The magnificent city of the Avadh rulers is a confluence of the richest forms of art, culture and traditions. It is under their rule that art forms like Kathak, Thumri, Khayal, Dadra, Qawali, Ghazals and Shero-Shairi saw their finest hour. Culinary skills, too, reached heights of excellence as the nawabs were not only gracious hosts but also extremely fond of good nutritious food. The legacy of the exquisite embroidery continues even today.

The field of architecture saw re-interpretation of the existing styles and experimentation in the fusion of the occidental and the oriental style of architecture. Tourist attractions include:

Bara Imambara

Built in the year 1784 by the champion of charity Nawab Asaf ud Daula, the Bara Imambara provided food to the famine stricken subjects of the Nawab. It is said that once even the rich persons worked here as laborers in the construction of this impressive monument. They worked at night to avoid the embarrassment of being noticed. The monument is known for its simplicity of style, sheer proportion and symmetry. To the left of the Imambara is a grand mosque. To the right is a row of cloisters concealing a huge well known as the Baoli.

Clock Tower

The beautiful clock tower, constructed in 1887, is the tallest Clock Tower in India and one of the finest examples of British Architecture in India. The 221 feet tall structure was erected by Nawab Nasir-ud-din Haider to mark the arrival of Sir George Couper, Ist Lieutenant Governor of United province of Avadh in the year 1887.

Saadat Ali's Tomb

The twin maqbaras of Saadat Ali Khan and Khurshid Zadi, near Begum Hazrat Mahal Park, are one of the best examples of Awadh architecture. The proportionate domes with elegant kiosks and above all, well balanced architectural design makes them extremely interesting.

Lakshman Tila

Believed to have been one of the earliest habitations of the city, the Laxman Tila is situated to the north of the Imambara complex. The Tila contains the famous Alamgiri Mosque built by Sultan Ali, Governor of the province of Avadh, during the reign of Aurangzeb. The mosque is known for its outstanding symmetry of form and sobriety of decoration.

Rumi Darwaza

The Rumi Darwaza leads to the outer section of the Bara Imambara and is widely believed to be a facsimile of one of the gates of Constantinople. Also known as the Turkish Gateway, it is a brilliant example of Avadh architecture.

Chattar Manzil

The Umbrella Palace is an imposing façade with huge underground rooms and a beautiful dome surrounded by a gilt umbrella. The European influence can clearly be seen in the architecture of this beautiful building. Today it houses the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI).

Jama Masjid

The construction of this mosque was started in 1840 by Mohammad Ali Shah but it was finally completed by his wife Begum Malika Jahan after his death. This splendid mosque built in the typical Mughal style lies to the west of the Hussainabad Imambara. It is entirely free from pseudo Italian art then in vogue in Lucknow.

Moti Mahal

There are three beautiful buildings on the fringes of the Gomti. The main one is the Moti Mahal or the Pearl Palace constructed by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan. The other two include Mubarak Manzil and the Shah Manzil. They were mainly constructed for the Nawab and his courtiers to watch animal combats from the balconies of the buildings, which were held at the other side of the river. The Nawabs also used these buildings to view the birds in flight.