Islamabad

Understand

Although the majority of the population in Islamabad traditionally have been employees of the Federal Government, the wealth of the Musharraf years fuelled a boom in Islamabad and it has become an important financial and business centre. In the last decade there have been vast changes in the city's traditional reputation. From it being a typical 9-to-5 city, Islamabad has become more lively with many new restaurants and hotels springing up to service this new wealth. A lot of international food chains have opened, and generally a great improvement in night life with increasing shopping areas opening till late. However, during winter season streets are considerably quiet after dark. Even now, Islamabad remains a city where people come from all over the country to enjoy its peaceful, noise-free atmosphere with a lot of greenery and nice surrounding scenery. It also serves as a base camp for people from the south and coastal areas like Karachi, visiting relatively lush valleys such as Swat and Kaghan together with northern areas like Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu and Chitral in the Himalayas mountains.

Zones and sectors

ICT covers an area of 1,165.5 km2 (450 mi2), and 906 km2 (349.8 mi2) of that is Islamabad proper, which is divided into five zones:

Zone I – Consists mainly of all the developed residential sectors. Zone II – Consists of the under-developed residential sectors. Zone III – Consists primarily of the Margalla Hills and Margalla Hills National Park. Rawal Lake is also in this zone. Zone IV – The largest in area. Contains a portion of the Islamabad park, along with some rural areas. Zone V – Consists of the other portion of the Islamabad park, and also some rural areas. Travellers will soon notice that Zones 1 and 2 are laid out on a grid system comprising sectors. Each sector is identified by a letter of the alphabet and a number, and covers an area of approximately 2 × 2 km (unless it is crosscut by another zone's boundary). Each sector is subdivided into four numbered sub-sectors (e.g. E-7/1, E-7/2, E-7/3, and E-7/4). The sectors are lettered alphabetically A–I and numbered 5–17. There are no sectors numbered 1–4, as the area to the northeast that would otherwise have contained such sectors is not subject to the sector scheme (it also encompasses northeastern "halves" of G-5 and F-5, i.e. what would have been G-5/3, G-5/4, F-5/3, and F-5/4). The following are some of the best-known sectors:

E-7, F-5, F-6, F-7, G-5, G-6, and G-7 are the oldest sectors. F6 and F7 are where most of the action happens, and may be the most desirable option for accomm

Getting there

By plane 1 New Islamabad International Airport (ISB IATA). Opened May 2018, this airport is set to completely revolutionize air travel in the city. The airport is 20 km from central Islamabad. The terminal includes 15 gates with ten remote gates, a 4-star hotel, duty-free shops, food court and 42 immigration counters. Level I: international and domestic passengers’ arrival area and collection bays for baggage. At level II – there are the domestic arrivals and departure lounges, boarding bridges, car parking, and Immigration counters for international passengers. Level III: international and domestic check-ins – baggage drop after check-in security scanning, international immigration departure and other airlines offices. The airport is connected to Islamabad via the Kashmir Highway and Rawalpindi via the GT Road. A four-lane highway is also under construction to serve cargo traffic. The Islamabad Metrobus is being expanded to connect the airport. It receives flights from a variety of international destinations, including from Europe with Turkish Airlines (London, Manchester, Birmingham, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris, Istanbul), the Middle East with Emirates, Pakistan International Airlines - PIA, AirBlue (Sharjah, Muscat and Doha), Iraqi Airways (Baghdad) and other Asian cities such as Urumqi with China Southern Airlines and Bangkok with Thai Airways. Other international destinations are served direct from Karachi and Lahore, including the only link to central Asia (Uzbekistan Airways fly from Lahore to Tashkent). Direct flights from London by British Airways resumed in June 2019. (updated May 2018) To go to the city center take orange Metro Bus line (cheaper) or a taxi. The taxi costs about US$15 (2025). Drivers may ask more, but bargain hard and set the price before the ride.

By bus Niazi Express, Skyways and Daewoo Sammi (☏ +92 51 111 007 008) are some of the nicer long-haul operators. Skyways offer some direct services to/from Islamabad and Lahore, Peshawar and Karachi. Daewoo has its own terminal on the road from Islamabad just outside Rawalpindi. The majority of buses arrive and depart from Rawalpindi, a few kilometers and a 45-minute taxi ride from Islamabad. It's best to book Daewoo by phone in advance if possible. They serve Karachi, Peshawar, Lahore, Murree, Sialkot, Abottabad, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad and Multan. Faisal Movers, NATCO and some other companies connect to Gilgit and Hunza Valley.

By train Despite Islamabad have its railway station in sector I-9, majority travel through the railway station in the neighbouring city Rawalpindi,

Getting around

Maps If you want a paper city map (you'll love to have one, just to see the difference in map making), you can buy one in the bookstore in Centaurus Mall.

By taxi Taxis in Islamabad are abundant and popular. They are generally safe, but you may be initially shocked by the lack of safety belts, or lack of habit of using them. Most characteristic taxi car is a small Suzuki Mehran (people say these don't break), without taxi signs. Taxi costs around Rs 200 (2025) per sector traveled, depending on your bargaining skills. Travel to and from airport is more expensive, you can bargain down to US$15. Prices will be higher at night, especially departing from places like Jinnah Super (F-7). It is always advisable to agree the fare before traveling. There are also motorcycle taxis, cheaper than cars. They may be handy, but for your safety (you ride without a helmet, pretty fast and among other traffic) you should consider taxi car instead. Most of the people prefer using Careem or InDrive, as ride-sharing is one of the cheaper means of transportation. The cheapest way to travel is through calling Careem Bike.

By car Car hire is also a good way of getting around. Although road signs and directions are only available on main roads, the city's grid and numbering system make it relatively easy to find your way around. There are various car hire companies in Blue Area F-6 and also in G-8 Markaz where cars can be hired with drivers. Most major hotels have their own car hire services and are relatively cheap. A tip to the driver at the end of the booking period is always appreciated but not mandatory.

By bus

The city has implemented two bus rapid transit (BRT) lines, known locally as Metro Bus. The red line travels from the northeast corner of Islamabad to Rawalpindi Saddar. The orange line connects (at Peshawar Morr Interchange also known as G-9 interchange; Faiz Ahmad Faiz stop) this to the airport via shuttle. There are also blue and green lines heading south and east, but these use a different ticketing system and run on the highway with regular traffic. Regarding the red and orange lines, the fleet uses modern articulated buses on dedicated roads without traffic lights and collisions, like a real metro. The front most section is reserved for women and children and stops are marked and announced in both Urdu and English. Although the system is built for both single tickets and rechargeable cards, it seems in practice only single tickets are available from the staffed ticket booths for Rs 30 (Jan 2025). The top half of the ticket is taken upon entering the

See

Museums and art galleries 1 Lok Virsa Museum. Shakarparian Park (next to H7 & G8) US$5 for foreigners. Definitely worth a visit.Islamabad's premier museum featuring more than 25 large galleries in four blocks linked through passages depicting cultural linkages with Iran, Central Asia and China. There are large halls dedicated to architecture, musical heritage, textiles, romances, Sufi shrines and several other cultural themes. It has a large collection of embroidered costumes, jewellery, woodwork, metalwork, block printing, ivory and bone work on display. The Heritage Reference Library of Museum has a great collection of data on art, music, history and crafts of all regions of Pakistan. Books on culture, heritage, audio and video cassettes of folk and classical vocal and instrumental music are sold at the Lok Virsa's Sales Centre. Lok Virsa celebrates the national events in a befitting manner with musical concerts, exhibitions and public film shows on cultural heritage. 2 Golra Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum, Golra Sharif train station, ☏ +92 51 4316954. 08:00-16:00. A little known gem - worth seeking out for a trip back in time to the glory days of the North West Railway - the station house has been renovated and houses a small museum, and several old locomotives and rolling stock are there to be explored. Makes a nice cycle-ride from Islamabad. 3 Pakistan Museum of Natural History. This is more a place for school trips than a tourist destination - however there is an impressive blue whale skeleton outside. 4 National Art Gallery, F5/1. Opened in 2007, the gallery is a modern, light filled, air conditioned edifice that would not be out of place in many European cities. A diverting collection of almost 450 art pieces, purchased or gifted by the artists for National Art Gallery. Covers a surprising diversity of contemporary and classical paintings, sculpture and other installations. The Gallery is also home to an indoor and outdoor theatre (word-of-mouth and local press for schedules). Open 7 days a week - from 11:00-13:00 (free) and 14:00-19:00 (Rs. 500) - hence it is empty in the afternoons and you may find yourself trailed by gallery staff turning the lights on and off for you! In F5/1, on the corner of Jinnah & Constitution avenues, opposite the Parliament building.

Parks, viewpoints and green spaces

5 Daman-e-Koh. A lookout point in the hills above E-6 with great views of the city on a clear day/night. Its beauty is enhanced by the greenery and flowers at different sites. High quality restaurants, good food, live music, hiking trails and

Do

The Margalla Hills are effectively foothills of the Himalayas – and are very easily accessible from Islamabad. However these are quite big, steep hills, and shouldn't be underestimated – if you are planning on a walk up to the top of the first ridge (i.e. where the shuttered Monal restaurant is) then sturdy footwear, a large water bottle, and a change of t-shirt are necessary (good chance you'll be drenched in sweat by the time you get to the top). Between March and November it is best to start walking in the early morning (before 7:30AM, or 6:30AM in the height of summer) as it is uncomfortably hot during the day. Go karting - F1 Traxx - Lake View Park (Rawal Lake) - there is another track in Bahria Town, Rawalpindi Climbing - there is a climbing wall in Rawal Lake's Lake View Park Para Gliding – at Margalla Hills. The Pakistan Adventure Foundation is the place to call, reservations are recommended. Cycling – Mountain biking is fast becoming a much-loved activity because of the weather and the terrain. If you're in the mood for some adventurous cycling down one of Islamabad's beautifully scenic bike trails, get your bike ready. Information can again be had from the ASG's hiking publication. Cheap bikes can be purchased for Rs 6,000-10,000 in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Alternatively you can hire decent quality bikes from K2Riders - based in F8/2.

Art & Craft Village, Shakarparian - Near Rose and Jasmine Garden in Shakarparian National Park (across the Kashmir Highway on 7th Avenue). 11:00 to 19:00. A craft bazaar with a food court serving 5 regional cuisines plus 3 Chai Khanas serving assorted teas and snacks. Built by the local Capital Development Authority but conceptualised and supervised by the Indus Heritage Trust.

Buy

Foreign currency exchange is easily available in Centaurus Shopping Mall and from F-6 Blue Area (the central business district along the Jinnah Avenue) where there are hundreds of offices (check with a few of them before going ahead with it). Each sector having its own central shopping area (or markaz) where all local amenities are found. Some of the more popular markazes are the F6 Markaz (aka Super Market) F7 Markaz (aka Jinnah Market), G6 Markaz (aka Melody Park), G9 Markaz (aka Karachi Company) and so on. There isn't much going on in the markets of F8, G7 an G8 that would interest the tourist. Each markaz has its own peculiarities and each one is worth visiting individually. However most things are catered for in each markaz, i.e. clothing, shoes, fast food etc. There's always a real buzz in the evenings when all the shoppers come out, particularly in the run up to Eid.

Metro. Way out in I11 is a huge Walmart type store selling groceries and household goods. Prices are good but not the cheapest in Islamabad - but if you are looking for a western style shopping trolley experience this is your best bet. 7th Avenue, at Jinnah Super Market (F7 Markaz), has large selection of western food products. Handicrafts. The Capital Development Authority has established a handicrafts village near Super Market, where small stalls with handicrafts from around the country are available. You should be able to walk from there to Mahraja (next to United Bakery) and find plenty of other stores much larger and with a much better collection of handicrafts and traditional items. This is a must-visit for all first time visitors and a useful stop for quick gift items for people back home. A good present for the ladies is Pashmina shawls or wraps, which can cost between US$15 and $700. Remember to bargain, you will be charged Gora price. Thread View Gallery, Super Market, F-6, ☏ +92 51 2825697, +92 333 3598610, [email protected]. 11AM-10PM. Cashmere pashmina, Jamavar shawls, Cashmere pullovers, kilims, carpets, old and new embroidery. (updated Feb 2026) Haroons, a place to shop for gifts and women accessories. In Super Market. Art. See above. Some of the places to visit are The National Art Gallery and Nomad Art Gallery. Saeed Book Bank is the largest book store in the city, in the F-7 Markaz. A wide variety, from old books of local interest ("The Story of the Malakand Field Force" by Churchill, for instance) to modern best-sellers. Plenty about geopolitics and war in Pakistan and Afghanistan as well. Furniture. There are places selling antique or new furniture

Eat

At first glance the visitor may feel that Islamabad offers little to excite the taste-buds, however beneath the surface there is a thriving restaurant scene. There are many typical dhabbas (small restaurants) which offer traditional food. Many of the better restaurants are away from the main markets of F6 and F7. Most do not serve alcohol, but some allow you to bring your own. Call ahead to ask. For ease of use restaurants are organised by sector:

F-6 Table Talk, Khosar Market, ☏ +92 51 227-1927. lunch and dinner. Understated, home-cooked, well presented Asian and European food, in a small, cosy inside-outside restaurant with London Books (shop) next door. The place is aimed squarely at the expat market, and priced with this in mind. Owner also runs Riffy's restaurant in Chak Sharzad - call for details. Nando's, F6 super market, south side, ☏ +92 51 111 626 367. lunch and dinner. Branch of the popular chicken chain. mains Rs 1000.

F-7 Khiva, Mezzanine Floor Jinnah Super Market, F-7 Markaz. Offers a Central Asia Cuisine. It has indoor and outdoor seating. (updated Sep 2020) The Corner Deli by Pappasallis, F-7 Markaz (Jinnah Super), ☏ +92 51 265-0550. Very well known place (Please ask any local shop for directions) for steaks and pizzas since 1991. Prices are quite high for Pakistani standards, but from a Western perspective still very cheap. Kitchen Cuisine / KC Grill, 81 Bhittai Rd (just off the southeast corner of Jinnah Super), ☏ +92 51 2655712. F. Adequate cafe restaurant with a nice terrace - serves European and Pakistani cuisine at reasonable prices (mains Rs 400). There is a popular bakery with really fresh and tasty bakery products downstairs, including chocolate fudge cakes, cheese cakes and low cholesterol items. Made to Order services are also available. Hot Spot, One of the few places that Islamabad can claim as theirs first. F-7/3 (Gol Market) also offers a great ice-cream place. Though the menu has expanded from just ice-cream to milkshakes, pies, sandwiches and plenty more, the place still has the feel of an ice-cream joint. With a unique, rather artistic decor, Hot Spot is a must visit for any first time traveller to Islamabad. Olive Garden, Street No.4, Goll Market, F7/3, ☏ +92 51 2610914. lunch until late. Set in the wealthy back streets of F7 the Olive Garden is popular with wealthy Pakistani's and is a great place to people watch on a weekend. Food is variable, but the setting is nice, with a fire pit in winter, and plenty of sheesha. Not part of the American chain. Rs. 500 for mains. Kabul Restaurant, F-7 Markaz (Jin

Drink & nightlife

Drinking alcohol in public is nominally banned although most of the top end hotels have their own bars, as do some of the larger embassies if you befriend a diplomat. The windowless basement sports bar in the Marriott is probably the most frequented of the hotel bars. Most Pakistanis though would find it extremely rude and offensive if you show or drink alcohol in public. Night Life is exists, but it's not easy to find. There are no open 'night clubs' in the city - however periodic special events are organised in various venues about once every two months - spread by word-of-mouth. Less excitingly some of the embassy clubs in the diplomatic enclave have 'dance parties' and the like but these tend to be exclusively expatriate and rather low brow. Non-Muslim visitors can obtain from the local police a so-called 'non-Muslim declaration'. This permit gives you the right to legally buy a limited amount of alcoholic drinks like bottles of wine or beer. For instance, Pakistan's small Christian, Hindu and Sikh minority is by law allowed to consume alcohol. Try local brands like Murree Brewery, in addition to that there are other brands such as Budweiser and Bavaria with non-alcoholic beer. There is a small off-license around the side of the Marriot hotel (next to the dry cleaners) - you'll need a 'non-Muslim declaration' (or maybe just a foreign passport if you turn on the charm) to be able to buy anything. In soft drinks, all the usual western brands are available but better to try local limca cola which makes "pop" sound when opened. you can also try Pakola; Pakistan's premier soft drink brand which is available in different flavours like Ice cream soda, Lychee, Orange, Raspberry, Apple sidra, Vino, Double cola, Bubble up etc. A 'fresh lime 7-up' is a better alternative for people who don't like standard soft drinks. In other drinks try strawberry milk shakes and dhamaka soda (dhamaka means bang - the bang that happens when one opens the bottle) from Jinnah super market.

Mocca Coffee, Shop #1, Kohsar Market, F-6/3 (Main Kohsar Market). The classic expat coffee shop - typically expensive with exclusive decor, display and sale of world-renowned contemporary Nordic design, such as Georg Jensen, Arne Jacobsen, Stelton, Eva-trio and Rosendahl.

Sleep

Best quality for money hotels are in G-9.

Budget Budget accommodation in Islamabad is fairly lacklustre and of questionable cleanliness. There are many guesthouses around the city that make a nice alternative to a hotel.

The Boys Hostel (TBH), G-8 (campus), F-10 (Campus) & G-10 (Campus), ☏ +92 51 2102352, +92 51 2256705, +92 51 2224012. Hotel Blue Sky, Sitara Market, G-7 Markaz. Double rooms from Rs 300, with cable TV from Rs 400. +92 333 5584264 Hotel Ambassador Inn, Plot 1-C Khayaban-e-Suhrwardy, Aabpara G 6/1 G-6. Business hotel with restaurant. Miraj Hotel Islamabad (معراج ہوٹل), G-9 Markaz, Karachi Company, ☏ +92 30 95137965. Caravan Park Near Fatima Jinnah Hostel near the Shakarparian Hills. This place is open and accessible only for foreigners, making it exclusive and safe. Adequate facilities are provided to make visitors to the area comfortable and at home. Rs 50 per person, Rs 100 per vehicle (bicycles free). Popular with overlanders. 1 Fatima Jinnah Hostel (next to Pakistan Sports Complex in Shakarparian National Park). (updated Sep 2020)

Mid-range Royal Grace Guest House, Islamabad, H 8, Justice Abdul Rasheed Road, F-6/1, ☏ +92 331 8557730. 3-star range GuestHouse with 5MB WiFi@Fiberoptic, air conditioning & heating, powerbackup. Starting from Rs 7442 per night. Continental House, 94-A Nazimuddin Road, F-8/4 (near Centaurus), ☏ +92 51 2256670, [email protected]. starting around Rs 3,000/night. Crown Plaza Hotel, 99-E Jinnah Ave, Block I G 7/2 Blue Area (near Citibank and Zero-poin), ☏ +92-51-2347080. 4-star range hotel (not related to the Crowne Plaza chain). around Rs 11080/night. Envoy Continental Hotel, 111-F Fazal-e-Haq Road, Blue Area (near Clinc Chowk), ☏ +92 51 2348246, [email protected]. 3-star range hotel, nice rooftop restaurant, internet center and phone center. around Rs9923/night. Paramid International Guest House, House # 248, Street # 31,G-8/2, ☏ +92-300-8525521, [email protected]. 3-star range guesthouse with WiFi, air conditioner and heated rooms. Starting around Rs 1800-2800/night. Rooms Islamabad, Street 50, Rohtas Road, G-9/1, ☏ +92 (364) 4912278, [email protected]. 4-star range Guest House with in-room LCD TVs, satellite channels, powerbackup, and WiFi, available to let on daily, weekly and monthly basis. Starting from Rs 2,000 per night.

Splurge Riviera Courtyard Guest House, House # 5 Street 46, F-8/1 F 8/1 F-8, ☏ +92 51 2816156. A corporate-only premium service guest house and business centre in the heart of the city. Islamabad Serena Hotel, Khayaban-e-Suhr

Go next

Islamabad is well situated for day trips and weekend trips to nearby cities and attractions.

Day trips Rawalpindi Taxila, an ancient Buddhist and Hindu site with strong Greek influence from Alexander the Great's time. Worth a visit and a picnic. Should you be interested further in the subject, guided tours can be arranged for sites around the museum. Murree & the Galis, One hour scenic journey through beautiful mountains to the hill resort of Murree which is a nice place to visit especially during the summer. A small place has a weather entirely different to that of Islamabad and much similar to most cities of Northern Europe. However the town is suffering under the sheer number of visitors and the small number of colonial buildings have been swamped by a plethora of cheap hotels - and consequently many visitors feel the town does not live up to its guidebook hype. Chairlifts of Murree and Patriata, Kashmir point are attractions for tourists. A 2-km "Mall" is the center of gravity of Murree where all the shops and hotels are located. If you want to escape the crowds head further north towards Nathia Gali where there are several small towns with easy access to the mountains. The roads to Murree are very winding and busy - and not fun to drive in the dark. Driving through Murree is also not much fun. Simly Dam It is about 30 km east of Islamabad (look for the route on Google maps). A very picturesque lake spread over an area of 28,750 acres. There is not much there, some walking trails to the side of the lake (not possible to do a full circuit) and there is a guesthouse / lodge / cafe place on the dam itself. This isn't a place many Islamabad dwellers visit, and can be eerily quiet - best not to visit alone. Rawat Fort and the Mankiala Stupa to the south of Rawalpindi can fill an afternoon Khan Pur Lake a 1-hour drive north-west of the city. Kallar Kahar lake is 2 hours down the motorway - can go boating on the lake and visit some pleasant nearby shrines. Ketas Temples and the Khewra Salt mines makes for a pleasant day trip - the Salt Mines are good to visit in the summer as a place to escape the punishing heat of the salt range. The road between Ketas and Khewra is also spectacular. Malot temple in the Salt Range makes for an off-the-beaten-track destination about a 2-hour drive from Islamabad down the motorway. Coordinates are 32.684537° N 72.799391° E. You need to drive through the Lafarge cement factory to get there - the vista is as spectacular as the temple - and a nice spot for a picnic. Chiniot is an oft-overlooked gem just off the motorw