Serene and stately, with tree-filled avenues and striking, modern architecture, Islamabad is just as important as Lahore and Karachi. Sure, you won’t be able to visit any Mughal landmarks here or tick off any prehistoric sites, but the country's capital, developed in the 1960s as a planned city, offers plenty of things to do. Start your visit by checking out the Pakistan Monument and Faisal Mosque, South Asia’s largest mosque, then take day trips near the city to Margalla Hills and Saidpur Village.
Aim for the shoulder seasons to avoid hot, muggy summers (topped off by monsoon rains) or the wet chill that descends in winter. The best weather conditions are in March, April, October, and November. Avoid visiting during Ramadan (dates vary each year), when many sites have reduced hours and it can be difficult to find food during the day, as most locals will be fasting until sundown.
While calmer than other big cities in Pakistan, Islamabad still isn’t very pedestrian-friendly. The best way to get around is to hire a car and driver, especially if you’re looking to visit a long list of sites. Keep in mind that destinations are often spread out. For shorter trips, you can also hail a taxi from an app (similar to a rideshare service). Otherwise, full-day tours of the capital typically include transportation. Many include hotel transfers, too.
Don’t miss a visit to Saidpur Village, located just outside the city at the base of the Margalla Hills. A popular day trip, this 500-year-old location has been preserved as a heritage village. Visitors can watch live craft demonstrations, browse exhibitions and souvenir shops, and grab a bite to eat in a restaurant. The village shows what life in Pakistan looked like half a millennium ago, with Sufi shrines, Sikh gurudwaras, and Hindu temples all side by side.
