Faisal Mosque
Islamabad's defining landmark: a tent-shaped white mosque with four tall minarets set against the Margalla Hills, free to visit outside prayer times and unforgettable at dusk.
Pakistan
Islamabad
Islamabad is Pakistan's planned capital, a green, orderly city laid out in lettered sectors against the pine-covered Margalla Hills, where the tent-shaped Faisal Mosque, the petal-shaped Pakistan Monument and ridge-top restaurants at Pir Sohawa sit within a short drive of each other.
Around it lie some of the richest day trips in South Asia: the Buddhist ruins of Taxila, the hill stations of Murree and Nathiagali, the fortress of Rohtas, the Salt Range and the frontier city of Peshawar, with Rawalpindi's old bazaars next door. It is also the gateway to the Karakoram, with tours to Fairy Meadows, Hunza, Skardu, Swat, the Kalash valleys and the trek to K2 Base Camp. This guide covers 20 experiences, 10 hotels and 6 travel guides, from the quiet diplomatic quarter to resorts in the Murree hills. As with any trip to the region, check your government's current travel advice and local guidance before you book and travel.
Don't miss
Faisal Mosque
Islamabad's defining landmark: a tent-shaped white mosque with four tall minarets set against the Margalla Hills, free to visit outside prayer times and unforgettable at dusk.
Margalla Hills Trails
Islamabad's wild backyard: a national park of pine-scented ridges with marked trails from easy lakeside walks to the steep Trail 3 climb to Pir Sohawa.
Islamabad City Tour with Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument and Lunch
A guided day through the capital's headline sights: Faisal Mosque, the Pakistan Monument, viewpoints and a local lunch, with transport and a guide handled for you.
Taxila Day Trip from Islamabad
A day among the ruins of Gandhara: Buddhist monasteries, stupas and an ancient city at Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just outside Islamabad.
Things to do in Islamabad
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Margalla Hills Trails
Islamabad's wild backyard: a national park of pine-scented ridges with marked trails from easy lakeside walks to the steep Trail 3 climb to Pir Sohawa.
Daman-e-Koh and Pir Sohawa Viewpoints
Two hillside viewpoints above Islamabad: Daman-e-Koh for the whole planned city at your feet, and Pir Sohawa for ridge-top restaurants, cool air and sunset.
Pakistan Monument and Museum
A petal-shaped national monument on the Shakarparian hills, with an adjoining museum telling the story of Pakistan and wide views over the capital.
Lok Virsa National Heritage Museum
Pakistan's living-culture museum in Islamabad, with crafts, costumes, music and regional heritage displays that explain the country in a single morning.
Saidpur Village
A restored Margalla foothill village of old stone lanes, temples, a gurdwara, craft shops and cafes, ideal for a relaxed afternoon and a good dinner.
Islamabad City Tour with Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument and Lunch
A guided day through the capital's headline sights: Faisal Mosque, the Pakistan Monument, viewpoints and a local lunch, with transport and a guide handled for you.
Taxila Day Trip from Islamabad
A day among the ruins of Gandhara: Buddhist monasteries, stupas and an ancient city at Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just outside Islamabad.
Murree Hill Station Day Trip
A day in the pine-covered hills above Islamabad: Murree's Mall Road, viewpoints and cool mountain air, a classic escape from the plains.
Nathiagali and the Galiyat Day Tour
Higher, greener and quieter than Murree: Nathiagali's pine forests, forest trails and cool air, in the Galiyat hills north of Islamabad.
Rohtas Fort Day Trip
A vast sixteenth-century fortress of Sher Shah Suri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with massive gates, bastions and walls on a hill near Jhelum.
Peshawar and Takht-i-Bahi Day Tour
A long day to one of South Asia's oldest living cities and a hilltop Buddhist monastery: bazaars, a museum of Gandhara and ruins above the plain.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
$$$$Islamabad Serena Hotel
Diplomatic Enclave and Red Zone
A long-established five-class address near the Diplomatic Enclave, known for landscaped grounds, Margalla views, formal service and a calm base for business and leisure.
Check rates →
$$$$Islamabad Marriott Hotel
Central Islamabad
A large, dependable five-class hotel in the heart of the city with multiple restaurants, a pool and easy access to the Blue Area, markets and the main avenues.
Check rates →Movenpick Centaurus Islamabad
Blue Area and Jinnah Avenue
A modern high-rise hotel within the Centaurus complex, with shopping, dining and the Blue Area on the doorstep and views toward the Margalla Hills.
Check rates →Best Western Premier Islamabad
Islamabad
A comfortable upscale hotel for visitors who want modern rooms, in-house dining and an easy base for city sightseeing and meetings.
Check rates →Ramada by Wyndham Islamabad
Islamabad
A four-class city hotel with a familiar brand, practical rooms and good value for travellers who want comfort and convenience in the capital.
Check rates →Envoy Continental Hotel
Blue Area
A Blue Area hotel in the middle of the business district, convenient for offices, banks, restaurants and quick access to the main avenues.
Check rates →Pearl Continental Bhurban
Bhurban, Murree Hills
A mountain resort in the Murree hills with forest views, cool air, a golf course and space to slow down away from the plains.
Check rates →Pearl Continental Rawalpindi
Rawalpindi
A well-known Rawalpindi hotel on the city's main road, handy for the old city and Islamabad, with a large pool-side setting and broad facilities.
Check rates →Avari Xpress Residences Islamabad
Islamabad Expressway
A practical residence-style stay on the Islamabad Expressway, with apartment-style rooms suited to longer visits and easy road access.
Check rates →Ramada by Wyndham Murree Lower Topa Resort
Lower Topa, Murree
A hill-station resort near Murree for travellers who want to spend a night or two in the mountains, with forested views and cool air.
Check rates →Tour + stay
Ready-made pairings: a top sight and a hotel that suits it. Add both to your trip and book each when you are ready.
Do
Faisal MosqueStay
Islamabad Marriott HotelCentral Islamabad
Do
Margalla Hills TrailsStay
Movenpick Centaurus IslamabadBlue Area and Jinnah Avenue
Do
Islamabad City Tour with Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument and LunchStay
Islamabad Serena HotelDiplomatic Enclave and Red Zone
Islamabad guides
First Time in Islamabad: What to Know Before You Go
A practical introduction to Islamabad for first-time visitors: how the city is laid out, getting around, dress and etiquette, money and the sights worth your time.
Where to Stay in Islamabad: Sectors, Areas and Hotel Types
A guide to choosing where to sleep in Islamabad and its surroundings, from the diplomatic quarter and the Blue Area to Rawalpindi and the Murree hills.
Islamabad in Three Days: An Easy Itinerary
A relaxed three-day plan for Islamabad: landmarks and museums on day one, the hills and Saidpur on day two, and a day trip to Taxila or Rawalpindi on day three.
Eating and Drinking in Islamabad
A guide to the food of Islamabad and Rawalpindi: kebabs, karahi, biryani, breakfast, tea and sweets, with advice on where and how to eat well.
Best Time to Visit Islamabad: Seasons Explained
A seasonal guide to Islamabad and the surrounding hills and mountains: when the capital is comfortable, when the north is open and what to expect from weather.
Day Trips from Islamabad: Where to Go and How
A guide to the best day trips from Islamabad, from Taxila and Murree to Rohtas Fort, Khewra Salt Mine and Peshawar, with distances, tips and combinations.
