Once inside the city, one is never short of activities but it always is an ordeal to know where to begin from. For your ease, here are the top 10 places to visit in Islamabad, that you should never forget to visit. Apart from just being the capital of Pakistan, Islamabad has a lot more to offer to tourists. Islamabad is famous for its beauty, ambience, and high quality of life. It is the second most beautiful capital in the world. With its greenest of parks, best sightseeing locations, eateries, and a lot more.
Top 10 Places to visit in Islamabad
The capital of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is surely one of the top 5 tourist destinations of Pakistan. However, as we see the landmarks and places to visit they are totally in another dimension. As compared to the Top 10 places to visit in Lahore, these landmarks are based more on monumental and natural inception. While those in Lahore are based on culture, religion and more upon Mughal architecture. The top 10 places to visit in Islamabad are all about Pakistan’s most regarded landmarks. Adding to the beauty of such landmarks is the rich green structure of the city.
1. Pakistan Monument
Located at zero point, this is the most easily accessible spot for tourists. Huddled in between the Shakarparian Hills, the Monument provides a drone view of a Moon and a star, owing to the National flag of Pakistan. Located therein is also a museum that has in itself monuments linking to the rich history of the country.
This is one symbol of Pakistan’s harmony as one nation due to the four converging petals representing each one of the major provinces and the shorter ones representing the other territories. This makes it the first go-to place when in Islamabad and revise your patriotism!
2. Faisal Mosque
Known as the national mosque, it also is the largest in the country. Located on the foothills of Margalla Hills, it has a total covered area of 54000 square ft. It bears the name of the Saudi King Faisal who facilitated the making of it. The designer of this magnificent marvel was a Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay. This cultural diversity in its name makes the mosque a must-visit. It stands bare of the typical dome and has eight sloping roofs that all together form a triangular worship hall and also a magnificent external outlook.
Also known as one of the most iconic structures of Islamabad, it is regarded as an influential Islamic architect design. From any corner across the city, one can easily spot this white-tiled structure, but only from near one take in its actual beauty!
3. Lok Virsa Heritage Museum
Meaning ‘Place of People’s Heritage’, the Lok Virsa Museum is a gem in itself exhibiting the uniquely rich culture of Pakistan. All provinces of the country have their own recognition and visitors get to see all of them herein. Opening in 1974, it now works in collaboration with UNESCO. Whether you are a foreigner or a local, this is a must-go place in order to have know-how about your origins and traditions.
Consisting of several buildings and even an outdoor museum, it represents the heritage of all languages that the country has. I’m sure you’d not want to miss out on this huge chunk!
4. Saidpur Village
Away from all the hustling of the city is the Saidpur village that provides authentic village feels right in the middle of the 21st century. Located in the Margalla Hills, this is one ancient Hindu village where worshippers would come from far and near to pay homage. The remnants of what had once been, yet stay to date. One can spot a Hindu temple and a Sikh Gurdwara on the gravelled streets.
The village now modernized, has a variety of restaurants and eateries right in the hub of cultural exposure. Des Pardes and DeraPakhtoon are some examples where your taste buds can gain energy. With the residents playing sitaars along the roadsides, this simple and beautifully traditional lifestyle is all that you need at times!
5. Shah Allah Ditta Caves
It is one of the haunting places of Islamabad, the caves are almost around 2400 years old. Being artefacts of the Buddhist, Mughal, and Hindu periods, this is one point you’d like to visit in case you’re into history and also intrigues by what is around you. Located in the foothills of Margalla, it also is one perfect point to sit by and view the sun setting behind the hills.
As for the modern look, there is a cozy tea spot for people to refresh after sightseeing. If you’re fond of adventure, this is your go-to place!
6. Rawal Lake
The Korang River that flows down the Margalla Hills pours into the Rawal Lake and acts as yet another tourist attraction for the people of Islamabad. Built to fulfil the water needs of the twin cities, this lake is located between Bani gala, Malpur village, and the Margalla Hills National Park. It covers a total area of 8.8 square km and is surrounded by gardens and various picnic spots. Motorboats are one fascination that you might also want to go for!
Providing a beautiful view of the Rawal Dam outlet as well, sitting and enjoying the open atmosphere is one favourable option herein. Having a comparatively lower visitor turnover, you would surely want to visit this one for enjoying some me time!
7. Daman e Koh
This is a hilly forested terrain of the Margalla Hills that later join up to the Himalayan range. Located at about 240000ft, this is also known as the hilltop garden towards the north of Islamabad. Being an amalgamation of two Persian words, it translates to ‘foothills’, the Daman e Koh is one popular tourist attraction point of the city.
This is midway of Pir Sohawa is located at a height of 3600ft and you surely won’t want to miss the beauty from the top. While monkeys and cheetahs are a common sight here, you’d find it difficult to remove your eyes from the breathtaking view that is on the display. Hence the Daman e Koh is a must-visit.
8. Margalla Hills National Park
Covering approximately 17,386 hectares, the Margalla Hills National Park includes trails 3 and 5 and also the Margalla Hills. The Till Charouni of height 1604m is the highest peak in the park. What makes this park all the more interesting is the biodiversity therein. Being home to 250 varieties of birds, 38 mammals 600 species of plants, this is yet not the end to it.
In case you’re fond of hiking, then this is your go-to place! Trail 5 however is all the more fun because of the water flowing alongside the track, making it all the more attractive. Moreover, the Margalla Hills host the first-ever Asian Leopard preservation zone.
9. Shahdara Valley Islamabad
Being one natural spot, this valley is a breath of fresh air and also a point of having an organic view over the city. Located between the Margalla Hills and the Quaid e Azam University, this is one focal point for hangouts. In case you’re looking for a serene place to sip your tea and have pakoras alongside, then this is the go-to point! Stream water is an attraction for children mostly. While the rest are captivated by the hidden beauty of the huge Margalla Hills.
10. Ayub National Park
Claimed to be Asia’s largest park, it is spread over a total of 1300 acres of land. As to be this huge, seldom does the park feel crowded despite even being filled with people. Formerly known as the Topi Rakh Park, it has its formation before the inception of Pakistan, after which it was later named after General Ayub Khan.
Boasting off a garden restaurant, an open-air theatre, boating facilities, ‘The Jungle World’ and whatnot, the Ayub National Park is a glimpse of enjoyment regardless of the age categories one belongs to! Without a doubt, the Ayub National Park makes its way in the list of the top 10 places to visit in Islamabad.
