Daud Azfar
Explore this guide to an amazing day in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, a serene but simple city often overlooked by locals and tourists alike.
Faisal Mosque. Abdul Baqi. CC BY-SA 3.0.
Islamabad, Pakistan’s quiet and serene capital city, is unlike most cities in the country. It is Pakistan’s first and only planned city, having been established in 1960 and officially becoming the nation’s capital in 1967. Located on the Potwar Plateau at the foothills of the Margalla Hills and right beside the city of Rawalpindi, Islamabad’s establishment was motivated by strategic and developmental interests that included a safe, planned administrative center and decentralized power from Pakistan’s economic hub, Karachi, located deep in the country’s south.
Today, the city is home to over a million people and hosts Pakistan’s houses of parliament, the Supreme Court, and other key government buildings. I grew up visiting Islamabad, as my grandmother lived there, and I’ve always loved the city’s vibe. Islamabad is known for its calm and picturesque atmosphere, but oftentimes it gets dismissed as the “boring” capital. Here’s how I’d spend the perfect day in the city.
Pakistan Monument. Muhammad Ashar. CC BY-SA 4.0.
I’d recommend starting your day with a heavy breakfast, such as the iconic halwa puri, a staple Pakistani breakfast dish, from a street vendor or restaurant near your hotel. Then head up to the Pakistan Monument to catch a lovely, early view of the city and avoid the rush. Nestled in the Shakarparian Hills, the monument is designed to represent the crescent moon and star featured on Pakistan’s flag, with the four large petals representing Pakistan’s four main provinces and the three small petals representing the semi-autonomous territories; though, one region, FATA, has now merged with the KPK province.
After enjoying Islamabad’s cityscape, head to the Lok Virsa Museum, which is located right opposite the monument. A quick run of the museum should be a great introduction to Pakistan’s vibrant and diverse cultural heritage. Just down the street from there, you’ll find the Pakistan Museum of Natural History. Managed by the Pakistan Science Foundation, the museum features a large collection that depicts the ecology, geology and paleontological history of the country.
Saidpur Village. Xubayr Mayo. CC BY-SA 3.0.
For a more modern side of Islamabad, head to Kohsar Market to explore the shops and grab a quick lunch. Our next stop is a true gem. Saidpur Village, officially established by the Mughal Empire around 500 years ago but located in an area that has been inhabited by various dynasties for centuries, is a multicultural hotpot that was remodelled by the Pakistan Government into an arts and crafts village. I’d recommend grabbing a chai at a cafe or stall and walking around the mud houses. There are also some fascinating religious sites in Saidpur, like a Sikh gurdwara, a Hindu temple, and a Sufi tomb, as well as art galleries and a museum.
President’s residence and Parliament House. Mhtoori. CC BY-SA 4.0.
Our next stop is a drive around Pakistan’s most important buildings. As you drive down Islamabad’s Red Zone, specifically Constitution Avenue, you’ll get great views of the Prime Minister’s residence, the President's residence, the National Assembly and the Supreme Court, to name a few. You may notice a large square in front of the Parliament House and the President’s residence. This is the famous D-Chowk (Democracy Square), where many significant protests were held and still are to this day.
If you manage to find some energy after this, you might like to hike one of the trails along the Margalla Hills. We’ll save the most iconic spot for last, though. Just before sunset, head to one of the largest and most unique mosques in the world. Shah Faisal Masjid, named after the beloved Saudi King Faisal, who helped fund its construction, is made to resemble a traditional Bedouin tent and can accommodate some 300,000 worshippers. The Mosque is featured on Pakistan’s highest banknote and is one of the country’s most famous monuments.
Faisal Mosque from Margalla Hills. Obaid747. CC BY SA 3.0.
To end off the night, head up to one of the many restaurants near Daman-e-Koh, Islamabad's most famous viewpoint, like The Monal or The Dome, and enjoy dinner beside a lovely view of the Faisal Mosque and the rest of the city.
Daud Azfar
Daud is a second-year student at the University of Virginia, planning on majoring in Politics and Economics. Having grown up in Pakistan, he’s very passionate about the importance of education and social justice. Outside of school, he enjoys spending time with his friends, playing pickleball, and exploring new coffee shops.