Potala Palace
The 17th-century hilltop Potala Palace is an architectural marvel and Tibet’s iconic symbol. Although Songtsen Gampo built his palace atop the same hill in the seventh century, when his Yarlung Empire fell 250 years later, the center of Tibetan Buddhism shifted first to Sakya and later to Shigatse, leaving Lhasa a quiet backwater. Things changed again when the fifth Dalai Lama vanquished the kingdom of Shigatse in 1642 and reestablished Lhasa as Tibet’s capital. The Dalai Lama built his palace, Potala, on Red Hill atop the ruins of Songtsen Gampo’s original structure.
Jokhang Temple
Jokhang means 'House of Buddha'. Located in the center of old Lhasa city, Jokhang Monastery is the prime seat of the Gelugpa (Yellow) Branch of Tibetan Buddhism. It was originally built in 647 AD. Jokhang Temple is the spiritual center of Tibet the holiest destination for all Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims. Through night and day, there are lots of pilgrims kowtowing in front of Jokhang Temple.
Drepung Monastery
Drepung Monastery is the first of the three principal monasteries of the Gelugpa School of Buddhism. It is also the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Drepung Monastery used to be the living quarters of the Dalai Lamas before the reconstruction of the Potala Palace.
Barkhor Street
Located in the old area of Lhasa City, Tibet, Barkhor Street is a very ancient round street surrounding the Jokhang Temple and the locals are always proud of it. As a symbol of Lhasa, it is also a must-see place for visitors. Due to its magnificence, it quickly attracted thousands of Buddhist pilgrims. As a result, a trodden path appeared. That is the origin of Barkhor Street. Today even still many pilgrims hold the prayer wheels to walk clockwise there from dawn to dark. Also, you can see some pilgrims walking or progressing body-lengths by body-lengths along Barkhor Street.
Norbulingka Palace
Norbulingka, meaning 'Treasure Park' in Tibetan, is situated in the western suburb of Lhasa City, at the bank of the Kyichu River, about one km (about 0.6 mile) southwest of Potala Palace. It is the biggest man-made garden in Tibet Autonomous Region. Norbulingka consists of several palace complexes, such as the Kelsang Potrang, Tsokyil Potrang, Golden Linka and Takten Migyur Potrang. Each palace complex is divided into three sections - the palace section, the section in front of the palaces and the woods.
Sera Monastery
Located at the foot of Tatipu Hill in the northern suburb of Lhasa City, Sera Monastery is one of three famous monasteries in the city along with the Drepung Monastery and the Ganden Monastery. It is dedicated to the Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect, a branch of Tibetan Buddhism, founded by Tsong Khapa. Jamchen Chojey, one of Tsong Khapa's disciples built it in 1419 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The monastery was named Sera which means wild rose in the Tibetan language because the hill behind it was covered with wild roses in bloom when it was built.
Tibet Museum
Tibet Museum, in the heart of historical Lhasa, is the first stop to discover the history of art and culture of Tibet. Established in 1999 between the Potola Palace and the Norbulingka Palace, it is the first modern museum in Tibet of its size, holding around 1,000 artifacts. The building itself sympathetically echoes traditional Tibetan architecture, with beautiful ornamental beams and pillars integrated into the design. The museum is thoughtfully laid out, covering Tibetan history on the ground floor, and displaying the region’s arts and crafts traditions on the first floor, in addition to an abundant collection of treasures, cultural relics and religious artifacts. This collection offers an insight into the rich culture of the Tibetan people, though for many, China’s influence is somewhat overstated.