As the capital city of Pakistan, Islamabad is the go-to tourist
destination for both foreign as well as local travellers. Located in the
northern part of the country, the city is also an ideal starting point
for any journey that is being planned to explore the areas further up
north, such as Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir or even a little south
towards Murree Hills. As such, if you’re planning to visit Islamabad any
time soon, you need to know just where to go, what to see, and what to
do once you arrive. We’ve rounded up some of the top attractions in
Islamabad that should not be missed by any tourist visiting the city.
We’ve divided the tourist attractions in Islamabad into categories so
you can choose which ones you want to visit based on your interest.
Cultural and Historic Locations
Islamabad is a fairly new city in comparison to the ancient
settlement of Lahore or another old fellow, Karachi. However, as it is
the country’s capital, there are several cultural and historic places to
visit in Islamabad, each with their own stories to tell:
1. Pakistan Monument
The Petal-Shaped Pakistan Monument
The Pakistan Monument is a national monument located on the western
side of Shakarparian Hills. The monument, whose construction began in
2004 and was completed in 2007, symbolises the unity of the people with
four granite flower petals rising from the ground and converging
together to depict the four provinces (Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab and
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) standing in unity. Three smaller petals inside the
larger ones represent the smaller territories of Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad
Kashmir, and FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas). The monument
stands atop a marble base and is at a height that gives you a scenic
view of Islamabad. The monument is located close to another attraction, a
wax museum, showcasing the events that ignited the Pakistan Movement in
1940.
2. Lok Virsa Museum
Built in 1974, the Lok Virsa Museum is located quite close to the
Pakistan Monument. It is one of the largest museums in Pakistan with
several exhibit halls as well as an outdoor museum, exhibiting the
heritage of Pakistan. The name literally translates to ‘Museum of
People’s Heritage’ and it surely does justice to the name by detailing
the history of the people of Pakistan amidst its halls. There is also a
library and a research centre built inside the premises.
3. Shah Faisal Mosque
The Beautiful Shah Faisal Mosque at Twilight
Named after the Saudi King Faisal who granted monetary aid for the
completion of its construction, Shah Faisal Mosque is the largest mosque
in Pakistan. It was also the largest mosque in the world between the
late 1980s and the early 1990s. What’s truly unique about this mosque is
the lack of a domed structure that is typical of mosques all over the
world. Built in 1986 by a Turkish architect, Vedat Dalokay, the mosque
looks like a tent pitched in a dessert, with four spires towering up
from each of its corners. The mosque can hold nearly 70,000 worshippers,
with space to accommodate about 10,000 people in the central prayer
hall.
4. Saidpur Village
The Entrance to the Historic Saidpur Village
The revived town of Saidpur
lies at the foothills of the mountains that surround the capital and
provide a welcome break from modern life. Visiting this part of
Islamabad is like taking a trip through history, where you can
experience life in an authentic village even in the 21st
century. While modern life has found its way into the settlements here,
it has been incorporated in a manner that blends all the modern eateries
into the ancient surroundings. The village itself is more than 500
years old, but it was renovated by the CDA (Capital Development
Authority) in 2006.
Natural and Scenic Attractions
Islamabad’s location and close proximity to the Margalla Hills offers
plenty of opportunities for recreation and exploration among the
wilderness. The most scenic tourist attractions in Islamabad are:
5. Margalla Hills
The Margalla Hills Offer a Scenic View of the City
It goes without saying that if you live near the mountains, you’ll
probably want to spend some time exploring them. The feeling is no
different for tourists visiting Islamabad, and for those who want to see
the wilderness up close. Hiking trails are marked throughout the hills
and enthusiasts often backpack through them at their leisure. The hills
are ideal for bird watchers as well since many species call the hills
their home. Exploring Margalla Hills is a unique experience and offers panoramic views of Islamabad once you make it to the top.
6. Daman-e-Koh
While many might argue that they are the same, Daman-e-Koh,
translated into ‘foothills’, is actually a viewing point on Margalla
Hills, from where you can get a fabulous bird’s eye view of the entire
city spread out in front of you. The beautiful Faisal Mosque is also
visible from here. You can choose to visit the point while you hike
through Margalla Hills or drive up here by road.
7. Rawal Lake
Streams flowing down from Margalla Hills collect at a reservoir which
forms Rawal Lake. Paddle and motor boats are available here for a
fun-filled afternoon. Having a picnic at Lake View Park is also an
option when you are considering things to do in Islamabad. However,
visiting the lake at sunset will give you the best views of the scenic
beauty that awaits you.
Eating and Shopping Destinations
If you are heading to Islamabad as a tourist, there are certain
eating and shopping destinations that you should not miss. Every visitor
to the city should, at least once, enjoy dinner at the famous Monal
Restaurant and visit the following shopping destinations:
8. Monal Restaurant
Don’t Miss Your Reservation at the Best Restaurant in Islamabad
Located at a short hike upwards from Daman-e-Koh, Monal restaurant is
the best restaurant in Islamabad, offering not just delicious food but
also amazing views of the city spread out in front of the hills. While
the menu offers everything from fast food, pizza, and pasta, to
continental and oriental cuisine, Monal is best known for its Pakistani
cuisine. Their must-try food items include Handi, Biryani, and a range
of barbeque dishes.
9. Jinnah Super Market
It Remains the Go-To Market for High-End Shopping in Islamabad
While Centaurus Mall is the best mall to visit in Islamabad during
your trip, the best market for high-end brands is Jinnah Super Market in
Sector F-7 Markaz. It has a unique circular shape with shops lining
both the inner and outer sides of the circle. From branded clothing to
fancy restaurants and jewellery stores, this is the place to go for
shopping in Islamabad if you want to skip the malls.
10. Sunday Bazaar
Called Sunday or Itwar Bazaar, this market is open on other days of
the week as well. Although the most popular of these is the one in
Sector G-11, smaller bazaars are set up in different sectors across
Islamabad. These markets are often open on Tuesdays or Fridays as well,
and offer everything from fresh produce to clothing, tech accessories,
and more. As a foreign tourist who is eager to explore Islamabad and its
bazaars, you should know that haggling is a common practice in
Pakistani street markets and while some easy bargaining tips can help you secure a good deal, it is advised that you let a trustworthy local accompany you on your shopping spree.
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