Bagh-e-Jinnah: The Historic Lawrence Gardens in Lahore

Right in the middle of Lahore, between the busy Mall Road and the Lahore Zoo, lies a huge green escape. This is Bagh-e-Jinnah, the city’s most famous park. In fact, many older Lahoris still call it by its old name, Lawrence Gardens.

The park is full of giant old trees, quiet walking paths, flower beds and a beautiful white library. So, it is perfect for a morning walk, a picnic or a slow afternoon with a book. In this guide, we will cover the history of Bagh-e-Jinnah in Lahore, what to see inside and everything you need to plan your visit.

Photo Credit: Guilhem Vellut, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The heart of the park is a grand white building with tall columns. Built in the British era as Lawrence Hall and Montgomery Hall, it once hosted dances, meetings and events for the city’s elite.

Since 1984, these halls have been home to the Quaid-e-Azam Library, one of the best-known public libraries in Lahore. Inside, students sit quietly among long rows of books. Outside, the building is one of the most photographed spots in the city, especially with the fountain in front.

Giant Old Trees

Bagh-e-Jinnah is above all a garden of trees. In fact, it has around 150 kinds of trees, along with about 140 types of shrubs, 50 creepers and 30 kinds of palms. Many of the trees are well over a hundred years old, so their shade is wonderful on hot days.

Also, the park has four small hillocks, three nurseries and long winding paths. As a result, it feels much bigger and wilder than a normal city park.

Flowers and Flower Shows

In spring and winter, the flower beds burst into colour. The park is also famous for its chrysanthemum shows. Moreover, it has nearly 100 kinds of succulents and cacti, which you can sometimes see at plant exhibitions here.

Rare Palms and Old Giants

Keep an eye out for unusual trees as you walk. For example, the fishtail palm has leaves shaped just like a fish’s tail. Meanwhile, some of the oldest trees have grown into huge green domes that tower over the paths.

Most visitors stick to the wide main paths. However, the real magic of Bagh-e-Jinnah is hidden on its small hills. Here, narrow stone steps climb past red bougainvillea, and rocky trails wind under thick trees. As a result, it feels more like a forest walk than a city park.

Interestingly, the two biggest hills are man-made. According to local historians, they may even have been brick kilns in the Mughal era, long before the British laid out the garden. Later, generations of Lahori children grew up climbing them and playing hide and seek on their slopes.

The Open-Air Theatre

Another hill is home to the park’s open-air theatre. In the 1950s and 1960s, it was a hub of Lahore’s cultural life, with plays and music concerts under the stars. So, climb up for a quiet moment and imagine those lively evenings.

Pakistan’s First Public Skatepark

Bagh-e-Jinnah is also home to Pakistan’s first public skatepark. It was built in 2023 by the nonprofit Skate Pakistan, with help from the American group Salad Days of Skateboarding and the charity Wonders Around the World. The park has ramps, rails and ledges, and it is free to use.

Today, boys and girls of all ages skate here together, including many first-timers. In addition, Skate Pakistan runs free sessions, so check their social pages for the latest timings.

Flower Beds and Carved Benches

Near the main lawns, neat flower beds form colourful patterns under giant old trees. Also, look out for the beautifully carved stone benches scattered around the grass. They make a perfect spot to rest and take photos.

Masjid Dar-ul-Islam and the Darussalam Library

Masjid Dar-ul-Islam is a peaceful mosque tucked among the trees, where visitors stop for prayers. Close by, the park also has a second, smaller library called Darussalam. So, Bagh-e-Jinnah actually has two libraries, not one.

Tennis Courts and Sports

Apart from the cricket ground, the park has tennis courts where local players practise from early morning. Moreover, the wide lawns are always busy with families, joggers and children playing games.

By rickshaw or ride-hailing: Ask for “Bagh-e-Jinnah” or “Jinnah Garden, Mall Road”. Careem, inDrive and Yango drivers all know it. Also, the park has several gates, including ones on Mall Road and Lawrence Road.

By car: There is parking near the gates. However, it can get busy on weekends, so come early.

Map: Open Bagh-e-Jinnah in Google Maps for live directions.

What is the old name of Bagh-e-Jinnah?

It was called Lawrence Gardens, after John Lawrence, who later became Viceroy of India.

Is there an entry fee for Bagh-e-Jinnah?

No, entry is free.

What are the timings of Bagh-e-Jinnah?

It is open daily from early morning to evening. However, timings can change by season.

Where is the Quaid-e-Azam Library?

It is inside Bagh-e-Jinnah, in the old Lawrence and Montgomery Halls.

Is Bagh-e-Jinnah good for jogging?

Yes. In fact, it has a shaded walking track of about 2.65 km.

Is Bagh-e-Jinnah next to the Lahore Zoo?

Yes, the zoo is right next door.

Is there a skatepark in Bagh-e-Jinnah?

Yes. Pakistan’s first public skatepark opened here in 2023, and it is free to use.

Are there hills in Bagh-e-Jinnah?

Yes. The park has a few small hills with stone steps and shady trails, and one of them has an open-air theatre.

Cover photo: Waqas Afzal, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped, colour-enhanced and retouched)