This guide is for travelers searching what to see in Lhasa and wanting ideas for local life during their free time—while still covering the major highlights that many Lhasa tours include.
Lhasa is famous for its world-class landmarks—but some of the best memories happen between the big attractions: wandering the Old Town without a schedule, browsing Barkhor stalls, and sitting down for sweet tea the way locals do.
What to See in Lhasa Old Town: Barkhor Street (Shopping + Daily Life)
If you only have time for one “local life” what to See in Lhasa, make it Barkhor Street. It’s a circular pilgrim path around Jokhang Temple, and it’s also a bustling marketplace where you can browse traditional Tibetan crafts and jewelry, spices, and religious items while pilgrims pass by. This blend of spirituality + street commerce is exactly what makes central Lhasa feel so alive.
What to buy on Barkhor Street
Barkhor is one of the most popular areas to pick up:
- Small Tibetan handicrafts and keepsakes
- Jewelry and decorative items
- Incense and religious objects
Do the kora (even if you’re just observing)
Walking a respectful loop around Barkhor helps you understand Lhasa’s rhythm and what to see in Lhasa: it’s sightseeing, but it’s also daily practice for many Tibetans.
Where to Shop in Lhasa: Markets and Handicrafts (Quick Ideas)
Besides Barkhor Street, travelers often look for:
- Chongsaikang / Tromsikhang market (a more “local market” vibe)
- Lhasa Ethnic Tourism Handicraft Market (a convenient handicraft-shopping stop)
- Tianhai Night Market (an evening stroll + snacks kind of place)
Best Local Restaurants what to See in Lhasa (What to Order)
Food is one of the easiest ways to connect with daily life in Lhasa. Below are visitor-favorite restaurants that repeatedly appear travel resources and “best of” lists.
Tibetan Family Kitchen (small, friendly, very popular)
Frequently ranked among the best restaurants in Lhasa, Tibetan Family Kitchen is widely recommended as a top pick for travelers.
What to order (safe cultural starters):
- If you’re unsure, start with Tibetan comfort staples like momos (Tibetan dumplings)—they’re often recommended as the safest entry point into local food culture.
House of Shambhala Restaurant (classic traveler favorite)
A regular on “best restaurants” lists for Lhasa.
What to order:
- Go for Tibetan-style dishes if you want local flavor, or mixed menus if you’re acclimatizing and want something familiar (many top Lhasa restaurants cater to both).
Namaste Restaurant (solid choice for mixed tastes)
Namaste is consistently listed among Lhasa’s top restaurants and is often highlighted as having a diverse menu that suits both local and international palates.,
What to order:
- Ideal if your group has mixed preferences (some want Tibetan, some want more standard options).
Snowland Restaurant (spacious, lots of choice)
Snowland is commonly mentioned as a strong option if you want more space and variety. It as a good pick and specifically mentions dishes like yak soup and even curry rice (useful when someone needs a milder meal).,
What to order:
- Yak soup (warming and altitude-friendly)
Makye Ame
Often listed as one of the “best places to eat” in Lhasa and a restaurant many travelers specifically search by name.
Lhasa Kitchen / New Mandala Restaurant / Yak Saloon
These restaurants appear in “best places to eat in Lhasa” roundups and can be good backups when the top spots are full.
Where many restaurants cluster (useful for “free time” planning)
The Western-style restaurants tend to concentrate on Beijing Road, while Deji Road the most popular dining areas among locals.
Best Sweet Tea Houses what to See in Lhasa (Where to Go + What to Drink)
Sweet tea houses are one of the most “everyday Lhasa” experiences you can have. They’re also perfect for free time: low cost, relaxing, and culturally meaningful.
Guangming Kamqung Sweet Tea House (on Barkhor Street)
This is one of the best-known sweet tea houses in Lhasa. it’s on Barkhor Street, traditional interior with wooden tables and comfortable chairs—ideal for a slow break after Old Town walking.
What to order:
- Sweet tea (the classic)
CangGusi Sweet Tea House (popular name on tea-house lists)
The most popular sweet tea houses in Lhasa.
Other well-known sweet tea house names to recognize
A sweet tea house guide lists several “most popular” options, including:
- Guang Ming Sweet Tea House
- Luo Qu Sweet Tea House
- Shan Dong Sweet Tea House
Canggu Nunnery (tea + Tibetan delicacies)
Canggu Nunnery is highlighted as an “awesome tea house” spot known for sweet tea and authentic Tibetan delicacies.
“There are many tea houses in the Old Town”
There are many tea houses in Lhasa’s Old Town, and that guides often know the best ones near your hotel—helpful if you want to keep it spontaneous.
Cafes what to See in Lhasa (When You Want Coffee Instead)
Not every break has to be tea. If you want espresso or a modern cafe stop, Lhasa options such as:
- Summit Cafe
- The Sense Coffee
What to Eat in Lhasa: Two Local Staples to Try Anywhere
Even if you don’t plan meals in detail, try these at least once:
- Momos (dumpling-like, traveler-friendly)
- Yak soup (warming, comforting)
These two are easy “starter” foods when you’re acclimatizing and still figuring out what you like.
Best Things to Do in Lhasa (Top Sights Many Travelers Include)
A great Lhasa trip balances local time (Barkhor + tea + food) with the famous highlights.
Potala Palace – 4-Day Lhasa Holy City Tour
A must-see landmark and one of the most recognized sights in Lhasa.
Jokhang Temple – 5-Day Lhasa & Yamdrok Lake Tour
The spiritual heart of Lhasa and central to Old Town walking.
Sera, Drepung, Norbulingka – 5-Day Lhasa & Ganden Monastery Small Group Tour
Commonly included on Lhasa city itineraries, these round out the cultural and historical picture beyond the Old Town.
Day trips: Ganden, Drak Yerpa, Namtso, Yamdrok – 10-Day Lhasa, Everest, Namtso Tour
If you have extra time, these are among the best add-ons from Lhasa for mountain scenery, sacred sites, and highland lakes.
A Simple “Local Life” Lhasa Plan (Works With Most Tour Schedules)
- Morning–early afternoon: main sights (Potala / Jokhang / monasteries)
- Late afternoon: Barkhor Street browsing + photos
- Early evening: sweet tea house break (Guangming on Barkhor is an easy classic)
- Dinner: pick a nearby favorite (Tibetan Family Kitchen, Snowland, Namaste, Makye Ame),
This rhythm keeps your days realistic at altitude—and makes Lhasa feel like a living city, not just a checklist.
Short FAQ
Is Lhasa expensive to visit?
Travel in Tibet is often considered expensive because travelers generally need a prearranged guided tour with a guide and private transport for each day in Tibet, Your actual cost will vary by itinerary length and comfort level. ExperienceTibet offers tours to Lhasa starting from $486 USD
Where to eat near Barkhor Street?
Tripadvisor’s “Restaurants near Barkhor Street” list includes Tibetan Family Kitchen, Dunya Restaurant, and House of Shambhala among the nearby options. For a famous Barkhor corner landmark, Makye Ame is widely cited as a signature restaurant at the southeastern corner of Barkhor Street.
What food is safe to start with in Lhasa?
For most travelers, easy and approachable dishes to start with include momos (dumplings) and thukpa (noodle soup). When you’re ready to try deeper local staples, tsampa (roasted barley flour) and Tibetan butter tea (Po Cha) are classic Lhasa foods.
