10 Islamabad Best Tourist Places: Guide to Pakistan’s Capital City

Islamabad the capital of Pakistan is reputed architecturally for mosques, greenery, and its peaceful environment. While most other cities in the world are increasingly becoming concrete jungles, Islamabad is a beautiful city that cuts across natural features and rhymes with business, innovation, and technology. In this history beautiful city, there is something that will interest every single soul; history, nature, food, or whatever else you fancy. Below is the list of the 10 Islamabad Best Tourist Places: Guide to Pakistan’s Capital City

Islamabad Map

 Ismalabad Postal Code

Choose the correct postal code Islamabad based on the specific area, from Isl Gpo Npo area (Postal Code: 04401) to Isl Cabinet Block So (Postal Code: 04407).

Here are the 10 Islamabad Best Tourist Places: Guide to Pakistan’s Capital City

1. Faisal Mosque

• Why Visit?: Faisal Mosque is another of its kind designed in the trends of modern Islamic architecture is not only a mosque but also a historic sightseeing point in Pakistan. Its triangular shape resembling a desert tent and it”s sitting at the feet of the Margalla hills makes it a place tourists would want to visit in Islamabad. The mosque is in the midst of nicely designed gardens and comes with a highly serene environment that attracts tourists for the true spirit of praying.

• Don’t Miss: Visit the beautiful and sparkling praying place with the nice scripts inscribed on the walls and a large open yard with a beautiful view of the Margalla Hills. Do not leave the architecture tours before the sunset to take beautiful photos of the buildings.

Budget Tip: It is free to enter which makes it an economical site. One can only visit the facility in the early morning or in the evening when there are few people around to have a great opportunity to view the mosque.

2. Daman-e-Koh

• Why Visit?: Located in Margalla Hills Daman-e-Koh overlooks Islamabad and happens to be the top attraction point for the city. It offers good views of the city as it is positioned at a top point; a result of this is that it attracts local and international visitors. This now makes it a good getaway location from the noisy city life, as it remained calm, with the breeze flowing gently.

• Don’t Miss: Ensure that you come early evening because you will find the city light beautiful during the evening. Look out for monkeys scrambling about in the forest to the perimeter of the site. You may also be privileged to see some other kinds of birds that are often found in the region.

Budget Tip: Daman-e-Koh is also a favorite picnic point with no entry fee and is therefore considered inexpensive. You are allowed to bring your snacks or lunch so that you can take a picnic in the course of enjoying the stunning sceneries of Islamabad.

3. Rawal Lake

• Why Visit?: Rawal Lake is a calm artificial water body which is an important landmark of the city being its chief source of water and a perfect tourist destination. Located in a dense forest, it could be an appropriate place for those, who want to spend time quietly without city noise. Whether a person feels like taking his or her family and friends for a picnic or just has an individual desire to spend some quality time with the calm company of nature then this lake is perfect for all. This together with the quiet nature and clear water makes the fullest part of the lake a sight to behold when one is admiring the best time in the evening or morning.

• Don’t Miss: Visit Lake View Park where amenities include good quality and well-maintained pathways for walking & jogging, exotic gardens, and recreational parks for children. This feature allows adventurous persons to practice boating, and fishing as well as bird watching. Right opposite we have the terraced gardens where one can take beautiful lyrical photographs.

Budget Tip: Admission into the park is not expensive and within a reasonable range you can hire paddle boats for water activity. Another way of reducing the cost of food is to carry along with you some snacks to take when having a wonderful time having a picnic by the side of the lake.

4. Lok Virsa Museum

• Why Visit?: Lok Virsa Museum is itself a memoir of the magnificent and variegated cultural eyot of Pakistan. A traditional section, art, and crafts, textiles section, and historical sections, all give the histories of Pakistan’s regions and people. To the befitting and enthralled audience who have an interest in learning about the country’s colorful and rich cultural heritage, the center provides that indispensable informative factor.

• Don’t Miss: Visit the unroofed museum depicting human life and spiritual Sufis of Pakistan and take a walk into the spiritual art gallery of Pakistan. In addition, the museum also hosts cultural events and live performances that give the artifacts face value and provide full-bodied images of the culture.

Budget Tip: Admission charges are low, thus it is a place that anyone would be able to go. Do not leave the museum without visiting the shop that houses artfully crafted souvenirs of different designs and at quite cheap prices giving the tourists an opportunity to take the culture of the country home

5. Shah Allah Ditta Caves

• Why Visit?: These caves are a fine example of archaeology which are located in the heart of a beautiful and calm village. These caves belong to as old as thousands of years and have been carved mostly by Buddhist monks and Hindu devotees. It is therefore a vantage point both for the annulled brief and historical background as well as peaceful natural surroundings which will attract historical and nature lovers. The tranquility of the environment of this natural wonder is complemented by the green vegetation enclosing the caves making the how and where of it all a treat for the eyes.

• Don’t Miss: Besides hiking through the archeological sites found at the caves, be sure to swim or tour the natural thermal springs which are considered to have curative powers. Trekking facilities are nearby where you can also pay a nice, natural visit to the Margalla hills at the suburban views. Make sure not to leave your camera behind for stunning landscapes could also be seen here.

Budget Tip: Although there are some bits of historical information that can be garnered on the site, it is advisable to take the services of an accredited guide to take one through the whole narrative of the site. Tourist guides are normally paid for their services and their input will hugely improve your experience. Also, it’s cost-effective to bring your own snacks and water in addition to having beautiful scenery.

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6. Saidpur Village

• Why Visit?: The Saidpur Village has an ancient feeling which makes people feel the culture of the area and has a modern feel to it. This is an exceedingly beautiful village located at the base of the Margalla Hills which has been well preserved with its ramped streets, and flowing colonial buildings, all of which capture the old world charm. It also contains contemporary cafes, art galleries as well as boutique shops hence being the favorite place for cultural as well as social tourists.

• Don’t Miss: Spend some moments and explore the ancient Hindu temple proving that this village had existence in multi-tribes. Wander about the pottery and ceramic shops as well as stores selling homemade locally crafted items. Besides this, what is too striking is the firsthand view of the beautiful hills and some beautiful shots of the lively village.

Budget Tip: Taste the real village foods at budget meals which are available in the village restaurants. Almost all the cafes and restaurants have their seating arrangement outdoors so one can dine while enjoying the sight of Margalla hills. Going in off peak can also be another way to avoid many people and also make your trip all the better.

7. Pakistan Monument

• Why Visit?: The Pakistan Monument is a beautiful landmark to represent the four provinces and three zones of the Pakistan state. Its mind-blowing architectural design is an elongated petal which signifies its operation in modern times as well as the scholarly tradition of the nation. Located at Shakarparian Hills, the monument has excellent view of Islamabad city and its neighboring areas. There is enough space surrounded the structure to create a small park, and it also is designed and maintained to provide a great atmosphere for relaxation, and contemplation.

• Don’t Miss: The nearby Pakistan Monument Museum will be very useful, if one wishes to know more about Pakistan’s history and freedom fight. Sophisticated display and models are depicting the scenario of the creation of Pakistan along with the articles, tools, and other aid. In the evening, the whole structure is especially well lit and photographed in the evenings and it is a perfect place for a romantic walk.

Budget Tip: The entrance fee for the monument and for visiting the museum is reasonable, which therefore means that going for a trip there does not require you to break the bank to be able to afford the trip. Just as seeing the monument at night helps in viewing the well-lighted monuments, it also assists in escaping from the hot sun and be privileged to see the beautiful city light at night. The best thing is, if you bring along your own snack or drink in a Tupperware or a thermos flask it can reduce the cost even further!

8. Margalla Hills National Park

• Why Visit?:Margalla Hills National Park is an extremely attractive center for the lovers of active recreation and nature lovers. The park is spread over an area of 17,000 hectares with some animals like leopards, barking deer and the number of avi birds etc. It’s also a home for exotic large tracts of greenfield and landscapes perfect for a calm and quiet relief from the rushing bustles of the metro. For those who love the outdoors, embrace nature, love taking a hike, or watching birds, this park is for you.

• Don’t Miss: Amongst all the trails, the Trail 3 hike is one of the most famous, and while hiking up to the top of the Trail 3 you are equally rewarded with beautiful panoramic view of Islamabad. Trail 5 is relatively easier to follow and provides trail through the shaded paths and leads up to streams. Visitors also can enjoy a tour to the Islamabad zoo and wildlife sanctuary inside this park. You should not leave home without a camera in order to capture the natural sights and sounds of the park.

Budget Tip: There are no admission charges to get into the park and therefore anyone planning to visit should consider themselves as finding themselves with cheap travel. Take some water, some food, and a bag to take your waste away, if you don’t want to leave a mess behind. If you are planing to do hiking, wear comfortable shoes and do the z highlighting the tips to ensure that travelers avoid the midday sun heat on the day of their hiking.

9. Centaurus Mall

• Why Visit?: Besides being a shopping complex, Centaurus Mall is also far more than that; it’s a contemporary city of fun. It stretches across several floors of the building and features both the franchises of the global famous companies and boutiques of the Middle Eastern outlets for everyone’s taste. This also makes it a perfect place to have some time off and engage in some indoor adventures; It’s perfect for young parents with children and just a group of friends. This modern architecture mall with a boisterous environment facilitates those visiting Islamabad.

• Don’t Miss: Among all amenities offered at Centaurus Mall there is a food court – this is one of the most popular places here with a great variety of the types of cuisine offered and with the types of food offered including traditional Pakistani food, fast food, and international food. Another one is the cinema complex which offers excellent opportunity to watch films. Be sure to look at the rooftop space, they occasionally organize different events, and from there you can see a skyline of the city.

Budget Tip: Look for possibilities to save your money during the specials, hot offers, and sales. Some fast foods in the food court also have packages offer and thus one can be able to taste the foods they sell at reasonable prices. Avoid going shopping during the weekend, they may also offer shopping during the weekdays, to allow you to choose your best time.

10. F-9 Park (Fatima Jinnah Park)

• Why Visit?: Named after the first woman to be elected into Pakistan’s parliament, Fatima Jinnah Park, also called F-9 Park is one of the biggest parks in South Asia and a perfect place to relax in the middle of the bustling Islamabad. Located over several acres, this park is best suited for a jog, bicycle ride or anyone in for a calm environment. It has well lit and paved walkway, beautiful green garden area which is nicely maintained, benches with shades which taboo that this park is ideal for children and exercise lovers. Besides, central location means that it is easy to get there from any other regions of the city.

• Don’t Miss: A play area for children is available to families and includes swings, slides as well as a large open area for children to play. Couples and admirers of physical fitness will like the outdoor gym, which has several functional fitness machines and outlets made of high-quality steel; thus, everyone is welcome to have an exciting training session with nature. Also, it is equipped with quiet places ideal for spending time at the picnic or reading a book in the shadow of the trees. It is most probable to see tents with local products like snacks and toys touring the park which gives it the touch of a weekend park.Budget Tip: In fact, the accessibility to F-9 Park is completely free of charge, and thus one of the most affordable recreational green areas in Islamabad. Carry your own food and beverages that will save you a lot of money when on the tour. These 2 points allows one to avoid too much heat in the day and the many tourists who would have converged at the park by noon.

Honest Tips for Travelers:

• Best Time to Visit: The best two seasons for weather-friendly for tourists to travel within the region would be the spring season between March and May and autumn between September and November.
• Local Transport: There are applications in our smart phones for ordering tyres or moving around within the city such as Uber or Careem.
• Stay Options: Starting from the relatively cheap and small private lodgings to lavish hotels and comfy suites, it has something to offer for every wallet’s thickness. There are also quiet Airbnb places in calm residential areas.
• Cultural Etiquette: When visiting religious sites try to always dress appropriately and be sensitive to cultural norms.

Estimated Budget:

• Accommodation: From ₨4000 to ₨ 12000 per night depending on the places and services.
• Food: Modified prices range from Ksh 500-Ksh 1500 per meal at local restaurants.
• Transportation: Between ₨200 and ₨ 500 for a ride within the city.
• Attractions: Some websites have no charges at all while others charge a reasonable fee ($100-$500).

Islamabad is the golden era city with contemporary architecture and kaliandra; there is a little something for everyone out there. History and nature-rich city or to put it simply, an adventurous city like no other. If you follow these no-nonsense tips, it is possible to examine all the beautiful tourist destinations in Islamabad without having to spend a fortune.

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