Due to its status as the country’s capital, Islamabad plays a pivotal role in the geopolitical dynamics of South Asia. It is recognized as one of the most developed cities in Pakistan. In addition to being the greenest and cleanest, it serves as a center for tourism so that visitors may experience the beauty and enchantment of the culture of Pakistan.
Top 10 places to visit in Islamabad:
The greatest locations to visit in Islamabad, among the numerous lovely spots that are worth seeing, are:
10. Pakistan Monument Museum:
A remarkable museum that tells the story of ancient civilizations, the fight for the country’s independence, its creation, and the country’s most significant accomplishments to date. It was created in 2010 in Islamabad on the western side of the Shakarparian Hills in order to pay tribute to all of Pakistan’s heroes, including those who gave up everything, including their lives, in order to make Pakistan possible.
Near the museum, you can also find a large, distinctive building in the shape of a blooming flower, which serves as a symbol of the unity and diversity of the Pakistani people. It’s called the ‘Pakistan Monument’.
The museum contains a variety of exhibits and displays that showcase the rich history and culture of Pakistan. It covers a wide range of topics, including the pre-historic Indus Valley Civilization, the Islamic era, and the modern history of Pakistan. The museum also features displays of the arts and crafts, music, and literature of Pakistan, as well as exhibits on the natural history of the country.
One of the most popular attractions at the Pakistan Monument Museum is the replica of the Mohenjo-Daro, an ancient Indus Valley Civilization site that is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The museum also has a theater that shows documentaries and films about the history and culture of Pakistan.
In addition to the exhibits, the museum also hosts a variety of cultural events and educational programs, such as lectures, workshops, and performances. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists and is an important cultural institution in Pakistan.
9. Monal Restaurant: (experience traditional food and 360 views of Islamabad)
The Monal Restaurant is in the Pir Sohawa Daman Koh neighborhood of Islamabad. It is at a fairly high elevation and is surrounded by the rolling hills of the Margalla Hills on all sides. It offers both indoor and outdoor dining, with 360 views of the capital city. Monal serves a blend of traditional and contemporary cuisine, with flavors from around the world. It is the flagship restaurant of The Monal Group of Companies and has been in operation since 2006.
Monal is known for its fine dining experiences, world-class service, and peaceful ambiance. It is popular with diplomats, locals, and tourists alike, and is a popular choice for Sunday brunch, Hi-Tea, or a simple dinner with family. Monal has become an iconic restaurant in Islamabad. Their platters are highly recommended for foreign tourists or if you are visiting Monal Restaurant for the first time.
8. The Centaurus Mall:
The Centaurus Mall is a large shopping mall located in the capital city of Islamabad, Pakistan. The mall is a popular destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment, and is home to a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. The Centaurus Mall is spread over several levels and contains a wide range of stores selling clothing, footwear, accessories, electronics, home goods, and more. The mall also has food courts and full-service restaurants that offer a variety of local and international cuisines.
In addition to shopping and dining, the Centaurus Mall also has a number of entertainment options, including a multiplex movie theater, and a kids’ play area. The mall also hosts a variety of events and promotions throughout the year, such as fashion shows, live music performances, and children’s activities.
The Centaurus Mall is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, and is a great place to spend a day shopping, dining, and enjoying the many entertainment options on offer.
7. Rawal Lake and Lakeview Park:
This man-made lake created in the 1960s with a surface area of 8.8 km2 was produced by the confluence of the Korang River and a number of other smaller rivers that originate in the Margalla Hills. It was created to provide fresh water to the residents of Islamabad and surrounding areas. The land that surrounds the lake is lush with blossoming trees and gardens, as well as secluded walking pathways and places to have picnics.
Lakeview Park Islamabad is a popular public park located in the capital city of Islamabad, Pakistan. The park is situated on the shores of Rawal Lake. Lakeview Park covers an area of over 200 acres and offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors. The park features well-manicured lawns, flower beds, and trees, and is a popular spot for picnics and outdoor gatherings. There are also several children’s play areas, as well as a variety of sports facilities, including tennis courts, cricket pitches, and a mini golf course.
In addition to the outdoor activities, Lakeview Park also has several attractions for visitors to enjoy. These include a mini-zoo, an aquarium, and a boating area where visitors can rent boats and go out on the lake. There is also a food court that serves a variety of snacks and refreshments.
Lakeview Park is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, and is a great place to spend a day outdoors enjoying the beautiful scenery and recreational activities on offer.
6. Shah Allah Ditta Caves:
The Buddha Caves are another name for the Shah Allah Ditta Caves. Shah Allah Ditta Caves are located in the village of Shah Allah Ditta, on the east side of Islamabad. It is thought that people have lived in the foothills of Margalla, where the site is, for about 2,500 years.
These caves were historically located along the Grand Trunk Road, an ancient road that connected Lahore and Dehli. The section of the road near the caves has disappeared over time, but it is believed that many famous historical figures, such as Alexander the Great, Panini, Ashoka the Great, Chandragupta Maurya, Kautilya Chanakya, Data Ali Hujwiri, Hazrat Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti, Mughal Emperor Jahangir, and Sher Shah Suri, passed through this ancient road and also stayed in the caves.
The caves are important to various religious scholars of Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, and Islam who used them for worship. However, the caves have a particularly significant role in Buddhism, which is why many Buddhists visit the caves each year. The caves are also a popular destination for tourists, who come to explore their natural beauty and historical significance.
5. Saidpur Village:
Saidpur is an old village with a significant past that can be found close to the Margalla Hills in Islamabad. These hills are rated as one of the best hiking paths in all of Pakistan. It is known for its beautiful location in Daman-e-Koh, Islamabad. The village was established by Said Khan who was the son of Mughal emperor Sarang Khan.
It was a garden resort during the Mughal period. During the Mughal period, Saidpur was an attractive destination with a perpetual spring that provided water for drinking and watering gardens. It has recently been renovated into a tourist destination with exhibits and restaurants providing an amazing atmosphere among the hills. The village has a mosque and temple together. It also has a small museum about the history of Islamabad. You can visit it, take pictures for Instagram and enjoy the local food.
4. Margalla Hills Hiking Trails:
Margalla Trails Islamabad is a network of hiking trails located in the Margalla Hills, which are a part of the Himalayan mountain range that runs through the capital city of Islamabad, Pakistan. The trails offer 7 different routes for hikers of all skill levels, ranging from easy trails suitable for beginners to more challenging trails for experienced hikers.
The Margalla Hills are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, and the trails offer a chance to experience the natural beauty of the area up close. The trails pass through forests, meadows, and rocky outcrops, and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the city of Islamabad.
In addition to the hiking and biking trails, Margalla Trails Islamabad also offers other outdoor activities, such as rock climbing and birdwatching. There are several rest areas along the trails where visitors can take a break and enjoy a picnic. The trails are a popular destination for both locals and tourists, and are a great way to experience the beauty of the Margalla Hills and the outdoors.
3. Heritage Museum or Lok Virsa Museum:
The Heritage Museum in Islamabad, Pakistan, was originally called the Folk Art Museum and was created in 1982. It has a lot of space inside, about 20,000 square feet. In 2004, the museum was changed to the Pakistan National Museum of Ethnology and was also called the Heritage Museum.
The main reason for this museum is to teach people and save the history and current traditions of Pakistan, both from the main parts of the country and the more remote areas. The Heritage Museum is the first state museum in Pakistan that is about the cultures and traditions of the people. It is located in Islamabad, which adds to the city’s attractions.
The museum is very large, with 60,000 square feet of space and several exhibit rooms. It is the biggest museum in Pakistan and is for the people of the country, who keep the country’s cultural traditions alive. You can also buy traditional handicrafts from this museum as gifts for your loved ones.
2. Daman e Koh:
A viewpoint point known as Daman e Koh can be found in the middle of the Margalla Hills, providing visitors with stunning 360 views of Islamabad. Nearly 2400 feet above sea level and around 500 feet away from Islamabad is where you’ll find this location.
Daman e Koh” means “foot of the mountain” in Urdu. It is a popular tourist spot in the Margalla Hills where visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of Islamabad, try local snacks, and interact with monkeys (you can find a lot of monkeys here). It is important to be friendly with the monkeys and offer them food if possible. Daman e Koh is also a popular destination for locals, giving visitors the opportunity to interact with and take pictures with them. This place is number two in the top 10 places to visit in Islamabad.
1. Faisal Mosque:
Faisal Mosque is number one in the top 10 places to visit in Islamabad. It is a distinctive mosque that has come to symbolize Islamabad. The Saudi Arabian King Faisal gifted the Faisal Mosque as a gift, and the mosque bears his name as well. Since the mosque can accommodate up to 100,000 people at once, it is considered to be one of the biggest in all of Asia.
Faisal Mosque was designed by a Turkish architect and is known for its modern and unique architectural style. The mosque is built in the shape of a desert tent, with four minarets that rise to a height of over 300 feet.
The mosque is considered one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Faisal Mosque is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Islamabad and is a testament to the cultural and religious diversity of Pakistan.
The main hall of the mosque is closed during prayer times, so be sure to check the schedule before entering the hall. The outside area of the mosque remains open for visitors all the time. You can sit here, relax, take pictures and enjoy the beauty of the mosque and the Margala Hills. You can also buy souvenirs and Islamic books from the shop located inside the mosque.
If you are interested to see the top 10 places to visit in Islamabad then plan your trip now. You can reach Islamabad by car, bus, train, or plane. After exploring these top 10 places to visit in Islamabad, don’t forget to join our Tourism Forum.
Leave a Comment