Pakistan · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in Pakistan
These are the places worth your time in Pakistan, from Lahore's Mughal mosques and food streets to Islamabad's hills, Karachi's sea front and the forts, lakes and glaciers of Hunza and Skardu. Classics sit beside quiet corners few travellers find, so every kind of visitor discovers something to love.
Places to Visit in Lahore
Arts and Culture
- Badshahi Mosque (Walled City)
One of the largest Mughal mosques in the world, with a vast red sandstone courtyard facing Lahore Fort. - Lahore Fort (Walled City)
A UNESCO listed Mughal citadel with the mirrored Sheesh Mahal and the newly restored Picture Wall. - Wazir Khan Mosque (Walled City)
A seventeenth century mosque covered in some of the finest tile work and frescoes in South Asia. - Shahi Hammam (Delhi Gate, Walled City)
A restored Mughal bathhouse with painted vaults just inside Delhi Gate. - Lahore Museum (The Mall)
Gandhara Buddhas, Mughal miniatures and the famous Fasting Buddha, opposite Kipling's Zamzama cannon. - Fakir Khana Museum (Bhati Gate, Walled City)
A private family museum in an old haveli filled with miniatures, manuscripts and curiosities. - Minar-e-Pakistan (Greater Iqbal Park)
The national monument marking the 1940 Lahore Resolution, set in a big family park. - Data Darbar (Bhati Gate)
The great shrine of the Sufi saint Data Ganj Bakhsh, busy day and night with devotees and free food. - Tomb of Jahangir (Shahdara)
The emperor's marble inlaid tomb across the Ravi, peaceful and far less visited than the old city. - Alhamra Arts Council (The Mall)
The city's main stage for music, theatre and exhibitions in a striking brick building.
Things to Do
- Walled City of Lahore Heritage Trail (Delhi Gate, Walled City)
A walking route from Delhi Gate along the old royal road past bazaars, havelis and mosques.
Nature and Outdoors
- Shalimar Gardens (Baghbanpura)
Terraced Mughal gardens of fountains and pavilions built by Shah Jahan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. - Bagh-e-Jinnah (The Mall)
Leafy Victorian gardens with the old Quaid-e-Azam Library, ideal for a slow morning walk.
Events
- Wagah Border Ceremony (Wagah)
The loud, theatrical flag lowering ceremony at the India border every evening.
Restaurants
- Haveli Restaurant (Fort Road Food Street)
Rooftop dining with a direct view of the floodlit Badshahi Mosque. - Andaaz Restaurant (Fort Road Food Street)
Elegant Mughal style rooms and a terrace facing the mosque minarets. - Cooco's Den (Fort Road Food Street)
An eccentric haveli turned restaurant full of the owner's paintings, with mosque views from the roof. - Waris Nihari (Anarkali)
A historic spot for slow cooked beef nihari served from big copper pots in the morning. - Butt Karahi (Lakshmi Chowk)
A classic late night karahi house where meat is cooked to order in a wok over fierce flames. - Phajja Siri Paye (Heera Mandi, Walled City)
A legendary early morning stop for paye, a rich trotter stew eaten with naan. - Gawalmandi Food Street (Gawalmandi)
A traditional food street for fish, tikka, kulfi and lassi in the old city. - Bundu Khan (Liberty Market, Gulberg)
A long running barbecue name famous for seekh kebabs and chicken tikka.
Cafés
- MM Alam Road (Gulberg)
A long strip of cafés, dessert shops and restaurants, the city's busiest evening hangout. - Chaman Ice Cream (Mozang)
A Lahore institution for old style ice cream flavours since the 1960s.
Shopping and Markets
- Anarkali Bazaar (Anarkali)
One of South Asia's oldest markets for fabrics, bangles, shoes and street snacks. - Liberty Market (Gulberg)
A busy local market for ready to wear clothes, embroidered fabrics and evening snacks. - Ichhra Bazaar (Ichhra)
A crowded working market for fabric, tailoring and everyday shopping at local prices. - Kashmiri Bazaar (Walled City)
A narrow lane leading to Wazir Khan Mosque, lined with spice, perfume and wedding stalls.
Stays
- Pearl Continental Lahore (The Mall)
A long established full service hotel close to the museum and Mall Road. - Nishat Hotel (Gulberg)
A contemporary hotel in Gulberg close to restaurants and shopping.
Places to Visit in Islamabad
Arts and Culture
- Faisal Mosque (Margalla Hills foothills)
The capital's tent shaped landmark, one of the largest mosques in the world. - Pakistan Monument (Shakarparian)
A petal shaped national monument with views across the city and a museum below. - Lok Virsa Heritage Museum (Shakarparian)
A lively museum of crafts, music and costume from every region of Pakistan. - Golra Sharif Railway Museum (Golra)
Old steam engines and railway relics at a historic junction station. - Taxila archaeological sites (Taxila)
Stupas, monasteries and ancient cities including Sirkap and Jaulian. - Rohtas Fort (Jhelum)
A massive sixteenth century fortress built by Sher Shah Suri, a UNESCO site.
Nature and Outdoors
- Daman-e-Koh (Margalla Hills)
A hillside viewpoint over Islamabad, best at sunset. - Margalla Hills Trail 3 (Sector F6)
The most popular hiking trail in the capital, climbing through forest to a ridge viewpoint. - Trail 5 (Margalla Hills)
A quieter, shaded trail with streams and birdlife, linking to Pir Sohawa. - Pir Sohawa viewpoint (Margalla Hills)
A hilltop road with sweeping views of the capital, best at dusk. - Saidpur Village (Margalla Hills)
A restored Mughal era village at the foot of the hills with temples, mosques and eateries. - Lake View Park (Rawal Lake)
A family park on Rawal Lake with boating and picnic lawns.
Restaurants
- Kabul Restaurant (Jinnah Super, F7)
Generous Afghan pulao and kebabs, a capital favourite for decades. - Savour Foods (Blue Area)
A busy local chain for pulao kebab, simple, fast and filling. - Tuscany Courtyard (Kohsar Market, F6)
A relaxed courtyard restaurant in the capital's favourite little evening market.
Cafés
- Kohsar Market cafés (Kohsar Market, F6)
A small leafy market of bookshops and cafés popular with diplomats and students.
Shopping and Markets
- Jinnah Super Market (F7)
The capital's classic shopping square for books, clothes, crafts and snacks. - Sunday Bazaar (H9)
A sprawling weekend market for fruit, spices, carpets and everything else. - Centaurus Mall (F8)
The capital's largest mall, with a food court and cinema.
Stays
- Serena Hotel Islamabad (Khayaban-e-Suhrawardy)
A long established full service hotel set in landscaped gardens. - Islamabad Marriott Hotel (Aga Khan Road)
A central, secure hotel close to the government district.
Things to Do
- Taxila Museum (Taxila)
Gandhara sculpture beside UNESCO listed Buddhist ruins, an easy day trip.
Places to Visit in Rawalpindi
Shopping and Markets
- Raja Bazaar (Old Rawalpindi)
The heart of the old city, a maze of markets for cloth, spices and household goods. - Saddar Bazaar (Saddar)
Busy colonial era bazaar for shoes, clothes and street food.
Arts and Culture
- Army Museum (Saddar)
Military history of the region, popular with families.
Nature and Outdoors
- Ayub National Park (Jhelum Road)
A large green park with a lake, playground and space for families.
Places to Visit in Karachi
Arts and Culture
- Mazar-e-Quaid (Jamshed Town)
The white marble mausoleum of Pakistan's founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, with a changing of the guard. - Mohatta Palace Museum (Clifton)
A pink stone mansion of 1927 hosting changing exhibitions on art and history. - Frere Hall (Saddar)
A Venetian Gothic hall in gardens, with a ceiling mural by Sadequain and a Sunday book market. - National Museum of Pakistan (Burns Garden)
Indus Valley seals, Gandhara art and Quran manuscripts. - Empress Market (Saddar)
A restored Victorian market hall full of spices, dry fruit and birds. - Chaukhandi Tombs (National Highway)
Carved sandstone tombs of the fifteenth to eighteenth centuries on the city's eastern edge.
Nature and Outdoors
- Clifton Beach (Clifton)
The city's sea front, busy with families, camel rides and snacks at sunset. - French Beach (Hawke's Bay area)
A rocky, quieter cove west of the city reached through a fishing village. - Hawke's Bay Beach (Kemari)
A broad sandy beach and a nesting site for green turtles in season.
Things to Do
- Port Grand (Native Jetty Bridge)
A waterfront food and leisure strip on an old bridge over the harbour. - Manora Island boat ride (Keamari)
A ferry across the harbour to a lighthouse, an old temple and a quiet beach.
Restaurants
- Burns Road Food Street (Saddar)
Karachi's best known food street for nihari, haleem, rabri and fried fish. - Kolachi Restaurant (Do Darya, DHA)
Open air seafront dining on the Arabian Sea, especially loved at night. - Café Flo (Clifton)
A long running French bistro in a quiet house, good for a calm evening. - Javed Nihari (Federal B Area)
A cult favourite for spicy Karachi style nihari. - Student Biryani (Saddar)
The famous name in Karachi biryani, spicy and generous.
Shopping and Markets
- Zainab Market (Saddar)
The classic market for leather goods, embroidered fabric and souvenirs. - Dolmen Mall Clifton (Clifton)
A big seafront mall with a food court and international brands. - Bohri Bazaar (Saddar)
A tangle of fabric, household and wedding stalls close to Empress Market.
Events
- Karachi Literature Festival (Beach Luxury Hotel area)
An annual festival of books and talks, usually in February.
Stays
- Pearl Continental Karachi (Club Road)
A long established full service hotel in the city centre. - Mövenpick Hotel Karachi (Club Road)
A central hotel with good dining and security.
Places to Visit in Hunza
Arts and Culture
- Baltit Fort (Karimabad)
The seven hundred year old palace of the Mirs of Hunza, restored and looking down the valley. - Altit Fort (Altit)
An even older fort on a cliff above the river, with a lovely royal garden. - Ganish Village (Ganish)
One of the oldest settlements on the Silk Road, with carved wooden mosques and towers.
Nature and Outdoors
- Eagle's Nest viewpoint (Duikar)
A ridge top viewpoint for sunrise over Rakaposhi, Ultar and Lady Finger. - Attabad Lake (Gojal)
A turquoise lake formed by a 2010 landslide, with boat rides and lakeside cafés. - Passu Cones (Passu)
The jagged cathedral like peaks that define Upper Hunza. - Borith Lake (Gulmit)
A quiet lake popular with birds, on the walk towards the Passu glacier. - Hopper Glacier (Nagar)
A quiet valley with a close view of a winding glacier. - Rakaposhi View Point (Ghulmet, Nagar)
A roadside stop with a stream and a direct view of Rakaposhi's huge face.
Things to Do
- Hussaini Suspension Bridge (Hussaini)
A famously wobbly wooden bridge over the Hunza River. - Khunjerab Pass (Sost)
The high border crossing with China, among the highest paved roads in the world.
Restaurants
- Café de Hunza (Karimabad)
A small café known for walnut cake and apricot treats.
Shopping and Markets
- Karimabad Bazaar (Karimabad)
A steep lane of gem, carpet and dried apricot shops below Baltit Fort.
Events
- Cherry and apricot blossom season (Hunza Valley)
Early April turns the valley pink and white, a short and special time to visit.
Stays
- Serena Hunza (Hunza Serena Inn) (Karimabad)
A comfortable hotel with valley views close to Baltit Fort. - Luxus Hunza (Attabad Lake)
A lakeside hotel with balconies over Attabad's turquoise water.
Places to Visit in Skardu
Nature and Outdoors
- Shangrila Resort Lake (Lower Kachura)
A famous lakeside resort with a pagoda roofed restaurant and red roofed chalets. - Upper Kachura Lake (Kachura)
A clear blue lake fringed with trees, quieter than its lower neighbour. - Deosai National Park (Deosai Plains)
One of the highest plateaus on earth, a summer meadow of wildflowers and Himalayan brown bears. - Katpana Cold Desert (Katpana)
High altitude sand dunes beside the Indus, magical at sunset. - Sadpara Lake (Sadpara)
A reservoir lake on the road towards Deosai. - Manthokha Waterfall (Kharmang)
A tall waterfall in a cool green corner, good for a day trip.
Arts and Culture
- Shigar Fort (Shigar)
A seventeenth century Balti palace restored as a heritage hotel and museum. - Manthal Buddha Rock (Sadpara Road)
An ancient Buddhist carving on a granite boulder just outside town. - Kharpocho Fort (Skardu town)
A hilltop fort with a steep climb and a sweeping view over the Indus. - Khaplu Palace (Khaplu)
A graceful Balti royal palace, restored and partly a heritage hotel.
Shopping and Markets
- Skardu Bazaar (Skardu town)
The main market for supplies, dried fruit and local crafts.
Stays
- Shigar Fort Residence (Shigar)
Stay inside the restored fort, run by Serena. - Khaplu Palace Hotel (Khaplu)
Rooms in a restored Balti palace with gardens and mountain views.
Places to Visit in Gilgit
Arts and Culture
- Kargah Buddha (Kargah Nala)
A rock carved standing Buddha above a stream just outside Gilgit.
Nature and Outdoors
- Naltar Valley (Naltar)
Pine forests and coloured lakes in a high valley north of Gilgit. - Fairy Meadows (Raikot)
Meadows below Nanga Parbat reached by jeep and a walk, check current access first.
Shopping and Markets
- Gilgit Bazaar (Gilgit town)
A busy trading town bazaar for gems, Chinese goods and dried fruit.
Stays
- Gilgit Serena Hotel (Jutial)
A comfortable base with gardens and views of Rakaposhi.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Basant (Lahore, Lahore)
Lahore's traditional spring kite festival has long been restricted, so check whether it is permitted in the year you visit. - Walled City heritage guesthouses (Walled City, Lahore)
A handful of restored haveli guesthouses let you sleep inside the old city. - Sabri Nihari (Raja Bazaar, Rawalpindi)
A local favourite for breakfast nihari in the old city. - Waheed Kabab House (Burns Road, Karachi)
A long time Burns Road name for kebabs and paratha rolls. - Xander's (Clifton, Karachi)
A relaxed café and bakery that is a favourite for brunch and dessert. - Hunza Food Pavilion (Karimabad, Hunza)
Local dishes such as chapshuro and diram pitti in a simple setting. - Old Hunza Inn (Karimabad, Hunza)
A simple, friendly guesthouse popular with independent travellers. - Basho Valley (Basho, Skardu)
A green side valley of meadows and pine forest.