Multan is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Asia, a major cultural and religious centre of the Punjab and long known as the "City of Saints" for the Sufi shrines that draw visitors from across the region. It sits on the eastern bank of the Chenab River, and its historic core is a dense, lived-in place where the shrine tradition shapes both the skyline and the daily rhythm of the streets.
For a visitor, the practical geography is fairly simple: the sights cluster around the old city centre, while the accommodation spreads between the centre and the newer uptown areas to the south and west. This guide covers which areas make sense as a base, what kind of place you find in each, and how the choice changes depending on your budget and priorities.
Best areas to stay in Multan
1. The city centre (Abdali Road and Old Bahawalpur Road)
This is the most convenient base for a first visit. The centre holds the largest concentration of places that accept foreign tourists, and the addresses along Abdali Road and Old Bahawalpur Road put you within easy reach of the old city and its shrines. You will find established hotels here, ranging from modest to comfortable, with the usual city-centre amenities.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to spend their time on the sights rather than on transport. The trade-off is the ordinary bustle of a working city centre; expect traffic and street noise rather than quiet.
2. Altaf Town (Tariq Road)
Altaf Town is where the city's guest houses and budget inns are concentrated. If you are travelling cheaply or prefer a smaller, more personal place to stay, this is the area to look at first. Accommodation here is simple and functional rather than polished.
It suits budget travellers and longer stays where you want to keep costs down. Note that guest houses in this area are not always set up to register foreign guests, so it is worth confirming before you commit.
3. Guldrean Colony (LMQ Road, Nawab Shah)
A quieter, more residential option on the edge of the centre. Guest houses here tend to be small, with a handful of rooms and on-site food available, and the atmosphere is calmer than the main roads. Parking and security are typically part of the setup.
It suits travellers with their own transport or those who prefer a low-key base within a short drive of the centre and nearby commercial areas. You will rely on a vehicle or rickshaw for most trips.
4. Nawan Sher
An uptown area with larger, more resort-style places, including options with extensive in-room facilities. This is where you look if you want space, services and a more self-contained stay rather than a location on top of the sights.
It suits families and travellers who value comfort and facilities over proximity to the old city. Expect to travel into the centre for the main sights.
5. Kashan-e-Haider (Old Bahawalpur Road)
A small cluster of accommodation on the Old Bahawalpur Road corridor, within the wider city centre. Places here are positioned as central addresses with straightforward access to the rest of the city and a reasonable drive to the airport.
It suits visitors who want a central location with a slightly quieter setting than the busiest stretches of the centre. As with the rest of the centre, plan around traffic at peak times.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Guest houses and budget inns, mostly in Altaf Town on Tariq Road, plus small guest houses in residential pockets such as Guldrean Colony. Rooms are simple, often with en-suite bathrooms, and food may be available on site. The cheapest places that accept foreign tourists sit at the low end of this bracket.
- Mid-range: Established city-centre hotels along Abdali Road and Old Bahawalpur Road, with air conditioning, private bathrooms and breakfast often included. This is the most practical bracket for most visitors, balancing price against location.
- Splurge: The larger uptown and resort-style properties, including those in Nawan Sher, with extensive in-room facilities and services. You pay for space and comfort rather than for a central location.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself in the city centre, around Abdali Road and Old Bahawalpur Road. It has the widest choice of places that accept foreign tourists, and it keeps you close to the old city and the shrines that are the reason most people come to Multan. From here you can reach the rest of the city easily, and you are not dependent on a long commute for every outing.
Frequently asked questions
Do all hotels in Multan accept foreign tourists?
No. Very few hotels in the city actually accept foreign tourists, so it is worth confirming this directly before you book, particularly for guest houses and budget inns.
Where are the budget guest houses concentrated?
The city's guest houses and budget inns are mostly found in Altaf Town on Tariq Road. Smaller guest houses also appear in residential areas such as Guldrean Colony.
Which area is best if I want a quieter stay?
Guldrean Colony and Nawan Sher are calmer than the main city-centre roads. Both require a vehicle or rickshaw to reach the old city and the main sights.
Is the city centre noisy?
It is a working city centre, so expect traffic and street noise. If quiet matters more to you than proximity, look at the residential and uptown areas instead.
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