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Islamabad

Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan, built as a planned city in the 1960s and established in 1967 along the scenic Margalla Hills. This modern metropolis replaced Karachi as Pakistan's national capital and now forms part of a metropolitan area with millions of inhabitants.

Quick facts

Population
—
Currency
Pakistani rupee (PKR)
Language
English, Urdu
Timezone
PKT (UTC+5)
Local time now
00:07:32

Hotels in Islamabad

Islamabad offers a range of hotel accommodations to suit different travellers. Whether you're looking for established options like Hotel Al-Habib, Islamabad Premiere Inn, Al-Umer, Al-Markaz Hotel, or Heaven Heights Hotel, you'll find suitable places to stay throughout the capital. See all hotels →

2 ★
Hotel Al-Habib
1.2 km from centre
Islamabad Premiere Inn
1.2 km from centre
Al-Umer
1.2 km from centre

Airports in Islamabad

Islamabad is served by several airports facilitating domestic and international air travel. The main facilities include Islamabad International Airport (اسلام آباد بین الاقوامی ہوائی اڈا), PAF BASE Nur Khan, and Qasim Airport, providing connectivity for visitors and residents. See all airports →

PAF BASE Nur Khan
9.0 km from centre
Qasim Airport
15.1 km from centre
اسلام آباد بین الاقوامی ہوائی اڈا
27.2 km from centre

Car Hire in Islamabad

Islamabad offers several car hire options for visitors and residents needing vehicle rentals. Services like Haseeb Auto Traders, BJ Car Rent a Car, RentKA, Capital Car Rentals, and Aftab motors provide convenient transportation solutions throughout the city. See all car hire →

Haseeb Auto Traders
1.4 km from centre
BJ Car Rent a Car
2.3 km from centre
RentKA
2.4 km from centre
Capital Car Rentals
3.2 km from centre

Things to Do in Islamabad

Islamabad offers visitors a range of attractions to explore, from iconic monuments to scenic viewpoints. Key destinations include the Pakistan Monument, the Pakistan Monument Museum, and the Islamabad viewpoint, each offering unique perspectives on the city's culture and history. See all things to do →

Islamabad view point
242 m from centre
پاکستان یادگار
296 m from centre
Pakistan Monument
326 m from centre
Unity Faith Discipline Pillars
369 m from centre
Pakistan Monument Museum
425 m from centre
لوک ورثہ;لوک ورثہ عجائب گھر
906 m from centre

Restaurants in Islamabad

Islamabad offers a diverse dining scene with restaurants catering to various tastes. From local favorites like Zia Balti & BBQ, Murshid Ji Restaurant, and Ali Restaurant to options such as عباسی ریستوراں and Tahir Khan Restoran (TKR), visitors can find a range of culinary experiences throughout the city. See all restaurants →

Zia Balti & BBQ
586 m from centre
Murshid Ji Restaurant
638 m from centre
Ali Restaurant
706 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Islamabad

Islamabad offers several swimming pool facilities for residents and visitors. Notable options include PN Swimming Pool and Islamabad Swimming Pool, providing recreational swimming opportunities throughout the city. See all swimming pools →

PN Swimming Pool
4.2 km from centre
Islamabad Swimming Pool
6.5 km from centre

Spas in Islamabad

We're still gathering spas listings for Islamabad — check back soon.

Nightlife in Islamabad

We're still gathering nightlife listings for Islamabad — check back soon.

Bars in Islamabad

Islamabad offers a selection of bars and social venues for residents and visitors. Whether you're looking for casual spots like Vicky Pan Shop or other local establishments, the city has options to suit different preferences for drinks and evening entertainment. See all bars →

Vicky Pan Shop
3.6 km from centre

Cafes in Islamabad

Islamabad offers a variety of cafes where visitors and locals can enjoy refreshments. Whether you're looking for a casual tea experience at takar tea stall or a sit-down cafe like Capital Cafe or FUUAST Cafe, the city has options to suit different preferences and locations throughout the capital. See all cafes →

Sattar restuarent T&T Market ISB.
519 m from centre
Capital Cafe
746 m from centre
FUUAST Cafe
748 m from centre

Shopping in Islamabad

Islamabad offers diverse shopping options for locals and visitors alike. From modern malls like The Centaurus Mall and Mall of Islamabad to traditional shopping centers such as Irshad Arcade and Kamran Shopping Center, the city provides a range of retail experiences to suit all tastes and budgets. See all shopping →

The Centaurus Mall
2.1 km from centre
The Centaurus Mall
2.1 km from centre
Mall of Islamabad
2.2 km from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Islamabad

Islamabad offers numerous opportunities to connect with nature and outdoor recreation. From the verdant expanses of Ladies Park and Kachnar Park to other green spaces like M Munir Park and Centaurus Greens, the city provides residents and visitors with accessible natural environments to enjoy. See all nature & wildlife →

Cricket Ground
1.3 km from centre
Ladies Park
1.6 km from centre
Kachnar Park
1.6 km from centre
M Munir Park
1.8 km from centre
Centaurus Greens
2.1 km from centre
The Centaurus Park
2.1 km from centre

Climate snapshot

Islamabad experiences distinct seasonal variations throughout the year. The city enjoys mild to warm temperatures during spring and autumn, while winters can be cool and summers are typically hot. Monsoon rains arrive during the summer months, bringing moisture to the region.

Interesting Facts About Islamabad — Weird & Wonderful

  • Islamabad was built as a planned city in the 1960s, making it one of the world's newer capital cities.
  • The city is located in the northern Punjab region, north of Rawalpindi, with which it forms a metropolitan area.
  • Islamabad replaced Karachi as Pakistan's national capital when it was established in 1967.
  • The city was strategically built along the Margalla Hills, incorporating natural geography into its urban design.
  • With a metropolitan population of over 2.3 million, Islamabad is the country's tenth-most populous city.

Frequently Asked Questions About Islamabad

What is the capital of Pakistan?

Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan. It replaced Karachi as the national capital when it was established in 1967.

Where is Islamabad located?

Islamabad is located in the northern Punjab region of Pakistan, north of the city of Rawalpindi. The city was built along the Margalla Hills.

How large is Islamabad's population?

Islamabad is Pakistan's tenth-most populous city with a population of over 1.1 million. The broader metropolitan area, including Rawalpindi, has a population of over 5.7 million inhabitants.

When was Islamabad established as the capital?

Islamabad was established in 1967 as Pakistan's capital city, replacing Karachi. It was built as a planned city beginning in the 1960s.

What is the timezone in Islamabad?

Islamabad operates on Asia/Karachi timezone.

Map of Islamabad

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