Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan. It is located against the backdrop of the Himalaya mountains.

Get in

By plane

• Islamabad International Airport (ISB)

By bus

• Skyways and Daewoo are 2 of the nicer long-haul operators. Skyways offer some direct services to/from Islamabad and Lahore, Peshawar and Karachi. Daewoo has it's own terminal on the road from Islamabad just outside Rawalpindi. The majority of buses arrive and depart from Rawalpindi, a few kilometres and a 45 minute taxi ride from Islamabad.

Get around

Taxis in Islamabad are abundant, popular and generally safe. Cost is around Rs20 - Rs30 per sector traveled, depending on your bargaining skills. Prices will be higher at night, especially departing from places like Jinnah Super (F-7).

See/Do

Islamabad has few traditional 'sights', but some include:

• Faisal Masjid, Islamabad's most recognizable landmark, a very large mosque donated by King Faisal of Saudi Arabia. Beautiful in the day or night, definitely worth the short taxi ride. Dress and act respectfully, this is much more a place of serious worship than a tourist site.

• Daman-e-Koh, a lookout point in the hills above E-6 with great views of the city on a clear day/night. There is a restaurant and snack stall, and plenty of locals there to relax.

• Margalla Hills. Take a nice nature walk in the hills surrounding Islamabad.

• Lok Virsa museum, recently renovated, a delight.

• Attend open-air theater or just sit by the Lotus lake and relax.

• Shakarparian is another wonderful place. (anyone have more info on what this place is?)

Buy

Islamabad is divided into sectors, each sector having its own central shopping area (or Markaz) where all local amenities are located. Some of the more popular Markaz are the F6 markaz (aka Supermarket) F7 markaz (aka Jinnah Market), F8 markaz (aka Ayub market) and so on. Each markaz has its own peculiarities and each one is worth visiting individually. However most things are catered for in each markaz i.e. clothing, shoes, fast food etc. There’s always a real buzz in the evenings when all the shoppers come out, particularly in the run up to Eid.

Eat

• Ye Olde Hangout, F-7 Markaz (Jinnah Super), behind Shell petrol station. A wonderful little coffee shop/sheesha bar. They serve a small selection of global and local food, and play sexy Bollywood and Egyptian videos. Posters of Jimi Hendrix, 50 Cent, Marilyn Manson and Angus Young are on the walls. One room is all men. Another for mixed couples and ladies only. No alcohol of course, but lots of cigarettes and a good tea selection.

• Upper Deck, F-7 Markaz (Jinnah Super), above Gourmet Bakery, near north-west corner of Markaz. A very nice, up-market restaurant specializing in seafood. Popular with expats and well-off locals. Nice ambience, a variety of well-prepared fish, fish & chips and a fish burger. Decent cheesecake and chocolate cake for dessert. Main courses Rs300 - Rs800.

Drink

Strawberry milk shakes and dhamaka soda (dhamaka means bang - the bang that happens when one opens the bottle) from Jinnah super market. If you happen to be there in winter then in Karachi company G9,there is a place that serves excellent soup... just ask someone and they will happily show you.

Alcohol

• Marriot Hotel has the only bar and it's liquor stall near the parking lot is the only place to purchase alcohol for outside consumption in Islamabad. You are supposed to have a permit from the Tax & Excise Dept, but show up with your passport and you'll likely be served. Pakistan is a dry state so be discreet and sensitive, and never drink in public.

Sleep

Budget

Budget accomodation in Islamabad is fairly lackluster and questionably clean.

• Hotel Blue Sky, Sitara Market, F-7 Markaz. Double rooms from Rs300, with cable tv from Rs400.

• Hotel Friends Inn, Aabpara Market, F-6 Markaz. Double rooms from Rs400.

Mid-range

There are many guesthouses around Islamabad that make a nice alternative to a hotel.

• Chez Soi, 6 Kohsar Rd, F-7/3. chezsoi@comsats.net.pk +92 (0) 51 265-1451. Same owner as Upper Deck restaurant. Nearby to Jinnah Super Market. Starting around Rs3500/night.

Splurge

• Serena Hotel, Khayaban-e-Suhrawardy, F-6. +92 (0) 51 111-133133. 5 Star accomodation with great restaurants, a gym, etc. Everything you would expect at this price.

• Marriott Hotel, Agha Khan Road, Shalimar 5. +92 (0) 51 111-223344. 5 star accomodation with restaurants, a bar, a gym and a liquor stall. The only place to purchase alcohol in Islamabad.

Get out

• Rawalpindi
• Murree