The best things to do in Peshawar Ultimate Travel Guide.

Peshawar is the city in South Asia which is the oldest and the capital of the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Its history is very long and interesting as the city is over 2000 years old. Due to the geographical positioning in the ancient trade routes, Peshawar has been affected by a lot of different cultures and civilizations.

Peshawar is now famed because of its ancient bazaars, native architecture, gettys and yummy food and its hospitability. Tourists that visit the city can have the rare blend of history, culture, and local customs.

This travel guide will guide you on the various best activities to experience in Peshawar and how to maximize on your holiday.

Visit Bala Hisar Fort

The Bala Hisar Fort is one of the most historical monuments in Peshawar. The castle is located on a mound that is high above the city, and it has served numerous rulers over the years.

It was developed many centuries ago and then reinforced by the Afghan ruler Dost Mohammad Khan in the 19 th century.

The Fort is now in the hands of the Frontier Corps, though the visitors may see its splendid structure externally.

Things to do here:

Snapshots of the ancient fort.

Get to know about Peshawar history.

Relaxation of the surrounding city.

Explore Qissa Khwani Bazaar

One of the most popular markets in Peshawar is the Qissa Khwani Bazaar also called the Street of Storytellers.

Traders and travelers of Central Asia used to come here in the past to tell their stories as they drank tea. It is through this tradition that the market acquired its name.

Today, the visitor can see:

The old fashioned stores and artisans.

Local tea houses

The old Peshawar culture.

The visit of this historical bazaar offers one a true sense of the past and the present of the city.

Visit Mahabat Khan Mosque

Mahabat Khan Mosque is a very beautiful mosque of Mughal period at Peshawar. Being constructed in the 17 th century, it was an era under the reign of Shah Jahan.

The mosque is famous for its:

White marble structure

Elegant minarets

Beautiful courtyard

Tourists have an opportunity to see the close-up design of the building and to relax in the mosque.

Peshawar Museum Discover History.

The Peshawar Museum is among the significant museums in Pakistan. It also contains a huge repository of artifacts of the Gandhara civilization that existed in this area several thousands of years ago.

The museum displays:

Ancient Buddhist sculptures.

manuscripts, coins of the past.

Artifacts of various eras of culture.

It is an excellent tourist attraction site where people can learn about some of the ancient history of the land.

Walk Through Sethi House

The Sethi House is a historical mansion which once belonged to the rich Sethi family who were traders in the 19 th century.

This is a gorgeous edifice that is well known because of:

Old fashioned wooden balconies.

Colorful glass windows

Detailed carvings

The house is a bold example of the peculiar architecture of old Peshawar, which allows gaining insight into the way of life of the rich families in the city.

Visit Gor Khatri

Gor Khatri site is a significant archeological site within the old Peshawar city. Historians suppose that the location has been in use since thousands of years.

Over time, it has served as:

A Buddhist monastery

A Hindu temple

A Mughal caravanserai

It is now a heritage site where one can visit the ancient structures and get to know about all those numerous civilizations that went through Peshawar.

Enjoy Local Food in Peshawar

Peshawar has a good and tasting food. Tourists must not fail to sample the traditional foods that are common in the town.

Some must-try foods include:

Chapli Kebab – a type of spicy minced meat Kebab.

Peshawari Karahi – cooked using tomatoes and spices.

Kabuli Pulao – rice and meat dry fruits pulao.

Peshawari Namak Mandi BBQ

Particularly, restaurants that are situated near Namak Mandi are known to specialize in original Peshawari cuisine.

Visit Jamrud Fort

Another historical landmark close to Peshawar is the Jamrud Fort, which is found close to the entrance of the historic Khyber Pass.

The Sikh ruler Hari Singh Nalwa constructed the fort in the 19 th century to protect the western entrance of the renowned mountain pass.

Tourists can have a chance to discover the place and know the history of the military in the area.

Best Time to Visit Peshawar

The cooler seasons have been the most appropriate time to visit Peshawar:

October to March

The weather is also favourable in this season and conducive to sightseeing. Summers are hot and therefore activities that require outdoor activities might not be easy during the day.

Tourist Guide to Peshawar.

In order to enjoy your trip with safety, you should keep in mind:

Wear shoes that are comfortable during market and sightseeing.

Adhere to local custom and tradition.

Request the natives to give directions and recommendations.

Eat traditional dishes in the famous restaurants.

Explore historical sites in the morning so as not to encounter throngs of people.

Final Thoughts

Peshawar is a historical, cultural and traditional city. The city has a wonderful experience of travel since it represents the ancient bazaars and historic forts as well as stunning mosques and delicious food.

Taking a tour of such sites as Bala Hisar Fort, Qissa Khwani Bazaar, and Peshawar Museum will provide a traveler an opportunity to learn about the rich history of one of the oldest towns in the area as well.

Peshawar has something unique to present to every traveler regardless of whether you have interest in history, architecture, culture or food. Paying a visit to this ancient city gives one a clearer insight into the diversity of the Pakistani culture and the ancient history.