Islamabad – What to See in the Capital of Pakistan?

Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, is a completely new city built in the 1960s, which sets it apart significantly from other cities in the country. Aside from its different layout, the city lacks the characteristic chaos found in other Pakistani cities.

One reason for this is that Islamabad is relatively expensive, so there isn’t as much demand for street food. Additionally, there isn’t as much motorbike or cart traffic with animals, as seen in other cities. For such sights, it’s better to visit the neighboring city of Rawalpindi, which previously served as the capital.

Returning to the topic of exploring Islamabad, in this post, I’ll take you through popular attractions, recommend some eateries, and suggest where you can book accommodation.

Attractions in Islamabad

Islamabad was created in the 1960s. Its architect, Greek Constantinos Apostolou Doxiadis, developed the city’s master plan, dividing it into different zones. However, instead of focusing on the architectural layout, I’d like to point out that the city is truly young. Therefore, the number of attractions is limited, and it lacks historical landmarks. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting; it’s a green, modern city that showcases the direction in which Pakistan can develop.

Faisal Mosque

Located at the foot of the picturesque Margalla Hills, the mosque is named after King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, who financially supported this monumental project. It’s Pakistan’s national mosque, and the fifth largest mosque in the world. From numerous proposals submitted in an international competition, the design by a Turkish architect was selected. The mosque resembles a Bedouin tent, surrounded by impressive minarets reaching a height of 79 meters. Its prayer hall can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers, and the entire complex can host up to 100,000 faithful.

The mosque is particularly scenic from the viewpoint located on the Margalla Hills.

Tips for Visitors: Visiting the mosque begins traditionally – by removing shoes before entering the courtyard. It’s best visited in the afternoon; the sunset adds to its charm. The entrance for women is on the left side of the main entrance to the prayer hall. Men pray downstairs, while women pray upstairs.

Pakistan Monument

Perched on Shakarparian Hill, the Pakistan Monument is an ideal spot for watching the sunset and is beautifully illuminated at night.

The symbolism of the Pakistan Monument emphasizes the strength and unity of the nation. Its shape resembles a blooming flower, consisting of four main petals, each representing one of Pakistan’s four provinces (Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), and two smaller petals representing minority groups (Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir).

Margalla Hills National Park

Located on the outskirts of Islamabad, the national park covers an area of over 17,000 hectares, comprising hilly terrain, forests, valleys, and clean streams. It’s a key area for nature conservation, offering an escape from the urban hustle and bustle. It’s home to various animal species such as the Bengal fox, Indian leopard, Rhesus macaque, and Indian pangolin. The park boasts numerous trekking trails, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

The highlight is the Daman-e-Koh viewpoint, offering a picturesque view of Islamabad, especially stunning at sunrise and sunset.

Interesting fact – it has already happened that a leopard ran on the streets of Islamabad.

Daman-e-Koh

This is an ideal place for a relaxing stroll amidst nature and admiring the city panorama from a height. The Faisal Mosque, Seventh Avenue, and Rawal Lake can be admired from this picturesque perspective. Situated on the Margalla Hills surrounding the northern part of Islamabad, this garden is not only a viewpoint but also a tourist attraction and a favorite spot for residents. Walking along its scenic paths, you may encounter its unusual inhabitants – free-roaming monkeys, adding charm to the place.

Monkeys in Islamabad

I mentioned monkeys, which can be found primarily in the Daman-e-Koh garden but also in other places, such as near the Faisal Mosque. They are Rhesus macaques, small monkeys weighing between 3 to 14 kilograms. Unfortunately, they are sometimes harassed on the hills, which can make them quite nervous.

Rawalpindi

If you’re visiting Pakistan and plan to see only Islamabad before heading to the mountains, I recommend visiting the nearby city of Rawalpindi. It was the capital of Pakistan before it was moved to Islamabad, and although it borders Islamabad, the two cities are quite different. Rawalpindi is more “Pakistani,” with more chaos. Islamabad is more orderly, and it’s worth seeing the contrast between the two cities.

What to Know: Rawalpindi is the sixth-largest city in Pakistan, with a population of 2,430,388. Meanwhile, Islamabad currently ranks ninth (1,266,792 inhabitants).

Centaurus Mall Shopping Center

While in Islamabad, it’s worth visiting the Centaurus Mall shopping center as it offers a wide selection of stores, both Pakistani and international. It’s a great place for souvenir shopping or picking up local clothing.

Where to Eat in Islamabad?

When it comes to restaurants and eateries in Islamabad, there are many options, but it depends on whether you like spicy food. Pakistan offers a different level of spiciness, so I recommend starting with:

• Kabul: an Afghan restaurant that is less spicy than Pakistani cuisine, with fairly similar dishes. Delicious meats, naan bread, and fresh vegetables. Highly recommended.
• Smokey Cauldron: a Harry Potter-themed restaurant where you can try a variety of dishes from different parts of the world, all prepared with passion and care.
• Loafology Bakery: an ideal place if you’re looking for a spot for a tasty breakfast, a light snack, or simply delicious bread to go. Their fresh bread, tasty sandwiches, and pastries are really good. Perfect for a quick meal during the day. Interestingly, the founder is half Polish.

Additionally, in Islamabad, it’s worth trying freshly squeezed juices; they’re delicious. Just remember to specify that you don’t want them salted.

Where to Stay in Islamabad?

If you’re looking for a reliable place to stay in Islamabad, consider staying at the Serai Boutique Hotel – Rockville House. This hotel not only offers comfortable rooms but is also located in a peaceful area, ensuring a restful sleep after a day of sightseeing. The breakfasts are tasty, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

You can find the hotel at this link.

If you’re planning a trip to Pakistan, you might be interested in the following posts:

12 Things To Know Before Visiting Pakistan

What to See in Pakistan? Attractions and Travel Plan