Home › Destinations › Multan
Multan, پاکستان - Things to Do in Multan

Things to Do in Multan

Multan, پاکستان - Complete Travel Guide

Multan, known as the 'City of Saints' and 'City of Sufis,' is one of Pakistan's oldest cities with a history spanning over 5,000 years. Located in the heart of Punjab province, this ancient metropolis is renowned for its magnificent Sufi shrines, stunning Islamic architecture, and rich cultural heritage that has attracted pilgrims and travelers for centuries. The city's skyline is dominated by beautiful blue-tiled domes and minarets that reflect its deep spiritual significance. Beyond its religious importance, Multan is famous for its vibrant handicrafts industry, particularly blue pottery, camel-skin products, and intricate embroidery work. The bustling bazaars offer a sensory overload of colors, aromas, and sounds, while the city's cuisine reflects a unique blend of Punjabi and Sindhi influences. Modern Multan seamlessly blends its ancient heritage with contemporary development, making it a fascinating destination for those seeking to experience authentic Pakistani culture and spirituality.

Top Things to Do in Multan

Explore Ancient Sufi Shrines

Visit the magnificent shrines of renowned Sufi saints including Shah Rukn-e-Alam and Bahauddin Zakariya, featuring stunning medieval Islamic architecture. These spiritual centers showcase intricate blue tilework, carved wooden doors, and peaceful courtyards where devotees gather for prayers and qawwali sessions. The shrines offer insight into Pakistan's rich Sufi tradition and provide moments of tranquility amidst the bustling city.

Booking Tip: Entry is free, but consider hiring a local guide for PKR 1,000-2,000 to understand the historical significance. Visit during early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering shrine areas.

Shop at Traditional Bazaars

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Multan's famous bazaars, particularly the Hussain Agahi Bazaar and Chowk Bazaar. These markets are treasure troves of local handicrafts including the renowned Multani blue pottery, camel-skin products, silk textiles, and traditional jewelry. The narrow lanes are filled with the aroma of spices and the sounds of merchants calling out their wares.

Booking Tip: No booking required, but bring cash as most vendors don't accept cards. Bargaining is expected - start at 50% of the quoted price. Best shopping times are 10 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 7 PM when it's less crowded.

Experience Local Cuisine

Savor Multan's distinctive culinary offerings including the famous sohan halwa, chapli kebabs, and traditional Multani dishes like sajji and karahi. The city's food scene ranges from street food stalls serving fresh jalebis and samosas to upscale restaurants offering refined Pakistani cuisine. Don't miss trying the local mangoes during season, considered among Pakistan's finest.

Booking Tip: Street food costs PKR 50-200 per item, while restaurant meals range from PKR 500-2,000. Visit popular areas like Chowk and Cantt for the best variety. Always choose busy stalls for fresher food and carry hand sanitizer.

Visit Historical Fort and Museums

Explore the remnants of Multan Fort and visit local museums to understand the city's rich archaeological heritage dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. The Multan Museum houses artifacts from various periods including Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic eras. These sites provide context to Multan's role as a crucial trading post on ancient caravan routes.

Booking Tip: Museum entry fees are typically PKR 20-50 for locals and PKR 100-200 for foreigners. Open daily except Mondays, 9 AM to 5 PM. Photography may require additional fees of PKR 100-300. Combine visits to save time and transportation costs.

Attend Qawwali Performances

Experience the soul-stirring tradition of qawwali music at various shrines, particularly during Thursday evenings and religious festivals. These mystical musical performances feature passionate singing accompanied by traditional instruments, creating an atmosphere of spiritual devotion. The performances often continue late into the night, drawing both locals and visitors into their hypnotic rhythms.

Booking Tip: Performances are free but donations are appreciated. Thursday evenings and religious holidays offer the best sessions. Arrive early for good seating and bring a cushion for comfort. Check with shrine caretakers for performance schedules.

Getting There

Multan is well-connected to major Pakistani cities through multiple transportation options. Multan International Airport receives domestic flights from Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, with flight times ranging from 1-2 hours and costs between PKR 8,000-25,000. The city's railway station connects to the national network with regular trains from major cities - the journey from Lahore takes 6-8 hours, while Karachi is 12-15 hours away. Road connectivity is excellent via the M4 and M5 motorways, with bus services and private car options available. Daewoo and other premium bus services operate comfortable coaches to Multan from major cities.

Getting Around

Getting around Multan is relatively easy with various local transportation options. Rickshaws and auto-rickshaws are the most popular choices for short distances, costing PKR 50-200 per trip within the city. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Careem and Uber are available, particularly useful for longer distances or when carrying shopping bags. Local buses connect different areas of the city at very affordable rates (PKR 20-50), though they can be crowded. For exploring the old city and shrine areas, walking is often the best option as many attractions are close together, and the narrow streets provide an authentic cultural experience.

Where to Stay

Cantt Area
Gulgasht Colony
Bosan Road
MDA Chowk
New Multan
Shah Rukn-e-Alam Colony

Food & Dining

Multan's dining scene offers everything from authentic street food to upscale restaurants serving traditional Pakistani cuisine. The old city areas around Chowk and Hussain Agahi are famous for street food including fresh jalebis, samosas, and the city's signature sohan halwa. For sit-down dining, the Cantt area and Abdali Road feature numerous restaurants serving Punjabi, Sindhi, and Mughlai cuisines, with specialties like sajji, karahi, and various kebab varieties. Don't miss trying Multani mangoes during season (May-July) and the local lassi. Many hotels also offer traditional Pakistani breakfast spreads featuring parathas, omelets, and fresh naan bread.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Pakistan

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

The Sicilian

4.9 /5
(9693 reviews) 2

Bistro Noir Lahore

4.6 /5
(1212 reviews)

Sumo

4.5 /5
(1159 reviews) 4

Mystique Restaurants Lahore

4.5 /5
(752 reviews)

NOVU

4.7 /5
(535 reviews)

Eatalia Pizzeria

4.5 /5
(540 reviews) 2
all dining options →

When to Visit

The best time to visit Multan is during the cooler months from November to March when temperatures range from 10-25°C, making sightseeing comfortable. This period coincides with various religious festivals and cultural events at the shrines. April and October can also be pleasant but may experience occasional heat waves. Summer months (May-September) should be avoided due to extreme heat, with temperatures often exceeding 45°C. The monsoon season (July-August) brings humidity and occasional flooding. Winter months also offer the advantage of clearer skies for photography and longer comfortable hours for exploring the outdoor attractions and bazaars.

Insider Tips

Visit shrines during evening hours when they're beautifully illuminated and qawwali sessions are more likely to occur
Learn basic Urdu or Punjabi phrases as English is limited outside tourist areas and hotels
Always carry cash as card acceptance is limited, especially in bazaars and street food areas

Explore Activities in Multan