Islamabad Travel Guide 2026

Faisal Mosque

Designed by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay and funded by Saudi Arabia's King Faisal, this is one of the largest mosques in the world with space for 300,000 worshippers. Its striking tent-like design — eight angular concrete shells without a traditional dome — is controversial but undeniably dramatic, set against the Margalla Hills backdrop. Entry is free. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome outside prayer times. Dress modestly; women should bring a headscarf.

Margalla Hills National Park

A forested mountain range on Islamabad's northern edge with well-marked hiking trails. Trail 3 to Pir Sohawa (viewpoint, 7 km) and Trail 5 (the most popular, 3 km to a viewpoint) offer excellent day hikes. The park is home to leopards (rarely seen), monkeys, wild boar and over 600 bird species. Monal Restaurant at the top serves excellent food with panoramic views. Best hiked in the morning.

Daman-e-Koh

A hilltop garden and viewpoint in the Margalla Hills offering panoramic views over Islamabad, with the Faisal Mosque visible below and the plains of Punjab stretching to the horizon. A popular picnic spot with monkeys in the trees. Free entry. Drive up from the E-7 sector or hike from Trail 3.

Lok Virsa Museum

The national folk heritage museum showcasing Pakistan's incredible cultural diversity. Exhibits cover all four provinces and Gilgit-Baltistan: Sindhi embroidery, Baloch carpets, Kalash tribal dress, Pashto weapons, Punjabi pottery. The outdoor Heritage Museum has reconstructed traditional houses. Entry: PKR 200. Allow 1-2 hours.

Pakistan Monument

A lotus-shaped monument in the Shakarparian Hills representing the four provinces and three territories of Pakistan. The interior museum has multimedia displays on Pakistan's history from the independence movement to the present. Excellent city views from the terrace. Entry: PKR 200.

Taxila (Day Trip)

The ancient city of Taxila, 35 km northwest of Islamabad, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological sites in South Asia. Founded in the 5th century BC, Taxila was a major centre of Gandharan Buddhist civilisation. The site includes the Dharmarajika Stupa, Julian monastery, and the excellent Taxila Museum. Half-day trip: hire a car for PKR 5,000-8,000 or take a bus from Faizabad station.

• Monal Restaurant: Perched in the Margalla Hills with panoramic city views. Pakistani BBQ, continental options. PKR 2,000-4,000 per person.
• Melody Market (F-6): Street food stalls serving kebabs, paratha rolls and chai. Budget meals from PKR 200-400.
• Kohsar Market (F-6/3): Upscale dining area with coffee shops, Italian restaurants and bakeries.
• Jinnah Super (F-7): Islamabad's main commercial area with diverse restaurants and fast food.
• Rawalpindi Food Street: The twin city Rawalpindi (10 km away) has more traditional food stalls and bazaars.

Airport: Islamabad International Airport (ISB) is 30 km from the city centre. Direct flights from Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, London, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, Beijing and more.

Getting around:

• Careem/InDriver: Ride-hailing apps work well in Islamabad. Cheapest option for getting around.
• Metro Bus: Connects Islamabad to Rawalpindi. Limited routes but cheap (PKR 30).
• Taxis: Negotiate fares in advance. Most journeys within the city PKR 500-1,500.
• Car hire: Available at the airport and through hotels. PKR 4,000-8,000/day with driver.

• Population: ~2 million
• Altitude: 507m
• Airport: ISB
• Best time: Oct–Apr
• Language: Urdu, English
• Twin city: Rawalpindi

• Hunza Valley (15-18 hrs)
• Lahore (4.5 hrs)
• Swat Valley (4-5 hrs)
• Fairy Meadows (12+ hrs)
• Skardu (1 hr flight)