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Multan
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Multan, Pakistan, reveals centuries of Sufi heritage, blue-tiled shrines, lively bazaars, sweet mangoes and the enduring culture of southern Punjab for curious travellers.

A Sacred City of Southern Punjab

Multan stands in southern Punjab, where the flat, intensely cultivated plains meet the cultural world of Saraiki-speaking Pakistan. Known for centuries as the City of Saints, it is defined by the domes and blue tilework of Sufi shrines, the scent of mango orchards, crowded bazaars and a long history of religious and commercial exchange. The city’s identity is neither solely ancient nor purely devotional: it is a working provincial centre whose streets connect historic monuments with workshops, colleges, food stalls and busy transport routes.
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Shrines, Fort Ruins and Old Bazaars

The most recognisable sight is the mausoleum of Shah Rukn-e-Alam, whose soaring brick dome and geometric tile decoration crown the remains of Multan Fort. Nearby, the shrine of Bahauddin Zakariya reflects the city’s importance in the spread of Sufism across the region. Around these monuments, old gateways and commercial quarters lead towards Hussain Agahi Bazaar, Chowk Bazaar and the lanes associated with traditional crafts. Ghanta Ghar, built during the British period, provides a contrasting civic landmark and a useful orientation point.

Living Traditions and Local Flavours

Multan’s heritage is also found in its blue pottery, embroidered textiles, metalwork and sweet, dense sohan halwa. Mangoes from the surrounding agricultural belt are celebrated locally, particularly in the hot months. Evenings bring families to tea shops, restaurants and market streets rather than to an extensive club scene, while religious festivals and shrine gatherings give the city a strong communal rhythm. The result is a destination best understood through its layered sacred architecture, patient exploration of its bazaars and encounters with the everyday life of southern Punjab.

When is the best time to visit Multan?

Best: February, November–December · 22–29°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January2116
February (best)2317
March3011
April374
May421
June451
July431
August421
September390
October351
November (best)293
December (best)229

Getting to and around Multan

How to get there

Multan International Airport is the city’s principal air gateway, with domestic connections and international schedules that vary over time; travellers can also consider connecting through Lahore, Islamabad or Karachi. Multan Railway Station is served by Pakistan Railways and links the city with major centres including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Karachi and other parts of the national network, although journey patterns and schedules should be checked before departure. Long-distance coaches and intercity buses operate from terminals serving the city, while road travellers can reach Multan through Pakistan’s national highway and motorway network, including the M-4 and M-5 corridors. The airport and railway station are outside the historic shrine quarter, so allow time for onward travel.

Transportation

The historic core and the principal shrine area are best explored in short stages on foot, although heat, traffic and uneven pavements can make walking tiring. Motor rickshaws, taxis and app-based or locally arranged car services are commonly used for longer distances, while local buses serve parts of the wider urban area. Traffic can be heavy around markets, religious sites and commercial roads, and drivers may need to negotiate narrow lanes near the old city. A hired car with a driver is often more practical than self-driving for first-time visitors, particularly when visiting several shrines or travelling beyond the central districts. There is no metro or tram system.

Best attractions in Multan

Multan’s principal sightseeing lies around its old fortified heart, where the monumental tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam rises above the remains of Multan Fort and Qasim Bagh. The shrine of Bahauddin Zakariya adds another important centre of Sufi history, while the mausoleum of Shams Sabzwari extends the city’s tradition of sacred architecture. Ghanta Ghar, the British-era clock tower, provides a contrasting civic landmark near the commercial centre, and the surrounding bazaars reveal the everyday life behind the monuments. Hussain Agahi Bazaar is especially atmospheric for fabrics, household goods, sweets and craft products, although its lanes are crowded and best approached patiently. Visitors interested in local arts can seek out blue pottery and regional handicrafts through established workshops and cultural institutions. The nearby agricultural landscape, famed for mangoes and irrigated fields, gives context to Multan’s food culture, although rural visits require separate transport and planning.

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Best landmarks in Multan

The mausoleum of Shah Rukn-e-Alam is Multan’s defining architectural landmark, distinguished by its massive brick structure, projecting buttresses, timber details and broad dome decorated with geometric and coloured tilework. Nearby, the tomb of Bahauddin Zakariya commemorates the Sufi scholar whose teachings helped establish Multan as a major spiritual centre. The remains of Multan Fort, including the elevated Qasim Bagh area, mark the strategic importance of the old city, even though much of the fortification was damaged or lost during later conflicts and urban change. The shrine of Shams Sabzwari contributes another layer to the city’s sacred landscape. Ghanta Ghar, or the clock tower, represents the colonial civic era and stands at the centre of a later commercial district. Together these monuments show how religious patronage, military defence and British administration shaped Multan’s urban identity.

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Best restaurants in Multan

Multan’s food culture reflects southern Punjab’s agricultural abundance and Saraiki regional identity. Traditional meals commonly centre on richly seasoned meat, chicken and vegetable dishes, with naan, roti, rice, lentils and cooling yoghurt-based sides. Grilled meats, karahi, chana, nihari and siri paye appear in local restaurants and breakfast establishments, while lassi is a familiar accompaniment. The city is particularly associated with sohan halwa, a dense sweet made with flour, sugar, ghee and nuts, and with the mangoes grown in the surrounding region during the hot season. Tea shops, bakeries and informal eateries provide a more immediate way to experience daily food habits than formal dining rooms. Hussain Agahi and nearby market streets are useful for sweets, snacks and household provisions, while contemporary restaurants in newer commercial districts offer Pakistani, Chinese and international menus. Hygiene standards vary, so busy establishments with a steady local clientele are generally the more practical choice.

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Best bars in Multan

Multan does not have a large conventional bar or nightclub culture, and evening life is shaped more by family restaurants, tea shops, markets and religious gatherings than by alcohol-focused entertainment. After sunset, commercial streets around the central bazaars remain social and active, with shoppers, sweet shops and cafés creating a distinctly local atmosphere. Hotels and modern restaurants may provide quieter indoor dining or tea, while cultural programmes, musical performances and events connected with Sufi traditions offer more meaningful evening experiences when scheduled. Visitors should not expect a nightlife district comparable with a major international capital, and public behaviour remains conservative. Alcohol is restricted in Pakistan, with limited legal access subject to national regulations and permissions, so travellers should avoid assuming that ordinary restaurants or entertainment venues serve it. Evening visits to shrines should follow local instructions about photography, dress and access.

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Best nightclubs in Multan

Multan does not have a large conventional bar or nightclub culture, and evening life is shaped more by family restaurants, tea shops, markets and religious gatherings than by alcohol-focused entertainment. After sunset, commercial streets around the central bazaars remain social and active, with shoppers, sweet shops and cafés creating a distinctly local atmosphere. Hotels and modern restaurants may provide quieter indoor dining or tea, while cultural programmes, musical performances and events connected with Sufi traditions offer more meaningful evening experiences when scheduled. Visitors should not expect a nightlife district comparable with a major international capital, and public behaviour remains conservative. Alcohol is restricted in Pakistan, with limited legal access subject to national regulations and permissions, so travellers should avoid assuming that ordinary restaurants or entertainment venues serve it. Evening visits to shrines should follow local instructions about photography, dress and access.

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Best shops in Multan

Shopping in Multan moves between crowded traditional bazaars, specialist sweet shops and modern commercial areas. Hussain Agahi Bazaar is the best-known historic market, with lanes selling textiles, garments, household goods, jewellery, footwear and food products, while Chowk Bazaar and the old gateway areas offer further glimpses of established trading patterns. Multani blue pottery is the city’s most recognisable craft, often appearing on tiles, bowls, vases and decorative pieces; designs and quality vary, so established workshops or reputable retailers are preferable for substantial purchases. Embroidered fabrics, woven textiles, carved items and regional sweets also make practical souvenirs. Sohan halwa is widely sold in sealed boxes for travel, though its texture and freshness are worth checking. Newer shopping centres provide branded clothing and air-conditioned retail, but the older bazaars reveal more clearly how Multan’s craft traditions and everyday commerce remain connected.

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Multan essentials

Currency and Payment
Pakistan uses the Pakistani rupee, written as PKR or Rs. Cards and contactless payments are increasingly accepted at larger hotels, modern restaurants, shopping centres and some established businesses, but cash remains important in bazaars, rickshaws, small eateries and shrine surroundings. ATMs are available in commercial parts of Multan, though international cards may not work in every machine and banks may apply their own charges. Carry modest amounts of rupee cash in smaller denominations for transport, market purchases and donations. Exchange foreign currency through authorised banks or exchange companies, and retain receipts where required. It is sensible to keep cash discreetly and separately from passports and cards.
Safety
Visitors should use ordinary urban precautions: keep phones and wallets secure in crowded bazaars, avoid displaying large amounts of cash, and use trusted transport after dark. The areas around shrines and markets can become very crowded, especially on religious occasions, so agree meeting points and take care with bags and footwear. Dress conservatively and follow instructions from shrine attendants or local security staff. Heat can be a substantial practical hazard, particularly from late spring through summer; drink treated or bottled water, cover up and pace outdoor sightseeing. Political gatherings and demonstrations should be avoided, and current official travel advice is worth checking before travelling within the region.
Emergency Situations
In Punjab, Rescue 1122 provides emergency rescue, fire and ambulance assistance, while 15 is used for police emergencies and 16 for fire services in Pakistan. When calling, state the location clearly and use a nearby landmark, as historic lanes and market addresses may be difficult to identify. For urgent medical treatment, go to the emergency department of an established hospital or ask hotel staff, a trusted driver or local authorities for assistance. International visitors should carry a copy of their passport details, travel insurance information and relevant medical needs. Mobile coverage is generally available in the city, but travellers should save essential numbers before leaving their accommodation.
Do's and Don'ts
Wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees when visiting shrines, mosques and conservative neighbourhoods, and remove shoes wherever attendants request it. Ask permission before photographing worshippers, shrine interiors or people, and never interrupt prayers or religious ceremonies for a picture. Public displays of affection are best avoided, while a calm greeting and respectful tone are appreciated. At meals, follow the host’s lead on whether to eat with the right hand, and ask before photographing food or a private gathering. Tipping is not governed by one universal rule, but a modest amount for helpful service is often welcomed. Treat religious sites, graves and historic structures with particular care.
Local Tips
The old city is easiest to understand by combining the shrine quarter with a slow walk through the commercial lanes around Hussain Agahi Bazaar, Chowk Bazaar and the old gateways. Early morning offers cooler conditions and a quieter view of streets that become busy later, while late afternoon light suits the domes and brickwork around the fort area. Multan’s blue pottery, embroidered goods and sohan halwa make distinctive purchases, but quality and provenance vary, so compare several established sellers. Ask locally about seasonal mangoes, as varieties and availability change. For excursions beyond the centre, arrange transport in advance rather than assuming that an urban taxi will be available at rural sites.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloAs-salamu alaykum[Ass-sah-lah-moo ah-lie-koom]
GoodbyeKhuda hafiz[Khu-dah hah-feez]
YesJee[Jee]
NoNahi[Na-hee]
Please/You're welcomeMeharbani/ Khush aamdeed[May-har-bah-nee/ Koosh ahm-deed]
Thank youShukriya[Shook-ree-ah]
Excuse me/SorryMaazrat chahta hoon/ Maafi[Maaz-rut chah-tah hoon/ Mah-fee]
How are you?Kya hal hai?[Kya hahl hai]
Fine. And you?Theek hoon. Aur aap?[Thake hoon. Or aap?]
Do you speak English?Kya aap English bolte hain?[Kya aap English bol-tay hai]
I don't understandMujhe samajh nahi aaya[Moo-jay sa-maj nahi ah-yah]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenu dekhna chahta hoon, meharbani[Men-oo dekh-na chah-tah hoon, may-har-bah-nee]
I don't eat meatMain gosht nahi khaata[Main go-sh-ta na-hee kha-ta]
Cheers!Cheers![Cheers]
I would like to pay, pleaseBill dena chahta hoon, meharbani[Bill deh-na chah-tah hoon, may-har-bah-nee]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Madad![Mad-ad!]
Go away!Door ho jao![Door ho jow!]
Call the Police!Police ko bulao![Po-leece ko boo-lao!]
Call a doctor!Doctor ko bulao![Doc-tor ko boo-lao!]
I'm lostMain gum ho gaya hoon[Main goom ho ga-ya hoon]
I'm illMain beemar hoon[Main bee-mar hoon]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Kuch lena chahta hoon...[Kuch lay-na chah-tah hoon...]
I'm just lookingBas dekh raha hoon[Bas dekh ra-ha hoon]
How much is it?Yeh kitne ka hai?[Yeh kit-nay ka hai?]
That's too expensiveYeh bohot mehnga hai[Yeh bo-hut meh-ngah hai]
Can you lower the price?Kya aap price kam kar sakte hain?[Kya aap price kam kar sak-tay hai?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Kitne baj gaye hain?[Kit-nay baj gaye hai?]
It's one o'clockEk baj gaya hai[Ek baj ga-ya hai]
Half past (10)Das baje ke baad[Das ba-jay ke baad]
MorningSubah[Su-bah]
AfternoonDopahar[Do-pa-har]
EveningSham[Sham]
YesterdayKal[Kal]
TodayAaj[Aaj]
TomorrowKal[Kal]
1Ek[Ek]
2Do[Do]
3Teen[Teen]
4Chaar[Chaar]
5Paanch[Paa-anch]
6Chhe[Chhe]
7Saat[Saat]
8Aath[Aath]
9Nau[Nau]
10Das[Das]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Kahan hai...[Ka-haan hai...]
What's the address?Pata kya hai?[Pa-ta kya hai?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Kya aap mujhe dikhayenge (map par)?[Kya aap moo-jhay dikha-yen-gay (map par)?]
When's the next (bus)?Agli bus kab hai?[Ag-lee bus kab hai?]
A ticket (to ....)Ek ticket (.... ke liye)[Ek ticket (.... ke li-ye)]

History of Multan

Ancient Multan and the Mallian City

Multan is one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban centres in the region, although its earliest development is difficult to separate from legend and later historical accounts. Classical sources associate the area with the Mallians, whose fortified city was attacked by Alexander in 326 BCE during his campaign in the Punjab. The settlement’s position near major routes linking the Indus plain, the Punjab and the western approaches encouraged repeated cultural and commercial contact. Early religious life included Hindu and Buddhist traditions, and the city’s later reputation for temples and sacred institutions attracted visitors from across the wider region. Much of the ancient urban fabric has disappeared beneath later construction, but Multan’s enduring importance as a strategic and religious centre began in these early periods.

Arab Conquest and Islamic Rule

In 712 CE, the Arab commander Muhammad bin Qasim conquered Multan during the Umayyad expansion into Sindh and southern Punjab. The city became a frontier centre of Islamic administration while retaining established local communities and commercial connections. Later rulers based in Sindh and neighbouring territories contested control of Multan, whose wealth and defensive position made it valuable. Ismaili missionaries also established an important presence, and the city’s religious history developed through interaction between older traditions and incoming Islamic institutions. Although political authority changed repeatedly, Multan remained connected to long-distance trade and agricultural production. Its location exposed it to military campaigns from both the east and west, shaping the fortified character of the historic settlement.

Sufism and the Delhi Sultanate

From the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, Multan became one of the great centres of Sufi teaching in the Indian subcontinent. Bahauddin Zakariya, a leading figure of the Suhrawardi order, established a major spiritual institution in the city, while later generations associated Multan with saints including Shah Rukn-e-Alam and Shams Sabzwari. Their shrines helped make the city a destination for religious visitors and embedded Sufi traditions deeply in local society. During the Delhi Sultanate, Multan was administered as an important provincial stronghold and frontier city. The surviving mausoleums, especially Shah Rukn-e-Alam’s monumental tomb, reflect the wealth, architectural confidence and religious patronage of this period.

Mughal Administration and Regional Trade

Multan was incorporated into the Mughal imperial system after the Mughal conquest of northern India, becoming part of a province that extended across a strategically important section of the empire. Mughal administration supported agriculture, revenue collection and the movement of goods, while the city’s fort and walls retained their military significance. Multan’s position between the Punjab, Sindh and routes towards Afghanistan allowed merchants, soldiers, scholars and pilgrims to pass through its markets. The city continued to be shaped by the relationship between its fortified core, religious estates and surrounding irrigated land. Mughal-era political stability did not eliminate conflict, but it helped sustain the commercial and cultural institutions that later rulers inherited.

Sikh Expansion and British Annexation

After the decline of Mughal authority, Multan became part of the wider struggles among Afghan, Sikh and regional powers. The Sikh Empire captured the city in 1818 after a difficult campaign, ending the rule of its local governors and imposing a new political order. In 1848, resistance to British-backed authority at Multan helped trigger the Second Anglo-Sikh War. British forces besieged and captured the city in early 1849, after which Multan was absorbed into British India. Colonial administration introduced new civic buildings, roads and rail connections, including the clock-tower complex known as Ghanta Ghar. These additions created a visible layer of colonial urban history alongside the older fort and shrine quarter.

Partition and Contemporary Multan

The partition of British India in 1947 transformed Multan’s population and social geography as communities moved across the new border between Pakistan and India. The city became part of Pakistan and developed as a major urban, administrative and agricultural centre of Punjab. Its economy remains linked to the surrounding cotton, wheat, livestock and mango-producing areas, while manufacturing, education and public administration have expanded its modern role. Saraiki culture and language continue to influence regional identity, music and literature, alongside Urdu and Punjabi. Contemporary Multan therefore combines a rapidly growing city with deeply established shrine traditions, historic markets and craft practices that connect present-day life with its long and frequently contested past.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Multan

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Plan your perfect trip to Multan with Evendo, the comprehensive, free app-based travel guide. Discover top attractions, hidden gems, and local favorites with ease.

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Welcome to Multan, the City of Saints! With Evendo, your trip to this historic city will be nothing short of extraordinary. Our app is designed to help you discover Multan's rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landmarks. Whether you're visiting the famous Mausoleum of Shah Rukn-e-Alam, exploring the ancient Multan Fort, or wandering through the colorful Hussain Agahi Bazaar, Evendo has all the information you need at your fingertips.

Craving authentic local cuisine? Check out our curated list of top restaurants like the renowned 'Zaiqa' and 'Shahjahan Grill'. Each listing comes with detailed descriptions, images, maps, and contact details, ensuring you never miss out on Multan's culinary delights. Planning your stay is a breeze with our hotel booking feature, offering a range of options from budget to luxury accommodations.

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