Lucknow like a local

Lucknow Like A Local

A Friendly Guide to Staying, Seeing, Eating and Having Fun

Main Menu:

Describe the photo or the page it links to

Travel Advisory

Personal guide services at quite reasonable rates. Check out India Travel Buddy

Wherever you journey you will get the most from the experience by enjoying the local food and drink. Everything tastes better when you are happy and relaxed. Read more at Taste the Place, Greek Island Wine

Also we have a villa to rent in Aliki, Paros that includes olive oil and vegetables grown on the premises. Greek island villas

Featured Advertisers

Recent Events

We try to keep up with interesting events in our three blogs:

Greece

Prague

Ireland

2025 Updates: India Guide

Lucknow

If you’re landing in the “City of Nawabs,” expect warm smiles, fragrant kebabs, and a blend of Mughal grandeur with modern vibes. Below is a relaxed, insider‑style rundown that covers everything from a shoestring dorm to a five‑star suite, plus the best spots to tick off your bucket list—all with price pointers for budget‑savvy backpackers and high‑rolling explorers.

Getting There:

Lucknow arrival

Lucknow is well‑connected by air (Amausi Airport, about 15 km from the city centre), rail (Charbagh Station) and road. Flights from Delhi start around ₹1,500($16) if booked early, while a sleeper‑class train ticket from Delhi is as low as ₹300($4).

Lucknow transport

Accommodation Typical Nightly Rate:

Budget :- ₹400‑₹1,200($5-$15) (dorm beds start at ₹400) Zostel Lucknow, Backpackers Den Social hostels, communal kitchens, perfect for meeting other travelers.

Mid‑Range:- ₹1,500‑₹3,000($18-$33) FabHotel Raj Palace,Myriad – Tekarees Inn,Hotel Ganga Maiya etc.Clean rooms, central locations, often include breakfast.

Lucknow hotel

Luxury:- ₹3,500‑₹10,000+($40-$120+) The Piccadily,Ramada Encore,Phoneix Plassio etc.Spa, rooftop bars, fine dining—ideal for a splurge.

Prices are averages for a double‑occupancy room in the low‑season (March‑June) and can rise 30‑40 % during festivals like Diwali or the Lucknow Literary Fest.

What to See:

Bara Imambara – The iconic “big shrine” with its massive vaulted hall. Entry is ₹50(80cents) for Indian visitors and ₹200($2.5) for foreigners.

Imambara mosque

Chota Imambara – A jewel of a mosque with glittering chandeliers; same ticket as Bara Imambara.

Lucknow British Residency

Rumi Darwaza– The grand “Turkish Gate,” free to admire from outside.

Lucknow Turkish Gage

British Residency – A historic ruin that tells the 1857 story; entry ₹100($1.25) for adults.

Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoo – Small zoo near the river, entry ₹10(12 cents).

Ambedkar Park & Janeshwar Mishra Park – Open‑air spaces great for a sunset stroll, free.

If you want a guided experience, a half‑day city tour (including lunch) runs about ₹1,000‑₹1,200($12-$14)per person.

Where to Eat:

Budget (Street Food) -- Approximate Cost per Meal, a Must‑Try

Ram Asrey (sweets & snacks):-₹150($2)for a hearty breakfast at Jalebi & Khasta.

Tunday Kababi:- ₹60‑₹150 (80cents-$2) per plate at Famous Tunday kebab.

Chaat Gali:-₹70‑₹100 ($1-$2) for a chaat combo at Papdi Chaat.

Mid‑Range (Sit‑down) Approximate Cost per Person, Highlights

Bukhara Grill:- ₹500‑₹700($6-$9) for a full dinner Kebabs & naan
Lucknow street food

Idris Biryani:- ₹300‑₹400 ($4-$5) Awadhi biryani Oudh:₹200‑₹300 ($2.5-$3) (lunch) & Royal Awadhi thali :- ₹1590 ($19).

Luxury (Fine Dining) Approximate Cost per Person, an Experience

The Sky Bar (Renaissance Lucknow) ₹1,200‑₹1,500 ($15-$18)

Cocktails with city views:- ₹1400-₹1800 ($17-$22)

Mughal Darbar:- ₹1,500‑₹2,000 ($19-$23)

mughlai feast

Multi‑course Mughlai feast: Spice Caves / Kava Restaurant:-₹1,200‑₹1,800 ($15-$22) Upscale ambience, fusion menu.

A typical day’s food budget works out to $12‑$53 (≈₹1,100‑₹4,700) depending on your choice .

Enjoy & Unwind:

Nightlife –The Sky Bar and Pub Crawls charge ₹350‑₹600 ($4-$8) per drink; a night out can be managed for ₹1,000‑₹2,000 ($12-$24), if you pace yourself.
Lucknow market

Shopping – Aminabad and Hazratganj offer everything from chikan fabrics ₹400‑₹800 ($5-$10) per saree to leather shoes ₹1,200‑₹2,500 ($14-$28). Bargaining is expected.

Cultural Experiences:

Cooking classes ₹800‑₹1,000 ($10-$12) let you learn the art of Awadhi cuisine, while a heritage walk with a curated dinner runs about ₹300 ($4).

Quick Tips for Foreign Travelers:

1.Carry cash for street food and small vendors; many places still prefer UPI or cash.

2. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites shoulder covering tops and long trousers work well.

3. Stay hydrated bottled water is cheap and safe.

4. Use the metro ₹30‑₹50 (25-60 cents) per ride or auto‑rickshaws ₹30‑₹70 (40cents-$1) for short hops to save on transport.

5. Visit during the shoulder season (March‑June) for lower hotel rates and fewer crowds.

Bottom line:

Whether you’re sleeping in a bustling hostel dorm for under ₹500 ($6) a night or indulging in a plush suite overlooking the Gomti River for ₹10,000+ ($120+), Lucknow offers a rich tapestry of history, flavor, and hospitality. Pick your budget, lace up your shoes, and let the Nawabs’ city show you a good time. Safe travels

Article by Archit Verma, India Travel Buddy

Photos by iStock

More India Cities, Festivals and Experiences

Home Page
Contents