Best Places to Visit in Islamabad

Islamabad, the Capital of Pakistan, boasts breathtaking beauty, a serene atmosphere, and a high standard of living. It has been ranked as the world’s second-most beautiful capital due to its picturesque landscapes. The city offers a mix of iconic landmarks, contemporary dining options, lush green parks, and a variety of recreational activities, making it a perfect destination for tourists. 

If you’re a regular traveler or a first-time visitor and want to explore Islamabad’s beauty, this blog is for you. We’ll guide you on how to make the most of your trip to Islamabad. In this blog, we have listed the best places in Islamabad that you can visit to spend a memorable excursion and savor delicious food. So, let’s dive into the technicalities of the best places in Islamabad.

1. Faisal Mosque 

The Faisal Mosque, built in Islamabad, Pakistan, is a remarkable example of modern Islamic architecture, constructed in 1986. It is the largest mosque in the country, funded by a $28 million grant from King Faisal of Saudi Arabia. The mosque’s unique design, resembling a Bedouin tent, features a triangular prayer hall with eight-sided shell-shaped sloping roofs and four towering minarets that stand 260 feet tall. 

The mosque’s construction was a challenging feat of engineering, requiring careful planning and execution. The mosque’s foundations had to be reinforced to support the weight of the minarets, while the sloping roofs required expert installation to achieve the desired shape. The triangular prayer hall’s complex shape also presented significant challenges that required innovative solutions. 

Despite these challenges, the Faisal Mosque stands as a testament to modern Islamic architecture and engineering. It serves as a significant tourist attraction in Pakistan, with the prayer hall accommodating up to 10,000 worshippers and the minarets serving as a visual landmark in the city. The mosque’s construction showcases the successful collaboration of renowned Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay and expert engineers who brought his vision to life.

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2. Rawal Lake 

Rawal Lake is a reservoir created by the Rawal Dam, located in the Margalla Hills. It serves as a primary source of freshwater supply for the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Its catchment area is spread over 275 square kilometers and has a storage capacity of 47,500 acre-feet. 

The lake offers numerous recreational activities, including sailing, water skating, and diving. The surrounding area consists of gardens, picnic spots, and secluded paths, all adorned with an array of flowering trees. The terraced garden and the lake serve as a hub for picnics, fishing, and boating. Additionally, the highest point in the garden provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the lake, Margalla and Murree hills, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad.

3. Lake View Park 

The recreational area situated amidst Rawal Lake and Murree Road is a prominent destination for families seeking an outdoor getaway. The park offers a diverse range of activities, including a spacious bird aviary, a comfortable seating pagoda, well-equipped BBQ facilities, challenging rock climbing opportunities, top-notch gym motorsports, exhilarating boating and kayaking experiences, and a convenient passenger road train. The park also features a variety of restaurants and ample parking space, all available at reasonable rates.

4. F9 Park 

Fatima Jinnah Park, also known as F-9 Park, is a 750-acre recreational and public park located in Sector F-9 of Islamabad, Pakistan. It is regarded as the largest park of its kind in Asia and is home to an array of man-made structures and natural landscapes.

The park is predominantly covered with lush greenery and boasts a variety of walking tracks, playing fields, and sitting areas. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a serene and picturesque environment perfect for relaxation, exercise, and leisure activities.

5. Lok Virsa 

Lok Virsa is a highly esteemed cultural museum in Pakistan that houses an extensive array of traditional crafts and artifacts representing the country’s rich cultural heritage. The museum is located in close proximity to Shakarparian Hills and boasts an impressive collection of embroidered costumes, jewelry, woodwork, metalwork, block printing, ivory, and bonework. It serves a crucial role in preserving and showcasing these invaluable pieces of art to the public, contributing significantly to the safeguarding of Pakistan’s cultural legacy.

6. Shakarparian 

Shakarparian National Park is a tourist spot located at an altitude of over 600 meters near Zero Point. The park offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Islamabad’s surrounding sectors and hills. It has a rich cultural and historical significance, attracting history enthusiasts worldwide. The park is home to two of the most famous tourist attractions in the region, namely the Pakistan Monument and the Lok Virsa Heritage Museum.

The Pakistan Monument is a representation of the country’s diverse cultures and civilizations. It has a unique architecture that depicts the country’s history and cultural heritage. On the other hand, the Lok Virsa Heritage Museum is a vast collection of artifacts, handicrafts, and other exhibits showcasing the country’s cultural heritage. The museum serves as a cultural center where visitors can learn and appreciate Pakistan’s rich cultural diversity.

7. Jasmine Garden 

Rose and Jasmine Garden, a public garden located in Islamabad, Pakistan, is a well-known recreational area that attracts many visitors, especially those interested in horticulture. Spread over an area of 20 acres, the garden boasts a diverse collection of roses and jasmine flowers, making it a popular destination for garden enthusiasts. The garden’s establishment dates back to 1948, a year after Pakistan’s creation, and it has since been recognized for its lush greenery, colorful flowers, and refreshing environment.

Located in the heart of Islamabad near the Sports Complex Aabpara, Rose and Jasmine Garden offers a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The garden’s variety of roses and jasmine flowers are cultivated using advanced horticultural techniques, making it a hub for technical expertise in the field. Visitors can spend their day exploring the garden’s various sections, including the rose garden, the jasmine garden, and the botanical garden, where they can learn more about the plants’ taxonomy and cultivation practices. Overall, Rose and Jasmine Garden is a must-visit destination for horticulturalists and plant lovers alike.

8. Hiking Trails 

Islamabad, unlike many other capital cities, is located in close proximity to the Himalayan mountain range and is blessed with the Margalla Hills, which offer a unique blend of natural beauty and biodiversity. The hill has a fertile soil bed with abundant vegetation covering green trees, herbaceous plants, and rocks. 

There are eight designated trails, numbered 1 through 6, with varying distances, each offering a distinct hiking experience. The remaining two trails, the Saidpur Trail and the Bari Imam Trail are also popular among hikers and trekkers.

9. Pakistan Monoment 

The Monument, a grand structure, was built to signify the solidarity and devotion of the Pakistani nation. It also pays tribute to the brave martyrs who gave their lives to the nation and its people. The Monument’s impressive dome-shaped architectural design embodies the region’s rich history, culture, and heritage.

10. Saidpur Village

Saidpur village is a historical site located in Islamabad, Pakistan, with a rich Mughal history dating back over five centuries. During the Mughal era, it was primarily used as a place of worship for Sikhs and Hindus. The village boasts a diverse cultural heritage, with various religious places of worship coexisting in the area.

11. Pakistan Sports Complex

For sports lovers in Islamabad, the Sports Complex offers a multitude of sporting activities, and the registration process is hassle-free. Whether you’re interested in indoor or outdoor sports, the complex has state-of-the-art facilities to cater to all your needs.

12. Centaurus Mall

The Centaurus mall  is a prominent shopping mall located in Islamabad, Pakistan. It’s a 64-floor skyscraper that consists of three high-rise buildings – a 36-story hotel, a 23-story office building, and a 5-story shopping mall. The structure was designed by WS Atkins, a well-known British architect, and his associates. The Centaurus features an impressive range of local and international brands, along with various entertainment amenities such as a cinema, ice cream parlors, and a sports area for children. The construction of the Centaurus began in 2005 and was completed in 2011. It is one of the best place for visitors in Islamabad where they can eat, shop and fully enjoy their time. 

In Conclusion

Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, is renowned for its scenic parks and forests, such as the Margalla Hills National Park and the Shakarparian. The city boasts several iconic landmarks, including the Faisal Mosque, which is the world’s fifth-largest mosque, and the Pakistan Monument. The Democracy Square, located in the hub of the city, is another historically significant landmark. Additionally, Islamabad houses several top-class restaurants, sports complexes, and shopping malls that offer a unique experience to visitors. If you intend to visit Islamabad, make sure to explore these famous places to make your trip memorable.

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