The Best Travel Guide to Islamabad (UPDATED 2024) | ArrivalGuides.com

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Overview

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Islamabad The guide was updated: 2024-06-07

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 in the green Himalayas. Usually regarded as a diplomatic city, it has 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 contemporary Pakistan.

Facts

Population:	The city: 1.1 million Metro area: 2.4 million
Currency:	1 Pakistani rupee (PKR or Rs) = 100 paisa
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Ambulance: 115 Police: 15 Fire brigade: 16
Newspapers:	The Express Tribune: tribune.com.pk Daily Pakistan: dailypakistan.com.pk
Website:	ictadministration.gov.pk tourism.gov.pk
Opening hours:	Generally speaking, the workweek is Monday to Friday, with Friday being a half-day. Sometimes Saturday is also a half-day, but Sunday is always off. Government offices operate from 8/9 am to 5/6 pm, while private businesses tend to start operations at about 10 am. Restaurants and cafes tend to stay open later, until about 9/10 pm.
Tourist information:	Tourist Information Centre Agha Khan Road, Markaz F-6, Islamabad +92 51 920276

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Section in Islamabad

The Faisal Mosque is, naturally, Islamabad's most iconic and instantly recognisable landmark, but this is a city rich in historical sites, 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

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 should avoid prayer times.

Pakistan Monument

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 Kashmir.

Lok Virsa Heritage Museum

Lok Virsa Heritage 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 souvenir.

Shakarparian National Park

Shakarparian National Park

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 uphill.

Daman-e-Koh

Daman-e-Koh

The city is surrounded by the beautiful and lush Margalla Hills, a favourite escape for the citizens of Islamabad. Daman-e-Koh, a splendid picnic spot about a 30-minute walk up the hills just north of the zoo, offers breathtaking views of the city, including a stunning vista of the Faisal Mosque.

Excavations of Sirsukh

Excavations of Sirsukh

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 by. Don't miss the Dharmarajika stupa the 3rd century BCE

Army Museum

Army Museum

The Pakistan Army Museum in Rawalpindi offers a unique glimpse into the region's military history. It features a comprehensive display of arms and weapons ranging from prehistoric axes to swords and rifles, all the way through to modern-day missile systems. This museum provides a fascinating tour through the evolution of military technology in the area.

Saidpur Village

Saidpur Village

For a whirlwind tour of Pakistan's cultural history, a visit to Saidpur is a must. Located just one kilometre from Islamabad, this former Hindu village was once renowned for its pottery. Today, it features a Model Village showcasing handicrafts from various regions across the country.

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