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Islamabad

Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan, a planned city established in 1967 and built along the scenic Margalla Hills. As a modern purpose-built capital, it offers a unique blend of urban planning and natural landscape in northern Punjab.

Quick facts

Population
Currency
Pakistani rupee (PKR)
Language
English, Urdu
Timezone
PKT (UTC+5)
Local time now
15:32:35

Hotels in Islamabad

Islamabad offers a range of hotel options for visitors to Pakistan's capital city. From establishments like Hotel Al-Habib and Islamabad Premiere Inn to boutique properties such as Al-Umer and Al-Markaz Hotel, there are choices to suit different preferences and budgets. 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 domestic and international connectivity. The main airport serving the capital is Islamabad International Airport, while other aviation facilities in the area include PAF BASE Nur Khan and Qasim Airport. 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 looking to explore the city and surrounding areas. Established providers such as Haseeb Auto Traders, BJ Car Rent a Car, RentKA, Capital Car Rentals, and Aftab motors are among the car rental services available in the capital. 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 cultural and scenic attractions to explore. From the iconic Pakistan Monument and its museum to panoramic views at Islamabad viewpoint, the city provides memorable experiences for travellers seeking to immerse themselves in Pakistan's heritage and natural beauty. 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 ranging 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), each providing local and regional specialties for visitors and residents alike. 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 pools for residents and visitors looking to enjoy water-based recreation. Popular facilities include PN Swimming Pool and Islamabad Swimming Pool, providing opportunities for swimming and fitness activities 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 visitors and residents. Establishments like Vicky Pan Shop provide options for those looking to enjoy drinks and relaxation in the capital 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 coffee, tea, and refreshments. From Capital Cafe to cozy tea stalls like takar tea stall, the city provides welcoming spaces to relax and socialize. 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. Visit The Centaurus Mall, Mall of Islamabad, Irshad Arcade, and Kamran Shopping Center for everything from retail 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 abundant opportunities to connect with nature through its well-maintained parks and green spaces. Visitors can enjoy outdoor recreation at venues like Ladies Park, Kachnar Park, M Munir Park, and Centaurus Greens, as well as leisure activities at the Cricket Ground. 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 cooler winters. The city's location in northern Punjab means pleasant weather during spring and autumn, with potential rainfall during the monsoon season.

Interesting Facts About Islamabad — Weird & Wonderful

  • Islamabad was built as a planned city in the 1960s and established in 1967, replacing Karachi as Pakistan's national capital
  • The city is situated along the Margalla Hills, which define its distinctive geography and landscape
  • Islamabad is federally administered as part of the Islamabad Capital Territory by the Pakistani government
  • The city forms a metropolitan area with Rawalpindi, creating a combined population of over 5.7 million inhabitants
  • Despite being the country's tenth-most populous city, Islamabad's metropolitan area makes it one of Pakistan's largest urban centers

Frequently Asked Questions About Islamabad

What is the population of Islamabad?

Islamabad has a population of over 1.1 million, making it Pakistan's tenth-most populous city. The metropolitan area, which includes Rawalpindi, has over 5.7 million inhabitants.

When was Islamabad established as the capital?

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

Where is Islamabad located in Pakistan?

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

What is the timezone in Islamabad?

Islamabad operates on Asia/Karachi timezone.

How is Islamabad administered?

Islamabad is federally administered by the Pakistani government as part of the Islamabad Capital Territory.

Map of Islamabad

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