Are you planning a trip to Islamabad? Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan. It is full of history, culture, and natural beauty. It is perfect for all kinds of travelers. Islamabad is full of exciting experiences. In this blog, I am going to tell you the best places in Islamabad which will help you in planning your trip to Islamabad.
Introduction:
Islamabad is the city best for all travelers with its mild weather and mix of modern and traditional buildings. In this city you will see skyscrapers next to historic sites.
Before you go to Islamabad, think about when to visit and how to travel across the city. The Islamabad travel guide helps with this. It tells you the best times to come, how to move around, and things to do in Islamabad.
Timing is key when visiting Islamabad. The best months are September to November or March to May. The weather is mild and perfect for exploring. Getting around is easy with taxis, buses, and ride-hailing services. Here are some key things to think about:
Brief History of Islamabad
Islamabad’s story began in the 1960s. It was planned by the famous Greek architect Constantinos Apostolou Doxiadis. It was established in 1967 and it replaced Karachi as Pakistan’s Capital.
Best time to visit:
The spring and autumn seasons are the best times to visit Islamabad. The weather is nice and not too hot or cold.
Attractions:
From the majestic Margalla Hills to the beautiful Lake View Park, Islamabad is a city that will amaze you.
The Majestic Faisal Mosque: Islamabad’s Iconic Landmark
When you visit Islamabad Faisal Mosque is a must-see location. Faisal Mosque is the national Mosque of Pakistan. It is the fifth-largest mosque in the world and the largest mosque outside the Middle East. It is a beautiful example of modern architecture which shows the city’s rich culture. Faisal Mosque has the capacity of 10000 people at a time. Its design is a mixture of old and new designs. It is the best spot for travelers to visit in Islamabad.
Faisal Mosque is a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture. The mosque is shaped like a Bedouin Tent without a dome surrounded by 260-foot-tall minarets. It covers an area of 33 acres. It is located on an elevated area of land against a picturesque backdrop of the national park. Faisal Mosque was the largest mosque in the world from 1986 until 1993 when it was overtaken by the mosques in Saudi Arabia. Faisal Mosque is now the sixth-largest mosque in the world in terms of capacity
Pakistan Monument: A Symbol of National Unity
The Pakistan Monument is a national monument and heritage museum in Islamabad. The monument was constructed to symbolize the unity of the Pakistani nation. It is a mixture of modern and traditional designs. Pakistan Monument has 4 large petals and 3 small petals. Large petals represent the main cultures of Punjabi, Sindhi, Balochi, and Pakhtun in Pakistan. 3 small petals represent the minorities and territories of Pakistan.
Pakistan Monument covers 6.9 acres of land. Also, there is a museum in Pakistan Monument which includes a reference library, an audio-visual archive, and a conference hall. It is the best location for visitors to visit in Islamabad.
Daman-e-Koh
Daman-e-Koh is a hilltop garden in Islamabad. It is in the center of Margalla Hills. It is 2400 feet above sea level. It is the best location for enjoying beautiful views of Islamabad city. For those wanting to travel to Pakistan and see Islamabad’s best, Daman-e-Koh is perfect. You can hike, picnic, and enjoy the views. It’s great for families, couples, and solo travelers, with a calm and peaceful vibe.
Margalla Hills National Park
Margalla Hills National Park is a national park of Pakistan located in Islamabad. It is the third-largest national park in Pakistan with an area of 42960 acres. The park is a major tourist attraction in Islamabad. The park is rich in biodiversity. Especially rich in Sino-Himalayan fauna, most notably gray goral, barking deer, and the leopard. Combined, MHNP is home to around 600 plant species, 402 bird varieties, 38 mammals, and 27 species of reptiles.
Popular hiking trails in Margalla Hills National Park
- Pir Sohawa trail: a challenging hike with beautiful views of the city.
- Monal trail: a moderate hike with scenic views of the surrounding hills.
- Trail 3: an easy hike suitable for families and beginners.
The park is full of wildlife you can easily spot wildlife there including monkeys, birds, and deer. It is the best location for nature lovers. There are many species of plants, animals, and birds in MHNP. You should visit Margalla Hills National Park whenever you visit Islamabad.
Lake View Park
Lake View Park is one of the most famous locations in Islamabad. It is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Islamabad. The park contains the third-largest walk-in bird aviary in the world, which was inaugurated in 2013. It is 80 feet high and covers 3.8 acres. 4,000 birds belonging to 300 different species are housed here.
It is the best location for travelers to visit with families and solo also. You can enjoy beautiful views of the lake and can enjoy activities in Lake View Park. It is a must-see spot in Islamabad. You can find activities there:
- Boating and fishing in large lake.
- Playgrounds and picnic areas.
- A range of food and drink options including restaurants.
- Amusement park.
Centaurus Mall
When you visit Islamabad don’t miss Centaurus Mall. It is the best location for shopping and fun in the heart of Islamabad City. Centaurus Mall includes a 26-floor hotel, three 22-floor residential and office towers, and a four-floor shopping mall. Designed by British architectural firm WS Atkins.
It entertains children with the Fun City famous for its activities of children. It also provides entertainment to families in Cineplex where you can enjoy the latest Lollywood and Hollywood movies. The food court offers a variety of food. It is best for shopping and enjoying with your families in Islamabad. I also recommend you to visit Centaurus Mall when you visit Islamabad.
Lok Virsa Museum
The Lok Virsa Museum is a treasure of Islamabad’s culture. It is a museum of culture and history in Islamabad. The museum consists of several buildings as well as an outdoor museum that can accommodate up to 3000 visitors. The museum covers an area of 60000 sq. feet.
It displays the cultural heritage of Pakistani people. The living style of the different areas of Pakistan is exhibited here in statues, pictures, pottery, music, and textile work. Lok Virsa is the finest cultural museum in Pakistan.
It showcases artworks that help in preserving the living folk and traditional culture and crafts of Pakistan. It is located near Shakarparian Hills and has a large display of embroidered costumes, jewelry, woodwork, metalwork, block printing, ivory, and bonework.
The Lok Virsa library consists of over 32000 books. There is also Sufis and Shrines Hall in Lok Virsa Museum where the pictures of shrines of Sufis are hung in the museum. In museum, you can visit
- A collection of traditional Pakistani clothing and textiles.
- An exhibit on the history of Pakistani jewelry and handicrafts.
- A display of traditional Pakistani music and dance.
Rawal Lake
Rawal Lake in Pakistan is an artificial reservoir that provides the water needs for the cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Rawal Lake is located within an isolated section of the Village Malpur, Bani Gala, and Margalla Hills National Park. The area around the lake is surrounded by by flowering trees making it a picnic spot for travelers.
The red fox, Indian pangolin, Indian crested porcupine, jungle cat, Persian jackal, Central Asian boar, and yellow-throated marten, reptiles include Indian Cobra and Russell’s Viper and the majority of Birds of Islamabad are found here. There are 15 species that are present in the Rawal lake. Also Rawal Dam is best location for visit.
Activities in Rawal Lake
- Parks and gardens.
- Restaurants and cafes.
- Boating and fishing facilities.
F9 Park
Fatima Jinnah Park is also known as Capital Park or F9 Park. It covers 750 acres of area showing off the city’s natural beauty. It is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. Here, you can find walking and jogging trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds. This park is mostly covered by greenery with a few man-made structures. The park is bounded by a steel fence with entrance gates placed at regular intervals.
Whether you love nature, culture, or just need a place to relax, F-9 Park is a must-see in Islamabad.
Visitors can enjoy the park’s natural beauty and learn about the local Islamabad culture. With its rich history and beautiful views, F-9 Park is a special place for everyone.
Conclusion
As we end our journey in Islamabad, one thing is evident, this city is very special. It combines historic sites, natural wonders and vibrant culture. You will fall in love with places like the Faisal Mosque, the Rawal lake, etc.
There is a bit of something for everyone in Islamabad. You can visit landmarks, walk in the Margalla Hills, or shop at the Centaurus Mall. Dig in to some the Pakistan culture at the Lok Virsa Museum or unwind at F-9 Park. Each location reflects Islamabad’s old-meets-new aesthetic.
If you want to read about the best places of Murree click here.
FAQs
Q) What is the best time to visit Islamabad?
Ans: The spring and autumn seasons are the best times to visit Islamabad. The weather is nice and not too hot or cold.
Q) What activities can I do at Rawal Lake?
Ans: Rawal Lake offers waterfront recreation for all ages. You can enjoy boating, fishing, and explore parks and gardens nearby.
Q) What can I do at the Centaurus Mall?
Ans: The Centaurus Mall is a lively spot for shopping and entertainment. It has international and local brands, dining options, and entertainment facilities like a cinema and bowling alley.
