Famous for its magnificent architecture and the warm hospitality of the locals, Peshawar is known to be one of the friendliest cities in the country. Apart from that, there are some of the best places to visit in Peshawar. Each of them flaunts their architectural marvels and bazaars selling a specialty good.
Further, the city speaks of ancient civilizations and glorious days of the past. With lovely gardens and thriving bazaars, it is one of that cities in Pakistan that should be on every traveler’s list. Listed here are the best places to visit in Peshawar. Have a look.
Read further to learn about the best tourist destinations in Peshawar. In this article, we will share the list of the best places to visit in Peshawar with their address along with other details.
List of Best Places to Visit in Peshawar
Here is a list of the best places to visit in Peshawar that you can visit with your family or loved ones.
- Bala Hisar Fort
- Sethi House Museum
- Masjid Mahabat Khan
- Peshawar Museum
- Qissa Khwani Bazaar
- Chowk Yadgar
- Bab-e-Khyber
- Jamrud Fort
- Islamia College University Peshawar
Bala Hisar Fort
In Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, close to BRT Station Malik Saad Shaheed Station No. 09 and across from Jinnah Park sits the medieval stronghold known as Bala Hissar. Since December 1747, when Ahmad Shah Durrani overthrew Peshawar when the fort was first recorded by 7th-century traveler Xuanzang, it has served as the Durrani Empire’s imperial residence. The fort was rebuilt by the Sikhs after they had taken Peshawar in March 1823. The British East India Company rebuilt the fort’s exterior walls in 1849.
Additionally, there is a museum containing images of well-known political figures and written historical details. From the fort’s terrace, one may enjoy a stunning view of Peshawar City, particularly Qissa Khawani Bazaar.
Address: Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Operating Hours: Sat & Sun 9 am–5 pm
Sethi House Museum
The Sethi Family, a family of successful businessmen from Punjab, owns this old home. The house is an excellent work of art that depicts the Sethi Family’s prosperous past. a fantastic location for people who want to experience Peshawar’s traditional flavors. You should bring your student ID card if you’re a student since you’ll get almost half off and you’ll have to pay a little bit more if you want to take pictures.
Address: 2H5H+FG4, Chowk Yadgar Rd, Andar Shehr Mohallah Sethian, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Operating Hours: 9 am–5 pm
Masjid Mahabat Khan
The most stunning and historic mosque in KPK. It was built by the Mughal Empire. It serves as Peshawar’s primary jamia masjid as well. Three fluted domes cover the top of the mosque’s lovely architectural style, and two tall minarets stand on either side of the great hall. It was constructed in the 1630s using Mughal design. The mosque is accessible to visitors every day from sunrise to sunset, with the exception of the times when prayers are being said, particularly on Fridays in the afternoon.
Address: 2H6F+67W, Andar Shehr Mohallah Baqir Shah, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Operating Hours: 8 am–9 pm
Peshawar Museum
One of Pakistan’s most ancient museums is the Peshawar Museum, which was founded in 1907. The museum is significant because it houses magnificent Buddha sculptures, a collection of calligraphy from the Mughal era, and exquisite relics from the Gandhara Empire. They boast a large collection of stone statues, including those depicting the entire life of the Buddha. A unique statue of the malnourished Buddha is also present there. They also have a variety of texts, stone inscriptions, and cultural objects from Pakistan’s northern cultures.
Address: 2H55+47P، Saddar Road opposite Governor House Peshawar & Civil Secretariat, Finance Department, Civil Secretariat, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Operating Hours: 9 am–5 pm
Qissa Khwani Bazaar
One of the most well-known bazaars has existed since ancient times and is accessible through the Kabuli Gate (also known as the Kabuli Darwaza), which in the past welcomed caravans traveling through Afghanistan from central Asia.
Another well-known tourist destination in Peshawar, the Qissa Khawani bazaar got its name from a long-standing custom of merchants from Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent mixing in the congested tea houses of the market to swap tales.
Simply, Qissa Khwan is Arabic for “storytellers,” but in the past, inns, and cafes welcomed traders and visitors from all over the world, therefore professional storytellers used to perform there. Yet, it is one of the tourist attractions in Peshawar.
Address: Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Operating Hours: 24 Hours Open
Chowk Yadgar
Chowk Yadgar, one of Peshawar’s most well-known locations, is situated in the center of an Old City. General Hastings was remembered when the monument was first built in 1892 in his honor; however, it was later given to the martyrs of the Qissa Khwani Bazaar Tragedy.
Since then, this Peshawar monument has gained popularity as a location for political and religious events, but most days it’s just a spot to hang out. Due to the abundance of passageways on both sides, Chowk Yadgar is a convenient place to halt while touring Peshawar’s Old City. The neighborhood is dotted with numerous historic Havelis, many of which are located just a few steps from Chowk Yadgar.
Address: Chowk Yadgar Rd Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Operating Hours: 24 Hours Open
Bab-e-Khyber
At the mouth of the legendary Khyber Pass, where the Jamrud Fort is also situated, the Bab-e-Khyber, also known as the Khyber Gate, was constructed in 1964. The pass itself has seen innumerable invaders and legendary warriors penetrate the fertile fields of the subcontinent in search of their fortunes and to establish empires. Chandragupta Maurya is one of the remarkable few who turned around and went into Afghanistan. The Pass itself is located 16 miles north of Peshawar, close to the Pakistani-Afghanistan border.
In Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a monument known as Bab-e-Khyber is located near the entrance to the Khyber Pass. The gate is next to the historic Jamrud Fort and is located just west of Peshawar.
Address: Pir Sohawa Road, Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 46000
Operating Hours: 24 Hours Open
Jamrud Fort
Even though visiting the Jamrud Fort these days requires special authorization, it is still plain to view from the Bab-e-Khyber.
From a distance, Jamrud Fort appears to be an old warship. The fort houses the grave of its creator, the renowned Sikh General Hari Singh Nalwa, who died here in fighting against the forces of the Amir of Kabul in 1837 AD. The fort has a ruggedly impressive appearance with its jumble of towers and loophole walls. The Sikhs replaced a previous fort with this one in 1823. It is made of rough stone and is plastered with mud. The contemporary stone arch that spans the road was built in 1964.
The Jamrud Fort can only be seen from the road as it is still in the hands of security personnel today. However, a trip to the Bab-e-Khyber will ensure that you get to see this important historical site.
Address: 293H+98H, Jamrud, Khyber Agency, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Operating Hours: 9 am–5 pm
Islamia College University Peshawar
One of the oldest institutes of higher learning in Pakistan and one of the most well-known locations in Peshawar is this stunningly designed university. In 1913, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah named Islamia College in his will, and it was established in the same year.
The college’s spectacular structures and immaculate grounds make it among the most well-liked tourist destinations in the area and a highly sought-after place to enroll.
Pakistanis shouldn’t have any issue wandering through the college’s grounds, but I’ve heard that foreigners might encounter difficulties getting in. Given how close everything is in Peshawar, trying to see this magnificent piece of history is definitely worthwhile.
Address: Grand Trunk Rd, Rahat Abad, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Operating Hours: 8 am–4 pm
Khyber Charsi Tikka Shop
This restaurant is the last on our list of best places to visit in Peshawar but we are sure that it would be worth your time. This place has an unrivaled flavor for making any mutton preparation. Its bar b q mutton tikka, namkeen karahi, has a really good flavor. There are other eateries in Peshawar and elsewhere in Pakistan that serve shanwari, but none can compare to the authentic flavor they offer their customers.
From their white beard Bucher, you can choose the mutton of your choosing and give it to the cook for preparation. To give it a superb taste and appearance, they use completely original ingredients and recipes. Their unique Naan and raita complement their favorite dishes. To enjoy it, one needs 45 minutes, as cooking takes considerably longer. Parking and seating areas are fairly roomy, and the location is direct across from Peshawar’s well-known Islamia College.
Address: University Rd, Wahidabad Rahat Abad, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 54000
Operating Hours: 11 am–10 pm