Islamabad was built as a planned city and replaced Karachi as Pakistan’s capital in 1967. Located at the foot of the beautiful Margalla Hills, Islamabad is a popular tourist spot for the people of Pakistan. People from all over the country visit the capital city to see all it has to offer. If you are also planning to visit Islamabad in the future, this guide will introduce you to the best tourist spots in the city that you must visit during your trip!

Top 10 Must-Visit Places in Islamabad

From natural beauty to marvels of construction, Islamabad has a lot to offer to its tourists. However, if you are searching for a ticket online to visit Islamabad for a few days, you can’t expect to see all of its sights during your trip. Instead of trying to see everything in a couple of days and failing to enjoy the trip, you can narrow down the list of places to visit. The places listed below will help you create your own list of places to visit. 

Now, let’s discover the top 10 must-visit places in Islamabad: 

1. Faisal Masjid

Faisal Masjid, the national mosque of Pakistan, is the sixth largest mosque in the world in terms of capacity. It is a popular piece of contemporary Islamic architecture. The unconventional design of Faisal Masjid was inspired by a Bedouin tent. 

Faisal Masjid is the most popular tourist spot in Islamabad and attracts not only locals but also foreigners. 300,000 worshippers can be accommodated in Faisal Masjid for prayers. It also sees a huge influx of worshippers on special occasions like Eid. The best time to visit Faisal Masjid is during daytime so you can easily observe its beauty under the sunlight. 

2. Daman-e-Koh

Located in the center of the Margalla Hills, Daman-e-Koh is a beautiful hilltop garden. As the garden is located 500 ft above Islamabad, it offers a panoramic view of the city from its southern side. From that spot, tourists can spot Faisal Masjid, Rawal Lake, and Seventh Avenue. The view is particularly spectacular at night when the city is lit up and visible in its full glory. 

A popular attraction at Daman-e-Koh is the monkeys that come down from the hills and accept treats from tourists in a friendly manner. During the winter months, leopards are also sometimes spotted around Daman-e-Koh. 

3. Shakarparian 

Shakarparian is a national park that is popular for being home to the parade ground where Pakistan Day Parade is hosted every year on 23rd March. Shakarparian offers multiple viewpoints where people can stand and observe the beauty of the capital city of Islamabad. 

The most popular attraction in Shakarparian is the International Friendship Park where leaders of different countries have planted trees over the years as a symbol of their friendship with Pakistan. If you plan your Islamabad tour with Apna Ticket, you can decide on a time for each location in advance so you don’t miss out on anything. 

4. Pakistan Monument

Located at the western side of Shakarparian Hills, Pakistan Monument is a national monument that was built as a symbol of the unity of the nation. It is also dedicated to those who sacrificed their lives for the future of the country. 

Adjacent to the monument is the Pakistan Monument Museum that includes a wax museum, an auditorium, a reference library, and an audio-video archive. While visiting the museum, tourists can learn about the different events that led to the start of the Pakistan Movement. 

5. Lok Virsa Museum

Lok Virsa Museum, also known as the Heritage Museum, depicts the different cultures of Pakistan. It is also located on the Shakarparian Hills and is often referred to as the Museum for the people of Pakistan as they are the ones who make up the country’s culture. 

Lok Virsa Museum has several exhibit halls and is the largest museum in Pakistan, which is why it is regularly visited by school groups. The best times for visiting Pakistan Monument Museum and Lok Virsa Museum are early hours of the morning or the evening. 

6. The Centaurus Mall

The Centaurus Mall is a popular tourist attraction for fans of shopping and entertainment. The mixed use real estate building has a four-floor shopping mall where people can buy anything from clothes and watches to perfumes and accessories. 

For entertainment, the mall has a dedicated play area for children. There’s also a cineplex in the Centaurus where the latest Hollywood and Lollywood movies are shown regularly. 

7. Rawal Lake

Rawal Lake is an artificial lake that serves as a popular tourist spot as well as a natural habitat for various species of birds and aquatic life. The area around the lake has been covered by different flowering plants, picnic spots, and gardens. There’s a terraced garden that offers a beautiful view of the lake, the Margalla Hills, and the cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. 

The picnic spots attract various tourists during spring. The lake is also a popular fishing and boating spot in Islamabad. 

8. Saidpur Village

Saidpur is a Mughal Era village located in Islamabad that contains a wide spectrum of both religious and cultural heritage. Tourists can find shops in the area that sell locally made pottery and other handmade items. As spring and autumn offer mild temperatures, they are the best seasons to visit the Saidpur Village. 

9. Shah Allah Ditta

Shah Allah Ditta is another historical village in Islamabad and is believed to be over seven hundred years old. The most popular tourist spot in the village are its caves that are home to Buddhist relics. Tourists are particularly fascinated to see the 2400 years old Buddhist murals on the walls of the caves. 

10. Margalla Hills Park

For tourists who love hiking and rock climbing, the Margalla Hills Park is a must-visit place in Islamabad. Multiple crags have been developed across the park to offer climbing opportunities to rock climbers. There are also multiple trails that take hikers through different parts of the hills. 

Conclusion 

Now, that you have a list of the must-visit places in Islamabad, you can start planning for your trip. If you want to buy your ticket online, you can check out Apna Ticket’s website to find the most affordable flights. Make sure to book in advance to save on your travel budget

FAQs

What is the famous thing in Islamabad?

Visiting the Faisal Masjid and exploring Daman-e-Koh are the most popular things to do in Islamabad. If you wish to visit these places, you can make your travel itinerary and book your ticket online with Apna Ticket today. 

How can I spend my day in Islamabad?

Islamabad has something to offer for everyone. If you prefer religious sites, you can visit the Faisal Masjid in Islamabad and spend the day exploring its grounds. You can also spend your day in Islamabad by visiting one of its many parks or museums.