Islamabad

DESTINATIONS pakistan islamabad

Islamabad

The majestic Faisal Mosque stands against the backdrop of the lush Margalla Hills as a symbol of a Pakistan placed firmly in the modern day, while holding on to its history and traditions. The capital city of Islamabad is a forward-thinking metropolis nestled among the green base of the Himalayas. Usually regarded as a diplomatic city, it has recently grown to become an important business and financial centre for the region, as well as an emerging travel destination. Together with its neighbouring sister city of Rawalpindi, Islamabad gives travellers in-the-know a taste of all sides of contemporary Pakistan.

The City

Nowhere is the juxtaposition of the new and old of Pakistan better displayed than in Islamabad and its twin city of Rawalpindi, two distinct sides of the country as it is today. Islamabad is modern, sleek and classy, full of broad tree-lined avenues, square city blocks and suburban sprawl, expansive parks and green spaces, elegant government buildings and embassies, up-scale restaurants and of course the mighty Faisal Mosque overlooking it all. It has long been a popular travel destination among Pakistanis for its peaceful and quiet vibe and its beautiful greenery, and now international travelers are catching on. In contrast, Rawalpindi (affectionately called "Pindi") is much more a South Asian metropolis, with the exciting and sometimes hectic bustle of people, traffic, rickshaws and outdoor markets, what many would refer to as "the real Pakistan". It is a fascinating city in its own right, and though it may not boast as many famous attractions as its sister city, it has a special feel of intimacy that makes it unique in the eyes of visitors.

Do & See Dining Cafes Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

The Faisal Mosque is, naturally, Islamabad's most iconic and instantly recognisable landmark, but this is a city rich in historical sights, impressive monuments, fascinating museums, tons of green spaces for outdoor activities, and even some great entertainment options for children and families. There are also enough nearby sights and places of interest to warrant a few day-trips, including some fantastic archeological excavations.

Shah Faisal Mosque

The stunning national mosque of Pakistan, designed to look like a Bedouin tent, is a beautiful mix of traditional and modern architecture that symbolises the aspirations of the country. It is one of the largest in the world, and can hold up to 100,000 in the hall and courtyard. Visitors are allowed, but non-Muslims …

Pakistan Monument

This massive and breathtaking monument symbolises the country's cultural diversity and national unity. It is shaped like a blooming flower with four main petals, each representing the four majour provinces, and three smaller ones, meant to represent smaller regions, such as …

Lok Virsa Museum

This fantastic ethnographic museum showcases a large collection of traditional Pakistani handicrafts, including wood carvings, jewellery and textiles. It offers a unique glimpse into the artistic and artisanal past of the country. Be sure to visit the gift shop and pick up a …

Shakarparian

This huge national park located just south of the city's main urban area is a lush expanse of gardens and trees that provide a welcome escape from the city streets for both locals and visitors. The area also houses many monuments and museums, and has hill lookouts just a 20-minute walk …

Daman-e-Koh

The city is surrounded by the beautiful and lush Margalla Hills, and the citizens of Islamabad like to enjoy them. Daman-e-Koh is a splendid picnic spot about a 30-minute walk up the hills just north of the zoo that offers breathtaking views of the city, and specifically of the Faisal …

Taxila Excavations

The archeological excavations in Taxila make for a great day-trip from Islamabad. The sites can be thoroughly explored in about 6 hours of walking, if the oppressive heat allows. The sites and museum display Buddhist sculptures, metal artifacts and coins, and other interesting finds from times gone …

Pakistan Army Museum

One of the more unique museums found in Islamabad, the Pakistan Army Museum offers a historical tour through military development in the region, displaying arms and weapons through the ages, from prehistoric axes, to swords and rifles, to modern-day missile …

Saidpur

For a whirlwind tour of the cultural history of Pakistan, a visit to Saidpur, located just one kilometre from the city, is in order. This former Hindu village was famous for its skill in pottery, and it now holds a Model Village which shows off handicrafts from different regions in the …

Islamabad Zoo

The Islamabad Zoo is a great place to spend an afternoon, especially for those traveling with children. The Zoo is home to a wide array of beautiful animals, including bears, elephants, baboons, and many more. Especially impressive is the huge collection of wild and exotic …

Dining

Islamabad's restaurant scene has exploded in recent times, in part to accommodate the high standards and tastes of the many international diplomats that call the city home. The city now boasts a wide selection of fine dining, local family-run restaurants, cool diners and cafes and plenty of international options for traveling foodies.

The Monal

Offering what is beyond a doubt the best view of any restaurant in Islamabad, The Monal is nestled up among the lush Margalla Hills, away from the city noise, but providing a breathtaking panoramic view of its urban area. It is a bit out of the way, but the view and the mix of …

Kabul Restaurant

This is more of a rugged, local restaurant than the fine dining that can be found in more expensive places, but locals keep coming back to Kabul for the fantastic Afghan specialties, particularly the barbecue and the dumplings. The place itself is simple and no-nonsense. They let the food do the …

Andaaz

Located on the road to Saidpur, Andaaz offers a truly unique experience. It combines traditional local flavours with a classy and elegant surrounding, subdued lighting and a relaxing and intimate feel. There are pictures of famous Pakistani singers hanging on the walls along with traditional instruments, which only adds tot he …

Cafes

There is an abundance of fantastic Western-style cafes in Islamabad at the moment, all offering high-quality coffee and a surprising range of snacks, meals and freshly made desserts and pastries. They are a great way to take a break from sightseeing and escape the afternoon heat, and some offer truly unique experiences either for their inventive decor or the views from their terraces.

Rakaposhi International

Located in the Serena Hotel, this luxurious cafe is elegant and sleek and very welcoming with its subdued lighting. Guests can enjoy hot coffee or tea and sample some of the delicious snacks, like samosas or sandwiches, and pastries made from …

Mocca Coffee

Walking into Mocca Coffee, you might think you stumbled into a cafe somewhere in Stockholm or Copenhagen. The minimalist design, organic ingredients and relaxed environment could easily fool anyone. The level of specialisation here is impressive, as the coffee and fruit smoothies are expertly prepared and the flavours are …

1969

As the name suggests, this groovy cafe transports guests back to the 1960s with its brightly-coloured decoration and furniture and the appropriately anachronistic newspaper pieces visible throughout. The offer of food is simple, but the flavours are …

Atrio Cafe and Grill

Atrio specialises in two things: coffee and barbecue. The meat dishes range from Mexican to Italian specialties and never disappoint. If you're not that hungry, then sit back and enjoy a hot cup of coffee from the outdoor rooftop terrace, and marvel at the view of the Margalla Hills in the …

Bars & Nightlife

Alcoholic beverages are officially forbidden for Muslims (who make up roughly 97% of the population) in Pakistan, and as such, there are no places that could really be called "bars". However, visiting foreigners are allowed to order and consume alcohol at restaurants and hotels, so travelers hoping to have a drink in the evening in Islamabad will do best by visiting the restaurant in one of the luxury hotels in town. Other entertainment is available in the form of cinema and other cultural activities.

Nadia Restaurant

Located in the Islamabad Marriott Hotel, Nadia offers good selection of international dishes as well as a buffet. It is a popular place for business meetings and casual evening meals for its relaxed vibe and the live music that can be heard almost every night of the …

Best Western Islamabad Hotel

The wonderfully located Best Western in Islamabad (right by the Shakarparian Park) offers two options in terms of nighttime entertainment. The Mashal restaurants is open 24 hours a day and offers great ala-carte dining, while the Reem Bar-B-Que restaurant is the place to go for juicy steaks and meat …

Centaurus Cineplex

The Centaurus Mall is not only a great place for shopping and eating, with its wide selection of shops and restaurants, but it can also be a nice place to spend an evening at the cinema. The Centaurus Cineplex shows all the latest Hollywood megahits and local productions on four …

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

More national obsession than national sport, cricket is huge in Pakistan. And there's no better way to have an authentic Pakistani experience than to join the crowd at the cricket stadium and cheer for the local team. You can catch international matches at the Rawalpindi Stadium for an entertaining day …

Shopping

Shopping in Islamabad-Rawalpindi can be as varied as the cities themselves. Spend the afternoon browsing, shopping and eating at one of the many large modern shopping malls, which contain everything a shopper could need, or head to one of the more traditional open-air markets to pick up some local handicrafts or traditional garments. Some real unique finds await the patient shopper who takes the time to explore the city's many shopping possibilities.