Souvenirs from Lahore: What to Buy and Where

The best souvenirs from Lahore are khussa shoes, Multani blue pottery, camel-skin lamps, truck art, embroidered shawls and brass or copper pieces, and most can be found in Anarkali Bazaar, Liberty Market and the Walled City bazaars. Some crafts, like the pottery and lamps, come from Multan rather than Lahore, but Lahore's markets stock them, which saves a trip.

This roundup gives each item a reason to buy it and one practical tip. Prices are rough guides, since they vary by shop and season.

Khussa (embroidered shoes)

The most Lahori purchase: flat, handmade leather shoes with embroidery, beads or mirrors. They are light to pack and cheap. Look in Anarkali (Bano Bazaar in New Anarkali) or Liberty Market. Tip: check the stitching and ask what the material is. Our khussa buying guide covers styles and prices.

Multani blue pottery

Cobalt and turquoise glazed vases, plates and tiles. Multan's craft is best known for it, and Lahore's Anarkali and Ichhra markets stock it. One 2026 shopping guide lists pieces at roughly Rs 1,500 to 7,000. Tip: buy small items, wrap them well and carry them in hand luggage, because they break in a suitcase.

Camel-skin lamps

Painted lampshades and vases made from camel skin, a Multani craft with hundreds of years of history. Lahore's craft shops sell them, though the range is smaller than in Multan itself. Tip: check the lamp in light, since thin skin glows better, and ask about shipping if it is fragile. For more on the source, see shopping in Multan.

Truck art gifts

Pakistan's painted-truck style now appears on trays, mugs, keychains, mirrors and small wooden panels. It is a colourful gift that fits in a bag. Tip: bargain harder at tourist-facing stalls, and compare against craft shops in malls, where prices are fixed.

Embroidered shawls and fabric

Embroidered work and phulkari-style fabric are an Anarkali speciality. A shawl or a suit length travels well. Tip: turn the piece over and check the reverse stitching, since neat backs suggest good work. If you want cloth by the length, see our Azam Cloth Market guide.

Brass and copper

Trays, bowls and decorative pieces are sold around Shah Alam and the Walled City. Tip: check the weight and polish before buying, and compare shops, since similar pieces vary widely. See our Shah Alam Market guide.

Books and stationery

Lahore is Pakistan's book capital, and Urdu Bazaar sells everything from school texts to poetry. Books are a cheap and light gift. Tip: for the widest choice and discounts, look at the annual Lahore book fair.

Where to shop, in order of ease

1. Liberty Market and malls. Easiest, with fixed prices and cards.
2. Anarkali Bazaar. The widest range, at the cost of crowds. Go in the morning. See our Anarkali guide.
3. Walled City bazaars. For brass, crafts and atmosphere, and best with time to wander.

For the full list of markets, read best shopping places in Lahore.

Which souvenirs suit which traveller?

• Short on luggage space: khussa, small truck-art items, a shawl or a book.
• Buying for family at home: embroidered fabric by the suit length, or a brass tray.
• Wanting something that looks like Pakistan on a shelf: a blue pottery vase or a camel-skin lamp, packed with care.
• On a tight budget: khussa and small craft pieces, which cost far less than pottery or embroidered shawls.

Avoid buying anything described as "antique" unless you can verify it, because sellers often use the word loosely. When in doubt, buy a piece you like for its looks and not its supposed age.

Practical tips for buying souvenirs

• Carry cash. Bazaars mostly want rupees, in small notes.
• Check shop hours. Punjab government rules set a 9pm closing time for shops from 4 June 2026, and the limit has changed several times this year, so shop before evening.
• Pack fragile pieces yourself. Ask for bubble wrap.
• Ask about export rules if you fly abroad with large or antique-looking items.
• Compare three shops before you pay.

Frequently asked questions