From Wikitravel

Karachi [1](Urdu: كراچى, Sindhi: ڪراچي) capital of the province of Sindh, is the Financial capital and the largest city of Pakistan,with a metropolitan population usually ranked among the top 5 cities in the world.

Karachi is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, north-west of the Indus River Delta and has a mild climate. The city is the financial and commercial centre as well as the largest port of the country. spread over 3,530 square kilometers. The city credits its growth to the mixed populations of economic and political migrants and refugees from different national, provincial, linguistic and religious origins who have largely come to settle here permanently. It is locally termed as the City of Lights (روشنیوں کا شہر) for its liveliness and the City of The Quaid (شہرِ قائد), for not only being both the birth and death place of Muhammad Ali Jinnah the founder of Pakistan but also his home after 1947.

Residents and those born in the city are called "Karachiites".

[edit] Understand

Karachi is different from the rest of Pakistan in pretty much the same way that New York is different from the United States. The pace of life is more hurried; time is money and money is important. The idea that in this city one can always make a living one way or another is pervasive.

[edit] Climate

Located on the coast, Karachi tends to have a relatively mild climate with low levels of average precipitation (approximately 10 inches per annum), the bulk of which occurs during the July-August monsoon season. Winters are mild and the summers are hot, however the proximity to the sea maintains humidity levels at a near-constant high and cool sea breezes relieve the heat of the summer months. Due to high temperatures during the summer (ranging from 30 to 44 degrees Celsius from April to August), the winter months (November to February) are generally considered the best times to visit Karachi. July, December and January have pleasing and cloudy weather when most of the social events, ranging from weddings to charity fundraisers, frequently take place. Tourists and expatriates visit Karachi in these months, Highest recorded is 47.8 °C (118.0 °F) and lowest is 0 °C (32 °F).

[edit] Culture

The everyday lifestyle of Karachi differs substantially from that of other Pakistani towns. The culture of Karachi is characterized by the blending of Middle Eastern, Central Asian, South Asian and Western influences, as well as the status of the city as a major international business centre. As a whole, there is considerable diversity in culture, and this diversity has produced unique cultural amalgam of its own type. Karachi also hosts the largest middle class stratum of the country.

Karachi is home to some of Pakistan's important cultural institutions. The National Academy of Performing Arts, located in the newly renovated Hindu Gymkhana offers a two year diploma course in performing arts that include classical music and contemporary theatre. The All Pakistan Music Conference, linked to the 45-year old similar institution in Lahore, has been holding its Annual Music Festival since its inception in 2004. The Festival is now a well-established feature of the city life of Karachi that is awaited anxiously and attended by more than 3000 citizens of Karachi as well as people from other cities. The National Arts Council (Koocha-e-Saqafat) also has musical performances and Mushaira (poetry recitations). The Kara Film Festival organized annually showcases independent Pakistani and international films and documentaries. Our Karachi Festival celebrates Architecture of Karachi.

[edit] Get in

By Plane Jinnah International Airport (IATA: KHI), [2], is Karachi's largest international and domestic airport. Opened in 1993, it's one of the best airports in South Asia. Facilities include a McDonald's, a Citibank ATM (in Arrivals), Free internet (in Departure), hotels and a duty free shop that doesn't sell alcohol. Immigration used to be a lengthy process, but after rearrangement of counters and the introduction of a green channel in 2006 this is no longer the case.

Karachi is too far from the rest of Pakistani cities, so try to come by Plane only.

By Bus Daewoo offer some direct services to/from Karachi, Hyderabad, Lahore and Islamabad.

By Train Since First Class travel with Pakistan Railway [3] is good, it's worth knowing that Karachi has railway connections with various major cities including Lahore, Rawalpindi & Peshawar

By Boat Karachi is a major trading hub for dhows from around the Indian Ocean. Travellers wanting to arrive in the city this way will probably need to make their own arrangements with the captain of the vessel.

[edit] Get around

By Bus The main ways of getting around in Karachi is through buses, and it is used by the majority of the Karachi population. However, outsiders might be put off by the cramped conditions in the buses, and might prefer traveling in taxis.

By Taxi There are three kinds of taxis in Karachi, Metro, Yellow and Black. The yellow ones are generally thought to be better than the black ones. Although they do charge a greater mark up.

The Metros are chains of taxis operated by different private sector companies (i.e. private version of NY's TLC). As in any nation, elements can overcharge "foreigners". Most of the Black and Yellow taxis don't have any meter, so you should first fix the charge and the location with the driver before getting in. The official per kilometer rate is around 7 Rupees but expect to pay around double of that.

There is also the so called Radio/White Cab service, which is air conditioned and can be called in at the airport or anywhere in the city. Typical cost for a full day (8 hours, 150 KM) is $25 (USD). White Cab Tel No. 00-92-21-111-789-786 or within Karachi 111-789-786. Per kilometer rate is 15 Rupees plus Rs. 50 calling charges.

A new company, Metro Cabs is considered highly efficient, their taxis are usually easily available from the airport, rates are very reasonable. Metro Cab Tel. No. 00-92-21-111-222-787 or within Karachi 111-222-787.

Others companies include, Pak Radio Cabs UAN: 111-732-732 Pearl Cabs UAN: 111-725-786 Redtop Cabs UAN: 111-733-867 Smart Cabs UAN: 111-000-747

Once you get the hang of traveling in Karachi, it becomes a very entertaining experience. You meet new people and get to see really unexpected things. It's not very hard to find a mode of transportation and if you know what you are doing, very easy to get around.

[edit][add listing] See

[edit] Beaches and Waterfront

• Clifton Beach was the most popular silver sand beach during 20th Century but now the beach is affected by the Oil spill
• Beach Park
• Jehangir Kothari Parade & Lady Lloyd pier at Bin Qasim park, this park also includes an underground Hindu temple and a mosque, try to visit the park at late evening hours.
• Fun land a century old amusement park located on the left side of Jahangir Kothari parade near the Clifton beach
• Water Jet fountain is the world’s tallest fountain; the fountain remains closed during summer
• Floating Ship [4] at Sea View is a Buffet-theme restaurant with thrilling experiences of Ocean turmoil such as Thunderstorm, Lighting, Shark attack and Kids theater with Fantasy world as are depicted in the Disney land.

Following beaches are located at the outskirts of the city:

• Sandspit Beach – also visit the WWF Wetland center
• Hawke's Bay Beach - breeding ground for endangered turtles
• Paradise Point - rock promontory in the sea with a natural arch
• French Beach is Karachi’s most beautiful beach
• Russian Beach Near Gharo
• Islands: Oyster Rocks, Bundle Islands, Manora Island, Churna Island is a Naval gunnery site, as well as Pakistan's only coral reefs

[edit] Museums & Public buildings

• Quaid Mausoleum and Museum, at the center of the city is the landmark of Karachi
• Mohatta palace & Museum of regional history, at Clifton
• Pakistan Air Force Museum [5], at Karsaz
• Pakistan Maritime Museum at Karsaz
• PIA Planetarium, near Karsaz on main University road
• Karachi Expo Centre, near Karsaz on main University road
• Aga Khan University hospital, near Karsaz, famous for its modernist Islamic architecture, also see lake & the hill on the backside.
• Masjid e Tooba, in Defence is the largest single-domed mosque in the world
• National Museum of Pakistan, collections at this museum focus on the cultural history of Pakistan. Items on display include archeological artifacts, Islamic Art, and historical documents. Located on Dr Ziau-ddin Ahmed Road, the museum is open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Saturday through Tuesday; 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• WWF Wetland center, at Sandspit
• Quaid-e-Azam house museum, Club road
• Karachi Stock Exchange Building
• Koocha-e-Saqafat (National Arts Council), M.R. Kayani Road
• Sadequain Galerie, Frere Hall, Bagh-e-Jinnah, Tel: (92-21) 920-4325, Ongoing art exhibition & library plus a peaceful garden.
• Clifton Art gallery, 11-Al Habib Apartment, Clifton Road
• Indus Art Gallery,Bath island, Feroznama Road, Karachi
• Chawkandi Art ,DCI Kehkashan. Clifton, Karachi
• V. M Art Gallery ,Rangoonwala Community Centre, Karachi
• Funkar Art Gallery, 202,Dean Arcade, Schon Circle, Building No.8, Clifton
• Studio Art, D-67,Block-9,Clifton
• Kunj Art Gallery, 147/D KDA Scheme No.1
• Majmua, The Art Gallery, 239 Staff Lines,Fatima Jinnah Road
• Momart, The Art Gallery, Anum Classic,Mezzanine,Main Shahrah-e-Faisal
• Reevaj, The Art Gallery, at Park towers
• Louvre Art gallery, 9 Pearl Haven, Block 5, Clifton
• Canvas Art galleryA-3 Hassan Homes, Block 5, Clifton, Clifton Road
• Vision Art Gallery ,Kehkashan, Clifton, Karachi
• Tariq Jay Gallery,P.E.C.H.S, Karachi
• Zinaini,Clifton Commercial Area, Karachi
• Jahanzeb Art Gallery,Clifton Commercial area, Karachi

[edit] Amusement Parks & Wildlife

• Aladdin Amusement Park, at Gulshan-e-Iqbal
• Hill park & Jheel park, near Tariq road
• Go-Aish Adventure park [6], at Gulshan-e-Iqbal
• Sindbad Amusement Park, at Gulshan-e-Iqbal
• Safari Park [7], at Gulshan-e-Iqbal
• Samzu Zoo [8], near Super highway, Northern Bypass
• WWF Wetland center at Sandspit
• Water parks: located in the suburbs of the city near the Super highway like Fiesta [9], Cosy [10], Samzu [11], Water world, Sunway Lagoon etc.
• Karachi Zoo, Garden road, Formerly called Gandhi garden has a Reptile House, a Natural History Museum, and a Mughal garden

[edit] Colonial Public Buildings

There are many Colonial public buildings in the City’s Saddar district, but some of the well-known buildings are:

• Napier Barracks, Club road
• Quaid-e-Azam house museum, Club road
• Trinity Church, Near Club road
• Sind Club [12], Club road
• Frere Hall, Opposite Marriott hotel, Abdullah haroon road
• Karachi Gymkhana [13], Club road
• Lady Lloyd pier, Clifton
• Merewether Tower, MA Jinnah road, landmark of the city
• Karachi Port Trust, MA Jinnah road, completed during the First World War, the building was converted to a 500-bed military hospital named as No. 1 India General Hospital and was one of the 'five great War hospitals' run under General Fowler
• Karachi Municipal Offices, MA Jinnah road
• Khaliqdina Hall, MA Jinnah road
• City Court Building, MA Jinnah road
• Denso Hall, MA Jinnah road
• Imperial Customs House, MA Jinnah road
• Karachi Cotton Exchange, II Chundrigar road
• State Bank Annexe, II Chundrigar road, Formerly called Bank of India building was constructed following the first World War, currently it houses a library
• DJ Science College, Dr Ziauddin road
• Hindu Gymkhana, MR Kayani road, is one of the first Mughal Revival buildings in the city.
• Supreme Court, MR Kayani road, formerly called Prince of Wales museum
• Empress Market, Preedy Street
• Saint Andrews Church, Preedy Street
• Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Near Preedy Street
• Karachi Grammar School, Near Preedy Street
• Sindh High Court, Shahrah Kamaal Ataturk, built entirely out of pink-hued Jodhpur sandstone

[edit] Famous Avenues

• Beach Avenue, with Beach, is also famous for its giant food outlets like Floating Ship, McDonalds, KFC, Dip shop, China town, Salt'n'Pepper, Kinara etc.
• II Chundrigar Road, Karachi's Wall Street
• Karsaz Road, famous for places like The 'Arena' games arcade, Aga Khan University hospital, Golf club, Expo center and museums like Air Force museum, Maritime museum and PIA Planetarium.
• Tariq Road, Shopping street
• Zamzama Avenue, famous for its designer outlets & clubs
• Zaibunnisa Street, Shopping street formerly known as Elphinistone Street

[edit][add listing] Do

There is much to do in Karachi, a city of 18 million people is unlikely to be short on activities!

You can shop to one's hearts content, in the massive range of markets and bazaars that dot the city, or one can shop & enjoy at one of the many modern shopping malls that are found across the city's more affluent sectors, namely Defence and Clifton. From a historical perspective, Karachi has a fine collection of Anglo-Indian architecture, a legacy of the British Raj, which can keep History buffs engaged.

On the sports front, one is spoilt for choice. Cricket can be found at every conceivable corner; in the lush grounds of the more wealthy professional clubs or elite schools, to the side streets of the working class Saddar City district of Karachi. There are several fine Golf courses-which host international tournaments such as the Pakistan Open on the Asian circuit, a bustling race track, and a wide range of water sports are accessible due to the City's Arabian Sea coast.

Culture vultures will find a city with 10 Art Galleries, displaying broad works from Asia, and some New Age works from aspiring Pakistani artists.

Riding Victoria type horse carriage from Polo ground to Clifton can be memorable experience.

Walk along the beaches, under clear skies, at night is an experience worth the travel alone, as visitors can gaze towards the heavens of the Arabian sea cascading over their sandalled feet. Floodlights stretching along the coast of karachi increase the beauty of the sea and surrounding areas. Joyous memories are assured!

Next to Clifton beach, Manora Island is another breathtaking place for picnic. Private Boats are the easiest way to reach the Island, which can also be hired at the Marshes of PNSC building, where after a long walk one can reach the Manora beach, Manora Island also has a shrine and some hundred years old monuments.

Most city dwellers visit other beaches at the outskirt of the city like Hawksbay, Paradise Point, Sansdpit & French Beaches, Huts on rent are also available in these far-flung beaches. You can also do Fishing, Yachting, Horse & Camel riding, Collecting sea Shells, Diving at these beaches.

For those who love cityscape, they can visit Hill Park, an amusement park, offering a nice view of the City or Polo ground or the Revolving Restaurant [14] which offers a good view of the Central Karachi.

There are alot of Water parks located in the suburbs of the city near the Super highway like Fiesta [15], Cosy [16], Samzu [17], Water world, Sunway Lagoon etc.

Karachi has recently been experiencing a spa boom, and there is now plenty of choice for everything from holistic Ayurveda to green tea hydrotherapy. Good spas can be found in most five-star hotels such as Avari, PC and on Zamzama Avenue.

Another thing you might be interested in doing is catching a movie at the Karachi Cineplex[18] or visiting the "Sweet n Sour" chinese restaurant adjacent to the cinema where you can try chinese food. Not too far is the seaview McDonalds and Area 51 Bowling alley.

You can also visit The Arena[19] at Karsaz offering Ice Skating rink, Bowling alley, Mini Golf, Arcade Games, Rock Climbing and much more.

Simply let yourselves be overwhelmed by this city, its size and scope, its heart breaking disparity between rich and poor, and its breath taking sights and sounds. Karachi isn't a city, it is a world unto itself.

[edit] Clubs

• Arabian Sea Country Club [20], [21], Bin Qasim
• Aga Khan sports club, Stadium road
• Auto travel club[22], 72 Garden road
• Arena [23], Karsaz Road, offers Ice Skating rink, Bowling alley, Mini Golf, Arcade Games, Rock Climbing and much more.

• Civil Aviation Club, Star gate, Sharah-e-Faisal

• Carlton resort hotel & club, DC-5, Opp. Zulfiqar Street, Phase 8, D.H.A. UAN: 111-72-72-72, Dinner & boating excursion. Call for more details.
• DHA Creek Club, Phase 8, DHA
• DHA Golf Club[24], Phase 8 DHA
• Dream world family resort[25], Northern Bypass
• Karachi Boat Club, MT Khan road
• Karachi Club, Ziauddin Ahmed road
• Karachi Gymkhana[26], 4 Club road
• Karachi Race club
• Karsaz golf club[27] , Karsaz
• Kashmir Club, Kashmir road, PECHS
• Marina Club[28], DHA
• PAF Yacht club, Korangi creek
• Sea View riding & Equestrian club, Clifton
• Sind Club[29], Abdullah haroon road
• Sunset Club, Khayaban-e-Jami, Phase 2 Extension, D.H.A
• The Royal Rodale, Sports and Recreational Complex [30], TC-V, 34th Street, Khayaban-e-Sehar, Phase-V, Ext.,DHA UAN: 111-000-168 offers Dining, Banquet, Sauna, Jacuzzi, Gym, Swimming pool, Yoga, Aerobics, Tennis, Billiard, Snooker and much more.
• The Yacht club[31], Standard Chartered Bank, (Compound), I.I. Chundrigar Road

[edit] Learn

• National Academy of performing Arts (NAPA), [32] Hindu Gymkhana, M.R. Kiyani Road, Opposite Arts Council, Tel: (92-21) 569-3701, 569-3703, Offers academic programs for Music, Theater Arts and Dance

• Alliance Francaise, St 1, Block 8, Kehkashan, Clifton, Tel: (92-21) 587-3402, 586-2864, Call for activity information, classes offered & exhibition schedule, One of the world's largest schools of French language, the Karachi Alliance Française has a wide variety of courses for a visitor to choose from.

• Goethe institute, 2 Brunton Road, Civil Lines, Tel: (92-21) 566-1633, 566-1634, Call for more information & exhibition schedule.

• Indus Valley school of Art & Architecture [33], Block 2, Clifton

• Body Beat, Shapes Health Studio, 139 McNeil Road, Cant, Tel: (92-21) 565-5971, 565-59712, Dance workout set to the latest Indian and Hip-Hop music.

• Candela is a salsa dance group which teaches classes right here in Karachi. The instructors are from USA & Canada and have been dancing salsa and other Latin dance styles for over 10 years. Learn the hottest salsa moves from New York & Los Angeles. The Original & Classic Salsa from Puerto Rico

Karachi universities are generally well-regarded and draw exchange students from near and far.

• University of Karachi [34], simply referred as KU, is the largest university in Pakistan having one of the largest faculties in the world

• Institute of Business Administration (IBA) [35], founded in 1955 is the oldest business school outside North America, Alumni of IBA include former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz

• Agha Khan Medical University [36] is Pakistan's first private university.

• NED University [37] the oldest engineering institute of Pakistan

[edit] Work

Karachi is the financial and commercial capital of the country, there are many jobs available in the financial sector such as Banking, in IT/ Media sector such as BPO, Call center etc. A part-time job can pay you as much as $450 a month for just six hours a day for five days in a week. Only good for English speaking travellers.

[edit][add listing] Buy

There are a great number of shopping places in Karachi, ranging from the traditional bazaar to the modern shopping malls. A first-time visitor should try and visit the bazaars, The bazaars usually consist of many small vendors selling a variety of products from accessories to clothes to food and drink. In addition, there are larger stores which are more specific in their products. Also one would find that the bazaars are a more culturally enriching experience, and everything's so cheap!

[edit] Buying Pakistani Currency

The Pakistani currency is the Pakistani Rupee. It is usually advised to get your foreign currency converted in local currency before you buy stuff (off course thats only applicable if you're planning to buy with cash not credit card). A number of licensed Currency Exchange Companies operate their offices located in various parts of the cities that can be used for the exchange. A passport might be required as an identification document but the requirement is often ignored. Some good repute currency exchange companies are Khanani & Kalia, and Galaxy International. Most large department stores and souvenir shops, as well as all upscale restaurants accept major credit cards. Some small shops may choose to pass on their 2-3% service free on to you should you choose to use a credit card, but this is negotiable so don't hesitate to haggle.

[edit] Places to Shop

Some of the major shopping malls in Karachi are:

• Millemium Mall, Gulshan-e-Iqbal - Includes shops, restaurants, Indoor kids theme park, Dmart superstore and a bowling alley
• The Forum, Clifton
• Park Towers, Clifton
• Dolmen Mall,Tariq Road
• Lavish Mall, Tariq Road
• Jumeirah Mall, Tariq Road
• Makro Wholesale Center, Saddar, Sharah-e-Faisal, SITE [38]
• Awami Markaz, Sharah-e-Faisal
• Naheed Super Market, near Tariq Road. (Superstores chain)
• Dmart, Sea View, Bahadurabad (Superstores chain) [39]
• Dreams, Mohd Ali Society near Kay bees restaurant, Lal Qila lane, Karsaz
• ARY Cash 'n' Carry, in Gulshan-e-Iqbal (Superstores chain) [40]

Some of the main bazaars in Karachi that deserve a visit:

• Tariq Road Bazaar
• Zamzama Boulevard for upscale designers and restaurants
• Gulf Area Marketmany traditional vendors and more upscale boutiques and designer shoes
• Zainab Market For branded clothing for half the real price!
• Hyderi Bazaar, North Nazimabad

These are just a few to mention. On the whole, shopping in Karachi is an interesting, exhilarating (because of the low prices!) and often tiring experience.

[edit] What

• You can buy very cheap garments, bed sheets, shirts, T-shirts from any store located at Tariq road or Zainab market; local branded stores include Chen One, Bonanza, Ideas (Gul Ahmed). For upscale designers boutiques go to Zamzama Avenue, It is to be mentioned that many world renowned brands like Adidas, Levis, Slazenger, HangTen, Wal-Mart etc get their products prepared from Faisalabad which has got one of the largest textile industries of the World. You can find cheap products of these brands at local stores. You can get a pair of Levis jeans (or any other good brand for that matter) for just 300 PKR (5 USD).
• Buy Leather goods like shoes, jackets and bags are also a specialty of Pakistan. Go to English Boot house, Shoe Planet, Servis, Metro, Sputnik, Gap shoes (at Tariq road), Lotus, Step-in (at Hyderi, North Nazimabad), Jaybees (at Zebunissa market, Saddar) for best quality shoes at low prices.
• Buy Sports goods like cricket bats, balls, kits, footballs, sports wear and almost anything related to sports you can imagine. You will not find such high quality equipments at such low cost anywhere else. To mention, Pakistan produces ninety percent of the world’s sports goods and is the largest provider of sports equipment to FIFA for the World cup.
• Pakistan produces cheap and high quality musical instruments. You can even get an acoustic guitar for as low as 2000 PKR (34 USD).
• Buy Surgical instruments
• Buy Computer accessories from Regal center (Preedy Street, Saddar), Rainbow center (near Preedy Street, Saddar for CDs & DVDs), Technocity (II Chundrigar road, Saddar), Unicenter (II Chundrigar road, Saddar).
• Buy Arabian, Afghan, Iranian and Pakistani carpets from Habib carpets, Wazir Carpets (Hotel Metropole on Club road) or visit stores located at Zamzama Ave.
• Buy gems, gold jewelry, handicrafts, glassware, brassware, marble products, crystal works, carved wood and antiques from Zebunissa Street in Saddar formerly known as Elphinistone street. Also buy pashmina, rugs, wool-shawls or wraps, which can cost anywhere between $15 to as much as $700. Remember to bargain. Ajrak, a shawl is the souvenir of Sind province.
• Buy Souvenirs such as decorative items from Sea Shells.
• For food stuffs go to any super store; especially buy Swat honey, Biscuits, Mitchells chocolate which are the best in the world.
• For home accessories visit $1 shop located in Dolmen mall at Tariq road
• For art lovers, get in touch with some local to take you around. There are so many art galleries 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 lover. Some examples:
  • Indus Art Gallery,Bath island, Feroznama Road
  • Chawkandi Art ,DCI Kehkashan. Clifton
  • V. M Art Gallery ,Rangoonwala Community Centre
  • Kunj ,KDA
  • Momart Art ,Shahra-e-Faisal
  • Majmua Art Gallery,Behind Abdullah Shah Ghazi
  • Clifton Art Gallery,Habib App.Clifton Road
  • Zinaini,Clifton Commercial Area
  • Jahanzeb Art Gallery,Clifton Commercial area
  • Vision Art Gallery ,Kehkashan, Clifton
  • Tariq Jay Gallery,P.E.C.H.S
  • A . R . Fareedi (Permanent Collection), Arts Council building
  • Ahmed Pervaiz Gallery, arts council building
  • Gallerie Sadequain (Majistic ceiling painted by Sadequain), Frere Hall,Bagh-e-Jinnah
  • Fayzee Rahamin Gallery (French Cultural centre), Alliance Francaise De Karachi Art Gallery

[edit][add listing] Eat

Karachi has several fantastic upscale restaurants, which serve a huge variety of cuisines. Most of the upper-end restaurants are either located within one of the major hotels in the city (the Sheraton, the Pearl Continental and Avari Towers), or in the trendy shopping district of Zamzama in Defence.

Zamzama, is a place where much of Karachi's trendier restaurants, such as Okra , Cafe Aylanto, Gunsmoke, Pompeii, Baan Thai, Chatterbox and Aqua Lounge are located. Aqua Lounge is most popular for sea food and steaks and is highly recommended. More commercial (and less trendy) eateries include the Copper Kettle restaurant. Coffee-shops are aplenty, with the most trendy being Espresso (it has another/larger branch in Defence) at Espresso they also serve a good breakfast and yummy desserts. Latitute, Ciao and Costa are also popular for coffee, and new coffee places include "The Second Floor (T2F)," The Avenue and Cafe Coffee Day.

Four most popular restaurants that give diners a chance to sample a variety of mostly Pakistani foods, buffet-style, are Lal Qila [41] , Floating Ship [42], Revolving Restaurant [43] and The Village. Built in the style of a 17th-century Moghul fort, Lal Qila offers barbecue, biryani, and a local beef-based delicacy; haleem, in its open brick courtyard. Beware long lines during the peak evening dining hours. Revolving Restaurant offers a very nice view of Karachi, Floating Ship is a Buffet-style theme restaurant with thrilling experiences of Ocean turmoil such as Thunderstorm, Lighting, Shark attack, Kids theater with Fantasy world as depicted in Disney land. The Village is by the beach at Sea View (Clifton) and is very popular.

People with concerns about spiciness and hygiene factor of the foods available, particularly those visiting from abroad, tend to find themselves at BBQ Tonight, which is one of Karachi's most popular restaurants. Spread over four stories of seating, including partly covered rooftop seating, the restaurant is almost completely packed, but the turnover is high, so reservations aren't required. It now serves lunch also. The rooftop at BBQ Tonight is recommended.

One can easily find a franchise of KFC (call: 111-KFC-KFC [111-532-532]), McDonald, Subway, Papa Johns (Clifton), Mr Cod, Henny's (call:021-4527440 11a-9p), Pizza Hut (call: 111-241-241) or Domino's (call: 111-DOMINO [111-366-466]).

If anyone is looking for "chaat" (a local-fare of chickpeas mixed with other things) Chatkharay in Khadda Market (Defence) is good.

For those on a more restricted budget (while Pakistani restaurants do not sell alcohol, most upscale ones will serve bottles if customers bring them; nonetheless, a full meal for two can be as expensive as US$50-100 at the top eateries, but not if you choose carefully), tourists and visitors are advised to try Karachi's Boat Basin, a neighbourhood consisting of a mile-long strip of open-air street food/restaurants. Favourites tend to include Karachi Broast, Mr Burger, Qasr-Al-Nakheel, and Tandoori Hut. Boat Basin is where almost all of Karachi's late-partying citizens, regardless of social or economic standing, wind up since food is often available until 5:00 or 6:00 a.m., if not 24 hours. Many remain in their cars and are served by waiters there. Local style breakfast (such as halwa puri) is also served at Boat-Basin from 6-7am onwards.

Visitors hoping to try more authentic cuisine are advised to try restaurants such as Bundoo Khan's, Student's Biryani or Sabri Nihari all of which are located in the "old city" region of Karachi, known as Saddar. Bundoo Khan's also has other branches throughout the city. Burns Road is, of course famous locally as the food district--the variety of local cuisine is wonderful. Be warned however: hygiene tends to be lax here unless at one the more high-end eateries and Burns Road and Boat Basin may not be suitable for everyone.

Be warned that restaurants NOT located in either the hotels and/or Zamzama will usually tend to only accept cash payments, and not take any form of debit or credit card. It is a good idea to always carry enough cash to tide on over (at most of these locations, Rs. 1000-2000 [US$20-35 approx.] will be more than sufficient on a per head basis).

[edit] Chinese

• Singapore Sling, Clifton, Near the beach Singapore Sling offers Singaporean, Malaysian and Chinese foods and BBQ - Great food clean and reasonable.
• The Korean in Clifton, Near Schoen Circle,

[edit] Pakistani

• AL-BUSTAN, Sheraton Hotel, Club Road, Live Pakistani traditional band playing nightly from 8pm-12pm, Tel: (92-21) 563-3333
• AL HABIB RESTAURANT, Super Highway Near New Sabzi Mandi / Northern Bypass (On main shahrah-e-Pakistan road in suburb of Karachi. It is roughly 22kms away from city center and on highway going towards interior Sindh province), ☎ (92-21) 687-0702, 687-0703. 24. Al Habib Restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants of the City. It remains open 24 hours and has a huge sitting area and it receives a lot of diners from all over the city specially on weekends. You can try all kind of Pakistani food here for approx. $10/head. It is highly recommended to someone visiting the city after Bar B Q Tonight and Lal Qilla. $10/head approx..
• BBQ TONIGHT, Com. 5/1 Boat Basin, Block 5, Clifton, behind Park towers is one of Karachi's most popular restaurants. Spread over four stories of seating, including partly covered rooftop seating, the restaurant is almost always completely packed, but the turnover is high, so reservations aren't required. It now serves lunch also. The rooftop at BBQ Tonight is recommended. UAN: 111-227-111
• CHANDNI, Pearl Continental Hotel, Club Road, UAN: 111-505-505
• HIGHWAY GARDEN RESTAURANT, Main Super Highway, Near Tool Plaza, Tel: (92-21) 0300-822-0320
• LAL QILA [44], 10/A, Main Shahrah-e-Faisal, M.A.C.H.S., Tel: (92-21) 438-8363-64, 438-8364
• MARCO POLO, Pearl Continental Hotel, Club Road, UAN: 111-505-505
• REVOLVING RESTAURANT [45], Caesars Tower 16th Floor, Main Shahrah-e-Faisal, Tel: (92-21) 278-5147, 278-5148
• SAJJAD RESTAURANT, Main Super Highway, Near Caltex Petrol Pump, Tel: (92-21) 826-7330
• MELA, Main Rashid Minhas Road, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, near Alladin amusement park is a Buffet style restaurant
• THE PAKISTANI, Sheraton Hotel, Club Road, Tel: (92-21) 563-3333
• QASR-E-NAKHEEL, Boat Basin, Clifton
• MUGHAL DARBAR, Opposite Sailing Club, Boat Basin
• CHAWAL INN, Boat Basin, Clifton

[edit] Continental

• CAFÉ FLO in Clifton Near three swords in the Alliance Franchise
• CLIFTON GRILL, Plot No. 2/A, K.D.A., Scheme 5, Clifton, Tel: (92-21) 587-9335, 587-9336
• CAFÉ GRAND, Abdullah Haroon Road,Opposite Metropole Hotel
• CACTUS CAFÉ, 71/C, 24 St., Phase-V, D.H.A, Off. Khayaban-e-Tanzeem
• DON CORLEONE'S CAFE & RESTAURANT, Mall Square, 6th Commercial Lane, Zamzama, Phase 5, D.H.A., Tel: (92-21) 583-0615
• EVOLUTION, 66C-68C, 25th Street, Tauheed Commercial Area, Phase 5, D.H.A., Tel: (92-21) 586-0941, 582-4651
• EXCELLENT, Marine Arcade, Kehkashan,Clifton
• GARNISH, 1st Floor, Awami Markaz, Shahra-e- Faisal
• HANG OUT!, Plot #23-C, Mezzanine Floor, DS123, Badar Commercial Area, 26th Street, Phase 5, D.H.A., Tel: (92-21) 824-9060, 534-5072
• HENNY PENNY, # 99, 9th Commercial, Phase-IV, D.H.A
• KABANA RESTAURANT, Clifton Food Centre, Opp.Bilawal House
• KAY BEES Mohd Ali society, near Karsaz, Lal Qila restaurant lane
• LOTUS COURT, Sheraton hotel, Club road
• MAXIM’S, UBL Building, Main Clifton Road
• NEW YORK CAFÉ, 10-C, 6th Zamzama Lane, Phase-V, Main Zamzama Blvd., D.H.A
• NANDO’S

• SAINT’S, 12-C, 26th Street,Tauhid Commercial Area, Phase-V, D.H.A
• SHANGRILA INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANT, Avari towers
• TOPKANI RESTAURANT, Arts Council Building, M.R. Kayani Road
• VILLAGE, Opposite Avari towers, Club road, Also offers Sheesha.
• ZEN, 49-C, Khayaban-e-Sehar, Phase-VI, DHA

[edit] Indian

• PONDEROSA SOUTH INDIAN, C-11, Alfalah Building, Mohammad Ali Society
• DELHI MUSLIM KALI, Plot #23-C, Zamzama Boulevard, Land-2, D.H.A
• BOMBAY BAKERY & NIMCO, at Millenium Mall, Rashid Minhas road

[edit] Thai

• THAI SEA FOOD, Old Sunset boulevard

[edit] French

• CAFÉ FLO, D-82/1, Block 4, Clifton, Tel: (92-21) 587-7499, 583-0018
• LA TERRASSE, Grand Mercure, Karachi Airport Hotel, Star Avenue Terminal 1, Tel: (92-21) 924-2600
• LA CUCINA, 16-C, Lane 6, Zamzama Boulevard, DHA
• FRANGO’S PORTUGUESE GRILLED CUISINE at Zamzama in Clifton

[edit] Italian

• LIMONCELLO, 14-C, 7h Zamzama Commercial Lane, Phase 5, D.H.A., Tel: (92-21) 530-1973, 530-1974

[edit] Japanese

• SAKURA, Pearl Continental Hotel, Club Road

[edit] Lebanese

• KABAB-JI, Sheraton Hotel, Club Road, Tel: (92-21) 563-3333
• MEEZAJ RESTAURANT (Arabian food center), Chapal ocean center, Sea View, Near Bilawal house, Clifton, Tel: (92-21) 537-3077

[edit] Mediterranean

• OLIVE BISTRO & GRILL, Shop #2, Plot 27/C, Stadium Lane 2, Phase 5, D.H.A., Tel: (92-21) 534-5270

[edit] Pizza

• PIZZA HUT, 19-C, 9th Zamzama Commercial Lane, Phase 5, D.H.A
• PIZZA ONE, Arsal House, Main Shaheed-e-Millat Road, Block 3, P.E.C.H.S.
• SHAKEY’S PIZZA, BC-7, Block-5, Crystal Court, KDA Scheme-5, Kehkashan, Clifton

[edit] Ice Cream Parlours

• HOT SPOT
• GELATO AFFAIR
• THE DIP SHOP, near Sea View Mc Donalds
• MOVENPICK

[edit] Sea Food

• THAI SEA FOOD, Old Sunset Boulevard, DHA

[edit] Steak houses

• ARIZONA GRILL

[edit] Others

• BUILD YOUR OWN BURGER (BYOB) , Main Khayaban-e-Bader at 26th Street, Phase 5, D.H.A., Tel: (92-21) 534-8099
• CRAB ATTACK, Tel: (92) 0321-201-9687, Boating excursion & seafood buffet. Private bookings.
• FLOATING SHIP [46], Beach Avenue
• CAFE MIST, Inside Arena games arcade, Karsaz road, From sandwiches to burgers to a specially designed children’s menu, Café Mist is the perfect place to replenish yourself after a day of fun and games
• THE NEST, MIRAGE, ROYAL LAGOON, inside Royal Rodale, DHA

[edit][add listing] Drink

Drinking alcohol in public areas is nominally banned, and most of the top end hotels have their own bars. Try local brands like Murree Brewery.

In soft drinks, try local limca cola which makes "pop" sound when opened. you can also try Pakola; Pakistan’s premier soft drink brand which is available in different flavors like Ice cream soda, Lychee, Orange, Raspberry, Apple sidra, Vino, Double cola, Bubble up etc.

Also try, Lassi which is a classic yogurt drink that is served either plain or sweet, and is sometimes flavored or even fused with fresh fruit. Rooh-Afza, a red-color-sweet-herbal drink. Sugar Cane Juice which is extracted by mechanical force, it is best when fresh. You would also love the Falouda and Gola Ganda which include various kinds of syrups in crushed ice.

If you want to drink plain water, always prefer bottled water of a good brand, it just costs 40 cents (Rs. 25/ cold) for a 1.5 liter bottle of Nestle water.

[edit] Cafes

• BASEMENT off Zamzama Avenue
• BOWLING CAFE, Royal Rodale, TC-V, 34th Street, Khayaban-e-Sehar, Phase-V, Ext.,DHA, UAN: 111-000-168
• CAFE LAMORE, 4,I-C, 3rd Commercial Lane, Zamzama , Phase 5, D.H.A., Tel: (92-21) 581-0061
• CAFÉ SHEESHA Clifton
• CASBAH & 007 Club, Beach Luxury hotel, MT Khan road, Tel: (92-21) 561-1031, Saturday night dance party. Couples only. Call to confirm
• DON CORLEONE'S CAFE & RESTAURANT, Mall Square, 6th Commercial Lane, Zamzama, Phase 5, D.H.A., Tel: (92-21) 583-0615
• DAMASCUS CAFÉ , Near KPT Underpass, Block-9, Clifton, (92) 301-824-9444, (92) 300 824-9444
• DÉJÀ VU , Clifton

• PURPLE HAZE, 66C-68C, 25th Street, Tauheed Commercial Area, Phase 5, D.H.A. , in the Basement of 'Evolution' restaurant. Tel: (92-21) 586-0941, 582-4651. It serves some of the best desserts in Karachi and also 'Shisha' (Arabic Tobacco). Plus, Karaoke nights are usually fun too.

[edit] Coffee houses

• AVENUE ART CAFÉ, 33-C, 6th Commercial Lane, Zamzama , Phase 5, D.H.A., Tel: (92-21) 582-3972, 583-0983
• COFFEE DAY, First Stadium Lane, Khayaban-e-Shamsheer, Phase 5, D.H.A. Tel: (92-21) 546-3814, Live rock bands, usually on random Saturday nights. Call for schedule
• CIAO, 3/1-C, 6th Commercial Lane, Zamzama, Phase 5, D.H.A.., Tel: (92-21) 587-7974
• COSTA, Zamzama, Phase 5, D.H.A.
• ESPRESSO , 10th Commercial Lane, Zamzama, Phase 5, D.H.A.., Tel: (92-21) 582-4007 , Espresso they also serve a good breakfast and yummy desserts
• LATTETUDE, Clifton
• THE SECOND FLOOR (T2F), 6-C, Prime Point Building, Khayaban-e-Ittehad, Phase 7, DHA, Karachi -75500, ☎ (92-21) 538-9273, [6]. Noon - Midnight (Closed on Mondays). The Second Floor is a wireless coffeehouse, featuring a bookshop and a space for creative expression and intelligent discourse. Apart from excellent coffee, T2F also has a range of excellent sandwiches, snacks and dessert. There are regular events such as poetry readings, book signings, workshops, talks, debates, film screenings, unplugged music sessions, gallery openings, exhibitions and stand-up comedy. Numerous well-known politicians, artists, writers, musicians, dancers, filmmakers and thinkers of all ages frequent the place to speak, work or simply hang out.
• U & ME COFFEE, 10-C 8th Commercial Lane, Zamzama, Phase 5, D.H.A.., Tel: (92-21) 587-8913, 857-8931

[edit] Cigar Lounges

• HANG OUT!, Plot #23-C, Mezzanine Floor, DS123, Badar Commercial Area, 26th Street, Phase 5, D.H.A., Tel: (92-21) 824-9060, 534-5072

[edit] Night life

Excelsior, Toby's bar, Purple haze, Basement, the Casbah... Karachi's night life has become the envy of the region. Bars, nightclubs and dance halls have sprouted across the city, with medium class hotels of Saddar as the hub of all the naughty nocturnal activity. Exotic cabaret artists are descending on the city in droves from countries as far apart as the Phillipines and Turkey, with more than a smattering of sultry home-grown talent from Karachi's very own Preedy Street.

• Enjoy Karaoke nights at Purple haze, DA Country golf club
• Enjoy Live music bands, usually on random Saturday nights at Bread people bakery & cafe, Coffee day
• Enjoy Theme Nights at Nadia Cafe (Marriott hotel)
• Enjoy Theatre at Arts Council
• Live band playing all types of music from 8:30pm-11pm. Live Ghazal band from 11pm-2am at PC hotel, Karachi Club.
• Live Pakistani traditional band playing nightly from 8pm-12pm at AL-BUSTAN (Sheraton Hotel)
• Live Indian traditional dancer every night except Monday from 8-11:30 at DUMPUKHT (Marriott Hotel)
• Saturday night dance party for couples at Beach Luxury hotel.
• Restaurants at Boat Basin are open till 6am.
• Napiers road is generally considered as Karachi Red light district.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

There are thousands of lesser hotels and dorms to sleep in. For $30 USD/night you can get a very decent place, with private bathroom, cable TV and air conditioning. As in any place, there is a correlation between comfort and cost.

[edit] Budget

• Hotel Ambassador, Saddar
• Hotel Al-mustafa, Saddar
• Best Western Plaza, Near Railway st.
• Hotel Bloom luxury, Civil lines
• Hotel De Paris, Saddar
• Downtown Lodge (Corporate Guest House)
• Excelsior hotel, Inverarity road
• Gulf Hotel, Saddar
• Hotel Jabees, Saddar
• Hotel Mona lisa, Near Railway St.
• Paradise Hotel, Saddar
• Regency Hotel
• Reliance hotel, Saddar
• Royal Inn
• Royal city, Sarmad road
• Sarah hotel, Saddar
• Style inn
• Serena Inn Guest House
• Hotel Sarawan, Saddar

[edit] Mid Range

• Beach Luxury Hotel, MT Khan road [47]
• Creek Inn, DHA Phase-8
• Carlton Hotel, DHA Phase-8 [48]
• Days Inn, Shahrah-e-Faisal [49]
• Embassy Hotel, Shahrah-e-Faisal [50]
• Faran Hotel, Shahrah-e-Faisal
• Hotel Hilltop, Near Jheel park
• Hotel Metropole, Club road
• Mehran Hotel, Shahrah-e-Faisal [51]
• Midway house, Karachi Airport
• Regent Plaza, Shahrah-e-Faisal [52]

[edit] Splurge

• Karachi Sheraton Hotel And Towers, Club Road [53]
• Pearl Continental hotel, Club Road [54]
• Avari Towers, Club Road [55]
• Marriott Hotel , Abdullah Haroon Road [56]
• Grand Mercure hotel , Karachi Airport

[edit] Contact

The area code for Karachi is 21. Prefix +92 If you are calling from outside Pakistan. Phone numbers are seven digits long. All mobile numbers, however are 11 digits long and begin with "03", and should not be dialled with the city prefix. Omit the '0' when dialling a cell phone from outside Pakistan and prefix the '92' code.

Public Call Offices can be found all over the city. You will find a PCO in nearly 50% of the general stores , there is usually someone who operates the phone and fax. Fees will be charged according to the time spent and a units runs to keep track of your time. You pay when you have finished your call.

Cybercafes will be seen in virtually every street corner and the rates are as low as Rs.15-20 per hour. They usually don't have a very fast operating system so don't get too surprised if you find yourself one of them. They usually use 14" monitors, Windows 2000, Windows 98, Windows XP are usually installed on these operating systems. Most of the cafes have a decent speed internet connection.

Internet Access can be obtained easily on notebook computers with the help of GRPS enabled mobile connections, supported by almost all of the 6 mobile operators. Mobilink provides EDGE based connection in very limited areas of Karachi, however Telenor's coverage of EDGE is more wider. Usually standard prices of GPRS/EDGE usage is Rs.15 - Rs18/MB data transfer but Zong offers Rs.15/hour, however if you wish to download a lot more then you may want to use unlimited packages provided only by Mobilink and Telenor at this time.

Cell phone coverage in the city is pretty good. Cell phones were considered as a symbol of status a few years ago, but since 2002 the telecommunication took a boom in the country. Now you will hardly find a single person in the city without a personal cell phone. There are various service providers offering a huge variety of plans. Among them are Mobilink, Warid Telecom, Telenor, Ufone, Instaphone & Zong (China Mobile). Its not a bad idea to buy a cell phone and use one of those prepaid plans to get yourself connected while you are in the city. The mobile phones and the prepaid plans are very cheap. you will usually get a new cheap cell phone just for Rs. 2000 ($34) and a prepaid connection for Rs. 150 to 400 ($2.5-$7)

[edit] Stay safe

Street Crime in Karachi is at a rate you could expect from most mega cities of this size. Use common sense and avoid slums. Avoid going out alone, or in dark places. Never flash electronics or valuables in public. Street crimes occur much more frequently than robbing or purse snatching. Keep your cell phones, watches, purses in a safe place. These things easily attract attention. There are also con-men looking out for foreigners, so avoid them and keep walking. Beware of pickpockets when you are in any crowded areas.

If you are planning to see Colonial Public building, especially those that are located on MA Jinnah road or Preedy street, try to see them at late evening hours after 10p or at early morning hours before 7a because traffic in those streets are a nightmare during the day time.

The people of Karachi are very hospitable. They tend to welcome any foreigner very warmly but be at guard at all times.

You should always keep the emergency telephone contact numbers of your country's foreign mission in Karachi.

There has been several violent incidents of unrest in Karachi in recent years, and subsequently there is a visible security presence in the city. You may also see paramilitary personel in the city - particularly if there is a 'security scare' such as just after the Former PM Bhutto assassination. The best practice is to keep informed about the city with the help of newspapers and tv. Just dial '15' from your cell if there is an emergency.

There should be no tangible danger to any tourist or local in the affluent parts of the city. Defence, Clifton, and Bahadurabad are regarded as safe at all times, populated by the city's business and cultural elite. These districts offer the most "tourist friendly" experience of Karachi, given that there will be no language barrier (most Pakistanis can speak some English, many people in these districts will be completely fluent), and a large degree of cultural understanding and compatibility between the residents and western tourists.

Aga Khan Hospital is by far the best private hospital in the city with world class medical care facility at an affordable cost. The free-government hospitals aren't up to par with what you may be used to in the west.

Traffic jams is a major hassle in Karachi. Although the city government has recently built dozens of under passes and fly overs to get rid of the over flow of the traffic, it is recommended to keep on look for any rallies/protests and check out alternate routes while travelling in the city.

[edit] Get out

• Moenjodaro- an ancient civilization not to be missed by history buffs
• Thatta - once a famous center of learning, arts and commerce and provisional capital for about four centuries in the past
• Sukkur - Sind third largest city
• Kirthar National park
• Makran Coastal Highway - (Over 770Kms From Karachi to Gwadar) is unique fascination for tourists. It is pertinent to mention here that Alexander had passed through the coastal belt of Balochistan in 325 BC covering a long trail; some of the world’s most beautiful beaches are found here
• Somiani Caves
• Beaches of Gwadar
• It is apparently possible to take cargo ships from Karachi to a few ports around the Middle East like Dubai, Oman

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!