Best Places to Visit in Multan
I planned to spend two days in Multan and ended up staying five. The city that locals call the City of Saints rewarded every extra hour, and I want to walk you through the places I would go back to in a heartbeat. Multan is old, in the way that makes you slow down. Its domes push into the sky, its bazaars smell of leather and spices, and almost every street holds a story that somebody is happy to tell you. I still dream about one particular evening on a rooftop over the old town, and I want that for you too.
The Shrine of Shah Rukn-e-Alam
This is the landmark you will fly by memory first. The octagonal tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam dominates the old town with glazed blue tiles that catch the late afternoon light beautifully. Visitors of every faith climb the long staircase, so wear comfortable shoes. Inside, the cool hush is completely different from the heat outside, and you will hear soft recitation drifting under the dome. I joined the small crowds moving counterclockwise around the tomb and felt I was inside the heart of the city. It stays busy all day, so going near dusk keeps you out of the strongest sun.
Fort Kohna and the Old City Walls
Just up the hill from the shrine sits Fort Kohna, a mud-brick stronghold that some say dates from the time of Alexander. Much of it is in ruins now, but the courtyard and the Qasim Bagh gardens above offer sweeping views across the old town. I climbed onto the worn ramparts and watched the city spread below me in a haze of dust and domes. You get a real feel for how the streets knit together when you look down on them, and the breeze up there is a welcome break from the ground level.
Shrine of Bahauddin Zakariya
Right in the middle of the bazaars stands the tomb of the Sufi saint Bahauddin Zakariya, with its white marble dome and carved doorways. It feels more intimate than the bigger shrine nearby. After I paid my respects, I spent time just sitting in the courtyard watching pilgrims come and go. It is a peaceful stop that grounds you before you dive back into the market chaos, and it only takes twenty minutes out of your day.
Ghanta Ghar and Chowk Bazaar
In the middle of the old town, the Ghanta Ghar clock tower marks the meeting point of several lanes and a favorite gathering spot for local families. I walked here in the evening when people came out for chai and street food, and the square felt like the beating heart of Multan. Around it, the Chowk Bazaar spreads into lanes of fabric, sweets, and electronics. Stop for a cup of tea and watch the city pass by. It is free, and it is the kind of local scene that sticks in your memory better than any monument.
Hussain Agahi Bazaar
This is where Multan turns up the volume. The Hussain Agahi Bazaar is the shopping spine of the old city, and I got lost in it happily. You will find handwoven khussa shoes, Ajrak block-print shawls, brassware, and embroidered fabrics. Vendors call you over with genuine warmth, and haggling is expected, so come ready to bargain with a smile. I picked up a pair of khussas for a fair price after a friendly back and forth. Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heaviest crowds.
Multan Arts Council
I did not expect to find a gallery this good outside a big capital. The Multan Arts Council is right on the edge of the old city, in a converted building with an elegant veranda. It runs rotating exhibitions of painting, calligraphy, and sculpture, and there is usually a craft market outside. I wandered through a show of contemporary Sindhi and Saraiki artists that I still think about. It is free to enter and worth ninety minutes of anyone’s time.
Shrine of Shams Tabriz and Modern Multan
The resting place of the mystic Shams Tabriz sits quietly on the edge of the old town, smaller and calmer than its famous neighbors. Fewer visitors make it here, which I loved. The archway and the surrounding courtyard feel like a pause in the day. I sat on the steps for a while with a cup of tea and let the noise of Multan drift past me. When I wanted a break from the bazaars, I headed out along Vehari Road to the newer districts, where you will find good restaurants, ice cream parlors, and shopping centers, a different rhythm from the old town.
Practical Notes
Multan gets intensely hot from May through June, so plan your shrine and fort visits for early morning or late afternoon. Carry a scarf if you want to be modest in the shrines, and keep a bottle of water with you always. Two full days let you cover the main sights at a relaxed pace. For a first trip, base yourself near the old city to walk to the shrines and bazaars.
Multan does not shout. It unfolds. Give it a couple of days and it will become one of your favorite cities in Pakistan. I know it did for me.
