Gujranwala City Guide

Food culture is strong with local specialties and growing international options. Late-night street food is common. Vegetarian options are moderate; vegan options require specific requests.

Western-style nightlife like bars and clubs is virtually absent. Evenings are for family dinners, food outings, and coffee shops.

Coffee culture is growing with more cafes and specialty options, but still developing compared to major cities.

Tipping is appreciated but not required. 5-10% or rounding up in restaurants is common. Rounding fares for rickshaws/taxis is optional.

SIM cards are available at authorized shops. Jazz, Zong, Telenor, and Ufone provide good coverage. Activation requires biometric verification and ID/Passport.

Cleanliness varies; main roads are cleaner than residential areas. Waste services exist but can be inconsistent.

Some pharmacies and minimarts are open late; emergency hospital rooms operate 24/7. True 24/7 convenience stores are rare.

Fresh markets are common for produce and spices. Larger supermarkets like Metro Cash & Carry, Chase Up, and Imtiaz carry international items but with limited variety. Shops generally open 10 AM to 10 PM.

Cash is used for most purchases, especially in markets and small shops. Card acceptance is growing in bigger stores and restaurants. Mobile payment apps like EasyPaisa and JazzCash are popular.

ATMs from major banks like HBL, MCB, UBL, and Allied Bank are common. Foreign cards may have withdrawal fees; local customers typically do not.

Schools like Beaconhouse and The City School offer mostly Urdu and English instruction. International schools for expats are rare locally; larger cities have more options.

Digital nomad presence is very small. Most nomads prefer larger cities like Lahore or Islamabad.

Several parks offer green spaces suitable for walking and running.

Running in parks like Jinnah and Model Town is common and safe during the day. Air quality can worsen in winter due to smog.

Gyms and fitness centers are available, including some chain gyms and local clubs.

Tennis courts exist at sports complexes and private clubs.

Padel is not popular or widely available.

Yoga classes are offered at some gyms and community centers but are limited.

Facilities for Karate, Taekwondo, and Boxing exist. BJJ and Muay Thai are harder to find. English instructors may be limited.

No skiing nearby; nearest is far north.

Only limited small boating in local parks.

No surfing; city is landlocked.

No diving spots; city is landlocked.

Public hospitals provide basic care, private hospitals generally offer better services. English-speaking staff are mostly at major hospitals like Gujranwala Medical College and Citi Hospital.

Tap water isn’t safe to drink without boiling or filtering. Bottled water is widely recommended and easy to find.

Parks like Jinnah Park and Model Town Park offer playgrounds. Kid-friendly cafés exist mainly in malls. Baby supplies are easy to find. Local attractions include Joyland amusement park.

LGBTQ+ acceptance is very low and safe spaces are not available due to conservative norms.

Pets are generally allowed in public areas but formal pet-friendly places are rare. Vet services are available.