From Wikitravel

Islamabad [1] has been the capital of Pakistan since 1963. A relatively quiet city, it consists of mainly Federal Government offices, Parliment House, the official residences of the President and Prime Minister along with the Diplomatic Enclave, an area next to the Parliament House dedicated to foreign embassies and missions appointed in Pakistan.

Although the majority of the population in Islamabad traditionally have been employees of the Federal Government, in recent years Islamabad has become a very important financial and business city. In the last decade there has been vast changes in the city's traditional reputation. From it being a typical 9 to 5 city, Islamabad has become more lively with a lot of international food chains opening businesses, and generally a great improvement in night life with increasing shopping areas opening till late. However during winter season streets are considerably quiet after dark.

Even now, Islamabad remains a city where people come from all over the country to enjoy its peaceful, noise-free atmosphere with a lot of greenery and nice surrounding scenery. It also serves as a base camp for people from the south and coastal areas like Karachi visiting valleys like Swat and Kaghan and northern areas like Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu & Chitral located in the Himalayas mountains.

[edit] Understand

English Local Newspaper The Dawn, The News, The Nation & The Daily Times are national newspapers in English supplemented with local news sections. Business Recorder is the only newpaper providing national and international business news. However, newspapers are like New York Times, Los Angles Times, International Herald Tribune, Financial Times, Khaleej Times, Gulf News, Sunday Times and etc., are also available. These international newspapers usually arrive in Islamabad a day after publishing. All newspapers (international, national and local) are available at book stores in leading hotels like Serena & Marriott. They can also be purchased from leading book stores such as London Book House (Kohsar Market in sector F-6/3), Saeed Book Bank (Jinnah Super Market in sector F-7), and Mr. Books (Super Market in sector F-6).

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

• Islamabad International Airport (ISB)

[edit] By bus

• Skyways and Daewoo are 2 of the nicer long-haul operators. Skyways offer some direct services to/from Islamabad and Lahore, Peshawar and Karachi. Daewoo has it's own terminal on the road from Islamabad just outside Rawalpindi. The majority of buses arrive and depart from Rawalpindi, a few kilometres and a 45 minute taxi ride from Islamabad.You can call the Daewoo Station in advance for booking. They shall confirm a seat for you. The number is 051 111 007 008. You can travel to Peshawar, Lahore, D I Khan, Murree, Sialkot, Abottabad, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Multan, and recently they have started service between Karachi and Hyderabad.

[edit] Railway

Since First Class travel with Pakistan Railway is good, it's worth knowing that Rawalpindi, the neighbourhood city, has railway connections with various major cities including Karachi, Lahore & Peshawar

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[edit] Get around

Taxis in Islamabad are abundant, popular and generally safe. Cost is around Rs35 - Rs45 per sector traveled, depending on your bargaining skills. Prices will be higher at night, especially departing from places like Jinnah Super (F-7). It is always advisable to agree the fare before travelling. The cost may go up for foreigners. (Gora Price)

Car Hire is also a good way of getting around. Although road signs and directions are only available on main roads, Due to Islamabad being a relatively small city, It is easy to find your way around. There are various car hire companies in Blue Area F-6 and also in G-8 Markaz where cars can be hired with drivers to avoid paying large sums for security and also, to avoid having to find your way. All 5* and major hotels have their own car hire services and are relatively cheap. A tip to the driver at the end of the booking period is appreciated and advisable however, not an obligation.

[edit][add listing] See

Islamabad has few traditional sights, but some include:

• Blue Area, Islamabad's financial center.

• Constitution Avenue

• Daman-e-Koh, a lookout point in the hills above E-6 with great views of the city on a clear day/night. There is a restaurant and snack stall, and plenty of locals there to relax. Also see Zoo, Japanese park

• Faisal Masjid, Islamabad's most recognizable landmark, a very large mosque gifted by King Faisal of Saudi Arabia. Beautiful in the day or night, definitely worth the short taxi ride. Dress and act respectfully, this is much more a place of serious worship than a tourist site.

• Margalla Hills. Take a nice nature walk in the hills surrounding Islamabad.

• Pir Sohawa. Birds eye view of Islamabad. There are now two eateries at Pir Sohawa and both worth visiting. A walk up from Trail 3, from F-6/3 will get you to the hill top in around 2 hours with the perfect appetite, but you can reach Pir Sohawa by road in around 35-40 minutes.

• Lok Virsa Museum, recently renovated, a delight. Definitely worth a visit.

• Pakistan Museum of Natural history

• Islamabad Museum

• National Monument near Shakarparian

• National Art gallery

• Rawal lake promenade

• Attend open-air theater or just sit by the Lotus lake and relax. Check to see if there are is anything happening. The schedules are entirely calendar and weather dependant.

• Shakarparian is another wonderful place. Consist of beautiful hilly area for a nice evening walk in a green natural atmosphere.

• Caravan Park is at a little distance away from the Shakarparian Hills. This park is open and accessible only for foreigners, making it exclusive and safe. Adequate facilities are provided to make visitors to the area comfortable and at home.

• Rose & Jasmine Garden is located near Islamabad sports complex & Jinnah Stadium. South of Shahrah-e-Kashmir road and east of Islamabad Highway. Not too far from Rawal Lake.

• Imam Barri Shrine Historical shrine of a Sufi saint located in the beautiful valley of NurPur Shahan (Islamic religious site).

• Golra Sharif Shrine of Pir Mehr Ali Shah(RA), a Sufi Saint located in a village of Golra (Islamic religious site).

• Fatima Jinnah park is the largest fenced park in South Asia. There is plenty of development taking place there at the moment, but no matter which gate you enter from, you should be able to find plenty of walk ways, some grass and lots of other people just taking a break. The park will often be full of cricketers and unless you're playing - walk around them. (You'd just be in their way). You will also find tennis courts, occasionally a few people playing volleyball or basketball. The park also has an indoor facility with a nice bowling alley.

• Chattar bagh is a small park in the hills, around 25 minutes away from Islamabad. A water park with a few amusement rides, but will not offer much excitement for those who have seen other amusement parks or water parks.

• Taxila, World's oldest university. Taxilla is also home to one of the oldest civilizations, and has a museum that boasts plenty of interesting pieces. Worth a visit and a picnic. Should you be interested further in the subject, guided tours can be arranged for sites around the museum.

• China town is one of the best restaurants in Islamabad. It offers Sichuan Cuisine with Firepot as one of it's specialities. China Town enjoys a very loyal patronage from its customers. The restaurant is being re-located to a beautiful 8,000 sq ft building on Street 55, F-8/4. It will feature a professional kitchen in the basement, a beautiful lounge on ground floor, a fine dining hall on the first floor, and a roof top sitting with a fantastic view of Margallas. Expected opening date is August 2008.

• Murree, One hour scenic journey through beautiful mountains to the hill resort of Murree which is a nice place to visit especially during summers. A small place has a weather entirely different to that of Islamabad and much similar to most cities of Northern Europe. High class educational institues such as Lawrence College, Convent of Jesus and Mary,and the Presentation Convent are the hallmark of Murree. Chairlifts of Murree and Patriata are attractions for tourists. A two kilometer "Mall" is the center of gravity of Murree where all the shops and hotels are located. A place worth visiting during your stay in Islamabad.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Trekking & Hiking in Margalla Hills.

• Fishing at Rawal lake

• Para Gliding at Margalla Hills. Though a reservation in advance may be useful, it is recommended that you call the Pakistan Adventure Foundation.

• Cycling Mountain biking is fast becoming a much-loved activity because of the weather and the terrain. If you're in the mood for some adventurous cycling down one of Islamabad's beautifully scenic bike trails, get your bike ready and head down. Information can again be had from the ASG's hiking publication.

• Night Life Islamabad has a limited but active night life. To get into the circles with a night life, getting connected with the local elite (for lack of better words) will be useful. Should you manage, there is often something happening each night. The Mariott also has a club, called Rumours, that is open to foreigners only on the weekday. But I would call before showing up.

[edit][add listing] Buy

Islamabad is divided into sectors, each sector having its own central shopping area (or markaz) where all local amenities are located. Some of the more popular markazes are the F6 Markaz (aka Supermarket) F7 Markaz (aka Jinnah Super Market), F8 Markaz (aka Ayub Market), G6 Markaz (aka Melody Park), G9 Markaz (aka Karachi Company) and so on. Each markaz has its own peculiarities and each one is worth visiting individually. However most things are catered for in each markaz i.e. clothing, shoes, fast food etc. There’s always a real buzz in the evenings when all the shoppers come out, particularly in the run up to Eid.

• 7th Avenue, located at Jinnah Super Market (F7 Markaz), has large selection of western food products.
• Best Price, located at Super Market (F6 Markaz), also sells western food products.
• Handicrafts, The Capital Development Authority, has recently established a handicrafts village near super market, where small stalls with handicrafts from around the country are available. You should be able to walk from there to Mahraja (next to united Bakery) and find plenty of other stores much larger and with a much better collection of handicrafts and traditional items. This is a MUST visit for all first time visitors and a useful stop for quick gift items for people back home. A good present for the ladies is Pashmina shawls or wraps, which can cost anywhere between $15 to as much as $700. Remember to bargain, you will be charged Gora price.
• Art For art lovers, I suggest that you get in touch with some local to take you around. There are three or four art gallaries that are worth visiting and each will offer a completely different range of art work, style and pricing. All the facilities should be visited if you are art lovers. Some of the places to visit are, Khaas, The National Art Gallery and Nomad Art Gallery.

Foreign Currency Exchange is easily available from F-6 Blue Area where there are 100's of money changer privately owned shops. It is advised to check the rate with a few of them before going ahead with it.

[edit][add listing] Eat

• Iffi's (Restaurant/ Bakery), F-7/2 (Rana Market) (Near Jinnah Super (Opposite Alliance Francaise)), ☎ +92 51 2655060-1, [2]. 1100 - 0000. The architecture of an old ship with Mexican, Thai, French, Italian food as well as burgers and steaks. Iffi's has its own bakery as wel edit

• Melody Food Street In Melody G-6 Markaz is a newly opened food area with variety of food to choose from with some nationally famous restaurant names having outlets there. Plenty of BBQ and traditional Pakistani food with a variety of fresh fruit juices to choose from.

• Red Onion Chain of Restaurants Blue Area, opposite the Saudi Park Tower building stands one of the oldest restaurants in Islamabad. Established in 1991, pioneer to 'Buy one Pizza & Get the second one Absolutely FREE' this restaurant offers a wide range of cuisines i.e Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Pakistani & Continental. Prices are very moderate, ambiance is modern & customer service is very friendly!

• Papa Sallis, F-7 Markaz (Jinnah Super)(Ph: 2650550-3), Very well known place (Please ask any local shop for directions) for steaks and pizzas since 1999. Prices are quite high for Pakistani standards, but from a Western perspective still very cheap.

• Kitchen Cuisine, F-7 markaz (Jinnah Super), At the back of main shopping area, This is quite a popular bakery with really fresh and tasty bakery products including chocolate fudge cakes, cheese cakes and low cholesterol items. Made to Order services are also available.

• Civil Junction, F-7/3 markaz (Gol Market) offers good coffee and an interesting array of drinks and 'mocktails'. Light snacks are also offered along with coffee and drinks. The place offers occasional live music from upcoming local bands, making it a popular hangout with the youth of the city.

• Hot Spot, One of the few places that Islamabad can clain as theirs first. F-7/3 (Gol Market) also offers a great ice-cream place. Though the menu has now increased from just ice-cream to milkshakes, pies, sandwitches and plenty more, the place still has the feel of an ice-cream joint. With a unique, rather artistic decor, Hot Spot is a must visit for any first time traveller to Islamabad.

• Rakaposhi, pastry shop at the Serena, has some of the best coffee and pastries in Pakistan. Worth a visit if you just want to relax or get some work done. The Serena also offers wireless internet, so, it is an ideal place to sit and get some work done if you like.

• Lasania Restaurant, 66 West Junaid Plaza, Blue Area (Ph: 227-3200, 287-2200). This place is very nicely decorated and is also situated in a very nice location. They have a huge selection of BBQ, Pakistani and Chinese food items on the menu. Their food is not extremely spicy like most other places.

• Jahangir's, Masco Plaza, Blue Area is one of the most popular local restaurant chains. Its delicious local or 'desi' items and barbecue are a treat, garnering it lots of appreciation from food lovers. Known for their mastery of Pakistani and Indian specialities, Jahangir is definitely a must-visit restaurant.

• China Town Restaurant Most well known and popular Chinease Restaurant in Islamabad and frequently crowded.(Better to get reservations for dinner). Although most of the food is the best chinease cuisine you will find in Islamabad what the restaurant is famous for is their Firehot/Hot Pot. A considered must have for anyone visiting Islamabad. Lots of Imitations of the restaurant has cropped up in Pakistan however nothing beats the original. Definitely one of Islamabad's gems. China Town enjoys a very loyal patronage from its customers. The restaurant is being re-located to a beautiful 8,000 sq ft building on Street 55, F-8/4. It will feature a professional kitchen in the basement, a beautiful lounge on ground floor, a fine dining hall on the first floor, and a roof top sitting with a fantastic view of Margallas. Expected opening date is August 2008.

• Cinnamon, Beverely center, Blue Area is one of the hippest places to eat. They serve an adequate range of carefully selected international delicacies, including authentic gourmet meals, popular salads and refreshing mocktails. The décor is absolutely superb, with clashing black and white motifs and photographs, and the service and quality of food equally brilliant. The perfect place to have a quiet albeit slightly expensive family dinner.

• Ye Olde Hangout, F-7 Markaz (Jinnah Super), behind Shell petrol station. A wonderful little coffee shop/sheesha bar. They serve a small selection of global and local food, and play sexy Bollywood and Egyptian videos. Posters of Jimi Hendrix, 50 Cent, Marilyn Manson and Angus Young are on the walls. One room is all men. Another for mixed couples and ladies only. No alcohol of course, but lots of cigarettes and a good tea selection.

• Majlis, Street 3, F-6/3, a trendy, upperclass, big pocket place for Lebanesse food. A place where you will find the the movers and shakers of the city and a large portion of the Arabic diplomatic community. The food is to die for and the setting just right for that. Though those visiting on a tight budget can choose to avoid it, it sure is worth a stop.

• Cafe Khaas, Cafe Khaas, is an extention of Khaas Art Gallery. A lunch only place that is normally packed, though expensive has great food. They also boast some of the finest art collection in Islamabad. Look for "Mouse" or the manager, and you will be given personal attention. Make sure you get a suggestion for what is best, and work your way through the limited, but exquisite menu. At the lunch hour, this place is filled with yet more, movers and shakers of Islamabad, from the business men, to politicians, models and expats. The place is always kicking for the sophisticated lunch.

• Upper Deck, F-7 Markaz (Jinnah Super), above Gourmet Bakery, near north-west corner of Markaz. A very nice, up-market restaurant specializing in seafood. Popular with expats and well-off locals. Nice ambience, a variety of well-prepared fish, fish & chips and a fish burger. Decent cheesecake and chocolate cake for dessert. Main courses Rs300 - Rs800.

• Rahat Bakers, F-6 Blue Area, Driving along the main road in blue area, this place can not be missed. Eatables like Pizzas, Bakery products, Rich creamy milk ice creams etc are available. A big range to choose from. Although it is a fairly big store, due to the variety of food they do, there are no eat-in arrangements. Right next to Rahat Bakers is a place called Safilo, which offers a wide range of ice-creams, milkshakes and juices. They pride themselves in their cleanliness, so, always a great health drink next to Rahat.

• Usmania Restaurant In Blue Area is also a famous place for traditional Pakistani cuisine.

• Kamran Restaurant In Aabpara, G-6/1 is also a famous place for traditional Pakistani cuisine.

• Kabul Restaurant, F-7 Markaz (Jinnah Super), ☎ +91 51 265 0953. 11AM-10PM. This large restaurant just off the markaz serves up tasty kebabs and Afghani specialties, and is usually very crowded with locals and expats at dinner time. Mains Rs 75-200.  edit

• Mcdonald's, F-10 Markaz

• Pizza Hut, F-7 Markaz (Jinnah Super), F-10 Markaz

• KFC, F-6 Markaz (Super Market)

• Subway, F-7 Markaz (Blue Area)

• Yummy's, In Jinnah Super is one of the oldest coffee and ice cream parlours in the city.

• Dunkin Donuts, F-7 Markaz (Blue Area), F-10 Markaz, G-10 Markaz, etc.

• Kim Mun is a well known Chinese Restaurant around Islamabad because the food there is exquisite and it mainly the best place if you are looking to eat Chinese

[edit][add listing] Drink

Strawberry milk shakes and dhamaka soda (dhamaka means bang - the bang that happens when one opens the bottle) from Jinnah super market.

If you happen to be there in winter then in Karachi company G9,there is a place that serves excellent soup... just ask someone and they will happily show you. This particular place is on left hand side of famous Prince Bakers.

For alcoholic drinks, there is a bar and off-license at the Marriott Hotel and an off-license of sorts at the Best Western Hotel.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

Budget accommodation in Islamabad is fairly lackluster and questionably clean. There are many guesthouses around the city that make a nice alternative to a hotel.

• Hotel Blue Sky, Sitara Market, G-7 Markaz. Double rooms from Rs300, with cable tv from Rs400.

• Hotel Friends Inn, Aabpara Market, G-6 Markaz. Double rooms from Rs1000, single room from Rs600

• Hotel Meraj Next to National Bank of Pakistan, G-9 Markaz, Karachi Company. Tel: +92 (0)51 2282587, 2255056-7 Double rooms from Rs600

• Tourist Camping Site Opposite Aabpara Market in the Rose Graden G-6 Markaz. Rs50 per person, Rs100 per vehicle (bicycles free). Popular with overlanders.

[edit] Mid-range

• Best Western, 6-Islamabad Club Road, +92 (51) 227-7460-8, mail@bestwesternisb.com, [3].

• Crown Plaza, 99-E Jinnah Avenue, Blue Area (near Citibank and Zero-point), +92 (51) 227-7890, info@hotelcrownplaza.com, [4]. 4-star range, around Rs3500/night.

• Continental House, 94 Nazimuddin Road, F-8/4, +92 (51) 2256670, continentalhouse@hotmail.com,[5] starting around Rs4,000/night.

• Chez Soi, 6 Kohsar Rd, F-7/3, chezsoi@comsats.net.pk, +92 (51) 265-1451. Same owner as Upper Deck restaurant. Nearby to Jinnah Super Market. Starting around Rs3500/night.

• Hotel Marina International, 109-E Jinnah Avenue, Blue Area, next to Wung Fu and Dragon City restaurants, [6]. 3-star range, single room around Rs2500/night.

• Pakstars Residence, Main double road, F-10 (starhouseibd@yahoo.com). A bed & breakfast with furnished rooms and dorms, cable tv, dsl internet, room service and a/c. Laundry is available. Private rooms from Rs 25,000/month, bed in 3-bed dorm from Rs 15,000/month, bed in 4-6 bed dorm from Rs 12,000/month. edit

[edit] Splurge

• Marriott Hotel, Agha Khan Road, Shalimar 5. +92 (0) 51 111-223344, [7]. 5 star accommodation with restaurants, a bar, a gym and a liquor stall. The only place to purchase alcohol in Islamabad.

• Number Three, College Road, F-7/3. +92 (0) 51 2822070 -71, [8]. A luxury boutique hotel in a posh residential area, with private terraces and stunning views of the Margalla Hills.

• Number Three Lush, Street 18, F-7/2. +92 (0) 51 2651070 – 72, [9]. A luxury boutique hotel in a posh residential area, with a restaurant and business center.

• Radisson Hotel Islamabad Capital Park, F-8 Markaz. Opening April 2008.

• Serena Hotel, Khayaban-e-Suhrawardy, F-6. +92 (0) 51 111-133133, [10]. 5 Star accommodation with great restaurants, a gym, etc. Everything you would expect at this price.

[edit] Contact

The area code for Islamabad is 51. To dial from within pakistan, dial 051-xxx-xxxx

The Police emergency number is 15. There are various Police stations in the city with staff available 24/7.

[edit] Stay safe

There are 3 major hospitals in Islamabad. Pakistan Institute of medical sciences also known as PIMS next to G-8 Markaz, Shifa International Hospital in H-8/4 and Poly Clinic in sector G-6.

Also, there are various private hospitals in every sector in Islamabad providing extensive health care with different price ranges.

Blue Area and Super Market (F-6) both have the two most trustable names in drug stores, Shaheen Chemists and D. Watson. Both the stores are completely reliable and will be able to offer sound advice for minor ailments. They also carry a wide variety of European and American foods, albeit at a high price.They may even have a doctor at the facility, should a quick suggestion be required.

[edit] Stay healthy

Bottled water is a good idea. Although water in Islamabad is generally clean, it is mainly gained from mountain water and tube wells and may contain minerals your system is not used to, and may not be stored and carried in the cleanest of ways.

Most locals do NOT drink tap water, but may get water from Govt. istalled filteration plans. Tap water is normally boiled and it is strongly suggested that you carry bottled water and request it at all food places. If you are unsure about the hygine of a particular place, try to avoid ice in all your drinks.

[edit] Respect

Although Islamabad may look relatively modern, superficially hinting at a Western lifestyle, there are some basic guidelines to keep in mind given the conservatism of Pakistan's society.

• People are very friendly and indeed very good hosts. Many of Islamabad's citizens are well-educated and speak English very well, working for the government and in the private sector. Be gracious in accepting invitations to people's houses for lunch, tea or dinner: it will reflect well on you if you verbally ensure that you are causing them no inconvenience.

• Generally, women do not shake hands with men, though this varies greatly by social class, social setting, age and personal upbringing. A good rule of thumb for both men and women: do not shake hands with members of the opposite sex unless they extend their hands first (in which case it would be rude of you not to shake their hands!). The best way to greet someone is to nod and say "Assalam-u-alaikum" (often pronounced simply "slaam-a-lay-kum" in Urdu) - smiling always helps!

• Don't consume alcohol in public.

• It's a good idea to avoid taking photographs of military establishments, police stations and anyone in uniform (army officers wear khaki, naval officers wear white, and the Islamabad police wear navy blue trousers with a ligh blue shirt). If in doubt, permission can be requested from the officers concerned.

• Islamabad is relatively safe, compared to other Pakistani cities, or indeed, most capital cities: violent crime is very rare, but use precautions as you would in any other city.

[edit] Get out

• Murree
• Angoori
• Lahore

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