Pakistan’s capital city is Islamabad, which was formerly known as the Potohar region. Islamabad is a city of pristine beauty, as it occupies a large part of the Potohar upland, which means a naturally rich topographical area. With a rich history and an abundance of spots to explore, the city is the ideal destination for travelers of all sorts.
From breathtaking views of the peaks to historical museums and memorials, Islamabad offers something for every person. Here are the top 11 places to visit while you are in Islamabad.
Top 11 Places in Islamabad
Faisal Mosque:
Whenever you search for Islamabad in search engines, Faisal Mosque is the first thing you will see in the search results. The foundation stone of the mosque was laid by the late president, Marshal Ayub Khan.
Faisal Mosque is the largest mosque in Pakistan and the second largest in the world. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Pakistan. Like every other mosque, entry is free, and the mosque is open to visitors year-round.
Rawal Lake:
Rawal Lake serves as a wonderful destination for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The lake fulfills the water needs of both Islamabad and Rawalpindi cities. Families gather here on the weekends to spend some quality time.
Rawal lake offers stunning views of the Margalla Hills and the metropolis of Islamabad. There are several private boat clubs all around the lake where tourists can rent boats and go angling.
Pakistan Monument Museum:
The Pakistan Monument Museum is a must-visit spot for all history enthusiasts. The museum portrays the history and traditions of Pakistan, including its architecture, culture, art, and education. This monument is a tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation and portrays the patriotism of the people of Pakistan.
The museum is divided into two distinctive sections: the museum and the Monument. The huge flower-like structure represents seven provinces of Pakistan. Besides, the murals showcase the incredible journey to the independence and rich history of Pakistan. Visit their website to know more.
- Entry Fee:
- Adults: RS 50
- Students: RS 20
- Foreigners: RS 500
- Timings:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am to 7 pm
Lok Virsa Heritage Museum:
The Lok Virsa Museum, formerly known as the Folk Art Museum, is an incredible place to learn about the culture and traditions of Pakistan. This museum features a remarkable collection of artifacts, art, and books that can educate and edify the present and future generations altogether.
This Museum is officially known as the Pakistan National Museum of Ethnology. This museum brings all the history and culture of Pakistan together, be it conventional or from the farthest regions of Pakistan. So, if you are a History and Geographical Geek, give this place a go.
- Entry Fee:
- Adults: RS 50
- Students: RS 20
- Foreigners: RS 800
- Timings
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am to 7 pm
- Friday: 10 am to 1 pm, 2 pm to 7 pm
- Monday: Closed
Daman-e-Koh:
Daman-e-Koh is a hilltop in Islamabad city. This is a very popular picnic spot. The spot provides awe-inspiring views of the city and is an excellent spot to relax and appreciate the beautiful landscape.
You can see the whole city all at once from the hilltop. It is 730 meters above sea level and nearly 150 meters from Islamabad city. You will see monkeys roaming around throughout the winter. You can even see the Faisal Mosque from the Daman- e-Koh viewpoint.
Saidpur Village:
Saidpur Village, previously known as Fatehpur Baoli, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Islamabad. It is a recreation of a traditional Pakistani village. The Village is home to Mosque, temple, shrine, and Gurdwara together.
The village is a trendy spot for tourists and locals alike, as it stages the culture and customs of the area. The government restored the village in 2006 and converted it into a multicultural model village. There is a small museum and art gallery that exhibits historical events and facts. You will also find some small shops where you can buy clay pottery or souvenirs to make your trip memorable.
Shakar Parian Hills:
The Shakar Parian Hills are in the center of Islamabad and are a great spot for outdoor activities like trekking, camping, and sightseeing. The hills offer a great panoramic view of the city and the monument.
It is around 600 above sea level and very close to everywhere in Islamabad. This place is a paradise for landscape photographers as it offers the best views of Islamabad city. The flower gardens and fragrances will light up your mood in no time. One interesting thing you might not know is that, when foreign leaders visit Islamabad, they often come here and plant trees to promote plantation.
Bahria Enclave Zoo:
The Bahria Enclave Zoo is a terrific spot to add to your trip if you’re looking to learn more about flora and fauna. The zoo houses various species of rarest breed animals, birds, and reptiles in a perfectly healthy and peaceful atmosphere.
The zoo is expanded to an area of 20000 square meters and is home to more than 1000 breeds of birds and 90 breeds of animals. This is one of the best zoos in the world in terms of cleanliness and the environment.
Entry Fee: RS 100
F-9 Park:
Fatima Jinnah Park, more popular as F-9 Park, is the largest park in Islamabad and is a fantastic spot to take some time off and take pleasure in the outdoors. Most of its area is covered by greenery with some synthetic structures.
The park is home to a number of lakes, parks, and a variety of plants and animals. The park also serves as a wildlife sanctuary. There are entrance doors all around the park and a footpath for pedestrians.
Pir Sohawa:
Pir Sohawa is one of the rapidly developing tourist spots in Islamabad. This is a hiking area that will be converted into a resort very soon. This spot will serve as an alternative to Murree, a long-treasured hotspot for tourism in Pakistan.
Pir Sohawa is home to several restaurants including the Monal restaurant, shops, and cafes, making it an incredible spot to spend the weekends. There are 6 trails to get to the top of Pir Sohawa. You can choose whichever you find more convenient.
Margalla Hills:
The Margalla hills are a range of hills of the Himalayan Mountain Range located north of Islamabad. The spot is a paradise for nature lovers as it offers the best scenic views of the city that you have ever seen before.
The hills are home to numerous trails and the best place for hikers to spend the weekends. The Hills are very close to Rawal Lake, Pir Sohawa, and Daman e Koh. The hills host more than 50 types of butterflies, 10 species of amphibians, 400 species of birds, and 40 kinds of fish.
Food-Explore Islamabad
If you make a tour of Islamabad, be sure to check out the scrumptious food. Dishes like Biryani, Nihari, Haleem, Chapli Kebab, and Korma are must-tries. Transportation is also a breeze with ride-sharing options like Uber, Carpoolyn, and Careem.
How to go to Islamabad
To get to Islamabad from outside Pakistan, you can choose any of the available flights from anywhere in the world. But, if your country does not offer direct flights to Islamabad, you can come here through Dubai. From India, there are multiple direct flights to Islamabad from various cities. The USA offers direct flights to Islamabad from New York, Washington DC, and Chicago.
Conclusion
No matter what the western media shows, the country is a great place to explore both from a natural and historical perspective. The government is trying its best to improve security measures and is very welcoming to international tourists. Overall, Islamabad offers something for tourists of all kinds. With its rich culture, tradition, history, and breathtaking views, Islamabad is the ideal place to see the sights and encounter the beauty of Pakistan.
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