter sweets to trampoline parks and quirky museums, there’s always something happening.

Step into a quiet time capsule. Amidst crumbling walls and sprawling lawns, British Residency tells tales of colonial strife and heroic resilience. Built between 1780 and 1800, it is perfect for history buffs or anyone looking for a serene escape from the city chaos.

Where: Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Deep Manak Nagar, Kaiser Bagh

Lose yourself, literally, inside the Bhul Bhulaiya and admire the grandeur of the Bada Imambara, also known as Asafi Imambara. Built by Asaf-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Awadh, in 1784, it’s part architectural marvel, part mental workout, and entirely photogenic! 

Where: Husainabad Trust Road, Old Lucknow

A slice of history steeped in Gothic charm. With soaring ceilings and vintage classrooms, La Martiniere College has served as a cinematic backdrop for numerous films, the most iconic being Gadar, capturing the spirit of Lucknow. With only a limited number of guided tours available, you can schedule one for yourself via here.

Where: La Martiniere Road, Martin Purva

A morning at either Lohia Park or Botanical Garden is like a reset button for your soul. Joggers, morning walkers, and curious folks like us will all find their bliss amidst lush greenery and chirping birds. 

Developed by LDA, in the memory of Late Mr Janeshwar Mishra, this is one of Asia’s largest parks, perfect for a slow stroll, paddle boating, or just lying back and pretending the city doesn’t exist. 

Where: Gomti Nagar

Take a leisurely walk along the glimmering Gomti, soak in the skyline, and indulge in a gastronomic adventure. From kebabs and Chinese to brewed coffee, Lucknow’s newly launched Food Valley is a treasure trove of flavours. Sample delights from Ching Fa, Naushijaan, Manish Eating Point, Karaari Angheeti, and other local favourites for a true taste of the city.

Let the city lights blur past as you cruise along Shaheed Path. By night, the stretch transforms into a nocturnal thrill, with smooth roads that are quite rare to be honest. The quiet pulse of the city creates a serene yet subtly exhilarating escape.

Inaugurated in 2003, the Indira Gandhi Planetarium provides an opportunity to stargaze without ever needing a telescope. It's shows and simulations whisk you across the universe while your feet remain firmly planted. Journey through the Jungles of Stars and witness celestial events that, in reality, unfold over months, years, or even millions of years.

Where: Vigyan Bhavan, 9, Nabiullah Road, Surajkund park

Located inside the Lucknow Zoo premises, the State Museum is one of the oldest multipurpose museums in India. Established in 1863, the museum has been a centre of cultural learning and research since its inception. Recently, Lucknow has added a 360° virtual tour of the State Museum too. 

Where: Lucknow Zoo, Civil Hospital, Narhi, Hazratganj

Kickstart your morning the old-school Lucknow way with hot, fluffy poories, crisp kachoris, and khastas dunked in bold, flavour-packed curries. Ghee-rich aromas, busy counters, and quick bites that mean business—this breakfast trio is all the fuel you need before diving into the city.

Alternatively, you can also start your day the Lucknow way at Sharma Ji Ki Chai, where the kadak chai has a fan base of its own. Pair it with their crisp, golden samosas, or dive into the melt-in-the-mouth bun makkhan. For something lighter, their fresh poha and fluffy dhokla hit just the right notes.

Where: 34, Trilokinath Marg, Sushanpura, Lalbagh

Nothing captures Lucknow like a slow-cooked Nihari from Rahim or Mubeen’s. The rich, aromatic gravy simmers to perfection, while soft, pillowy kulchas soak up every drop. Breakfast, brunch, or a late-night snack, it works anytime.

No trip to Lucknow is complete without tasting the original Tunday Kababi in Aminabad. These melt-in-your-mouth kebabs are legendary for their secret spice blend and perfect tenderness. Trust us, the aroma alone is enough to draw you in. 

Where: Old Nazirabad Road, Mohan Market, Khayali Ganj, Aminabad

Lucknow adds its own flair to Chinese classics. From fiery Schezwan noodles to tangy chilli chicken, these three spots serve up bold, desi-infused flavours. Perfect for a quick bite, a hearty meal, or a casual evening out, each restaurant keeps locals and visitors coming back for more.

Lucknow finally has a SOCIAL. This new hotspot mixes Awadhi interiors with clever cocktails and a lively crowd. Ideal for a weekend evening or a spontaneous catch-up, SOCIAL brings a slice of city-chic nightlife to the heart of Hazratganj.

Where: MG Road, Hazratganj

Catch live music, quirky installations, and a wide menu of delicious eats. TBSE is where Lucknow’s creative youth hang out, and energy flows as freely as the alcohol. 

Where: Rohtas Presidential Arcade, Vijaipur Colony, Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar

Awadhi biryani at Idris and Dastarkhwan is the ultimate comfort food. Each plate brims with fragrant rice, tender meat, and perfectly balanced spices. Ideal for a leisurely weekend feast or a midweek treat, these legendary spots showcase the timeless flavours that make Lucknow a biryani haven.

Farm-fresh ingredients meet spicy local flavours at Fresh Factory, Cafe Hons, Gravy Groovy and more. This bustling area is a food-lover’s paradise, perfect for quick bites, steaming cups of chai, or a casual snack while soaking up Lucknow‘s vibe. 

Where: Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar

Coffee, desserts, and a charmingly laid-back vibe make Cappuccino Blast a favourite among locals. Nestled in a heritage corner of the city, it has been serving up artisanal brews and classic desserts for years, blending old-world charm with modern café culture. The place even welcomes a pizzeria a while back. 

Where: Sarvapalli Mall Ave Rd, Sarva Palli, The Mall Avenue

Chocolate, waffles, and nutty treats await at The Hazelnut Factory, a haven for anyone with a sweet tooth. Beyond the indulgence, it’s the perfect pick-me-up when midweek blues strike. 

No street-food crawl in Lucknow is complete without a visit to Satish Chaurasia Paan Bhandar. Its paan is a burst of flavour that hits all the right notes. Locals and visitors alike flock here for this punchy finale, making it the perfect way to end a culinary adventure. 

Where: Moti Mahal Road, Hazratganj

With a vibe that feels straight out of a hill station, Topkhana Market comes alive in winter like a mini Mall Road of its own. One of its biggest charms is the cluster of momo stalls steaming away in the cold air, surrounded by quirky little fast-food stands that locals swear by.

Nothing cools the soul quite like a perfectly churned kulfi, and Lucknow has some true legends. At Chanakya Kulfi, you’ll find creamy classics like kesar pista, malai, and their ever-popular falooda kulfi. Moti Mahal serves rich, old-school flavours, while Prakash Kulfi charms with its silky kulfis that melt the moment they hit your tongue.

With interactive exhibits, hands-on experiments, and cleverly designed learning zones, Regional Science Centre turns science into an adventure rather than a chapter in a textbook. From physics puzzles to space displays, every corner invites you to touch, try, and tinker. 

Where: Sector E, Purania Road, Aliganj Extension

True to its name, UP Darshan Park is packed with 16 grand replicas of monuments from across Uttar Pradesh. Miniaturised monuments, cultural exhibits, and family-friendly explorations make this a delightful learning experience.

Where: 2A, Sector 38, Vipin Khand

Pt. Birju Maharaj’s ancestral home, Kalka-Bindadin ki Dyodhi, now stands as a beautifully restored Kathak Museum. Once gifted by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah to the maestro’s ancestors, the space today showcases Maharaj ji’s personal belongings, costumes, accessories, literature, and rare family artefacts. It’s a must-visit for anyone keen to soak in Lucknow’s heritage.

Where: Bharironji Road, Maulviganj, Wazirganj

Take a stroll through Hussainabad and soak in Lucknow’s Nawabi charm. Start at the Rumi Darwaza, the gateway inspired by Constantinople’s Sublime Porte. Walk over to the Hussainabad Picture Gallery, once a royal Baradari, now home to life-size Nawabi portraits. A few steps away stands the unfinished Satkhanda, planned as a seven-storey tower but halted at four. Wrap up at the Hussainabad Clock Tower, a Victorian-Gothic landmark from 1887, and enjoy a cup of chai beneath its towering presence.

Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, one of the many wetlands located in Northern India is a top-rated attraction for all those who are fascinated by the bounties of nature. Binoculars, crisp air, and migratory delights. 

Where: Ravanhar, Pachiyanw

Escape into the quiet charm of Kukrail Picnic Spot, where riverside greenery and birdsong set the tone for an unhurried day out. Shaded paths, sprawling lawns, and the soft hum of the forest make it ideal for spreading out a picnic blanket and doing absolutely nothing.

Feel the roar of the crowd, the drama of the pitch, and the city’s sporty pride on full display. Check out this link for the upcoming matches at Lucknow’s beloved Ekana Cricket Stadium.

The decades-old Ganga Snan Mela or 'Katki Mela,' is in full swing at Lucknow's Jhulelal Vatika Park right now. Known for its rich legacy, the fair draws massive crowds every year with its vibrant atmosphere, hundreds of stalls and exciting activities. This year’s edition commenced on November 15 and is expected to continue until January end.

Luxury shopping, gourmet dining, and top-tier people-watching, these two malls of Lucknow have it all. Wander through H&M, Uniqlo, Armani Exchange, Sephora, Birkenstock, or indulge at Mamagoto, Gola Sizzlers, Starbucks, and more. Phoenix Palassio brings full city glamour, while LuLu adds its own vibe with everything from international labels to local favourites under one very polished roof.

Aminabad is Lucknow’s timeless treasure hunt, where every lane bursts with colour, chatter, and bargains you simply can’t resist. From chikankari kurtas and jhumkas to bags, fabrics, and home bits you didn’t know you needed, the variety is endless and the prices are unmatched.

Lucknow’s chikankari is unlike anything you’ll find in any other city. At Sewa Chikan, Ada and Pohor, you’ll discover fabrics in soft pastels, bold jewel tones, airy whites, and intricate thread-work ranging from fine bakhiya and pechni to detailed murri and phanda. Every piece feels like wearable art!

Wake up early and step into the chaos of Nakhas Chor Bazaar, where Sundays begin with a treasure hunt. Expect everything from old-school typewriters, vintage lamps, quirky collectables, and antique locks to brass utensils, retro telephones, second-hand books, and even pre-loved cycles. The market is a riot of stories, haggling, and pure serendipity. 

Funtura at Lulu Mall comes packed with roller coasters, VR zones and enough arcade chaos to keep you entertained. Timezone at Phoenix Palassio adds its own brand of excitement with its premium bowling zone. And then there’s Kangaroo Trampoline Park, a bounce zone in town and a total lifesaver when you want to let off steam without burning a hole in your pocket.

Step into Lucknow’s beautifully battered past. Dilkusha Kothi, built in the early 1800s by Major Gore Ouseley in an English Baroque style, still stands proud despite heavy damage during the 1857 Uprising. Bibiyapur Kothi, commissioned by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in the late 18th century, once hosted royal hunting parties and even military meetings. And then there’s Vilayati Bagh, a lesser-known gem dotted with crumbling arches and old-world masonry that feels straight out of a period drama.

Treat yourself to kali gajjar ka halwa, slow-cooked and ruby-red with ghee and nuts. Follow it with a spoonful of cloud-like makhan malai, made only on crisp winter mornings. And don’t miss the old-school charm of ande ka halwa, a rare delight that feels like a hug in dessert form.

Akhbari Gate’s famed pink chai is a winter romance in a cup. Frothy, rosy, and unapologetically dramatic, it turns even a simple tea break into a full-blown moment. The kettle whistles, the cups clink, and that blush-tinted brew arrives with its creamy malai.

YOLO Gaming Centre is the city’s largest action-packed sports hub, with seven zones catering to everything from cricket cover drives and football sprints to pickleball, paddle tennis, basketball, archery, and even golf swings. Classics meet fresh, trending sports, so whether you’re chasing three-pointers or your inner Olympian, the fun never stops.

Where: YOLO Gaming Centre, Harmony Park, Near Phoenix Palassio

Pickleball is the latest craze taking Lucknow by storm. Fast-paced, fun, and surprisingly addictive, it’s perfect whether you’re competitive or just in it for a laugh. Check out the city’s top spots like Pickle Pro, Courtitude, Pickle Enough, Play Pad at Clarks Avadh, and Courtside by Nxt Gen Arena.

For the city’s cricket crazy, Lucknow has some stellar turfs to perfect your cover drives and yorkers. Whether it’s Mr 10 Infinity Arena, Elite Sports Arena, or Dug Out Sports Arena, you can chase sixes, practice bowling spells, or just rally with friends.

When the day calls for a touch of glamour, head to Azrak, Sahib Café at the Taj, or Falaknuma at Clarks. Think intricate Awadhi thalis, hand-crafted cocktails, and interiors that make every table feel like a stage. Whether it’s the candlelit corners at Sahib Café, the lavish spreads at Azrak, or the rooftop views from Falaknuma, these spots turn a meal into a memory.

A favourite spot for locals, Indira Dam offers a quiet escape from the city traffic. The calm waters glint under the sun, making it perfect for a leisurely walk, a boat ride, or just sitting back and watching birds swoop overhead.

Sometimes the best meals come with a side of open sky and the hum of passing traffic. On Lucknow’s outskirts, dhabas like Fauji, Break Point, and Janta Dhaba serve up plates so generous they almost demand a nap afterwards.

Step inside Sangeet Natak Academy and let the curtains pull you into a world of drama, music, and dance. From experimental theatre to classical performances, the stage comes alive with talent that ranges from rising stars to seasoned maestros. An evening here reminds you why Lucknow’s cultural scene has always had a flair for the dramatic.

Where: Lohia Path, Vipin Khand, Gomti Nagar

Lucknow’s local pizzerias have their own story to tell. At places like Vitos and Trucco’s, every pizza comes with crisp bases, tangy sauces, and toppings that surprise in the best way. Unlike factory-style, uniform offerings, these pizzas embrace smoky charred edges, generous cheese pulls, and flavour combinations that make every bite memorable.

For movie buffs and thrill-seekers alike, Phoenix Palassio’s IMAX and MX 4DX cinemas are where film nights turn into full-on spectacles. Think larger-than-life screens, booming surround sound, and effects that make you feel every rumble, splash, and gust of wind. 

Where: Phoenix Palassio, Amar Shaheed Path, Gomti Nagar

Yes, weekly heritage walks are available in Lucknow, though they are not always offered on a strict weekly schedule. You can find guided tours focusing on specific themes like the colonial past or the Nawabi era through platforms like Tripadvisor. It is best to check these sites for specific dates and availability, as tours are often scheduled on weekends or special dates.

The Amir-ud-Daula Public Library is one of Lucknow’s oldest public libraries — its collection was opened to student readers in the late 19th century (1887), and the present heritage building’s foundation was laid in the early 1920s; it was named after Mohammad Amir Hasan Khan (Amir-ud-Daula) and gifted to the province by the Awadh taluqdars. Home to roughly 2 lakh books in Hindi, Urdu, Persian, Arabic, Sanskrit and English and a trove of rare manuscripts (many of which have recently been digitised for wider access), it’s a quiet place to leaf through Persian folios or early lithographs and feel Lucknow’s literary history under your fingertips. It’s not flashy or touristy, but that’s exactly the charm. Spend an hour here reading, browsing, or simply soaking in the calm, and you’ll walk out feeling more connected to Lucknow’s intellectual past.

For art lovers, Lucknow’s visual scene is alive and ever-changing, with galleries hosting art and photography exhibits from time to time that make every visit a fresh experience. Must-visit spaces include Kalasrot Art Gallery in Aliganj, the Lalit Kala Akademi (Regional Centre), the Uttar Pradesh State Lalit Kala Akademi at Lal Baradari and the historic Hussainabad Picture Gallery near the Clock Tower, each showcasing everything from contemporary paintings to thematic photo shows and heritage portraits.