Islamabad is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Surrounded by high mountains, the city has the optimal environment for most of the year. It’s a city worth exploring and spending time in. If you find yourself in the city, here is our step-by-step recommendation on how to spend your day.
Start with breakfast at Rivaayat
Imagine this: its 8am, and after a soothing bath your stomach is craving for breakfast. Rivaayat is the restaurant you’re looking for. Located in Sector G-11 Markaz, here you’ll find everything from Nihari to Anda-Paratha and Halwa-Puri. And every one of these is delicious. Yes, yes I haven’t forgotten about Lassi (buttermilk)- no Pakistani breakfast would be complete without it.
Lassi at Rivayat – Credits: Rivayat
Shah Faisal Mosque
Time to visit Pakistan largest mosque, Faisal Masjid. Also known as Shah Faisal Mosque, the structure is uncommonly vast, and considered a special monument in the capital. it is beautiful to behold, nestled at the foothills of the Margallas. The mosque is also one of Asia’s largest mosques, and is a mix of ultra-modern and traditional structural configurations and styles.
Credits: Trip Advisor
Composed by a Turkish draftsman who won a global competition for the chance to design it, Faisal Mosque is formed like a desert Bedouin’s tent. The design is strikingly cutting-edge, lacking both the conventional vaults and curves of most mosques around the globe. The passageway begins from the East, where the corridor for the supplication to God is preceded by a patio with porticoes. The mosque houses a library, address corridor, a gallery and a bistro.
The mosque also houses the world’s largest Quran, composed with brilliant words. Right below the Mosque is a small up-scale dhabba called the Maantu Gul Kitchen. They serving some awesome parathas (in case the breakfast from Rivaayat didn’t do it for you, or if all that sight-seeing around mosque has left you peckish).
The Centaurus
Having quickly become a hub of retail activity in the capital, The Centaurus is a mall filled with exciting things to do and lifestyle brands. It is one of the best place in Islamabad to shop, watch a movie, grab a bite and just spend time with friends or family. With a blend of staggering design, scale and options, the mall is one of the most exciting places to be.
Credits: The Kooza
You can find every brand in Pakistan under one roof here; food or fashion. The food court offers plenty of variety; ranging from fast-food to Chinese, Thai to Lebanese . But I suggest you keep it light at the Centaurus’ food court, so you have room to try our next suggestion…
Lunch at Bismillah Tikka and Chargha House
This is one of the best places for lunch I can recommend in Islamabad. Trust me, you’ll be missing out if you don’t. I suggest you try the Chicken Karahi, you’ll regret it if you don’t. They also offer an assortment of delicious Stuffed Naans to choose from, including chicken and mince meat.
Chicken Karahi and Naan – Credits: Bismillah Tikka and Chargha House
F-9 Park Mega Zone
Have some fun bowling or laser tagging (Highly suggested if you want to put those gained calories to use) at Mega Zone, located in the heart of the F-9 Park, also known as Fatima Jinnah Park.
Mega Zone Bowling Alley
Islamabad has a lot to offer for those who love nature and the outdoors. And folks living here can’t wait to find a reason to spend time outdoors.
Even in the middle of a hot monsoon summer or freezing winter, Fatima Jinnah Park’s vast acreage is mostly covered by greenery, with a few man-made structures dotting the landscape. Most of the park area is effectively a wildlife sanctuary, except for a few areas that are close to residential districts.
Apart from laser tag and bowling, other activities at the park include paint-ball fighting, snooker and swimming.
Next stop, the Pakistan Monument
The design of this landmark speaks to the four areas and three domains of Pakistan; Baluchistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh. The three smaller petals refer to the Northern Areas, Azad Kashmir and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. The structure contains four blooming blossom petals, worked out of stone, referring to the solidarity of Pakistanis. From above, the landmark resembles a star, and a sickle moon, shaped by dividers framing the petals. These speak to the image of the Pakistani flag. The sprouting bloom state of the landmark refers to Pakistan’s advancement as a rapidly developing nation.
The monument was intended to mirror the way of life and progress of the nation, and delineates the narrative of the Pakistan Movement, in which individuals committed relinquishing themselves for future eras. The inward dividers of the petals are designed with paintings. The focal stage is made to fit as a five-pointed star, encompassed by a water body. A metallic bow encompassing the star is engraved with truisms from the country’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and verse from poet Allama Iqbal.
By this time the sun will have begun to set. Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about the beautiful Margalla Hills.
Damn-e-Koh
Moving up the mountain, our first stop is Damn-e-Koh, which offers a splendid view of Islamabad. The road winds upward from the Northern end of the 7th Avenue. The road passes through various woody areas and hiking trails, and a place where several monkeys are visible on the road (because visitors feed them). There are a couple of snack bars here, and has been renovated with golf cart ferrying visitors around.
Credits: Native Pakistan
Pir Sohawa
Further up the mountain is Pir Sohawa, nearly 9km by road from the base of the mountain, and 1,200 m above sea level. The spot has become a great picnic area, with various BBQ restaurants cropping up.
Credits: Skyscrapper City
Here you’ll find an even better view of the city below. Also, the temperature up here is around 3 to 4 degrees lower than normal, so you may wan to keep another layer to wear. The views, eateries and hiking trails along the mountain makes this place well worth a visit.
Monal
Monal, a restaurant located at the top of the mountain, has a breathtaking view of Islamabad. Its sure to blow you away. I highly recommend you try the Pakistani Platter here, it is one of the best BBQ platters you’ll find in Islamabad. Having said that, their menu as a whole is terrific, and is the perfect way to end your visit to the city.
Credits: Monal
I hope this list was useful in planning your day in the capital. For more guides, keep visiting us as we explore more of Pakistan.
