Islamabad
Not been yet
At a glance
- Country
- Pakistan
- Region
- Islamabad Capital Territory
- Population
- 1.2 million
- Best time to go
- March to April, October to November
- Main airport
- Islamabad International (ISB)
- Coordinates
- 33.68°N, 73.05°E
Country visited City visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Islamabad was built in the 1960s as Pakistan's new capital, a planned city of green sectors laid out at the foot of the forested Margalla Hills. It is calm, orderly and leafy, a striking contrast to its older twin city, Rawalpindi.
The hills are the city's great asset, with hiking trails starting from the edge of town. Islamabad is also a gateway to the ancient Buddhist sites of Taxila and the mountains of the north.
Things to see
-
Photo: Ali Mujtaba, CC BY-SA 4.0 Faisal Mosque
A vast, tent-shaped modern mosque with four pencil minarets, set against the hills.
-
Photo: Muhammad Ashar, CC BY-SA 4.0 Pakistan Monument
Granite petals shaped like a blooming flower, on a hill with views across the city.
-
Photo: Ymblanter, CC BY-SA 4.0 Lok Virsa Museum
A rich museum of folk heritage, with costumes, crafts and music from every region of Pakistan.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Fraz.khalid1, CC0 Daman-e-Koh
A viewpoint in the Margalla Hills overlooking the city's grid and the Faisal Mosque.
-
Photo: a8junea, CC BY-SA 3.0 Saidpur Village
A restored old village at the foot of the hills, with restaurants in traditional buildings.
Things to do
-
Photo: Ctrlpk, CC BY-SA 3.0 Hike the Margalla Hills
Popular trails climb through the forest from the edge of town to ridges and viewpoints.
-
Photo: Sasha Isachenko, CC BY-SA 3.0 Day trip to Taxila
Ruins of ancient Gandharan cities and Buddhist monasteries, with a fine museum, under an hour away.
Find tours -
Photo: Fahads1982, CC BY-SA 4.0 Explore Rawalpindi's bazaars
Dive into the crowded old markets of Islamabad's twin city for spices, fabrics and street food.
Where to stay
F-6 and F-7
Central, leafy sectors with markets, cafés and good guesthouses.
Hotels in F-6 and F-7Blue Area
The commercial spine of the city, with business hotels.
Hotels in Blue AreaE-7
Quiet and upmarket, close to the hills and Margalla Road.
Hotels in E-7
Getting around
Ride-hailing apps are the easiest way to get around. The Metrobus links Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
The airport is around 30 km southwest of the city, about 30 to 40 minutes by car.
When to go
Spring (March and April) and autumn (October and November) are mild and clear. Summers are hot, with monsoon rains in July and August, and winters are cool.
Plan your trip to Islamabad
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Flight and hotel dealslastminute.com
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Adventure travel insuranceWorld Nomads
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More about this.
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.
Over to you
Been here? Share a tip, or ask me anything about it, in the comments.