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Islamabad

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

Quick facts

Population
—
Currency
Pakistani rupee (PKR)
Language
English, Urdu
Timezone
PKT (UTC+5)
Local time now
16:51:10

Hotels in Islamabad

Islamabad offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, from established hotels like Hotel Al-Habib and Islamabad Premiere Inn to boutique properties such as Al-Umer, Al-Markaz Hotel, and Heaven Heights Hotel. Whether you're planning a business trip or leisure visit to Pakistan's capital, these hotels provide convenient bases for exploring the city. 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 providing air travel access to the city. The main facilities include Islamabad International Airport (اسلام آباد بین الاقوامی ہوائی اڈا), PAF BASE Nur Khan, and Qasim Airport, offering both civilian and military aviation services. 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 providers including Capital Car Rentals, BJ Car Rent a Car, RentKA, Haseeb Auto Traders, and Aftab Motors serve the city's transportation needs. 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 must-see attractions, from the iconic Pakistan Monument and its museum to scenic viewpoints across the city. Whether you're interested in historical landmarks like the Unity Faith Discipline Pillars or exploring cultural sites, there's plenty to experience in Pakistan's capital. 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. Whether you're looking for BBQ at Zia Balti & BBQ, local specialties at Murshid Ji Restaurant, or other culinary experiences, the city has options to suit every palate. 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 pools in the city include PN Swimming Pool and Islamabad Swimming Pool, providing recreational swimming opportunities throughout the year. 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 entertainment venues for visitors and residents. Places like Vicky Pan Shop provide casual dining and refreshment options in the city. See all bars →

Vicky Pan Shop
3.6 km from centre

Cafes in Islamabad

Islamabad offers a variety of cafes where locals and visitors can enjoy refreshments and relax. From Capital Cafe to FUUAST Cafe and other established venues, the city's cafe scene provides comfortable spaces to experience the local culture and hospitality. 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 range of shopping experiences from modern malls to traditional arcades. Visitors can explore The Centaurus Mall, Mall of Islamabad, Irshad Arcade, and Kamran Shopping Center for everything from international brands to local goods. 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 where visitors can enjoy outdoor recreation and wildlife. From Ladies Park and Kachnar Park to Centaurus Greens and M Munir Park, the city provides diverse green areas for nature enthusiasts to explore. 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 subtropical highland climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters are cool and can be quite pleasant, while summers are warm and can be hot. The city receives rainfall during the monsoon season, contributing to its lush green surroundings.

Interesting Facts About Islamabad — Weird & Wonderful

  • Islamabad was purpose-built as a planned city in the 1960s and established in 1967, replacing Karachi as Pakistan's national capital.
  • The city is uniquely positioned along the Margalla Hills in the northern Punjab region, north of Rawalpindi.
  • Islamabad forms a metropolitan area with Rawalpindi that is home to over 5.7 million inhabitants.
  • Despite being the country's tenth-most populous city individually, Islamabad's metropolitan area ranks among Pakistan's largest urban centres.

Frequently Asked Questions About Islamabad

What is the official language spoken in Islamabad?

Urdu is the official language of Pakistan and widely spoken in Islamabad, though English is also commonly used for business and official purposes.

What currency is used in Islamabad?

The Pakistani Rupee (PKR) is the official currency used throughout Islamabad and Pakistan.

When was Islamabad established as the capital?

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

What region of Pakistan is Islamabad located in?

Islamabad is located in the northern Punjab region of Pakistan, north of the city of Rawalpindi, with which it forms a major metropolitan area.

How large is Islamabad's population?

Islamabad is Pakistan's tenth-most populous city with over 1.1 million residents. Its metropolitan area, including Rawalpindi, has over 5.7 million inhabitants.

What is unique about Islamabad's geography?

Islamabad is uniquely built as a planned city along the scenic Margalla Hills, giving it a distinctive layout and natural landscape.

Map of Islamabad

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