Things To Do
in Gujranwala

Historic and colorful market hub with dense streets, signage and local life — great for candid street photography and capturing bazaar scenes.

Bustling lanes, fabric stalls and traditional storefronts offer portraits, product detail shots and atmospheric market scenes.

Open sports spaces where you can photograph local cricket or kabaddi matches and community gatherings.

Short trips outside the city reveal agricultural landscapes, mustard fields (in season) and canal-side views that contrast with the urban core.

Gujranwala is known for its smoky tandoori chicken and mixed grills — look for busy barbecue joints near the Clock Tower and along main roads where charcoal grilling is common.

Must-Try!

Large cuts of marinated meat slow-roasted or spit-grilled; available at specialty barbecue restaurants and roadside grills.

A classic Punjabi breakfast of deep-fried puris with sweet semolina halwa, chana (spiced chickpeas) and curd — widely available at morning stalls.

Tangy, spicy street snacks sold at market corners — try chana chaat, dahi bhalla and golgappa from busy vendors for authentic flavors.

Central cluster of markets where you’ll find street food stalls, sweet shops, tea vendors and small restaurants; ideal for sampling snacks and watching local life.

A busy commercial street with shops and roadside eateries selling grilled meats, chaat and quick breakfasts — great for an informal food crawl.

Use polite greetings such as 'As‑Salaam‑Alaikum' and be respectful to elders. A handshake is common among men; physical contact between unrelated men and women is usually avoided in public.

Dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered for both men and women helps you blend in and shows respect, especially near religious sites.

Remove shoes before entering mosques and some homes; ask before photographing inside religious spaces and always follow local instructions.

Always ask permission before photographing people (especially women) and be sensitive around police, military installations, and government buildings.

Tipping is appreciated though not always required. For table service in restaurants, 5–10% is common if service charge is not included; rounding up small bills or leaving small change for tea stall staff and rickshaw drivers is normal.

Cash (Pakistani rupee, PKR) is king in markets, small restaurants and for taxis/rickshaws. Major hotels, chains and some restaurants accept credit/debit cards and mobile wallets; always carry cash for street food and bazaars.

May–August is hot and humid with daytime temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F). Plan outdoor activities for mornings and evenings, stay hydrated, and expect many eateries to be busy in cooler hours.

July–September brings sporadic rains and occasional heavy downpours; localized flooding and traffic disruption can occur. Carry waterproofs and allow extra travel time.

September–November is transitional with gradually cooling temperatures and clearer skies — a pleasant time for exploring bazaars and short excursions.

December–February brings cool to chilly mornings (potential nighttime fog) with daytime temperatures comfortable; pack a warm jacket for evenings and expect some shops and outdoor vendors to scale back.

Majority of residents are Punjabi-speaking, with Punjabi culture and cuisine dominant; Urdu is widely understood as the national language.

Predominantly Muslim (mostly Sunni), with minorities including Christians and other groups; religious customs influence daily life and local schedules.

A large portion of the population is employed in manufacturing, workshops and small businesses, giving the city a hardworking commercial character.

Like much of Pakistan, the population is relatively young with many students and young workers in urban and peri-urban areas.

Vegetarian options are available (dal, sabzi, paneer dishes, chana chaat and breads). Ask for 'sabzi' (vegetable) or 'kachchi' preparations without meat; restaurants can usually prepare vegetarian curries, but cross-contamination with ghee or meat juices is common in some places—ask staff when needed.

Vegan choices are limited but possible: simple vegetable curries, lentil dishes (without ghee) and breads like rotis. Carrying a translation card explaining dietary needs in Urdu can help.

Most meat served is halal by local standards. Alcoholic beverages are not commonly available in mainstream restaurants due to local norms and laws.

If you have strong allergies (nuts, dairy), be explicit and cautious — street vendors may not be able to accommodate. Pack essential medications and consider eating at reliable, cleaner establishments.