What to Wear in Lahore: Dress Code and Mosque Etiquette for Visitors

Lahore is a friendly, welcoming city, and dressing modestly makes your visit easier and more comfortable, especially at mosques and shrines. You do not need special clothes, just a few sensible choices.

For everyone

• Choose loose, light clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Cotton and linen are best in the heat.
• Wear shoes that slip on and off easily. You will take them off at every mosque and shrine.
• Bring socks for walking on hot stone or marble courtyards in summer, and a light layer for cool winter evenings.

Women

• Long, loose tops or tunics with trousers or a long skirt work well. Many visitors enjoy buying a local shalwar kameez in the bazaar on their first day.
• Carry a light scarf (dupatta). You will need it to cover your hair inside mosques and shrines, and it is handy in the sun.
• Away from religious sites you do not need to cover your hair, but modest clothing helps you blend in and attract less attention.

Men

• Long trousers rather than shorts, especially at religious sites.
• T-shirts are fine in the city; avoid sleeveless tops at mosques and shrines.

At the Badshahi Mosque and other mosques

• Shoes come off at the entrance; there is usually a place to leave them.
• Shoulders and knees should be covered, and women should cover their hair.
• Keep your voice low, walk around people who are praying, and avoid visiting during the main Friday midday prayer.
• Ask before photographing people.

Read our top things to see at the Badshahi Mosque before you go.

At Sufi shrines

Shrines such as Data Darbar are busy, emotional places of devotion, especially on Thursday evenings, when music and qawwali often fill the courtyards. Dress modestly, cover your head, remove your shoes, and follow your guide’s lead: some shrines have separate areas for men and women. Our Night Sufi shrine tour is a respectful way to experience this side of Lahore.

In the bazaars and the old city

• Expect crowds, motorbikes and narrow lanes. Comfortable closed shoes are better than flip-flops here.
• Keep a small cross-body bag rather than a backpack.
• Bargaining is normal in most bazaar shops; your guide can help.

During Ramadan

Eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight hours is considered impolite during Ramadan. Hotels still serve food during the day, and evenings are lively after the fast is broken.

Ready to explore?

Our guides will tell you exactly what to expect at each stop. Join our Lahore Fort and Walled City heritage walk or hire a private Lahore tour guide.