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Islamabad

Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan, built as a carefully planned city in the 1960s and established in 1967. Located in the northern Punjab region along the Margalla Hills, it serves as the political and administrative heart of the nation.

Photo: Fassifarooq (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Quick facts

Population
Currency
Pakistani rupee (PKR)
Language
English, Urdu
Timezone
PKT (UTC+5)
Local time now
13:35:10

Hotels in Islamabad

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

Airports in Islamabad

Islamabad is served by several airports providing domestic and international connectivity. The main gateway is Islamabad International Airport (اسلام آباد بین الاقوامی ہوائی اڈا), while PAF BASE Nur Khan and Qasim Airport also operate in the 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 a range of car hire options to suit your travel needs. Services like BJ Car Rent a Car, RentKA, Capital Car Rentals, Aftab Motors, and Islamabad Rent A Car provide convenient rental solutions for exploring the capital and surrounding regions. See all car hire →

BJ Car Rent a Car
2.3 km from centre
RentKA
2.4 km from centre
Capital Car Rentals
3.2 km from centre
Aftab motors
4.6 km from centre

Things to Do in Islamabad

Islamabad offers visitors a range of notable attractions, from the iconic Pakistan Monument and its museum to the Islamabad viewpoint and the Unity Faith Discipline Pillars. Explore the city's landmarks and cultural sites that reflect Pakistan's heritage and identity. 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 serving everything from traditional Pakistani cuisine to international flavors. Popular establishments include Zia Balti & BBQ, Murshid Ji Restaurant, Ali Restaurant, عباسی ریستوراں, and Tahir Khan Restoran (TKR), catering to various tastes and preferences 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. Options include PN Swimming Pool and Islamabad Swimming Pool, providing aquatic recreation in the capital. 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 establishments for visitors and residents seeking evening entertainment. Venues like Vicky Pan Shop provide casual atmospheres for social gatherings in the capital. See all bars →

Vicky Pan Shop
3.6 km from centre

Cafes in Islamabad

Islamabad offers a variety of cafes and tea stalls where you can enjoy refreshments throughout the city. From casual tea stalls like takar tea stall to established cafes such as Capital Cafe and FUUAST Cafe, there are plenty of options to explore. 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 experiences across modern malls and traditional arcades. From The Centaurus Mall and Mall of Islamabad to local favorites like Irshad Arcade and Kamran Shopping Center, the city caters to all shopping 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 a range of natural spaces and wildlife areas for visitors to enjoy. From scenic parks like Ladies Park and Kachnar Park to recreational grounds, the city provides opportunities to experience nature and outdoor activities. 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 a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasonal variations. Summers are warm and often feature monsoon rains, while winters are mild and relatively dry, creating pleasant conditions for much of the year.

Interesting Facts About Islamabad — Weird & Wonderful

  • Built as a planned city in the 1960s and established in 1967, Islamabad replaced Karachi as Pakistan's national capital.
  • The city is nestled along the Margalla Hills in the northern Punjab region, offering a distinctive geographic setting.
  • Islamabad forms a metropolitan area of over 5.7 million inhabitants when combined with the nearby city of Rawalpindi.
  • As the country's tenth-most populous city, Islamabad has a city population of over 1.1 million with a metropolitan population exceeding 2.3 million.

Frequently Asked Questions About Islamabad

What is the currency used in Islamabad?

The currency used in Islamabad, as the capital of Pakistan, is the Pakistani Rupee (PKR).

What language is spoken in Islamabad?

Urdu is the primary official language spoken in Islamabad, though English is widely understood in business and tourism sectors.

What region of Pakistan is Islamabad in?

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

When was Islamabad established as the capital?

Islamabad was established as Pakistan's national capital in 1967, replacing Karachi.

How large is the Islamabad metropolitan area?

The Islamabad metropolitan area, which includes Rawalpindi, has a combined population of over 5.7 million inhabitants.

Map of Islamabad

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