Islamabad
Save25 hand-picked places in 9 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 3 ready-made day plans ↓9 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Modern tent-shaped national mosque at the foot of Margalla Hills
- Tip: Late afternoon
2 tips
- Cover arms and legs; scarves for women
- Remove shoes at the entrance
📷 Photos
- 2
Hillside viewpoint over Islamabad on the Margalla Hills
- Tip: Late afternoon
2 tips
- Beware of monkeys
- Easy short walk from the parking
📷 Photos
- 3
Petal-shaped monument symbolising the four provinces
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Visit at sunset
- Includes a small museum
- Free park around the base
📷 Photos
- 4
Heritage museum of Pakistani folk art, crafts and culture
3 tips
- Closed on some days
- Allow 1.5 hours
- Next to the Pakistan Monument
📷 Photos
- 5
Restored village with cafes, craft shops and old temples
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Go in the evening
- Try local food at the cafes
- Short walk from Trail 3
📷 Photos
- 6
Lakeside viewpoint with boating and walking paths
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Go at sunset
- Boat rides are cheap
- Weekends are busy
📷 Photos
- 7
Popular hiking trail through pine forest above the city
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Carry water
- Use sturdy shoes
📷 Photos
- 8
Hilltop viewpoint with restaurants and cool air
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Drive up in a taxi
- Sunset views
- Dress warmly in winter
📷 Photos
- 9
Large urban park with gardens, trails and fountains
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Free entry
- Good for families
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Islamabad tips
Transportation
- Use the Metro Bus: The red line links Islamabad with Rawalpindi along a dedicated corridor, a quick way across the twin cities.
- Book rides with apps: Careem, Uber, inDrive and Yango are widely used and avoid price haggling.
- Plan around sectors: The city is divided into lettered sectors like F-7 and G-6; knowing them makes directions easier.
Security
- Carry ID: Police checkpoints are common; carry your passport or a copy.
- Check travel advisories: Follow official advice before visiting outlying areas and avoid large gatherings.
- Hike in daylight: Trails in the Margalla Hills are popular, but go in daylight and stick to marked trails.
Saving
- Eat at local dhabas: Small eateries serve karahi, daal and fresh naan at low prices.
- Explore free parks: Fatima Jinnah Park and Lake View Park are free and good for walks.
- Shop at Sunday Bazaar: The weekly market offers cheap produce, clothes and household goods.
Weather/Clothing
- Expect hot summers: May to June is very hot; dress in light cotton and drink plenty of water.
- Plan for monsoon: July and August bring heavy rains; carry an umbrella.
- Bring layers for winter: Winter mornings and nights can be chilly; pack a sweater or jacket.
Cultural
- Visit Faisal Mosque: One of the world's largest mosques; dress modestly and remove shoes before entering.
- Respect local customs: Dress conservatively and avoid public displays of affection.
- Enjoy chai culture: Tea is an important part of hospitality; accept a cup when offered.
Local Hacks
- Go up to Daman-e-Koh: The viewpoint in the Margalla Hills offers views over the city.
- Dine at Monal or Pir Sohawa: Hilltop restaurants are popular for sunset views; go early on weekends.
- Visit Saidpur Village: This restored village at the foot of the hills has cafes and heritage buildings.
1-day itineraries in Islamabad
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 3
Margalla Hills Trail 3 and around
🕘 9:30–15:15📍 4 stops
- 1Margalla Hills Trail 3
- 2Margalla Hills Trail 5
- 3Daman-e-Koh
- 4Saidpur Village
Day 2 of 3
Pakistan Monument and around
🕘 9:30–16:45📍 5 stops
- 1Shakarparian National Park
- 2Pakistan Museum of Natural History
- 3Pakistan Monument
- 4Lok Virsa Museum
- 5Centaurus Mall
Day 3 of 3
Rawal Lake View Point and around
🕘 9:30–12:15📍 3 stops
- 1Lake View Park
- 2Rawal Lake View Point
- 3Bari Imam Shrine