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Islamabad

Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan, a meticulously planned urban centre built in the 1960s and established in 1967. Nestled along the Margalla Hills in the northern Punjab region, it replaced Karachi as the country's national capital and has grown into a major metropolitan hub.

Quick facts

Population
—
Currency
Pakistani rupee (PKR)
Language
English, Urdu
Timezone
PKT (UTC+5)
Local time now
02:02:44

Hotels in Islamabad

Islamabad offers a range of accommodation options to suit different travel needs and budgets. Popular hotels in the city include Hotel Al-Habib, Islamabad Premiere Inn, Al-Umer, Al-Markaz Hotel, and Heaven Heights Hotel, providing visitors with convenient places to stay while exploring 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 including the main Islamabad International Airport (اسلام آباد بین الاقوامی ہوائی اڈا), PAF BASE Nur Khan, and Qasim Airport. These facilities provide essential air connectivity for the city and surrounding region. 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. Local agencies including Capital Car Rentals, BJ Car Rent a Car, RentKA, Haseeb Auto Traders, and Aftab motors provide a range of rental services across 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 notable attractions including the iconic Pakistan Monument with its museum, the Unity Faith Discipline Pillars, and scenic viewpoints like Islamabad view point. Whether you're interested in cultural landmarks or panoramic vistas, the city provides diverse experiences for travellers. 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 a variety of restaurants catering to different tastes and cuisines. From casual eateries to established dining destinations like Zia Balti & BBQ, Murshid Ji Restaurant, Ali Restaurant, عباسی ریستوراں, and Tahir Khan Restoran (TKR), visitors and locals can explore the city's food culture at numerous establishments throughout the capital. 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 seeking aquatic recreation and fitness. Notable options include PN Swimming Pool and Islamabad Swimming Pool, which serve the city's water sports and leisure needs. 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 drinking venues for visitors and locals. Establishments like Vicky Pan Shop provide options for refreshment in the capital. See all bars →

Vicky Pan Shop
3.6 km from centre

Cafes in Islamabad

Islamabad's cafe scene offers a welcoming range of venues for coffee, tea, and casual dining. From Capital Cafe to FUUAST Cafe and traditional tea stalls like takar tea stall, there are numerous spots throughout the city where visitors and locals can relax and enjoy refreshments. 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 a diverse shopping experience with modern malls such as The Centaurus Mall and Mall of Islamabad, alongside traditional shopping destinations like Irshad Arcade and Kamran Shopping Center. Whether you're looking for international brands or local merchandise, the city's shopping venues cater to all preferences. 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 several parks and natural spaces for visitors and residents to enjoy the outdoors. From Ladies Park and Kachnar Park to M Munir Park and Centaurus Greens, the city provides accessible green areas for recreation and relaxation. 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, with warm summers and cool winters. The city's northern location in the Punjab region contributes to moderate temperatures year-round, making it relatively pleasant compared to other major Pakistani cities.

Interesting Facts About Islamabad — Weird & Wonderful

  • Islamabad was built as a planned city in the 1960s, replacing Karachi as Pakistan's capital in 1967.
  • The city is strategically located along the Margalla Hills in the northern Punjab region.
  • Islamabad forms part of a metropolitan area with over 5.7 million inhabitants when combined with the adjacent city of Rawalpindi.
  • As the country's tenth-most populous city, Islamabad has a metropolitan population exceeding 2.3 million.

Frequently Asked Questions About Islamabad

What currency is used in Islamabad?

The Pakistani rupee is the currency used in Islamabad and throughout Pakistan.

What language is spoken in Islamabad?

Urdu is the national language of Pakistan and widely spoken in Islamabad, though English is also commonly used in business and among educated populations.

When was Islamabad established as the capital?

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

Where is Islamabad located?

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

How large is Islamabad?

Islamabad is Pakistan's tenth-most populous city with over 1.1 million residents, and its metropolitan area has a population exceeding 2.3 million.

Map of Islamabad

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