Islamabad lies at the foothills of Margalla. It is the only planned city of Pakistan which is so beautifully made. Here both the nature and mankind did its best to give mesmerizing mountains views, beautiful weather and a great infrastructure (roads, parks, buildings).

Also, beyond this metropolitan city, the world of magic begins – which is the north of Pakistan. My father had always been an ardent traveler all his life. As mentioned in my earlier blog as well, we would go to the north of Pakistan every year, which was always the highlight of our summer vacations. So our first stop, usually the journey would start from Lahore, was Islamabad.

We never stayed at Islamabad for more than a night. It was just a transit point between our destination and Lahore. So this city could not establish itself as a tourist spot. Honestly speaking, a decade ago the city didn’t really have much to offer either – so we were not totally unfair with it :/

I explored Islamabad, seven years ago and that too accidentally. My honeymoon was a thriller action that landed us in Islamabad for ten days eventually. We had no objective to stay there but we did and it turned out to be a great decision of our lives. We eventually got to see the city with its entire majesty and glory.

So, in this space, I’m going to write about what I saw and loved about Islamabad ever since then.

1. Lok Virsa and Monuments:

Lok Virsa has a museum that showcases our heritage. At the outskirts of the same vicinity, you can find many shops selling traditional and culturally-rich paintings and handicrafts. They are expensive, but if you are a collector, or in a true traveling spirit, then you may like to pick a thing or two from there!

Monument is a flower-shaped infrastructure, constructed at the hill top, visible from Shahrah-e-Faysal, with beautiful sculptures embossed on them. It is also a relaxing place to spend some time at. There is also another wax museum adjoining to this place which highlights our history.

Image Source: https://www.mangobaaz.com/islamabad-most-beautiful-capital/

2. Rawal Lake and Gaming zone at the Lake View Park

Back then, Gaming zone at the Lake View Park was not made so we ended up at the Rawal lake site on our first visit. With the new gaming zone in place at Lake View park, having Go-karting and other sports offering, this side of the city is now quite happening. I went for Go-karting two years ago and it was extremely fun.

3. Breakfast at Chaye Khana

I love Chaye Khana and their breakfast menu. So if you are in Islamabad, and doesn’t know where to eat your breakfast from. Please go there!

4. Saidpur Village and Monal Restaurant

Although, these two places are not even remotely related but their primary offer is the food!

Saidpur Village, as the name says, has a village setting. It has shops in the beginning, a small photo gallery made in an old building and a temple at the heart of it. Primarily, people go there for food. It is at its best at the night time because the seating is outdoor. Food is decent as well.

I have been to Monal a gazillion times. I am not a big fan of its food. It offers very regular gourmet but the city view from the mountain top, the meandering, nerve itching drive to the place itself and an amazing ambiance will get 10 on 10 from me. If you are going for the first time, make sure you are dining out here once for the experience. It is indeed that kind of a place where you would like to mark a tick for covering the city’s highlight!

If you ask me, Islamabadians lack the taste buds which we Lahoris are thoroughly blessed with 🙂 But they are not to be blamed entirely, the vegetables are from the mountains, the water is hard and hence, everything tastes differently than whatever we can find in the plain areas of Punjab.

So, I can only highlight those food places which has something different to offer – other than the food itself. Saidpur has a village and Monal has a mountain. Now subtract the food and enjoy whatever is at your disposal 😐

5. Faysal Mosque and Trail 5!

If you were to ask me, Faysal mosque should be given the title of one of the wonders of the world. The beauty of its location, the great infrastructure, the perfect symmetry of its tower surely qualifies it to become the finest piece of architecture. They normally open its hall during the pray time (reason unknown but I’m sure very pathetic) but the outskirts are equally enjoyable.

I have not been to Trail 5 myself. It starts at the back of Faysal Mosque and ends somewhere close to Monal restaurant. Heard great stuff about this hiking trail – the views and all. So I’m assuming it is as good as the recommendation says.

6. Murree and Nathiagali

Murree is located at an hour’s drive from Islamabad. It is the closest hill station. Murree is now a full-fledge city. It has a beautiful Mall Road, Chair Lifting at Patriata and other tourist spots. Nathiagali is again at some further height from Murree. It is not as developed as Murree. It is best to stay at Nathiagali overnight and enjoy nearby places for hiking/sight-seeing etc. There is nothing in particular to go visit at Nathiagali. The culmination point is a park and an old chapel.

7. PC Bhurban

Bhurban is another hilly station located half an hour drive away from Murree – that means 1.5 hr away from Islamabad. You must be wondering why I’m talking about these vallies while writing about Islamabad? Actually one can easily make a day trip there, spend some time, have food and then come back. Other than the Pearl Continental Hotel, there is absolutely nothing to do at Bhurban. So unless, you plan to stay at the hotel, one can easily go for a serene long drive, good food and then can come back to Islamabad.

We have done this twice and absolutely loved our decision.

Image Source: http://www.pchotels.com/pcbhurban/en/gallery.html

Other than this, F7 market is very well-established. I’m not a big fan of malls. Hence, I have not dedicated a pointer to the Centaurus Mall. However, for the first timers, go visit that mall for again, marking a tick. It has all the brands under one roof and I also believe this is the only biggest mall of the city till date.

Islamabad is quiet and serene. Wherever you see, beautiful mountain view will make your heart go gaga over the city. As said earlier, this city is the gate to the world of magic where queens like Hunza and Kings like Hindukush and Himalaya range awaits.

I hope you will enjoy this city as a tourist as much as I do whenever I pay it a visit.

PS: The featured Image is by SM Bukhari.