Counted among the top historical places in Lucknow, Bara Imambara aka Asafi Imambara is a historical monument that dates back to 1784. Built by Asaf-udDaula, one of the renowned Nawabs of Awadh, the complex comprises a large mosque (Asfi Mosque), a labyrinth (the Bhul Bhulaiya), and a stepwell with running water (Shahi Baoli). The structure boasts of two large gateways that will lead you to the central hall, which is touted to be the largest vaulted chamber in the world.

• Timings: Sunrise to Sunset; every day
• Entry Fee: ₹ 25 for Indians; ₹ 500 for foreign nationals

The imposing historical structure of Chota Imambara was built in 1838 by Muhammad Ali Shah, the third Nawab of Awadh. Also called Imambara Hussainabad Mubarak, it was initially built as a congregation hall for the devotees of the Shia community. However, the place later served as the mausoleum for the Nawab as well as his mother. The interiors of the structure are beautifully ornamented with chandeliers and crystal lamps brought from Belgium which earned it the moniker ‘the Palace of Lights’. The exteriors feature elements of intricate Islamic calligraphy, adding to its visual appeal.

• Timings: 6:00 am to 5:00 pm; every day
• Entry Fee: ₹ 25 for Indians; ₹ 300 for foreigners

Also called the Residency and the Residency Complex, the British Residency is a complex of buildings that once served as the residence of the British Resident General. Constructed in the last quarter of the 18th century, the place served home to over 3000 British residents during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Currently, the Residency is in ruins and is a protected monument under the Archaeological survey of India

• Timings: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm; every day
• Entry Fee: Free

When you want to witness the grandeur of the Awadhi style of architecture, make your way to the Rumi Darwaza, an imposing gateway located between Bara Imambara and Chota Imambara. This gateway built in 1784 by Nawab Asaf-udDaula is about 60-feet tall and is generally used as the logo for Lucknow city. Since the gate is modeled after the Sublime Porte in Istanbul, it is sometimes referred to as the Turkish Gate.

• Timings: 24×7
• Entry Fee: Free

Located on the banks of the River Gomti, Dilkusha Kothi is the remains of a house that was built in the early 19th century. Built in the English baroque style of architecture, the building once served as the hunting lodge and summer resort of the Nawabs. Nothing much is left of the building today, except for the external walls, a few towers, and a beautiful garden. However, due to its historical significance and architectural grandeur, Dilkusha Kothi has earned a place in the list of Lucknow tourist places.

• Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm; every day
• Entry Fee: Free

Located adjacent to the Rumi Darwaza, Husainabad Clock Tower is another heritage monument dotting the cityscape of Lucknow. Built in 1881 by the Hussainabad Trust at a cost of 1.75 lakhs, this 221-feet structure is modeled after the Big Ben Clock Tower of London. The clock is designed like a flower with 12 petals and its pendulum is 14 feet long. Popular as the tallest clock tower in the country, it displays the Gothic and Victorian styles of architecture

• Timings: 24×7; every day
• Entry Fee: Free

A visit to the Indira Gandhi Planetarium must be on your list of things to do in Lucknow, especially if you are a science enthusiast or traveling with your kids. The planetarium is designed in such a way that it resembles the planet Saturn, which makes it different from all other planetariums in the country. With its hightech projection system and daily screenings that reveal the wonders of the universe, it is a great place to spend a day learning a thing or two about celestial bodies.

• Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; closed on Mondays
• Entry Fee: ₹ 25 per person

A public park and memorial built across 107 acres in Gomti Nagar, Ambedkar Park honors Dr. Ambedkar, Jyotirao Phule, Kanshi Ram, Narayana Guru, and many other social reformers who worked for equality and social justice. A striking feature of the park is that the whole place is built using red sandstone bought in from Rajasthan. The key attractions here include the Ambedkar Stupa, Pratibimb Sthal with statutes of 62 elephants, the museum, and Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Samajik Parivartan Gallery, among others

• Timings: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm; every day
• Entry Fee: ₹ 15 per person

This is the Asia’s largest park. An urban park located in Gomti Nagar, Janeshwar Mishra Park is dedicated to the late politician Janeshwar Mishra. It is designed after the Hyde Park in London and counts among the top eco-friendly parks in the country. There are two large water bodies within the park which attract lots of migratory birds all through the year. Complete with jogging and cycling tracks, walkways, play areas for kids, gondola rides, and lush green settings, the park serves as a green lung in the city where you can refresh and relax.

• Timings: 5:00 am to 9:00 pm; every day
• Entry Fee: Free
• Gondola Ride: ₹ 100 for 20 minutes

Another gem in the list of Lucknow tourist places in the Jama Masjid. Like all other masjids in the country, it is a spiritual center for Muslim devotees. But that’s not all. This 19th -centuary edifice is a visual treat and one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in the city. A key highlight here is the giant pillars that feature Hindu and Jain carvings.

• Timings: 05:00 am to 9:00 pm; every day
• Entry Fee: Free

When you want to witness the architectural grandeur of the British era, you must make a visit to the Constantia House. It is part of the renowned La Martiniere College, one of the premier educational institutions in the city. The building houses the tomb of Major Claude Martin, the French general who started its construction way back in 1785. Considered to be the largest European funerary monument in the country, the Constantia House exhibits an unusual mix of architectural styles.

• Timings: 08:00 am to 6:00 pm; every day
• Entry Fee: Free

An iconic watchtower located in Lucknow, Satkhanda is an incomplete, fourstoried structure that dates back to the 1800s. King Mohammed Ali Shah who started the construction of the building planned it to be a watchtower with seven stories but could complete only four due to his untimely demise. The design of this red-brick tower shows influences of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which makes it one of the interesting monuments to visit in Lucknow.

• Timings: 24×7
• Entry Fee: Free

Dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Chandi, a form of Durga, the Chandrika Devi Temple is among the must-visit temples in Lucknow. The shrine, which is located on the banks of River Gomti, is believed to be about 300 years old. Goddess Chandi, the presiding deity of the temple, is worshipped here in the form of a stone with three heads. Known for its spiritual vibes, the temple is visited by devotees all through the year and especially during the festival of Navaratri.

• Timings: 5:00 am to 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm; every day
• Entry Fee: Free