Things to do & places to visit in Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan

Islamabad Capital Territory #3 destination in Pakistan 2023. The average rating score is 4.36 based on 2.978 traveler reviews, of 30 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Karachi, current date and time: Saturday, May 11, 2024, 16:30.

Top things to do (24)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Trail 3 (28 reviews)
- For the fit on hot months
Spent 1-2 hours Hiking Trails

Just completed trail 3 in 1hr40 minutes in 33 degrees Celsius, early September, ending at Monal resteraunt. A few tips. The hike is great. In this heat it is only for the fit; have at least 1.5 l of water per person, light clothing and better to take the easier route than straight up the fire path. I believe the overall climb is about 1,000 m. Suggest doing it with someone who knows the route as there a few not so obvious paths. Can take a taxi down from the top. Next I will report in cooler weather to compare experience. See more..
4.5 Faisal Mosque (799 reviews)
- Faisal Mosque: an excellent example of modern Islamic architecture
Religious Sites

Faisal Mosque is the mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan. Located on the foothills of Margalla Hills in Islamabad, the mosque features a contemporary design consisting of eight sides of concrete shell and is inspired by a Bedouin tent. See more..
4.5 Margalla Hills (317 reviews)
- Must visit place in Islamabad
Mountains • Lookouts • Geologic Formations

Margalla hills are part of the Himalayas (its extension) and surround Islamabad. They are lush green and rocky with springs here and there. You can visit the hills in a car and also visit the various trails for hiking. There are 6 hiking trails, the most commonly visited are trail 1, 3 and 5. Trail 1 is the easiest and only takes 45-50 minutes climb to Daman e Koh. Trail 3 is steep and takes 3 hours of strenuous hike to top at Monal restaurant. Trail 5 is 5 kms and first 2 -3 kms are easy while the 2 kms is the steepest and require quite an effort to climb. It takes around 3 hours of strenuous hike to reach the top so take water along with you. This trail is criss crossed by water streams and springs. The views from above are breath taking and refreshing. It’s better to go for hiking on any of these trails early in the morning or late afternoon. And don’t forget a sun cap and good quality hiking shoes or joggers. See more..
4.5 Daman-e-Koh (286 reviews)
- Daman e koh
Lookouts

Nice place to visit. You can enjoy the whole city view from here. Best time to visit is in evening according to me, one could enjoy the sunset behind the faisal mosque. See more..
4.5 Pakistan Monument Museum (227 reviews)
- A Must-visit Place in Islamabad
Speciality Museums

A must-visit place in Islamabad. There you not only enjoy the wonderful view and the Monument but also have to chance to know more about the history of Islamabad via the Museum. I went there Saturday early. Later, a lot of students showed up for their tour. So if you could visit there in the early morning, around 9:30-10:30am, you could avoid the crowd. See more..
4.5 Lok Virsa Museum (169 reviews)
- Arts & Crafts shopping & Museum
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Speciality Museums

Paid pkr500 per person for entry to this Museum , you can see the culture and history from different part of states , cities of Pakistan from this Museum and also some other countries too . There’s several shop selling Pakistan shoes , scarves, traditional clothes , arts and crafts . I rode the horse cart for around pkr 500 per ride , it took us to a place behind the Museum which is great for taking photos and I saw Pakistan couples taking their wedding photo at the surrounding area .There’s a food court here . See more..
4.5 Pakistan monument (120 reviews)
- Signature monument
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

We paid pkr500 per person per entry to this monument , signature architecture design here . Can see some view of Islamabad cities from above here. To visit Pakistan Monument Museum need to pay another entry ticket of pkr500 per person . See more..
4.5 Trail 5 (57 reviews)
- Great hike with excellent dinner once you arrive at the top
Hiking Trails

Excellent hike. We spent approximately 1h 45 min to the restaurant at Manal, last bit was alongside a road that wasn't too pedestrian friendly (15 min), but rest of the hike was greate. For those who's done a bit of hiking before, this was not a very hard hike, a bit steep at times, but no climbing. Fantastic views of both the mountains and the city below. Advice to go late afternoons in the warm season. See more..
4.5 Bird Aviary (47 reviews)
- Superb Entertainment
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Lovely place. Must visit. You can see a lot of birds variety at this place. Ticket prices are economical. Best time to visit is 2 hours before sun set as then you can hear lovely sounds of birds. See more..
4.5 Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum (43 reviews)
- Railway Heritage Museum, Golra Shareef, Pakistan.
History Museums

I visited museum with my children and grandchildren. Young generation may get history of Pakistan Railway from this museum. This museum is established on Golra Shareef railway station near Islamabad. One can see old engines, old railway communication systems, and much more here. It is a well maintained, neat and clean museum. Staff is very cooperative and helping. I recommend it as must visit place in Islamabad. See more..
4.5 Fatima Jinnah Park (38 reviews)
- Best family park
Spent 2-3 hours Parks • Playgrounds

One of the best family parks in Islamabad. Lots of things to do. Golf, cricket, walking, jogging, games arena bicycling and etc See more..
4.5 Trail 6 (12 reviews)
- Best trail of all
Spent More than 3 hours Hiking Trails

Trail 6 can be accessed from car parking situated behind Faisal Masjid in Islamabad. It is relatively flat for the first 1 1/2 kilometres and you have to go through thick bushes and enjoy the stream running along the trail. After that the trail is steep and rough. This is one of the best hiking trails amongst all. It will take 3-4 hours to walk the full trail. See more..
4.5 Golrah Shrine (12 reviews)
- Religious activity by visiting pious person's grave
Spent 1-2 hours Religious Sites

It is the Mausoleum of Meher Ali Shah, Golra Sharif is very famour because of his tomb. Many people come here yearly for attending yearly (on his anniversary) activity called URS. For further info visit http://www.tajdaregolra.com/Pir-Mehr-Ali-Shah-Golra-Sharif.html See more..
4.5 Shahdara Valley (10 reviews)
- Nature and calmness
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Scenic Walking Areas

This was the place not to be missed as the water was so pleasing and the weather was awsome. Overall cleanliness was not that impressive. You hve to sit in the water on chairs and local Beds (Charpai), kept in water. Water was so cold. Summer is the best time to visit. Some pakora and tea shops to offer some good tea. Take open shoes like slippers and extra clothes for children along with your own snacks. Mostly full on weekends while weekdays are good if you want to feel the calmness. Family is safe there, some singles guys also take bath in the water but family sitting area is usually not disturbed. Must visit for all locals and those coming to see Islamabad and neaeby places. See more..
4.5 Bahria Enclave Zoo (9 reviews)
- Exotic animals, clean and well maintained facility, my kids loved it!
Spent 1-2 hours Zoos

The zoo in Bahria Enclave is a must-visit for families with young children. It has beautiful cats of all sizes. The facility is clean, well maintained, and the animals cages are nice and big, giving plenty space to roam around. The zoo is much smaller in area, however sighting the wild beasts makes up for a great experience. Costs PKR 100 to get if for 12 years and above, rest are free. Can use strollers, though there are about 8 steps in total throughout the zoo. There's a tuckshop and clean toilets on the facility as well. See more..
4.5 Gallery 6 (6 reviews)
- very interesting collection
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Art Galleries

The place has very different and interesting artwork unlike any other gallery in pakistan. Go if you want to see something different See more..
4.5 Kachnar Park (5 reviews)
- Beautiful Nature Park with Fresh Enviornment
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Parks

Its one of the best park in Islamabad for daily walk/jogging. It is right next to Islamabad expressway, situated next to I-8 sector. The park has almost 2.2km of jogging as well as cycling track, passing through the tress and green grounds. There is a dedicated exercise area in the center of the park with some benches & bars for normal daily exercises. Also there are benches available for sitting, with and without shade as well. Toilet facilities are available also but you cannot find anything to eat there. See more..
4.0 Saidpur Village (223 reviews)
- Saidpur (A Model Village in Islamabad)
Neighborhoods

This 500-year-old village on the slopes of the Margalla Hills in Islamabad was remodeled into a cultural tourist attraction and heritage site designed to preserve and showcase traditional Pakistani rural life. Explore the terraced mud houses, watch live pottery demonstrations, and visit the museum to get a glimpse of what life was like here. Experience the different cultures that coexisted here in harmony—check out the Hindu temple, Sikh Gurdwara, and Sufi tomb before feasting on a delicious meal at one of the various restaurants. The gift shops sell pottery and other handicrafts that make for lovely souvenirs. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.0 Rawal Lake (168 reviews)
- Excellent place
Bodies of Water • Dams

Situated in capital territory Rawal lake is famous picnic spot .The spot gives you boating facilities and much more. See more..
4.0 Lake View Park (95 reviews)
- Nice Recreational park with modern amenities
Parks

This is one of Islamabad's most beautiful and vast parks, set against the backdrop of the emerald Margalla Hills. Here, you try adventure sports like rock climbing, get on a boat on the Rawal Lake for fishing, or simply enjoy a picnic under the sun. The park is a great family destination as well, with a range of kid-friendly activities including horse riding, paintball and a bird aviary. There's a variety of food and snack stalls in the park, or you can plan your own barbeque at the facilities available. You can make a stop at this park on a city tour of Islamabad. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.0 Shakarpariyan Hills (69 reviews)
- Visit to the second most beautiful capital in the world.
Geologic Formations

Shakarparian hills are situated near Zero Point, at a height of 609 meters. Its terraced garden offers pleasant and sweeping vistas of Margalla and Murree hills, Rawal Lake and Rawalpindi and Islamabad. See more..
4.0 Giga Mall (42 reviews)
- Shoppers paradise
Shopping Malls

We visited Giga mall one evening we were suprised at the sheer size of it there is something for everybody. There is plenty to keep kids entertained. There are lots of designer western shops. There is plenty of food outlets on the top floors. There is even a carrfour supermarket where you will all types of English goods. See more..
4.0 Simly Dam (31 reviews)
- Serene and picturesque
Dams

It is a small drive from Islamabad. The drive goes through some smaller villages and is slow and curvy. It is a beautiful and quiet and cozy place. Excellent place to take pictures. One caveat is that we had the rest house available to us. We were able to have dinner up there. Overall worth the drive and beautiful scenery. See more..
4.0 Quaid-i-Azam University (26 reviews)
- My alma mater-graduated in 1975
Saturday: Educational sites

A proud Quaidian since 1973. An Institutionen which is recognized and respected worldwide. Went for my Ph.D in Europe and had no problems with recognition of my Master‘s degree from QAU (in those days called Islamabad University). Beautiful design, wonderful staff and breathtaking scenery. Attached is a photo taken in 1975. Beautiful memories of my student life with some of the finest co-students, great professors and one of the best Vice Chancellor- Ms Kaneez Fatima Yousef. Thanks to QAU, had a fulfilling and rewarding international career. You have a special place in my heart-my alma mater! See more..
4.0 Pakistan Museum of Natural History (26 reviews)
- Interesting
Natural History Museums

This museum had been upgraded since my first visit in 2016 well worth a visit and there is a very pleasent garden area to sit in and get tefreshments See more..
4.0 Supreme Court of Pakistan (22 reviews)
- Seat of Justice
Government Buildings

The Supreme Court of Pakistan is the seat of justice in the country. It is a well designed building near the President House, the Prime Ministers house and the Houses of Parliament. If special permission is taken,from theRegistrar, one can watch the proceedings. See more..
4.0 Shah Allah Ditta Caves (16 reviews)
- Swing with the monkeys
Spent 1-2 hours Caverns & Caves

I loved this serene and unique place, a wonderful area for quiet contemplation and a lot of fun. The history on it's own is great to know bit the nature of the place is something to behold. Take the time to make sure you visit this place. See more..
4.0 Bari Imam Shrine (15 reviews)
- Bari Imam Sharif
Spent 1-2 hours Religious Sites

we visited many times to Bari Imam Darbar. when ever i visited to this place i enjoy very well and tell to my other friends and family to vist this religious place . recently i visited Bari imam darbar with my family for dua we enjoy tomuch . i ask every muslim to visit this historical place ( Bari Imam Darbar ) and make dua for family and friends because he is man of Allah See more..
3.5 Rose and Jasmine Garden (35 reviews)
- Good place for family and children
Gardens

This 20,360 sq. meters garden is famous for its roses. It has 250 different varieties of roses as well as a dozen types of Jasmines. Flower shows are occasionally held here, particularly during spring. Nearby is a Tourist Camping Site. See more..
3.5 Parliment House (25 reviews)
- Lunch at Parliament house cafeteria
Government Buildings

During our last visit to Islamabad we were invited by one of my close friend who is a senior officer in National Assembly. Upon arrival at parliament house a staff escorted us to the cafeteria where a large table was reserved and my friend was waiting to welcome us. After a stylish lunch and light conversation & meeting with some MNAs. We also watch the National assembly session from Speakers Gallery for some time. The Parliament building and NA hall is massive and very impressive. See more..