A palimpsest of post-colonial relics of the Raj, Sikh temples, ancient Mughal frontispieces and anachronistic gothic façades, the bubbling city of Lahore is Pakistan’s undisputed cultural capital. It’s the El Dorado of interesting architecture, and visitors wandering the ancient walled centre are awed by shrine after shrine of formidable historical and religious importance.

Don’t miss the UNESCO accredited fort complex that’s alive with elegant Mughal apses and home to a number of the city’s most remarkable sites, from the 17^th century Naulakha Pavilion in clean white marble, to the regal Sheesh Mahal right at its heart. Around the old town, a number of the original 13 city gates are also worth a visit, still standing as defiant relics of the bygone Mughal age.

Lahore’s new town is the place to go for shopping and street food. For the latter, your Lahore guide will recommend areas around Gawal mandi and Old Anarkali as the best hotspots of local culinary flair, serving spicy Gosht and nihari late into the evening.