Gujranwala is a working city in northeastern Punjab, known for its food and its wrestling tradition, and it makes a practical base for travellers moving between Lahore, Sialkot and Gujrat. It is a modern town by the standards of its neighbours, with an old core of bazaars and gates and a newer colonial-era quarter laid out to its north.
For a visitor, the useful distinction is between the old city around the bazaars and gates, where the streets follow a grid laid out in the early nineteenth century, and the Civil Lines area, built a mile north of the old city during British rule. This guide covers those areas and what each suits, so you can choose where to base yourself before comparing places to stay.
Best areas to stay in Gujranwala
1. Civil Lines
Civil Lines was established as a settlement one mile north of the old city to house Gujranwala's European population during British rule, and it is where the city's first Presbyterian Church was built. It is the calmer, more ordered side of town, with wider streets than the old core.
This suits first-time visitors and anyone who prefers a quieter base within reach of the centre. It connects to the old city by a short trip south, so you can stay here and still spend your time among the bazaars.
2. The old city around the bazaars and gates
The historic core is defined by its gates — Brandreth, Khiyali and Lahori — completed in 1869 on the sites of earlier Sikh-era gates, and by the grid street plan laid out in the same era, which still shapes the streets today. The central clocktower, built in 1906, marks the middle of the city.
This area suits travellers who want to be in the middle of things, close to the markets and the everyday life of the city, including the food the city is known for. Expect dense streets and traffic; it is the busiest and noisiest part of Gujranwala to base yourself in.
3. Along the Grand Trunk Road (N5), south of downtown
The Grand Trunk Road runs south of the centre, and this is the corridor where you find larger places to stay with amenities such as dining and rooftop space. It is the most convenient area if you are arriving or leaving by road.
This suits travellers passing through by car or bus, and anyone who prefers easier access and parking over being on foot in the old city. It sits away from the historic core, so you will need transport to reach the bazaars and gates.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: simple guesthouse-style rooms and basic lodgings, most readily found in and around the busy old city and along the main road corridors.
- Mid-range: comfortable hotels with on-site dining, including the larger properties along the Grand Trunk Road south of downtown.
- Splurge: the upper end of the city's hotels, again concentrated along the main road south of the centre, where you can expect more space and fuller facilities.
Best area for a first visit
Civil Lines is the best base for a first visit. It gives you a settled, orderly place to return to at the end of the day while keeping you within easy reach of the old city, its gates and its bazaars. If you would rather be in the middle of the markets and street life from morning to night, base yourself in the old city instead.
Frequently asked questions
Where do most visitors stay in Gujranwala?
There is no single visitor quarter. Most accommodation is split between the old city and the Grand Trunk Road corridor south of downtown, with Civil Lines offering a quieter alternative north of the centre.
Which area is best if I am arriving by road?
The Grand Trunk Road (N5) south of downtown is the most practical, since that is where the larger hotels with dining are located and where you can stop without crossing the city.
Is the old city a good base for sightseeing?
Yes, if you want to be within walking distance of the bazaars, the gates and the clocktower. Be prepared for dense streets and traffic, and for the noise that comes with staying in the busiest part of town.
How do the areas connect to each other?
Civil Lines lies about a mile north of the old city, and the Grand Trunk Road runs south of downtown, so moving between the three means a short trip by road rather than a walk.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.