Things to Do in Islamabad

Islamabad was built from scratch in the 1960s to replace Karachi as Pakistan's capital—and it shows. The city sits at the foot of the Margalla Hills like a carefully planned experiment in livable urban design. You'll find tree-lined streets, numbered sectors in a grid system, and an overall calm that feels genuinely refreshing after the chaos of Lahore or Karachi. The city blends contemporary Pakistani life with impressive natural backdrops—the Margalla Hills provide hiking trails and viewpoints that make you forget you're in a capital city. Most visitors notice how organized it feels. The mix of diplomatic enclaves, busy markets, and surprisingly good restaurants makes this Pakistan's most successful urban planning project.

Islamabad's food scene punches above its weight, mixing traditional Pakistani cuisine with international options that cater to the diplomatic community. The Centaurus Mall food court offers everything from local karahi to decent sushi—not words you often hear together in Pakistan. Street food vendors in sectors F-10 and G-9 serve some of the city's best chaat and kebabs. For proper Pakistani meals, the restaurants in Saidpur Village serve traditional dishes in atmospheric settings, though you'll pay tourist prices. The café culture is surprisingly developed. Places like Gloria Jean's and local chains serve good coffee alongside Pakistani breakfast items that might convert you from your usual morning routine.

October through March offers the most comfortable weather, with clear skies and temperatures that make hiking the Margalla Hills enjoyable. Summer months can be brutal. May through August brings crushing heat and humidity, though monsoon rains in July and August provide relief and make the city remarkably green. Winter mornings can be surprisingly chilly, especially for early morning hikes—pack layers. Spring brings beautiful weather but higher hotel prices as tourists and locals take advantage of pleasant temperatures.