Things to Do in Islamabad, Pakistan

"People in Islamabad drive in straight lines, just like in America."

Coming from other Pakistani cities, Islamabad can either be a peaceful haven or a diplomatic ghost town. This capital city, planned and built in the 1960s, is like no other city in Pakistan. For the first time traveler to Pakistan, Islamabad's neatly planned city blocks, wide lanes and green parks can be comforting. For a trekker descending from the Karakoram, Islamabad is a place where you can eat at lavish buffet restaurants and stay in snazzy hotel. In summer, Lahoris love to spend long weekends in Islamabad where the air is cooler, city din doesn't intrude on sleeping in, and designer shops abound.

Melody Market

A popular hangout for both locals and tourists is Melody Market. It's essentially a large outdoor food court where large screens feature music videos and footage of Pakistani musicians and singers. Try the "takka tuk" if you're feeling adventurous - fried goat testicles. Another amusing activity is reading the marriage adverts in the classifieds that litter the café tables.

Shah Faisal Mosque

Islamabad's main tourist attraction is Shah Faisal Mosque. Given as a gift to Pakistan from King Faisal of Saudi Arabia. It is said to be able to seat 100,000 worshipers. The style of the mosque is not traditionally Pakistan, but more of the style of modern Arabian Gulf architecture. It looks like it may have lost its way to Abu Dhabi or Dubai and somehow accidentally ended up in Pakistan, but nevertheless the mega mosque has become the iconic image of Islamabad. It is best to visit when it is not prayer time, and women should be dressed modestly and wearing a scarf to cover the hair.

Daman-e-Koh

Islamabad is surrounding by the rolling Margalla Hills, and it's easy to escape the city for some scenic views. One of the most popular spots is Daman-e-Koh. You can take a taxi here, wander through the parks and enjoy a cup of overpriced tea from a local chai-walla at the top. Yes, it's a touristy spot where smiling men with Polaroid cameras will offer to take your photo, but the view is one of the best in the city.

Lok Virsa Museum

One of Pakistan's prime ethnological and cultural museusm is located in Islamabad. It's long name is "National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage, Lok Virsa," but if you're getting there in a taxi simply "Lok Virsa" will do. Here you can learn about traditional Pakistani art, music and crafts. The museum is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and closed on Sundays. For more information, call (+92) 51 920 1651.

Reference & more information:
Lok Virsa Museum
Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation
The Islamabad.net