Islamabad see · Islamabad attractions
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Islamabad attractions
Islamabad attractions
Museums & Art Galleries
Lok Virsa Museum[ ], Shakarparian Park (next to H7 & G8) US$5 for foreigners. Recently renovated, a delight. Definitely worth a visit. Islamabad's premier museum featuring more than 25 large galleries in four blocks linked through passages depicting cultural linkages with Iran, Central Asia and China. There are large halls dedicated to architecture, musical heritage, textiles, romances, Sufi shrines and several other cultural themes. It has a large collection of embroidered costumes, jewellery, woodwork, metalwork, block printing, ivory and bone work on display. The Heritage Reference Library of Museum has a great collection of data on art, music, history and crafts of all regions of Pakistan. Books on culture, heritage, audio and video cassettes of folk and classical vocal and instrumental music are sold at the Lok Virsa's Sales Centre. Lok Virsa celebrates the national events in a befitting manner with musical concerts, exhibitions and public film shows on cultural heritage.
Golra Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum, Golra Sharif train station (west of F11 - (look on google maps)), ☎ 051 4316954. 8am-4pm. A little known gem - worth seeking out for a trip back in time to the glory days of the North West Railway - the station house has been renovated and houses a small museum, and several old locomotives and rolling stock are there to be explored. Makes a nice cycle-ride from Islamabad. Rs 5. �
Pakistan Museum of Natural history this is more a place for school trips than a tourist destination - however an impressive blue whale skeleton has recently been constructed outside
National Art Gallery (F5/1) Opened in 2007, the gallery is a modern, light filled, air conditioned edifice that would not be out of place in many european cities. A diverting collection of almost 450 art pieces, purchased or gifted by the artists for National Art Gallery. Covers a surprising diversity of contemporary and classical paintings, sculpture and other installations. The Gallery is also home to an indoor and outdoor theatre (word-of-mouth and local press for schedules). Open 7 days a week - from 11am-1pm (free) and 2pm-7pm (Rs. 500) - hence it is empty in the afternoons and you may find yourself trailed by gallery staff turning the lights on and off for you! Located in F5/1, on the corner of Jinnah & Constitution avenues, opposite the Parliament building.
Private art galleries are at the centre of Islamabad's art scene, with new exhibitions opening almost weekly. The three main gallaries are:
Rohtas Gallery House 57-B, Street 26, F6/2, 051 2271390 , Nomad Gallery House 22, Justice Abdul Rashid Avenue, F6/1, 051 2273725 , and Kuch Khaas House 1, Street 2, F-6/3, 051-8357483, . There is also the Jhoraka Art Gallery House # 8, Street 28 F8/1 .
Parks, viewpoints and green spaces
Daman-e-Koh, a lookout point in the hills above E-6 with great views of the city on a clear day/night. Its beauty is enhanced by the greenery and flowers at different sites. High quality restaurants, good food, live music, hiking trails and lush green hillsides make it a favorite place for local and foreign tourist alike.
Shakarparian a beautiful wild and hilly area for a nice evening walk in a green natural atmosphere. Is located south of G6 and G7.
Japanese Park, is a children's park located near Islamabad Zoo. It is popular among children, families and to those visiting Islamabad from other cities due to its park facilities and children swing facilities.
Rawal Lake has recently been upgraded by the Capital Development Authority. On the north side is Lake View Park (access from the road to Murree) - a beautifully laid out park with gardens, picnic spots, and secluded paths and views over the lake. Is now home to an aviary, go-kart track and climbing wall. The terraced garden and the lake are used for fishing and boating. On the south side of the lake is another small park with a nice lookout, Red Onion restaurant and old Hindu temple. The highest point in the garden offers a panoramic view of Islamabad. Boating, sailing, water skating and diving facilities are organized by private clubs. To the west of the lake is the Islamabad Club, which offers different sporting facilities.
Fatima Jinnah Park; also known as the F-9 park is considered one of the largest in South East Asia. The park also has a large children's playground, and an indoor facility with a nice bowling alley.
Pir Sohawa. An overlook of Islamabad located in the Margalla Hills above the city. There are now two eateries at Pir Sohawa and both worth visiting. A walk up from Trail 3, from F-6/3 will get you to the hill top in around 2 hours with the perfect appetite, but you can reach Pir Sohawa by road in around 35-40 minutes.
Rose & Jasmine Garden is located near Islamabad sports complex & Jinnah Stadium. South of Shahrah-e-Kashmir road and east of Islamabad Highway. Not too far from Rawal Lake.
Margalla Hills. Take a nice nature walk in the hills surrounding Islamabad.
Mosques, shrines & monuments
Faisal Masjid, Islamabad's most recognizable landmark, a very large mosque gifted by King Faisal of Saudi Arabia. Beautiful in the day or night, definitely worth the short taxi ride. Dress and act respectfully, this is much more a place of serious worship than a tourist site. Is open to non-Muslims outside of prayer times, but is sometimes shut altogether.
National Monument near Shakarparian, represents Pakistan's four provinces and three territories. From air the monument looks like a star (center) and a crescent moon (formed by walls forming the petals), these represent the star and crescent on Pakistan's flag. Also a small museum and a nice view of the city.
Imam Bari Shrine Historical shrine of a Sufi saint located in the valley of NurPur Shahan near G5.
Golra Sharif Shrine of Pir Mehr Ali Shah(RA), a Sufi Saint located in a village of Golra (Islamic religious site).
Other
Islamabad Zoo is located at the foot of Daman-e-Koh view point. It has more than 300 animals including 200 birds of different kinds, and tigers, lions and other animals.
Blue Area, is Islamabad's financial center and is the main arterial road which leads up to the main government buildings at the Constitution Avenue.
Saidpur Village used to be a sleepy little village lying in the foothills of the Margallas with a mystic past and breathtaking natural beauty. It has now been remodeled. The village now become popular with the citizens of Islamabad who want an occasional break from the frenzy of urban life. Surrounded with lush, tranquil wilderness, the centuries old village is furnished with rustic fittings and offers amenities like a wide range of local food outlets and restaurants. Exhibitions are held regularly to show case the traditional arts, crafts and the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan.
Attend open-air theater or just sit by the Lotus lake and relax. Check to see if there are is anything happening. The schedules are entirely calendar and weather dependent.
Chattar bagh is a small park in the hills, around 25 minutes away from Islamabad. A water park with a few amusement rides, but will not offer much excitement for those who have seen other amusement parks or water parks.
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Islamabad Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.