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Karachi

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At a glance

Country
Pakistan
Region
Sindh
Population
20 million
Best time to go
November to February
Main airport
Karachi Jinnah International (KHI)
Coordinates
24.86°N, 67.00°E

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Overview

Karachi is Pakistan's largest city and its commercial heart, a huge, energetic port on the Arabian Sea. It was the country's first capital, and colonial sandstone buildings still stand among the modern towers and markets.

It is a city of food above all, from late-night grills on Burns Road to seafood by the sea, and a melting pot of people from every part of Pakistan.

Things to see

  • Mazar-e-Quaid
    Photo: A.Savin, FAL

    Mazar-e-Quaid

    The gleaming white marble mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.

  • Mohatta Palace
    Photo: Aareez Asif, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Mohatta Palace

    A pink-stone palace built in the 1920s, now a museum hosting art and heritage exhibitions.

    Tickets and tours
  • Frere Hall
    Photo: A.Savin, FAL

    Frere Hall

    A Victorian Gothic hall set in gardens, with a painted ceiling and a weekend book market outside.

  • Empress Market
    Photo: A.Savin, FAL

    Empress Market

    A grand Victorian market building with a clock tower, packed with stalls of spices and produce.

  • Clifton Beach
    Photo: JJ Harrison ( https://www.jjharrison.com.au/ ), CC BY-SA 3.0

    Clifton Beach

    Join families on the long sandy seafront for camel rides and snacks at sunset.

Things to do

  • Eat on Burns Road
    Photo: suleman sajjad, CC BY-SA 2.0

    Eat on Burns Road

    The city's famous food street serves nihari, haleem and kebabs well into the night.

  • Chaukhandi tombs
    Photo: A.Savin, FAL

    Chaukhandi tombs

    Intricately carved sandstone tombs on the road east of the city.

  • Day trip to Makli Necropolis
    Photo: Asultan, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Day trip to Makli Necropolis

    One of the world's largest cemeteries, with elaborate monuments spanning centuries, near Thatta.

Where to stay

Getting around

Ride-hailing apps are the most practical way to get around this sprawling city. Allow extra time for traffic.

The airport is about 15 km from the centre, 30 minutes to an hour by car depending on traffic.

When to go

November to February is warm and dry, the most comfortable season. Summers are hot and humid, with occasional monsoon downpours in July and August.

Plan your trip to Karachi

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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

More city guides for Pakistan

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