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Capital of Pakistan
Photo: Tahsin Shah, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
A modern planned city that is well-maintained and well-organised, Islamabad (Urdu: اسلام آباد) is Pakistan's clean, calm, and green capital. Founded in the 1960s, it attracts people from all over Pakistan, and hosts a large number of diplomats, politicians and government employees, making it one of the nation's most cosmopolitan and urbanized cities. Although it is only the country's ninth largest city, its metropolitan area (encompassing the neighbouring city of Rawalpindi) is the country's third largest conurbation, with a population of over 4.5 million. Lying on the Pothohar Plateau in the north-east, within the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), it is regarded as the most developed city in Pakistan.
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Definitely worth a visit. Islamabad's premier museum featuring more than 25 large galleries in four blocks linked through passages depicting cultural linkages with Iran, Central Asia and China. There are large halls dedicated to architecture, musical heritage, textiles, romances, Sufi shrines and several other cultural themes. It has a large collection of embroidered costumes, jewellery, woodwork, metalwork, block printing, ivory and bone work on display. The Heritage Reference Library of Museum has a great collection of data on art, music, history and crafts of all regions of Pakistan. Books on culture, heritage, audio and video cassettes of folk and classical vocal and instrumental music are sold at the Lok Virsa's Sales Centre. Lok Virsa celebrates the national events in a befitting manner with musical concerts, exhibitions and public film shows on cultural heritage.
A little known gem - worth seeking out for a trip back in time to the glory days of the North West Railway - the station house has been renovated and houses a small museum, and several old locomotives and rolling stock are there to be explored. Makes a nice cycle-ride from Islamabad.
This is more a place for school trips than a tourist destination - however there is an impressive blue whale skeleton outside.
Opened in 2007, the gallery is a modern, light filled, air conditioned edifice that would not be out of place in many European cities. A diverting collection of almost 450 art pieces, purchased or gifted by the artists for National Art Gallery. Covers a surprising diversity of contemporary and classical paintings, sculpture and other installations. The Gallery is also home to an indoor and outdoor theatre (word-of-mouth and local press for schedules). Open 7 days a week - from 11:00-13:00 (free) and 14:00-19:00 (Rs. 500) - hence it is empty in the afternoons and you may find yourself trailed by gallery staff turning the lights on and off for you! In F5/1, on the corner of Jinnah & Constitution avenues, opposite the Parliament building.
A lookout point in the hills above E-6 with great views of the city on a clear day/night. Its beauty is enhanced by the greenery and flowers at different sites. High quality restaurants, good food, live music, hiking trails and lush green hillsides make it a favourite place for local and foreign tourist alike.
A beautiful wild and hilly area for a nice evening walk in a green natural atmosphere.
A children's park near Islamabad Zoo. It is popular among children, families and to those visiting Islamabad from other cities due to its park facilities and children swing facilities.
On the north side is Lake View Park (access from the road to Murree) - a beautifully laid out park with gardens, picnic spots, and secluded paths and views over the lake. It's now home to an aviary, go-kart track and climbing wall. The terraced garden and the lake are used for fishing and boating. On the south side of the lake is another small park with a nice lookout and old Hindu temple. The highest point in the garden offers a panoramic view of Islamabad. Boating, sailing, water skating and diving facilities are organized by private clubs. To the west of the lake is the Islamabad Club, which offers different sporting facilities.
Also known as the F-9 park, it is considered one of the largest in South Asia. F9 park is ideal for jogging around, and also has a cricket ground and some tennis court (minus nets). The park also has a large children's playground, some interesting sculptures, and an indoor facility with a nice bowling alley.
An overlook of Islamabad in the Margalla Hills above the city. There are two eateries at Pir Sohawa and both worth visiting. A walk up from Trail 3, from F-6/3 will get you to the hill top in around 2 hours with the perfect appetite, but you can reach Pir Sohawa by road in around 35–40 minutes.
Near Islamabad sports complex & Jinnah Stadium. South of Shahrah-e-Kashmir road and east of Islamabad Highway. Not too far from Rawal Lake.
Take a nice nature walk in the hills surrounding Islamabad.
Faisal Mosque
Islamabad's most recognizable landmark, a very large mosque gifted by King Faisal of Saudi Arabia. Beautiful in the day or night, definitely worth the short taxi ride. Dress and act respectfully (you need to take off and carry by hand your shoes even on tiles outside, ask locals), this is much more a place of serious worship than a tourist site. Is open to non-Muslims outside of prayer times, but is sometimes shut altogether.
Near Shakarparian, represents Pakistan's four provinces and three territories. From air the monument looks like a star (centre) and a crescent moon (formed by walls forming the petals), these represent the star and crescent on Pakistan's flag. Also a small museum and a nice view of the city.
Historical shrine of a Sufi saint in the valley of NurPur Shahan near G5.
Shrine of Pir Mehr Ali Shah (RA), a Sufi saint in a village of Golra (Islamic religious site).
At the foot of Daman-e-Koh view point. It has more than 300 animals including 200 birds of different kinds, and tigers, lions and other animals.
It used to be a sleepy little village lying in the foothills of the Margallas with a mystic past and breathtaking natural beauty. It has now been remodelled. The village now become popular with the citizens of Islamabad who want an occasional break from the frenzy of urban life. Surrounded with lush, tranquil wilderness, the centuries old village is furnished with rustic fittings and offers amenities like a wide range of local food outlets and restaurants. Exhibitions are held regularly to show case the traditional arts, crafts and the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan.
A small park in the hills, around 25 minutes away from Islamabad. A water park with a few amusement rides, but will not offer much excitement for those who have seen other amusement parks or water parks.
A craft bazaar with a food court serving 5 regional cuisines plus 3 Chai Khanas serving assorted teas and snacks. Built by the local Capital Development Authority but conceptualised and supervised by the Indus Heritage Trust.
Understated, home-cooked, well presented Asian and European food, in a small, cosy inside-outside restaurant with London Books (shop) next door. The place is aimed squarely at the expat market, and priced with this in mind. Owner also runs Riffy's restaurant in Chak Sharzad - call for details.
Branch of the popular chicken chain.
Offers a Central Asia Cuisine. It has indoor and outdoor seating.
Very well known place (Please ask any local shop for directions) for steaks and pizzas since 1991. Prices are quite high for Pakistani standards, but from a Western perspective still very cheap.
F. Adequate cafe restaurant with a nice terrace - serves European and Pakistani cuisine at reasonable prices (mains Rs 400). There is a popular bakery with really fresh and tasty bakery products downstairs, including chocolate fudge cakes, cheese cakes and low cholesterol items. Made to Order services are also available.
Set in the wealthy back streets of F7 the Olive Garden is popular with wealthy Pakistani's and is a great place to people watch on a weekend. Food is variable, but the setting is nice, with a fire pit in winter, and plenty of sheesha. Not part of the American chain.
This large restaurant just off the markaz serves up tasty kebabs and Afghani specialties, and is usually very crowded with locals and expats at dinner time.
A large and popular Chinese restaurant. It offers Sichuan Cuisine with Firepot as one of its specialities. China Town enjoys a very loyal patronage from its customers. It features a professional kitchen in the basement, a beautiful lounge on ground floor, a fine dining hall on the first floor, and a roof top sitting with a fantastic view of Margallas.
Pleasant, locally orientated Italian restaurant - extensive menu covering pizzas, pasta, meat and seafood - and all done pretty well (except the pizzas). Nice views of the F9 park from the upstairs seating area.
Specialist European style bakery, pizzeria and BBQ. Excellent food, specialty breads, cheesecakes, gelato ices. Outside lawn for BBQ.
A little gem of a coffeehouse serving the best coffee this side of Gloria Jeans in F6. Serves proper coffee in tasteful surrounds, and a great collection of cakes to boot - just a shame its all the way out in F10
A sister restaurant of the popular Pakistani eatery in Saidpur village. Someone has clearly spent some money on opening this place - set in a huge tent in E11 markaz. Excellent Pakistani food, but you may find it quiet on a weeknight.
Overly stylish sheesha lounge and cafe, very much the modern face of Pakistan and a place to go to meet the hip, young and rich.
Swish cafe has a great little made-to-order cupcake setup (Funky Bake) attached.
Pleasant local Afghan restaurant set in a small house, and a good excuse to explore the back streets of little-visited G9. Can eat well for under Rs 500 per person.
Quality fast food. Pathooras, burgers, french fries, shawarma, roll paratha, salads, pastas and soups.
Also known as G-9 Markaz is the most populous and busiest market in the whole city. Here you can find anything ranging from cars to ovens to clothes at the cheapest of prices. Some food outlets are only reserved to this place and one should not miss out the Afghani Chips or the Aloo wala Paratha sold here by street vendors. People here are generally very hospitable but since this is one of the more slightly dangerous localities, you should stay on your toes 24/7 here. Otherwise it is a very safe place with a famous Chicken Corn Soup vendor on the back side and just in front of it in the sector G-9/1 street 32 I&T centre market you can have the famous Afghani Tikkas.
Masoom's Cafe, right beside Bank Al-Habib, a small & pleasant cafe and pâtisserie, a place for lunch or a coffee rather than a dinner. And it also has a large variety of Hot Beverages.
Upscale Afghan style BBQ restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating - look for the big red sign.
Notionally Italian - in pleasant dark wood surroundings. Certainly I8's nicest looking restaurant. Serves a range of salads, pastas, steaks and sea food. Worth making the trip to I8 for.
Notionally Italian - in pleasant dark wood surroundings. Certainly I8's nicest looking restaurant. Serves a range of salads, pastas, steaks and sea food. Worth making the trip to I8 for.
Pakistani cuisine.
This place is very nicely decorated and is also in a very nice location. They have a huge selection of BBQ, Pakistani and Chinese food items on the menu. Their food is not extremely spicy like most other places.
Take away, dine in and free home delivery.
One of the most popular local restaurant chains. Its delicious local or 'desi' items and barbecue are a treat, garnering it lots of appreciation from food lovers. Known for their Pakistani and Indian specialties.
Stylish atmosphere and excellent service with an extensive range of dishes that span various Asian cuisines. Formerly Dragon City Restaurant, renovated in 2022.
Casual dining and gatherings. Vegetarian and vegan options available.
Typical restaurant. Serves meat dishes, salad, rice, tea and more. Has a terrace where you can see the city.
Something of a diplomatic enclave institution. Cordon Rouge serves up authentic French cuisine in softly lit surroundings. A bit pricey but decent food. Extensive wine list.
A popular spot for casual dining and gatherings, offering a variety of vegetarian and vegan options.
A great choice for top notch Pakistani food - evenings are best when Saidpur is illuminated with subtle floodlighting, and you can relax on the terrace and admire the architecture. Can be very busy on weekends so reserving a table is recommended - the parking can be chaotic also.
A fantastic view over the city and a lovely atmosphere. The menu had a huge range of food from all different cuisines (although best to stay clear of 'cheese stuffed' foods if you're not a fan of horrible squirty cheese). Getting up there is a bit of a mission and will cost you between 2 and 3 thousand, as your driver has to wait up there to bring you back down; however, it is worth it for the view!
Curious restaurant in a basement with a plasticy cave theme going on. Food is acceptable, with large portions of European (steakhouse) and Pakistani food. More curious than the restaurant itself is the fact that this place tops the Tripadvisor listings for Islamabad. Mains around Rs 400-500.
Bar-B-Q Tonight
Popular BBQ restaurant, with consistently good food and a varied menu of Pakistani favorites. Same owners as the branch in Karachi. Big rush on dinner timings. Free delivery available.
The classic expat coffee shop - typically expensive with exclusive decor, display and sale of world-renowned contemporary Nordic design, such as Georg Jensen, Arne Jacobsen, Stelton, Eva-trio and Rosendahl.
معراج ہوٹل
3-star range GuestHouse with 5MB WiFi@Fiberoptic, air conditioning & heating, powerbackup.
4-star range hotel (not related to the Crowne Plaza chain).
3-star range hotel, nice rooftop restaurant, internet center and phone center.
3-star range guesthouse with WiFi, air conditioner and heated rooms.
4-star range Guest House with in-room LCD TVs, satellite channels, powerbackup, and WiFi, available to let on daily, weekly and monthly basis.
A corporate-only premium service guest house and business centre in the heart of the city.
This 5-star hotel is the nicest in the city, with great restaurants and a gym.
F-7/3. -71. A boutique hotel in a posh residential area, with private terraces and stunning views of the Margalla Hills.
Once one of the top hotels in the city, it was ravaged by a truck bomb in 2008. Rebuilt in just 3 months, it's once again open for business. But now the security is improved.
A comfortable and safe place with good service.
Convention centre, mega mall and many other amenities
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Way out in I11 is a huge Walmart type store selling groceries and household goods. Prices are good but not the cheapest in Islamabad - but if you are looking for a western style shopping trolley experience this is your best bet.
Cashmere pashmina, Jamavar shawls, Cashmere pullovers, kilims, carpets, old and new embroidery.
The biggest mall in the city. Food (including a couple of restaurants), clothes, currency exchange, a little bookstore, etc.
By bus
By train
Despite Islamabad have its railway station in sector I-9, majority travel through the railway station in the neighbouring city Rawalpindi, which is a major railway station and has good railway…
By car
By taxi
Taxis in Islamabad are abundant and popular. They are generally safe, but you may be initially shocked by the lack of safety belts, or lack of habit of using them.
By car
Car hire is also a good way of getting around.
By bus
The city has implemented two bus rapid transit (BRT) lines, known locally as Metro Bus. The red line travels from the northeast corner of Islamabad to Rawalpindi Saddar.
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Articles and travel topics about Islamabad and Pakistan.
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Culture & historyAs the birthplace of several world religions, South Asia, also known as the Indian Subcontinent, is home to countless sacred and holy sites.
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Culture & historyThe architecture of a place is often a tourist attraction in its own right. Many buildings are quite beautiful to look at and the view from a tall building or from a cleverly-positioned window can be a beauty to behold.
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