Islamabad

Islamabad, Pakistan

The majestic Faisal Mosque stands against the backdrop of the lush Margalla Hills as a symbol of a Pakistan placed firmly in the modern day, while holding on to its history and traditions. The capital city of Islamabad is a forward-thinking metropolis nestled among the green base of the Himalayas, and though it has traditionally been thought of mainly as a diplomatic city, it has recently grown to become an important business and financial centre for the region, as well as an emerging travel destination, one which, together with its neighbouring sister city of Rawalpindi, gives travelers in-the-know a taste of all sides of contemporary Pakistan.

Population:

2,000,000

Currency:

1 Pakistani rupee (PKR) = 100 paisa

Emergency Numbers:

Ambulance: 115
Police: 15
Fire brigade: 16

Opening Hours:

Generally speaking, the workweek is Mon-Fri, with Friday being a half-day. Sometimes Saturday is also a half-day, but Sunday is always off. Government offices operate from 8-9am to 5-6pm, while private businesses tend to start operations at about 10am. Restaurants and cafes tend to stay open later, until about 9-10pm.

Newspapers:

The Express Tribune
Daily Pakistan

The City

Nowhere is the juxtaposition of the new and old of Pakistan better displayed than in Islamabad and its twin city of Rawalpindi, two distinct sides of the country as it is today. Islamabad is modern, sleek and classy, full of broad tree-lined avenues, square city blocks and suburban sprawl, expansive parks and green spaces, elegant government buildings and embassies, up-scale restaurants and of course the mighty Faisal Mosque overlooking it all. It has long been a popular travel destination among Pakistanis for its peaceful and quiet vibe and its beautiful greenery, and now international travelers are catching on.

In contrast, Rawalpindi (affectionately called "Pindi") is much more a South Asian metropolis, with the exciting and sometimes hectic bustle of people, traffic, rickshaws and outdoor markets, what many would refer to as "the real Pakistan". It is a fascinating city in its own right, and though it may not boast as many famous attractions as its sister city, it has a special feel of intimacy that makes it unique in the eyes of visitors.

Do & See

The Faisal Mosque is, naturally, Islamabad's most iconic and instantly recognisable landmark, but this is a city rich in historical sights, impressive monuments, fascinating museums, tons of green spaces for outdoor activities, and even some great entertainment options for children and families. There are also enough nearby sights and places of interest to warrant a few day-trips, including some fantastic archeological excavations.

Dining

Islamabad's restaurant scene has exploded in recent times, in part to accommodate the high standards and tastes of the many international diplomats that call the city home. The city now boasts a wide selection of fine dining, local family-run restaurants, cool diners and cafes and plenty of international options for traveling foodies.

Cafes

There is an abundance of fantastic Western-style cafes in Islamabad at the moment, all offering high-quality coffee and a surprising range of snacks, meals and freshly made desserts and pastries. They are a great way to take a break from sightseeing and escape the afternoon heat, and some offer truly unique experiences either for their inventive decor or the views from their terraces.