Multan's Shrines: A City of Saints Travel Guide

Multan is one of the subcontinent's oldest continuously inhabited cities, and its long association with Sufi saints has earned it the nickname "City of Saints." The skyline is shaped by the domes and minarets of its historic shrines, many of them significant examples of the blue-tiled brick architecture the region is known for. For visitors interested in heritage and architecture, Multan is one of the more rewarding and accessible stops in Punjab.

Getting there and around

Multan is well connected by road, rail, and air from major Pakistani cities, with a domestic airport and direct highway links to Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi. Once you're in the city, most of its notable shrines sit within or near the old walled city, making it practical to base yourself centrally and move between sites. Book your Shareide ride to get from the airport or your hotel to the old city area, and again between sites if they're spread further apart than a comfortable walk.

Key shrines to know about

• Shrine of Shah Rukn-e-Alam. One of the most architecturally significant shrines in South Asia, an octagonal brick structure with distinctive blue-tile work, often considered the visual centrepiece of Multan's skyline.
• Shrine of Bahauddin Zakariya. Another major historic shrine within the old city, associated with one of the region's most influential Sufi figures.
• Shrine of Shams Tabrizi. A smaller but historically significant site associated with a figure closely linked to Sufi literary tradition.
• The old city itself. Beyond the shrines, Multan's walled old city has narrow bazaar streets worth wandering, known for local crafts including blue pottery and traditional textiles.

Visiting respectfully

These remain active places of devotion, not museum pieces, so dress modestly and be considerate with photography, particularly around anyone in prayer or quiet reflection. Multan gets very hot for much of the year, so plan outdoor walking between sites for cooler parts of the day, especially in summer months, and carry water.

Beyond the shrines

Multan is also known for its mangoes, its handicrafts, and Multan Fort's historic remains, so it's worth allocating more than a rushed half-day if your schedule allows. Many visitors combine a Multan trip with wider travel across Punjab given its central location on the main north-south routes. Download the app ahead of your trip so it's ready for getting around the city as soon as you land.

Frequently asked questions

How many shrines should I plan to visit in Multan?

Most visitors focus on the two or three most significant ones, particularly Shah Rukn-e-Alam and Bahauddin Zakariya, which can comfortably be covered in a day alongside some time in the old city bazaars.

Is Multan easy to get around without a car?

Yes — its historic core is compact enough to explore partly on foot, and booking rides for the longer stretches between the airport, your hotel, and the old city is straightforward within Shareide's regular city coverage.

What should I wear when visiting the shrines?

Modest, comfortable clothing that covers shoulders and knees is appropriate, in keeping with local customs for visiting active places of worship. Comfortable shoes help too, since you'll likely be on your feet and walking on uneven old-city streets.