If the first half of our trip introduced us to Lahore’s history and spirituality, the second half revealed something equally powerful — its modern pulse. Lahore is not frozen in time. It is alive, evolving, ambitious, and deliciously energetic.
From crowded traditional markets to polished mega malls, from spicy street food to wildlife adventures, this part of our journey showed us how beautifully Lahore balances heritage with contemporary life.
And honestly? This is where we ate the most.
Shopping & Beautiful Chaos at Liberty Market
Liberty Market is not just a shopping destination — it is an experience.
Located in the heart of Gulberg, Liberty has been one of Lahore’s busiest commercial hubs for decades. It represents everyday Lahore: loud, lively, expressive, and unapologetically energetic.
The moment we stepped into the market, we were surrounded by color. Bright fabrics hung outside shops. Jewelry sparkled under warm lights. Vendors called out offers confidently. Rickshaws passed slowly through narrow lanes as families moved from store to store.
Unlike air-conditioned malls, Liberty breathes with the city.
You can find almost everything here:
- Affordable ready-to-wear clothing
- Traditional fabrics and embroidered lawn
- Handbags and accessories
- Shoes
- Artificial jewelry
- Casual and semi-formal outfits
And then comes the most important part — bargaining.
My aunt, who considers bargaining a sport, immediately took control. She negotiated prices with such skill that shopkeepers both admired and surrendered to her confidence. At one shop, she managed to reduce the price almost by half. The shopkeeper laughed and said, “Madam, you should open your own shop here!”
At one point, we separated to explore different shops. Within minutes, we realized we had lost each other in the crowd. Phone signals were weak, and for a few moments, we genuinely panicked.
But when we reunited near a fabric store, it turned into laughter. Liberty has a way of distracting you — every corner offers something new.
What I loved most about Liberty Market was its authenticity. It is not curated or polished for tourists. It is real, local, and full of character. It reflects Lahore’s everyday energy.
Modern Elegance at Emporium Mall
If Liberty Market represents Lahore’s traditional retail culture, Emporium Mall represents its modern ambition.
Located in Johar Town, Emporium is one of the largest malls in Pakistan. The architecture is sleek and contemporary. The interiors are spacious and well-lit. Escalators glide between multiple floors filled with well-known Pakistani and international brands.
Walking into Emporium felt like stepping into a different version of Lahore — organized, structured, and globally aligned.
If you are looking for:
- Designer Pakistani dresses
- Latest formal collections
- Luxury pret
- Exclusive seasonal launches
This is the place.
We entered with a simple plan: “We will just browse.”
That plan did not last long.
From beautifully embroidered formal wear to trendy everyday outfits, every store tempted us. The variety was overwhelming in the best way possible. The quality, stitching, and presentation were impressive.
What stood out most was how Emporium showcases Pakistan’s evolving fashion industry. Designers blend traditional embroidery techniques with modern cuts. It is where heritage meets innovation.
After several hours of walking, comparing, and trying outfits, we finally sat down in the food court — tired but satisfied. The contrast between Liberty Market and Emporium Mall perfectly demonstrated Lahore’s dual personality: deeply traditional yet confidently modern.
Food Adventures at Fortress Square Mall
Lahore is famous across Pakistan for one thing above all — food.
And Fortress Square Mall became our unofficial food headquarters.
The atmosphere was energetic. Families gathered around tables, teenagers laughed loudly, and the aroma of spices filled the air.
We specifically went there to try momos and street-style snacks that friends had recommended.
The momos arrived steaming hot, filled with juicy chicken and served with a fiery red chutney. The first bite was explosive — spicy, flavorful, and comforting at the same time.
We ordered one plate to share.
That quickly turned into three.
Someone in the family insisted they were “too full” to eat more — yet somehow kept reaching for another piece. It became a running joke that Lahore had removed all limits on our appetites.
The richness of Lahori food culture is unapologetic. Portions are generous. Flavors are bold. Spices are layered. Food here is not just about eating — it is about celebration.
We left Fortress Mall slightly overfed but completely satisfied.
Joyland at Fortress Square Mall
If you’re visiting Fortress Mall with family, Joyland is where the serious fun begins. The moment we stepped inside, the flashing arcade lights and cheerful chaos instantly pulled us in. From thrilling rides to classic bumper cars and endless game machines, it felt like we had entered a mini carnival tucked inside the mall.
The kids ran from one ride to another like they had discovered unlimited energy, while the adults secretly competed at arcade games (yes, we absolutely took the air hockey match way too seriously).
Joyland isn’t just for children — it’s for anyone who wants to press pause on adulthood for an hour or two and just enjoy pure, uncomplicated fun.
Wildlife & Patience at Lahore Safari Zoo
Our visit to Lahore Safari Zoo tested our patience.
The line for entry was long — much longer than we expected. For a moment, we considered leaving and returning another day. But since it was one of our final days, we decided to wait.
Entry Fee:
- PKR 100 per person (approximately $0.36 USD)
- Senior Citizens: Free
- Children under 3 years old: Free
The affordability makes it accessible for families from all backgrounds.
Once inside, the environment felt refreshing after days in busy commercial areas. The open safari layout allows visitors to observe animals in a more natural setting compared to traditional zoos.
We saw:
- Lions resting under shaded areas
- Deer roaming calmly
- Zebras grazing
- Monkeys playfully interacting
Watching children react with excitement was heartwarming. Their curiosity reminded us that travel is about learning and experiencing new environments.
The long wait at the entrance quickly felt worth it.
A National Landmark: Minar-e-Pakistan
Before concluding our trip, we visited Minar-e-Pakistan, located in Iqbal Park.
This monument commemorates the Lahore Resolution of 1940 — a pivotal moment in the movement that led to the creation of Pakistan.
Standing before the tall structure, I felt a sense of historical continuity. Earlier in the week, we had explored Mughal-era monuments. Now, we were standing at a site representing modern political history.
The architecture of Minar-e-Pakistan uniquely combines Mughal, Islamic, and modern design elements. Its base resembles Mughal floral motifs, while the upper structure feels contemporary.
Families picnicked on the grass. Children ran freely. It felt both monumental and approachable.
It reminded us that Lahore is not only historically significant — it remains central to Pakistan’s identity today.
Flying Back to Karachi — A Week to Remember
As our flight took off back to Karachi, we sat quietly for a few moments.
Our phones were filled with photographs:
Grand monuments.
Colorful markets.
Designer stores.
Spicy street food.
Wildlife snapshots.
Our shopping bags were heavier than when we arrived.
Our stomachs were definitely heavier.
But our hearts were the fullest.
Lahore had shown us:
Its markets and bargaining culture.
Its modern shopping infrastructure.
Its bold food identity.
Its family-friendly attractions.
Its political and national significance.
Most importantly, it showed us how seamlessly it blends the old with the new.
Lahore is not simply a city divided between history and modernity.
It is a city that carries both with pride.
And as we landed in Karachi, one thing was certain:
Seven days were not enough.
We left with memories, photographs, and stories — and a promise to return.
