Islamabad is among the most beautiful and well-developed cities in Pakistan. It is a city to behold in sight that blends modern architecture with magnificent natural beauty. The whole city holds beauty and elegance. However, if you are a new visitor and don’t know which places are truly worth visiting, we have a comprehensive guide of all the best places to visit in Islamabad in 2023.
Best Places to Visit in Islamabad 2023
Islamabad, Pakistan is a small city but the Margalla Hills surrounding its edges and the historical monuments scattered all around the city are worth visiting to explore the beauty of Pakistan. From natural tourist attractions like Margalla Hills, Rawal Lake, and Saidpur Village to historical monuments like Pakistan Monument Museum, Lok Virsa Museum, and Fatima Jinnah Park, there is a lot to explore. So, here we have gathered all the best tourist attractions and best places to visit in Islamabad.
- Faisal Mosque
- Pir Sohawa
- Shakarparian Hills
- Monal
- Margalla Hills
- Shah Allah Ditta Caves
- Saidpur Village
- Pakistan Museum of Natural History
- Lake View Park
- Daman-e-Koh
- Pakistan Monument Museum
- Dino Valley
- Rose and Jasmine Garden
- The Centaurus
Faisal Mosque
The most famous place to visit in Islamabad is Faisal Mosque which lies at the heart of this charming city. It has the prestige of being the largest mosque in South Asia that is inspired by Turkish architecture. At the front of this mosque is the captivating road, Shahrah-e-Faisal and the Margalla Hills shine in their glory in the background. The luscious green landscapes around the mosque enhance its beauty and beckons the tourists to pay a visit. Former President of Pakistan, Ayub Khan built it in 1986 to accommodate 100,000 worshippers and named it after King Faisal of Saudi Arabia.
Pir Sohawa
Pir Sohawa is a beautiful natural tourist spot in Islamabad, situated at the top of Margalla Hills, 17 km from Islamabad city. A lot of visitors and locals visit this tourist attraction to enjoy the breathtaking view of the city of Islamabad and enjoy the cold and tranquil weather. It gives a panoramic view of the city in all its glory. There are several restaurants where visitors can enjoy the heartiest meals amidst the serenity of Pir Sohawa.
Shakarparian Hills
Shakarparian Hills are among the best places to visit in Islamabad. You need a whole day to explore this place when visiting. There are jogging tracks, refreshments, charming views, monuments and museums, and picnic points at different places. The famous places to visit here are the Pakistan Monument, the Museum of National History, and the Museum of Islamic Art. You can also enjoy meals and refreshments at several cafes available here.
Monal Restaurant in Islamabad
Monal Restaurant in Islamabad is for everyone who likes to enjoy a meal with the beautiful scenery of the Margalla Hills. It is located at the altitude of 1,173 at Pir Sohawa offering a comprehensive view of Islamabad city from the top. It is a perfect spot at night to enjoy the blissful and captivating view of the whole city from above. There is outdoor seating which elevates the dining experience for visitors. You can enjoy a variety of food options like desi, continental, Chinese and more.
Margalla Hills
Margalla Hills are famous for their beauty and lush green landscape. As the name suggests, there are hills that you can explore in your car or enjoy trekking on the trails. 6 trails on Margalla hills National Park that are continued from the Himalayan Moutain Range. Along the hiking trails, there are famous tourist attractions in Islamabad like Islamabad Zoo, Monal Restaurant, and Daman-e-Koh viewpoint. Moreover, if you are into natural scenic beauty, immerse yourself in the natural springs along the hills at the trails.
Shah Allah Ditta Caves
Shah Allah Ditta Caves, one of the best archaeological sites in Islamabad, are a vision to behold and a place to know about human history. These caves have been a spot, in human history, for worshipping different ethnicities. Earlier, it was a place for Buddhist meditation. Then, Hindu settlers resided here till pre-partition in India. Since, the partition, Shah Allah Ditta village near the MArgalla Hills has been a place for residence and tourism for people from Pakistan and abroad. Tourists, with a love for nature, beauty, solace, and history, can enjoy the tranquility of this spot.
Saidpur village
Saidpur Village is a picturesque and beautiful hideaway in Islamabad which is less crowded and makes it even more interesting to explore. It is surely a place that you need to escape from the chaos of urban city life. This rural spot is colourful, immersed with natural beauty and reflects signs of different ethnic groups. There is a Hindu temple, Sikh Gurdwara, Mughal heritage museums, and mosques. The whole village is among the best places to visit in Islamabad because the MArgalla hills towering all around the village make the sight charming.
You can visit this place to learn about its history. Enjoy the colourful and lively rural life. Visit all the historical buildings. Buy souvenirs in the form of pottery, antique art, jewellery and decor items. Last but not least, Saidpur village is home to some of the best restaurants in Islamabad like Des Pardes, Dera Pakhtoon, Cafe 99, The Polo Lounge, and more.
Pakistan Museum of Natural History
Pakistan Museum of Natural History is a tourist destination in Islamabad that beckons people of all ages. it is divided into four sections: botanical sciences, zoological sciences, earth sciences, and public services. It amazingly preserves and displays artefacts and pieces of natural history including models of extinct creatures, a Crocodile display, a Blue Whale skeleton, gemstones, an animated exhibit of the solar system, Baluchitherium and a lot more.
Lake View Park
Lake View Park in Islamabad is situated on the opposite side of Rawal Lake in Islamabad. There are a lot of activities like Go Kart, F1 Traxx Park, amusement parks, refreshment areas, picnic spots, boating, trains, and much more. There is also an event venue that usually holds music festivals throughout the years for additional entertainment for the visitors. You can also feel closer to nature at the bird aviary in Lake View Park where there are numerous species of birds.
Daman-e-Koh
At the centre of Margalla hills is Daman-e-Koh at an altitude of 2,400 above sea level. It gives a panoramic view of Islamabad from the top sighting the glorious Faisal Mosque. There is a luscious thick forest surrounding Daman-e-Koh. It is a place where visitors can reach by car or by tracking their way up to behold the beauty of the Capital city from the top. You can also find some amazing restaurants and eateries to enjoy food from various cuisines.
Pakistan Monument Museum
Pakistan Monument Museum is one of the best picturesque places to visit in Islamabad. It has a unique petal-shaped architecture that can be seen from Islamabad and Rawalpindi as well. The place is a reflection of the struggles that our ancestors had to go through to gain freedom. Moreover, the Pakistan Monument was established in 2010 to appreciate the struggles of martyrs. Inside the museum, there are wall carvings, historic sculptures, audio-visual artefacts of Pakistan’s history and a lot more. It is all to explore the history and struggles of our ancestors that we are enjoying in the form of a free nation.
Dino Valley
Dino Valley is an entertaining amusement park for people of all ages. It is a dinosaurs-themed park located at the Margalla Hills National Park. Dino Valley was established in 2007 and since then it has been a center of attention for people who visit Islamabad. There are life-sized sculptures of dinosaurs like T-REx, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, and Velociraptor. They are so well-sculpted with life-like skin texture, movable limbs, and eye-catching eyes that you will doubt their fakeness. Along with the sculptures, the place is filled with dinosaur-themed activities like digging and rides. Moreover, you can get to know a lot of information about the extinct creatures at Dino Valley.
Rose and Jasmine Garden
Rose and Jasmine Garden is filled with tranquillity, serenity, and natural beauty. This family park is one of the best places to visit in Islamabad. It captivates the natural beauty of flowers. The whole park is well-organized and carefully curated to bring nothing but beauty to the visitors. Along with the luscious greenery, and beautiful flowers, there is a small pond that elevates the sight of this garden. So, if you need a relaxing weekend, you can enjoy your time with your friends and family at Rose and Jasmine Garden.
The Centaurus
The Centaurus is among the largest shopping malls in Pakistan. It is a mega project which houses a giant shopping mall with 36 floors hotel comprising of three towers. The building is inspired by the modern-day architecture of Shopping malls. It is one of a kind in Pakistan. There is nothing that you cannot find at Centaurus, Islamabad. Along with shopping, it is one of the best places to visit in Islamabad for entertainment purposes. There is a large cinema, food court, and activities that will keep you calling.
FAQs
What is the most famous thing in Islamabad?
Islamabad has a lot of famous tourist attractions like:
- Faisal Mosque
- Pir Sohawa
- Shakarparian Hills
- Monal
- Margalla Hills
- Shah Allah Ditta Caves
- Saidpur Village
- Pakistan Museum of National History
- Lake View Park
- Daman-e-Koh
- Pakistan Monument Museum
- Dino Valley
- Rose and Jasmine Garden
- The Centaurus
What is nice in Islamabad?
There are a lot of nice places in Islamabad to visit alone, with friends or with family. If you want to spend quality time, you can visit Saidpur Village, Pir Sohawa, Shah Faisal Mosque, Rose and Jasmine Garden and more.
Which is the most beautiful street in Islamabad?
Jinnah Avenue is the most famous and beautiful road in Islamabad which is surrounded by natural beauty and modern architecture of the city.
Is Islamabad worth a visit?
Yes, Islamabad is truly worth a visit for everyone as there are a lot of tourist attractions for people of all ages. There are historical monuments, natural beauty, and amazing eateries.
Is Islamabad an expensive city?
Islamabad is considered the most costly city in Pakistan.
What is the best village near Islamabad?
The best village near Islamabad is Saidpur village which is a beautiful rural landscape, reflecting the history of different ethnicities, and natural beauty.
Which trail is beautiful in Islamabad?
Islamabad is surrounded by Margalla Hills with 6 different trails for hiking and trekking to explore the natural beauty of the Margalla hills.
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