Legend has it that Lahore was founded by two sons of Lord Rama about 4,000 years ago. According to the Hindu mythology the city of Lahore is named after the son of prince Ram chandar whose name was “Loh” and who originated this city. For more than 200 years, beginning from about 1524 AD, Lahore was a thriving cultural centre of the great Mughal Empire. Mughal Emperors beautified Lahore, with palaces, gardens and mosques. In 1947 Lahore became the capital of West Punjab province and in 1955 it was made the capital of the newly created West Pakistan province, which was reconstituted as Punjab province in 1970.

The climate of Lahore is very healthy and salubrious. There are two main seasons, namely the winter and the summer. During the months of May, June, and July, while temperatures soar to 45°C (113°F) – 50°C (122°F) Celsius and it is the hottest time of the year. The summer leads into the monsoon which brings heavy rainfall throughout the city and province as well. October and November are the driest months and average rain fall during these months is about one third of an inch only. December, January, and February are the coldest months, with average temperatures about 12.2°C (54°F) – 15.6°C (60°F).

Lahore is the second largest stock exchange of Pakistan and a hub of economic activity. Lahore's economic importance depends also on many government institutes and international companies headquartered in the city. Major industry situated in the district includes steel mills, foundries, chemical factories and textile units. Lahore is also famous for handmade carpet manufacturing, hand-knotted carpets produced in and around Lahore are among Pakistan's leading export products.

Lahore has a new Allama Iqbal International Airport which has start functioning from 14th August 2002, it is located 15 kilometres from the Lahore city centre. Lahore is well connected to various parts of Pakistan through rail. Trains consist of several classes and the price of the ticket varies accordingly. Lahore Rapid Mass Transit (LRMT) System is a project envisioned to provide mass transit facilities to Pakistan's second largest city Lahore, the project is expected to complete in 2020. Public busses are slow and crowded, but very cheap and they are easily identified by their bright colors. Lahore is home to the famous auto-rickshaw, due to traffic congestion in the city it is always better to take a rickshaw for short distances. Auto-Rickshaws are basically three wheel vehicles and they paint the covers in many different designs, like they do the painted trucks of Pakistan. Taxis and rental cars are the other modes of Lahore transportation. These are more comfortable but also expensive.

Basically, there are two systems of education prevalent in Pakistan: the traditional religion-based education system and the modern formal education system begun under British colonial rule. Education is organized into five levels: primary, middle, high, intermediate and university programs leading to undergraduate and advanced degrees. The two major stages in the pre-university period are marked by primary and secondary schooling for 10 years leading up to the Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE), and an additional two years in higher secondary school or college leading to the Higher Secondary Certificate Examination (HSCE).

Built in 1673 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, Badshahi Masjid is one of the city's best known landmarks. This mosque is a breathtaking structure built of red sandstone and is an excellent example of the grandeur and intricate handiwork of Mughal architecture. Its exterior walls are painstakingly decorated with sculptured panels. Each corner is marked by a square tower capped with a red sandstone turret with a white marble cupola. The interior has rich embellishment in stucco tracery (Manbatkari) and panelling with a fresco touch, all in bold relief, as well as marble inlay. Between the mosque and the historic Lahore Fort lies the Hazuri Bagh Garden, featuring a marble pavilion.

Lahore Fort, locally known as Shahi Qila, is located at an eminence in the northwest corner of the Walled City. Initially constructed by Mahmood of Ghazna and Akbar it dates back to well before 1025 AD. The citadel is spread over approximately 50 acres and is trapezoidal in form. Some of the famous sites within the fort include Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors), Alamgiri Gate, Naulakha pavilion, Moti Masjid. The fort was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.

The Shalimar Gardens, located just five kilometres east of old city, is one of the most popular Lahore attractions. These gorgeous gardens were built in 1641 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who later built the Taj Mahal in Agra (India). The garden is a rectangle that has three distinct terraces, rising 15 feet at each level from north to south. The upper terrace is named Farah Baksh which means Bestower of Pleasure, the middle terrace is named Faiz Baksh which means Bestower of Goodness and the lower terrace is named Hayat Baksh which means Bestower of Life. The Golden Mosque is situated in the Kashmiri Bazaar inside the garden. The gardens are surrounded by a high brick wall topped with merlons and strengthened at each corner of the lowest terrace with octagonal towers surmounted with sandstone pavilions.

There are many events and festivals held in Lahore as well as throughout all of Pakistan. Basant is a Punjab festival that marks the coming of spring. Basant celebrations in Pakistan are centered in Lahore and people from all over the country and abroad come to the city for the annual festivities. This festival is celebrated with kite flying competitions all over the city especially in the Androon-E-Shehr area.