Multan Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Multan’s spiritual heritage and craft traditions are its greatest draws.

• Shrine of Shah Rukn-e-Alam — Admire this magnificent octagonal tomb, decorated with glazed tiles and brickwork, overlooking the city.
• Shrine of Bahauddin Zakariya — Visit the resting place of the revered thirteenth-century Sufi saint, close to Shah Rukn-e-Alam.
• Shrine of Shah Shams Tabrez — See another of the city’s important Sufi shrines, known for its blue-tiled decoration.
• Multan Fort area (Qasim Bagh) — Explore the historic mound where the old fort once stood, now a park with views over the city.
• Hussain Agahi Bazaar — Wander the bustling old bazaar for textiles, spices and everyday goods.
• Blue pottery and crafts — Shop for Multan’s famous hand-painted blue pottery, embroidered textiles and camel-skin lamps.
• Local sweets — Try sohan halwa, the city’s best-known sweet, and in summer its celebrated mangoes.

Multan has one of the hottest climates in Pakistan. Summers, from April to September, are extremely hot and dusty, with temperatures often well above 40°C, and a short monsoon can bring humidity and rain.

The best time to visit is from November to February, when days are mild and sunny, making it comfortable to explore shrines and bazaars. Winter mornings can be foggy and cool. The annual urs festivals at the city’s shrines draw large numbers of pilgrims and offer a vivid cultural experience, though they can be very crowded.

Multan International Airport lies on the western side of the city, generally a short drive of around 20 to 30 minutes to the centre depending on traffic.

There is no rail link. Travellers typically use ride-hailing apps such as Careem, inDrive or Uber where available, airport taxis, or hotel transfers arranged in advance. Agree the fare beforehand if using an unmetered taxi or rickshaw, and allow extra time for security checks when departing.

Multan’s hotels are spread across the cantonment and main commercial roads.

• Multan Cantonment — Quieter and well organised, with several of the city’s established hotels.
• Gulgasht Colony — A popular residential and commercial area with restaurants and shops.
• Near the old city — Suits travellers who want quick access to the shrines, fort area and bazaars.
• Bosan Road area — Convenient for newer developments, dining and business visits.

• Travel advice: Check your government’s latest travel advice for Pakistan before booking and again before departure, and follow local guidance during your stay.
• Money: Multan is largely cash-based; carry rupees for bazaars, rickshaws and small restaurants.
• Dress: Dress conservatively; remove shoes and cover your head at shrines and mosques.
• Heat: If visiting in warmer months, plan outdoor sightseeing for early morning or evening and drink plenty of bottled water.
• Etiquette: Ask permission before photographing people, especially at shrines, and use your right hand for eating and greeting.