travel in karachi

13 BEST Places To Visit in Karachi That You Shouldn’t Miss, From a Local!

Categories Asia , Pakistan

If you’re just kicking off the planning stage for your Karachi trip, get ready for some seriously cool adventures! We’re talking all the best things to do in Karachi, the coolest places to visit in Karachi, and a few tourist spots thrown in to make your experience extra special.

Karachi city is buzzing with life, soaked in history, and packed full of unexpected surprises. Visiting the majestic Mohatta Palace and the antique Empress Market is a must thing to do in Karachi, however, the real charm of Karachi extends beyond the typical tourist spots .

This city is an immersive adventure all on its own, with numerous engaging activities throughout the year. The key is uncovering Karachi’s hidden gems , and that’s precisely what we’re here to help with.

So get ready for the inside scoop on the top things to do in Karachi and all the best places to visit in Karachi . We’re about to dive into everything this eclectic city has to offer. By the time we’re done, you’ll be navigating Karachi like a local .

Places to Visit in Karachi

How to visit Karachi

As Pakistan’s largest city, Karachi is well connected to the rest of the country and the world. It’s home to Jinnah International Airport , making it easily accessible.

Once you’re in Karachi, you can choose to navigate the city by hiring a car via ride-hailing apps like Uber, Careem or the locally-loved, inDrive .

But for a real taste of Karachi life, why not give auto rickshaws a try? They’re a fun way to get to the best places in Karachi I’m going to share with you below.

This is a guest post written by Duaa. Duaa helps with the admin of running The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog but she lives in Karachi so who better to write up a post on the best things to do in Karachi than her?!

Best Things To Do in Karachi

Now let’s get into the best things to do in Karachi and places to visit including tourist attractions in Karachi but also, local areas where you’ll get to experience what this buzzing city is truly about!

1. Quaid-e-Azam Tomb / Mazar e Quaid

When we talk about the famous places in Karachi , the most significant historical spot is Quaid-e-Azam Tomb or Mazar-e-Quaid as locals say. This is where Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan , is buried. It’s one of the best things to do in Karachi , especially for history enthusiasts. Apart from him, there are also graves of other important people who sacrificed their life for Pakistan.

Getting to the tomb isn’t hard – it’s right in the city’s heart, making it a crucial part of Karachi’s visiting places . You could easily catch an Uber or Careem. But for an authentic Karachi experience, hop on a local rickshaw! 

Once you reach the complex, there’s a small entry fee. You’ll also be asked to leave your personal belongings behind. Once inside, you’ll feel a peaceful quiet that’s different from the usual noise of the city .

If you plan a visit, make sure to do so on a weekday when it’s less crowded. Remember, you’re walking on sacred ground, so be respectful, dress modestly and get ready for some intense history lessons . 

2. Frere Hall

If you’ve got a thing for colonial architecture, then Frere Hall , one of the famous places in Karachi, is a paradise. It’s like going back in the past, all the way to 1865, making it one of the must-visit historical places in Karachi !

Firstly, you’ve got to appreciate the building structure. This best place to visit in Karachi will have you reaching for your camera every two minutes.  Every inch is Instagram-worthy, from the high arches to the carefully maintained gardens . 

Frere Hall is more than just a building, though. It’s a place where many cultural events and shows take place and a library. If you enjoy art and books, you’ll love the art shows and book sales held in the gardens around the building.

So, if you ever find yourself in Karachi, and are wondering about the things to do in Karachi , don’t miss out on spending an afternoon at Frere Hall . It’s a place where you can appreciate beautiful architecture, attend cultural events, and pick up a new book to read .

3. Empress Market

This is another colonial-era gem and a highlight among Karachi visiting places ; it is a location you’ll love. Built in 1889, Empress Market is one of the most bustling places to visit in Karachi . It’s a lively place full of all kinds of stuff that shows what Pakistan is all about . When you first walk in, you’ll smell all kinds of spices. It’s like stepping into a Pakistani kitchen. Next, you’ll see many fresh fruits and vegetables grown locally. 

You’ll also find rows of clothing stalls filled with traditional Pakistani outfits , the perfect place to hunt for a unique keepsake. And if you’ve got an eye for the old and rare, the antique stalls won’t disappoint . Empress Market is the b est place to get a sense of the local life in Karachi , making it one of the best things to do in Karachi . From buying the freshest produce to navigating your way through the maze-like alleys, you’ll start feeling like a real Karachite in no time. And don’t worry about getting lost. It might sound scary but trust me; it’s fun! And people are super friendly here. If you lose your way, just ask someone.

You can also try tasty local snacks from street vendors like crunchy samosas or sweet jalebis ; they are delicious! Just a stone’s throw away from Empress Market is, Jahangir Park. After shopping and eating, you can relax in this park and sit under a tree while watching the world go by. 

Also, walking about 10 minutes from the market , you can see a beautiful old building, St. Patrick’s Cathedral . Its architecture is amazing, and it’s an important historical spot. So, wear your comfortable shoes and get ready for an adventure at Empress Market!

4. Mohatta Palace Museum 

Mohatta Palace , one of the iconic Karachi visiting places , is a beautiful mansion in Karachi that you just have to visit! It used to be the home of a rich Hindu businessman, Shivratan Mohatta , but after India and Pakistan were split into two countries, he had to leave. Nowadays, it’s a museum showing Pakistan’s amazing art and traditions.

Walking through the grand doors of Mohatta Palace is like stepping back in time. Each room is filled with carefully preserved art pieces and objects from different periods and cultures in Pakistan . My personal favourite? The fine arts section , from delicate ceramics to intricate textiles, it’s a feast for the eyes and certainly makes it one of the best places to visit in Karachi .

Mohatta Palace, a prominent example of historical places in Karachi, isn’t just about indoor exhibitions . The palace itself is a masterpiece with a mix of Rajasthani and British architecture and beautiful gardens that are perfect for a peaceful walk. So make sure you take some time to enjoy the outside too!

Before you leave, pop into the museum shop . It’s a great place to find unique, handcrafted gifts as lovely reminders of your visit to this prominent tourist place in Pakistan . You have to pay a small fee to get into the palace, but it’s worth every penny. 

5. Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach, one of the best things to do in Karachi , is the go-to place to relax and forget about everything else. It’s well-loved by both the locals and tourists. If you like adventure, try camel rides, horse rides, or ATV drives . But if you prefer to chill out, just sit on the grass or bench by the seashore and enjoy the warm sun and golden sand at one of the best places to visit in Karachi. Just remember to put on some sunscreen as the sun can be pretty strong here. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunset from the sea view wall while sipping on your favourite drink.

When you get hungry, there are tons of food stalls along the beach that sell all sorts of snacks. From local Pakistani street food to ice cream and fresh coconuts, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste. Since you’re in Karachi, try a spicy ‘ chaat ‘ or a refreshing ‘gola ganda ‘ (a kind of snow cone). The beach can get busy on weekends and public holidays, so if you prefer peace and quiet, you might want to plan your visit on a weekday to this famous place in Karachi. Here’s a tip when you’re planning to explore the Clifton area , one of the many diverse places to visit in Karachi . Try and visit Clifton Beach, Do Darya, Bin Qasim Park, Mohatta Palace, and Boat Basin Food Street on the same day . They’re all super close to each other – just about 15 minutes apart .

Let’s not forget about E Street, which is 10-minute drive from Clifton Beach. This street is famous for its cool cafes and places to eat in Karachi , so it’s a great place to relax after a day at the beach. The street has many cute and high-end cafes , each with a special vibe.

Among the cafes I’ve visited, Cafe Xanders holds a special place; their Babar Pasta is highly recommended. Also, don’t miss out on the lotus pancakes at Caffé Praha . E Street has it all if you’re in the mood for a strong cup of coffee, a sweet piece of cake, or a filling meal. In need of some shopping? Head over to Dolmen Mall i n the Clifton area. The mall has a mix of local and international brands, food courts, a movie theatre, and even an indoor amusement park for kids. This place is perfect for shoppers and a great place to find some souvenirs.

So there you have it! A day filled with sun, sand, delicious food, shopping, and some relaxing time in the park, all among the top things to do in Karachi .

6. Food Tour through Burns Road

One of the best places to visit in Karachi for food lovers is, without a doubt, Burns Road . Come to Burns Road with an empty stomach and fill your belly on a fun food trip down Burns Road in Karachi! This street is right in the city centre and super easy to reach. 

Burns Road is always buzzing with life, making it one of the most famous places in Karachi . It can get very busy, especially in the evenings and on weekends. But don’t let that stop you; it’s all part of the unique experience of exploring the best things to do in Karachi . As soon as you get there, you’ll smell lots of yummy food from all the different stalls and restaurants . If you need help figuring out where to start, just follow your nose or this guide.

You cannot miss some legendary food points like the Waheed Kabab House is a must-visit! Trust me, their beef kababs and malai Boti are to die for. Then there’s Fresco , which is quite famous for its samosa and dahi baras – an absolute treat to your taste buds!

But the food adventure doesn’t stop there. Head over to Cafe Lazeez for some mouthwatering karahi and Chicken Sajji . For dessert, there’s no place like Delhi Rabri for the best Rabri (a sweet, creamy dish) and Delhi Sweets for an indulgent doodh dhulari and gulab jamun . Also, do yourself a favour and get a matka kulfi from Dilshad Kulfi . Trust me; it’s a creamy delight that you don’t want to miss! Last but not least, the Biryani from Food Centre is one of the best food to eat in Karachi , which surely makes this one of the places to visit in Karachi with friends .

Be sure to arrange your day cleverly so you can hit all these nearby hot spots in one go. Start your day with a visit to Quaid e Azam’s tomb , then wander around Empress Market and soak up some history at Frere Hall. As the evening arrives, you’ll be ready for a tasty food adventure at Burns Road.  

7. Explore the Port Grand

Port Grand is located alongside the waterfront of the 19th-century Native Jetty Bridge ; it stands as one of Karachi’s famous places and is a hub of food, shopping, and entertainment. The beautifully lit walkways, the cool breeze from the Arabian Sea, and the lively atmosphere of Port Grand will immediately uplift your mood , making it one of the best things to do in Karachi.

You’ll need to pay a small entry fee of 300 Rs, which roughly converts to $1, and you can roam around from 4 pm until midnight. 

In Port Grand, there’s a fun mini-golf course that tends to be a crowd favourite. But if you’re not afraid of heights and enjoy cool views, make sure you hop on the giant Ferris Wheel . As it takes you higher and higher, you’ll get a great overview of the Port Grand complex , the Arabian Sea, and even the city’s skyline. 

You might enjoy the horse carriage rides if you fancy a calmer activity. It’s a leisurely and quite romantic way to see the complex, especially in the evening when the place is all lit up.

And let’s not forget the art lane. It’s a unique section of Port Grand where local artists showcase their work. You’ll find everything from paintings and sculptures to traditional crafts , making Port Grand one of the best places to visit in Karachi.

Port Grand often hosts live performances by local musicians , adding a lively dimension to the fun things to do in Karachi. From traditional Pakistani music to rock, pop, and jazz, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy the music while having some delicious food – a match made in heaven!

Last but not least, the food at Port Grand is worth trying . There are many options, from street food stalls to upscale restaurants. Don’t be afraid to try new things – you might discover your new favourite dish!

8. Boating to Manora Island

Manora Island, one of the places to visit in Karachi , a small peninsular land attached to a sandy beach, is a hidden gem in the Arabian Sea off the southern coast of Karachi .  This place is well-loved by explorers and locals from Karachi who want a peaceful break from the busy city.

Yet, the real charm lies in the journey itself , where you hop on a boat from Keemari port and sail towards Manora Island, which is one of the best things to do in Karachi. To take a boat ride around Manora Island, you must head to the Manora Ferry point at Kemari Port in Karachi. The boats there are usually available throughout the day , offering different tours around the island.

You can join a group tour or hire a private boat for an exclusive tour of the island, a popular choice among places to visit in Karachi with friends . The prices will vary depending on the tour length and the boat type. Before you hop onto a boat, agree on the tour’s price and duration with the boatman to avoid any misunderstandings later. 

Settle in, kick back and enjoy the stunning view of the island and the surrounding Arabian Sea. It’s an unforgettable experience that gives you a whole new perspective on Manora Island.

Once you set foot on Manora Island, you’ll find plenty of things to see and do . Start by visiting the iconic Manora Lighthouse . Remember to wear comfortable shoes , because there are quite a few steps to climb to the top!

The Manora Fort is another must-visit historic site, with its ancient cannons and the remains of British colonial architecture, contributing to the island’s status as one of the best places to visit in Karachi .

Once you’re done enjoying the views, it’s time for some beach fun. The island’s long beach is great for a relaxed walk or a picnic . You can pick up seashells or just sit back and watch the waves. You can stay in one of the huts built in a row if needed.

Tips: pack plenty of water, sunscreen and snacks, especially if you’re visiting during the hot summer months. Also, remember that the beach can get quite crowded on weekends, so if you prefer a quieter experience, try to visit on a weekday.

9. Visit Charna Island

In the Arabian Sea of Karachi, Charna Island feels like a secret paradise just waiting to be discovered. It’s one of the best things to do in Karachi if you’re into snorkelling and scuba diving.

The sea around the island is calm and inviting, which makes it the go-to spot for underwater adventures. And the reason behind these clear, beautiful waters is the island’s mountain that blocks wind and currents .

Getting there is a bit of a journey but worth it. You have to first get to this fishing area, a beach called Mubarak Village , about a couple of hours’ drive from Karachi. Then, you’re up for a gorgeous 30-minute boat ride to the island . Charna Island stands out amongst other famous Karachi places for its crystal-clear blue water , a sight not common, especially near Karachi. Once you’re there on the island, there are lots of fun things to do. If you like water sports, you can go snorkelling, scuba diving, cliff diving, or jet skiing. If you don’t like water activities, no problem! You can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the cool sea air, making it one of the best places to visit in Karachi to relax.

Just a little heads-up, be mindful of where you’re stepping. The island’s got some sharp rocks, and you wouldn’t want to hurt your feet. A pair of covered sandals should do the trick .

Now, if you want to get a taste of the local vibe, I’d recommend trying out the street food in Mubarak Village before or after your island trip. There’s also another beach called French Beach , another fancy beach and a great place to visit in Karachi , which is located near Mubarak Village. It’s usually less crowded than the city beaches , and the sea views are mind-blowing.

10. Visit Bahria Adventure Land

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Karachi , Bahria Adventure Land should definitely be on your list. This theme park is one of the famous places in Karachi that offers affordable fun and is quickly becoming a favourite spot for both kids and adults – truly one of the best places to visit in Karachi .

It’s located on the outskirts of Karachi, within Bahria Town, and the drive is a beautiful escape from the city’s hustle. Depending on where you’re coming from, it could take you anywhere from 3 0 minutes to an hour to get there . It opens from 3 pm to 11 pm , so make sure to plan your day accordingly.

The ticket pricing of Bahria Adventure Land is based on height. If you’re taller than 4 feet 3 inches, you’d be going for the Green Ticket, which is Rs. 3000 . If your height falls between 2 feet 6 inches and 4 feet 3 inches, you’d get the Y ellow Ticket for Rs. 2000 . 

Once you’re there, get ready for a day of thrills and chills! From wild roller coasters to the more relaxed train ride , there’s something for everyone. Not only does it have thrilling rides and water features, but it also hosts a lively marching band and other attractions, which makes it one of the best places to visit in Karachi with friends .

One of the standout features, especially for kids, is the Dino Park . Another major attraction in Bahria Adventure Land is the Day and Night Zoo , also known as Danzoo . It’s the first of its kind in Pakistan, built to international standards. They have a good variety of both exotic and native animals.

A few things to remember when visiting Bahria Adventure Land: wear comfortable clothes and shoes because you’ll be on your feet often. And don’t forget to stay hydrated, especially if you’re visiting during the summer.

You can stop by the food court in the park that serves a variety of local and international cuisines if you are hungry. Or, if you’d rather eat outside the park, you can find various restaurants within Bahria Town .

And don’t think the fun ends when you leave the park! Bahria Town itself is a sight to behold with its clean, wide streets and beautiful architecture. You could make a whole day out of exploring this place.

11. Onederland at Lucky One Mall

One of th e best places to visit in Karachi, especially for fun-seekers, is undoubtedly Onederland . This top-notch indoor amusement park is the epitome of entertainment and rightly stands among Karachi’s famous places.

Situated inside the Lucky One Mall – the biggest mall in Pakistan and the second biggest in South Asia – Onederland is a highlight among the places to visit in Karach i. If you’re brainstorming fun things to do in Karachi , this indoor theme park should be on your list.

Once you get there, you’re going to be spoilt for choice. From thrilling rides to VR experiences , there’s a bit of everything. Some of my favourites are the 4D cinema and the indoor roller coaster.

There’s the ‘ Freak Out ‘ for the thrill-seekers, which swings you around with your legs dangling. If you’re into virtual fun, then ‘ Lazer Maze ‘ is right up your alley. You’ll have to navigate your way through a room filled with laser beams. They also have bumper cars and a carousel for good, old-fashioned fun, making Onederland a hit among the places to visit in Karachi with friends.

Apart from the rides, there’s a huge gaming zone with many arcade games . There’s also a soft play area for kids to run around and have a blast.

But the fun at Lucky One Mall doesn’t stop at Onederland. There’s a whole mall waiting to be explored! It’s a shopaholic’s dream, with many shops selling everything from clothes to electronics . The food court has a variety of restaurants, so you’re guaranteed to find something that tickles your taste buds. If you’ve got some energy left after all that, you can hit the bowling alley for a few games.

12. Take a Walk at Bin Qasim Park

Bin Qasim Park, or as the locals sometimes call it, Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim , is a huge park next to Clifton Beach in Karachi, standing proudly among the famous places in Karachi . Whether you’re looking for things to do in Karachi or seeking peaceful Karachi visiting places , this park checks both boxes!

It’s easy to get to – just grab a rickshaw or use an Uber or Careem and ask for ‘Bin Qasim Park near Clifton.’

The park is big, with a l ong jogging track perfect for evening walks or morning jogs . This fact alone makes it one of the best places to visit in Karachi for fitness freaks. Throughout the park, you’ll also see stunning rose bushes, immaculate green lawns, towering plants, and intricately-designed fountains . If you need a break, you’ll find some lovely wood and marble benches to sit on, making it a good place to read a book or listen to music. If you’re with your family, there’s plenty of room for kids to run around and have fun. There are food courts serving a range of fast food options and shops where you can pick up a souvenir or two.

The park is open from 7 am until 9 pm , but it’s best to go earlier, especially around sunset . Just remember to keep an eye on your belongings while you’re there.

Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a nature lover, or just someone looking for a quiet moment, tie those shoelaces, grab your water bottle, and head on over!

13. Attend Karachi Literature Festival

Imagine being in Karachi just as the city gears up for one of its most awaited events – the Karachi Literature Festival , or KLF, as locals fondly call it; it’s one of the highlights among Karachi’s famous places for literary enthusiasts.

Organized by the Oxford University Press Pakistan , this annual festival celebrates literature, promotes artistic expression, and showcases Pakistan’s diverse cultures and traditions. This makes it one of the top things to do in Karachi , even if you don’t understand Urdu.

While it’s true that some events, like the mushairas (poetry readings) and speeches, might be in Urdu, there’s also plenty of English content . Plus, there’s so much more to the KLF, like you’ll find book sales where you can pick up new reads at bargain prices and food stalls serving delicious meals. You get to enjoy a truly local experience, immersing yourself in Karachi’s vibrant culture and artistic scene, which makes it a must on the list of Karachi visiting places .

To get to the festival, keep an eye on the official event details, which provide specific dates each year. The festival is held at the Beach Luxury Hotel , an iconic Karachi spot, usually between February and March . It spans several days, and the festival is free and open to all, making it a must-visit if you find yourself in Karachi during this time .

Remember that it can get quite busy, so plan your day well. Prioritise the sessions you want to attend , and keep some time aside to explore the festival grounds, indulge in local food at the stalls, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

Karachi truly is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. From its vibrant street life and rich history to the hidden gems that offer a unique perspective of the city, there’s something here for every traveller. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or just a genuine taste of Pakistan’s largest city, Karachi won’t disappoint.

I hope this guide has led you to the best things to do in Karach i and helped you plan your visit to Karachi’s top attractions!

More of my posts from Pakistan:

• Pakistan Travel Advice. Things To Know BEFORE You Go To Pakistan!
• 2 Week Pakistan Itinerary To Northern Pakistan & The Cities!
• How To Do the Wagah Border Crossing on Foot? India to Pakistan!

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Plan Your Trip to Karachi: Best of Karachi Tourism

Explore Karachi

Essential karachi.

Trending in the forums

Karachi Is Great For

Eat & drink.

Cultural Tours

• Destination Beach Hotel By Dreamworld
• Dreamworld Resort, Hotel & Golf Course
• Avari Towers Karachi
• Pearl Continental Hotel Karachi
• Mövenpick Hotel Karachi
• Kolachi Restaurant
• TDF MagnifiScience Centre
• UNESCO World Heritage Tour Near Karachi
• Karachi City Tour
• Visit Mohatta Palace Zainab market & Burns road
• Southern Pakistan Tour:UNESCO World Heritage Trail
• Experience local village life in Sindh

• 1.1 History
• 1.2 Climate
• 1.3 Politics
• 1.4 Culture
• 1.5 Orientation
• 1.6 Visitor information
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.3 By train
• 3.1 By foot
• 3.2 By rickshaw
• 3.4 By taxi
• 3.6 By train
• 4.1 Architecture
• 4.2 Museums
• 4.3 Beaches and waterfronts
• 6.1 Places to shop
• 7.2 Mid-range
• 7.3 Splurge
• 8.2 Cigar lounges
• 8.3 Nightlife
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge
• 10.2 Police
• 10.3 Traffic
• 12.1 Consulates

Karachi , the noisy, bustling, ever-growing troubled metropolis of Pakistan, lies on the eastern coast of the Arabian Sea, just northwest of the Indus river delta. The largest city, and unarguably the most important, Karachi was the original capital of the nation. The sprawling huge metropolis has grown into the commercial, transport and political hub of the country, and operates the largest and busiest ports in the country. The growth rate of the city propels it forward onto the global stage and Karachi is on its way to becoming a massively influential player.

Karachi offers a remarkable variety of attractions and activities – from sunny, sandy beaches and scurf-infested old colonial buildings, still preserved and in some cases inhabited, to traditional bazaars and modern shopping malls. Upscale luxury hotels overlook modish restaurants with flavors from all over the nation and much of the world. They make the city a hot­spot for local and tourist activity.

The remarkable skyline is but one of the wonderful attractions of the city, and this grand South Asian city holds many surprises for anyone who decides to seek them out. Karachi is home to over 15 million inhabitants (2017, although some estimate it it to be 18 million because of undercounting), from all over the country and even abroad, and is a vibrant melting pot of cultures and ideas. Visitors will be met with a new and exciting experience around each corner, and on every visit. The city is known as the "City of the Quaid" because the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, was born, raised and spent his last years here. Because of its round-the-clock liveliness, Karachi is popularly referred to as the "City of Lights".

The most diverse and cosmopolitan city of Pakistan, Karachi lives and breathes with a style of its own. The most advanced city of the nation, it often blazes forward as an example of the Pakistan to come, and because of its diverse make­up, is sometimes described as a mini-Pakistan, where you can find representatives of every Pakistani culture. Karachi is the 12th most populous city in the world, and one of the largest among the Muslim world. Because of this and its melting pot nature, the pace of life is faster and the social attitudes more liberal than elsewhere in the nation, and growth rate of the city makes it an evolving hub where people from different backgrounds meet and shape the future of the city and of Pakistan.

Located in the south of Pakistan, Karachi is a multi-ethnic, multilingual, multicultural and multi-religious city and since the 1970s, capital of Sindh province. One of the world's most rapidly growing cities, Karachi is Pakistan's wealthiest and an important financial and industrial centre and handles most of the overseas trade of Pakistan, and it accounts for a lion's share of the GDP of the country. According to some sources, it is also amongst the world's least expensive cities to live in. Despite its troubled nature which gives it a bad reputation, it continues to be the nerve centre of the country's economy and financial powerhouse of Pakistan. The city is notable for its architecture, music scene, media links, financial and commercial output, social impact, and transport connections. Today it is ranked as a beta world city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network.

In 18th century, an old Sindhi Balochi fisher-woman, Mai Kolachi, took up residence in the area, to what is today known as Karachi, to start a family. By then, the area established as a small fishing community and started to known as "Kolachi-jo-Goth" ("the Village of Kolachi"). As the town started to trade with Persian Gulf region across Arabian Sea, it gained importance and thus a small mud-fort was constructed for its protection which had two main gates: Khaara-dar (Salty Gate) facing the sea as the taste of groundwater near to the Arabian Sea was salty and the Meetha-dar (Sweet Gate), facing the adjoining Lyari river of which people found drinking water of natural taste. The location of these gates corresponds to the present-day localities of Khaara-dar and Meetha-dar respectively.

The city was developed into an important port when it had caught the attention of the British East India Company who, after sending a couple of exploratory missions to Sindh, conquered the region in 1839 and gained control of Karachi as well. During the early Company Rule, the population of the city was merely 15,000. Later in 1843, the city became part of British India and later in late 1840s it was made the capital of Sindh. The British realised the importance of the city as a military cantonment and rapidly developed its harbour for shipping, and started to develop the city. Massive infrastructure development was undertaken which followed by new businesses started opening up and the population of the town began rising rapidly. British colonialists embarked on a number of public works of sanitation and transportation and Karachi quickly turned into a city, making true the famous quote by Napier who is known to have said on his departure in 1847: "Would that I could come again to see you in your grandeur!"

During the British Raj, the city was the largest urban centre in present-day Pakistan and was connected to the rest of British India by railway link. By then, Karachi was then enjoying an economic boom and the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 meant the city was 200 nautical miles closer to Europe for shipping than Bombay (now called Mumbai ). The constant developments in the city resulted in a large influx of economic migrants. The population of the city was about 105,000 by the end of the 19th century. In 1876, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, was born in the city.

Following the bloody partition of the British Raj and the independence of Pakistan, rapid growth occurred in the city and it had became the focus for settlement by Muslim migrants from India. Hundreds of thousands of Muslim refugees from India sought refugee in the city and the population exploded from about 450,000 to an estimated 23.5 million today. Refugee settlement in Karachi gave the city a northern Indian atmosphere, as well expanded the city's population and transformed its demographics and economy. There were 50% Hindu population in the city before the partition in 1947 which later decreased to only 2% within 10 year period in 1951 whereas Muslim population exceeds to 95% in 1951 which was previously only 40% before the partition of the sub-continent.

Karachi was chosen as the capital of Pakistan from 1947–1958 and became a bustling metropolis, with beautiful classical and colonial European styled buildings lining the city’s thoroughfares. Over the next several decades it was one of the fastest growing cities in the world. In 1958, the capital was moved from Karachi to Rawalpindi and then later moved to the newly built Islamabad in 1960. A huge crowd of illegal refugees from around the world continued to flock into the city which made the city’s population continue to grow and exceed the capacity of its creaking infrastructure. During the 1960s, Pakistan was seen as an economic role model around the world and that was the golden age of Karachi. It is being said that many countries sought to emulate Pakistan's economic planning strategy; one of them, South Korea, copied the country's second "Five-Year Plan", and the World Financial Centre in Seoul is designed and modelled after Karachi.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the city saw an influx of illegal Afghan refugees from the Soviet war in Afghanistan moving into Karachi which in 2010, was estimated to be between 1.6 and 2 million people along with thousands of nationals from many other countries who are living illegally in Karachi without proper documentation. Political tensions and ethnic violence between the Muhajir and local groups such as ethnic Sindhis and Punjabis erupted across the city and the city was racked with political violence. As a result, the Pakistani army was deployed to restore peace in the city. The period from 1992 to 1994 is regarded as the bloodiest period in the history of the city, when the Army commenced its "Operation Clean-up" against the Mohajir Qaumi Movement.

Karachi has a relatively mild and an arid climate — albeit a moderate version of this climate — pretty much throughout the year because the city rests on the coast. Karachi has two main seasons; summer and winter, while spring and autumn are very short. The city enjoys a tropical climate encompassing warm and humid summers while the mild and dry winters; the proximity to the sea maintains humidity levels at a near-constant high and cool sea breezes relieve the heat of the summer months however summer season persists for longest period during the year. Due to the high temperatures during the summer (ranging from 30-44°C from April to October), the winter season that last from November to March, are the best times to visit Karachi. Most rainfall occurs during the rainy season of monsoon occurs in Summer from July to August, occasionally featuring lengthy spells of continuous rain. The highest ever recorded temperature in Karachi is 47.8°C while the lowest is 0°C.

The demographics of Karachi are important as most politics in Karachi is driven and influenced by ethnic affiliations. Karachi was traditionally a stronghold of Jamaat e Islami through the late 1970s. In the 1980s a new political party called MQM rose to dominate the politics of the city. Considered a secular political party, it was originally started as an ethnic-based student organisation in 1978 in the city's well known Karachi University to represent the Muhajir community and to protect them from what they see as discrimination and inequity. It later started working as a proper political party.

Accused for causing militancy and creating widespread political violence in the city, the party is often labelled as anti-Pakistan and fascist by critics and remains the fourth largest political party in the country, but the one which holds the most number of seats from Karachi and is the dominant political force in the city.

Being the economic hub of Pakistan , Karachi is populated by people from all over the country. On the fringe of the Indian Ocean, the city is unarguably Pakistan's diverse melting pot, a mingling of old and new, east and west — a confluence of people from various parts of Pakistan as well from all over the world. With a regular influx of immigrants from rest of Pakistan, the residents who're called "Karachiites" have shown remarkable tolerance towards other cultures, making it a true cultural melting pot and therefore, everyday lifestyle of Karachi differs substantially from that of other cities in Pakistan. Karachi's culture is characterized by the blending of Middle Eastern, Central Asian, South Asian and Western influences, as well as the city's status as a major international business centre. As a whole, there is considerable diversity in culture, and this diversity has produced a unique cultural amalgam of its own type. The city has a cosmopolitan population composed of many ethnolinguistic groups and hosts the largest middle class stratum of the country. The city credits its growth to the mixed populations of economic and political migrants along with refugees from different national, provincial, linguistic and religious origins, who come to the city to settle permanently. Large numbers of non-Muslims live in Karachi compared to other Pakistan cities.

The entrepreneurial spirit and pulsing pace of life is a sharp contrast to much of Pakistan. Stunned by Karachi's diverse demographics, the American political scientist and South Asia expert Stephen P. Cohen once stated that if Karachi's ethnic groups "got along well, it would be an amazingly complex city, a lot like New York." It can be comparable to Asia's other largest city, Mumbai , with whom the city shares many similarities due to fact both having been British colonies in the past. Karachi was built in successive waves of migrations with more than a million new inhabitants pouring in each year, it's not surprising that the stretch marks are showing in one of the largest and most rapidly growing cities in the world. The neighborhoods acquired their character from the communities that settled there first. These neighborhoods are too numerous to list and there is no commonly accepted way to group these neighborhoods into larger districts. But roughly, the city developed from the south to the north.

Karachi also boasts one of the biggest underground music scenes in the country, where traditional musical influences blend with modern, Western style to create a unique brand of fusion music. This style of music has been very popular all across Pakistan and is utilised by most of the nation's up-and-coming musical artists. Many of the nation's emerging musicians have based themselves in Karachi because of excellent employment opportunities in the burgeoning entertainment industry of Karachi. In-fact Karachi has also produced many renowned artists. Many of the nation's fresh musical acts can be found in cafes, restaurants and concerts across Karachi.

Orientation

Karachi is a huge city official divided into six districts and six cantonment towns, which are administered by the Pakistani military.

• Saddar means the "centre" was the centre of Karachi during the colonial era. The neighbourhood is central business area of Karachi and contains much of the oldest parts of the city which presents the pre-colonial history of Karachi. Many beautiful examples of colonial architecture can be found in the busting streets of Saddar. This is where most of the visitors to city end up spending much of their time as many historic attractions and eateries are concentrated here. Saddar is made up of several budget markets and bazaars where one can buy everything from jewellery and clothes, electronics to shoes.
• Defence and Clifton Both neighbourhoods have the reputation for being affluent, with posh housing. Here, homes, shops and restaurants are tend to be in order, highly upmarket and luxurious. Originally developed for housing of current and retired military personnel, it is now mostly occupied by the civilian elite of the city. Overall, this is considered a nice area in which to live, eat and shop. Most of the city's upscale restaurants and high end shops are concentrated in these two parts of the city.
• Lyari it is the oldest locality of the city and contains much of old Karachi, Lyari is close to the main business district of Karachi and several industrial areas including the country's busiest sea port.

Visitor information

• Sindh Tourism Development Corporation

The main Terminal is divided into two concourses – the East Satellite Concourse which is used for international flights and West Satellite Concourse for domestic flights, each having a provision of passenger-loading bridges, which extends from airport terminal gate to an airplane, allowing passengers to board and disembark without going outside or transfer via shuttles. The two satellite concourses also supplement the departure lounges of the terminal building. The lower level of the terminal is for arriving passengers, where a dedicated lane of taxis and a giant McDonalds is near the exit of the terminal building for arriving passengers whilst the upper level of the terminal is for passengers departing.

Facilities inside the airport's departure lounges include food kiosks such as McDonald's and Butlers Chocolate Cafe. There are also a number of Bank kiosks, ATMs, Money Exchange counters, Free Internet kiosks, mosques, coffee shops and many gift, a medical store, convenience stores, sweet shops, mobile recharging points, and snack counters. There is a big duty-free shop selling rugs, carpets, sports goods, medical instruments, onyx, gems and many more at cheap prices in the international departure area. Left-luggage facilities are also available. Free trolleys and porter services are available at Rs 100 for domestic flight passengers and Rs 200 for international flight passengers. Assistance for the disabled is available on request from the airline prior to departure. Wheelchairs and wheelchair assistance can be found from desks in the arrival and departure areas of the terminal. Airport's CIP Lounge can be used for free by all first/business class passengers and credit card holders including their guests on all outbound flights while Barclays and UBL have separate lounges for their credit card customers. There is also PIA Business Class Lounge next to CIP Lounge. The facilities at Airport's CIP Lounge includes a comfortable sitting area to relax in, access to leading TV channels, free wifi, a wide range of snacks and beverages for free, newspapers, magazines, shower, fax, telephone and mobile charging facilities. There is an on-site McDonalds restaurant outside the main terminal building as well.

Immigration procedures are often a lengthy process at Karachi airport. It is always hectic with long lanes especially at the Pakistani passport counters, during peak hours which are usually at early morning time, and can take a notoriously long time (more than 30 minutes). In the immigration hall there are supposed to be separate queues for foreign travellers; passengers with children and unaccompanied children; business travellers. However, usually rules are bluntly ignored to fasten the immigration process and those lines are occupied by everyone indiscriminately – an exhausting experience.

As you arrive at the baggage carousel you will find free trolleys as well as a host of porters vying for your attention to carry your luggage. It is best to settle the tip before you engage one, however. Normally Rs 100 will satisfy most of them. If you're departing, be prepared for long delays through security. If you're going from Domestic to International or International to Domestic you are taken outside the airport building and you will re-enter through International or Domestic Departures.

Being the largest city of Pakistan, Karachi is the natural hub for the country's bus companies and is well served by inter city buses from destinations from all over the country. Plenty of long-distance bus companies both private and public sector, run 24 hours a day in and out of the city to all the major cities of Pakistan. Travel by bus is often the most cheapest alternative to get into the city but will take some effort and time. Both the normal (non-airconditioned) and luxury buses (air-conditioned) runs in and out of the city but luxury Intercity buses tend to be more modern and well kept. They serve locations dotted all over the country. The most popular luxury buses are operator is Daewoo Sammi . Luxury buses are air-conditioned, punctual, spacey, have a road hostess to serve the passengers and usually a security guard on board as well. Cheap bus service to nearly all parts of the country are very frequent as well. All the buses now stop for lunch and snacks at prearranged restaurants.

There's no proper bus terminus in the city but most of the intercity buses are clustered at several bus stops, some of biggest ones are outside the Cantonment railway station, in Sohrab Goth on M-9, and in Saddar around Empress Market. These bus stops are not for the faint of heart, being extremely crowded, noisy and confusing with no proper platforms. Tickets can be purchased in the bus from the conductor or kiosk of bus operating companies.

A journey to Karachi from Hyderabad costs around Rs 200 in non air-conditioned and Rs 250 in air-conditioned bus as well on Hiace van whereas from Sukkur Rs 500 on non air-conditioned and Rs 700 in air-conditioned bus and van. If you may want to travel with an Daewoo air-conditioned bus, the one-way fare from Sukkur is Rs 1,500 and the buses run throughout the day at one-hour intervals and the ride takes seven hours. And a journey to interior Balochistan like Gwadar and Turbat cost Rs 1200 to 2000 by intercity bus terminous in Yousuf Goth where there are more than 20 to 30 transports, the main transports are Al-Habib Travels and Jasum al Faisal. These transport buses run daily services from karachi to interior Balochistan..

Getting into the city by train is a cheap and convenient alternative as the is well connected with the rest of the country by state owned Pakistan Railways . The city is served by the major and busy Karachi Cantonment Railway Station where trains arrive from all over Pakistan.

Trains are in abundance for Karachi so you should have no difficulty to find one that suits you best. If you're travelling from northern Punjab with both speed and comfort as a priority, both the Pakistan Business Express and the Karakoram Express are good choices. They run daily non-stop between Lahore and Karachi and are faster than other trains, taking less than 20 hours travel time, because they make only few stops, whereas other trains make stops at every major station along the route and are usually delayed as well. Pakistan Business Express is a privately run business-class train and has LCD TV in its cabins and provides free high tea, dinner, breakfast and beverages throughout the journey. Tickets can be reserved online and can be collected via a home delivery option where you can pay for the ticket via cash on delivery. The Karakoram Express has both economy and air-con class accommodation. A ticket (berth) on Karakoram Express and Pakistan Business Express from Lahore to Karachi in air-conditioned class will cost not more than Rs5,000. Pakistan Railways "Green Line" service between Islamabad and Karachi offers free WiFi among other basic facilities to its passengers including complimentary breakfast. The train has few major stops along the route such as Lahore, Hyderabad, Khanewal, Rawalpindi.

Other than that, plenty of trains (both economy and air-conditioned class) run from Lahore as well other major big cities such as Peshawar, Faisalabad, Multan, Qetta, and Rawalpindi on a daily basis as well but they're slow as they make stops at every major railway station along the way. Tezgam or Shalimar Express are best preferred for travellers from Punjab; Khyber Mail for travellers from the north-western city of Peshawar while the Bolan Mail is recommended for journeys between Karachi and western city of Quetta.

Internationally, India is connected with Karachi by rail, using the Thar Express, which runs weekly between Bhagat Ki Kothi near Jodhpur in Indian state of Rajasthan and Karachi. Thar Express is a weekly train run every Friday. The border crossing takes place between Zero Point (Khokhrapar) in Pakistan and Munabao in India which are the two last railway stations of the India-Pakistan border and this is the point where passengers had to change trains. The train has only economy class and leave Karachi every Friday at midnight.

Karachi is well connected with the rest of Pakistan via network of multiple-lane highways and can be reached easily by riding a car. There are two major highways approaches to Karachi: M-9 and N-25.

Motorway M-9 commonly known as Super Highway, is a 136 km long motorway which connect Karachi with rest of the country. The longest highway in Pakistan National Highways N-5 also connects Karachi with rest of the country via Hyderabad but is usually avoided in favour of shorter M-9.

National Highway N-25 (RCD Highway) originates from Chaman (Pakistan-Iran border) and via Quetta, Kalat, Khuzdar and Bela reaches the city and merges onto the KPT Flyover at Karachi Port. If coming from Gwadar, take National Highway N-10 (The Makran Coastal Highway) which later merge with N-25 for Karachi. It is a scenic highway as it follows the Arabian Sea coast.

Distances from Pakistan's major cities to Karachi are: Hyderabad — 160 km, Islamabad — 1,480 km, Lahore — 1,240 km, Peshawar — 1,380 km and Quetta is 700 km.

Once you get the hang of travelling in Karachi, it becomes a very entertaining experience. You meet new people and get to see unexpected things. It's not very hard to find a mode of transportation and if you know what you are doing, it is very easy to get around. Getting around Karachi is not difficult and transportation is not expensive as compared to other mega cities of the world and you only have to follow proper directions to save your valuable time and money. Most of Karachi's inhabitants rely on public transport to and from their workplace and do ride in a taxi and auto-rickshaw at least once in the city. If you are not used to Pakistani roads, an auto-rickshaw ride can be a heart-stopping, death-defying, laws-of-physics-bending. Feel real adventure in a vehicle that feels like it might fall apart at a speed over 30 km/h with a driver who thinks he's Schumacher. Karachi's public transport system is ranked as one of the worst in the world, and even though Karachi is trying to modernise its public transport system, Karachi public transport remains very bad.

Travelling inside the city at peak times (08:00-10:00 and 17:30-19:00) takes a lot of time, with frequent road blocks and traffic congestion but still there are side roads and crossroads which can be useful to avoid traffic blocks.

Much of Karachi is quite pedestrian-hostile with rarely marked crosswalks in the city and road signs are not good either. But, if you really want to walk around, always ensure you walk on the footpath, or if one isn't available, as far to the side of the road as possible and on the right facing oncoming traffic. Karachi is big and distances are long which makes places of interest scattered far and wide all over the city but sometimes, walking in the neighbourhoods may actually be the fastest way to get from point A to point B particularly in the densely packed downtown areas of the city such as Saddar and the narrow streets of the old parts of the city where walking is actually a favoured way to get around. The road is not that dangerous a place in Karachi, but many pedestrians are often injured by careless drivers – especially when the roads are narrow. Those who are squeamish about pollution or have asthma may need to wear a mask; the air pollution from passing trucks and buses, combined with the searing heat and humidity can be overwhelming at times. And don't expect driver will give you way even if you will have right of passage on pedestrian crossings. Crossing the road can be very dangerous too and it is important to stay alert for erratic driving.

By rickshaw

Rickshaws are a popular method of travelling in Karachi, they're cheap, flexible and are everywhere in the city at any time of day. If you need to travel shorter distances, go by rickshaw. They're small three-wheeled vehicle powered by a two-stroke or four-stroke engine, partially enclosed contraptions (no doors), run on CNG and can seat three people in the back. You can find them everywhere. Set prices beforehand since most are not equipped with meters and if you're over quoted, don't be afraid to walk away. It's usually easy to find another one soon, usually with a driver who won't rip you off. They don't usually follow traffic guidelines, so some might think it's dangerous, but they're perfectly safe and a cheap way to get around, at-least much cheaper than taxis. Pregnant ladies are most strongly advised not to travel by auto-rickshaws since the combination of rash driving, poor suspensions, and horrible road conditions have quite often led to serious complications. The auto-rickshaw is a slow and uncomfortable vehicle and not recommended for very long distances. The rickshaw drivers are generally helpful and If a rickshaw driver offers to show/drive you to some great places to shop, firmly refuse.

If you want a cheap yet effective travel solution then you can try Bike rides offered by Bykea [dead link] where a bike rider can take you where ever you want to go.

Karachi is dominated by jingle minibuses which move back and forth around Karachi and are extremely cheap but they’re a confusing bet for the visitors, with numbers, destinations and stops poorly marked, and buses are horribly crowded and noisy. Outsiders might be put off by the cramped conditions in the buses, and might prefer travelling in taxis or rickshaw, but the most common method of travelling in Karachi is by bus as they're very cheaper, and less than Rs 50 should be enough to take you from one end of the city to the other. For lack of space, people often sit on the roof, or hang from bars, and are jam-packed inside the bus. They are often operated by reckless drivers who do not follow the rules of the road, endangering many. Women have reserved a separate sitting area in the front of the buses near driver. Apart from the main bus stops, buses are usually hailed from street-level. Buses are seldom marked with destination, instead conductor shout out their destinations. Travellers unfamiliar with Karachi can ask conductor or passengers to let them know where there stop is. Simply politely blurt out the name of your destination to the bus conductor or a friendly looking passenger and they will take care of you. Buses will stop anywhere along the route for you and all have conductors, ask either the conductor of tap on the bus door to signal that you wish to stop.

There are plenty of black and white taxis in Karachi. They are convenient, comfortable, and safer than auto rickshaws but cheap by Western standards. If you are alone or going to an unknown destination, this is a good option, even though the rates will be double that of rickshaws. Unlike in most countries, most Black and Yellow taxis in Karachi are not usually marked with "taxi" signs on the top, and do not have even meters inside the cab as well, so you should first fix the charge and the location with the driver before getting in. The official rate per kilometre is less than Rs 10 but expect to pay around double. But taxis are cheap and plentiful (Rs 1,000-1,500 should be enough to take you from one end of the city to the other). Most taxis in Karachi are small-medium sized cars (non air-conditioned), run by their own owners, painted black-and-yellow or only black or only yellow. You can hail a cab off the streets. However, old modelled taxis are quite rickety and dirty so prefer to get one which looks fine from exterior. The cab drivers are possibly reliable and will take passengers to any destination required. Seat belts are not mandatory for taxi passengers and most standard black and yellow taxis will not even have them installed, though expect them in the branded ones.

If you have extra pieces of luggage, the boot (i.e. trunk) of the taxi will not provide sufficient space – one large suitcase is all that will fit there. Hiring a taxi with a top carrier will be better. Top carriers can accommodate up to three large suitcases. Before starting the journey, ensure that the luggage is securely fastened to the carrier.

Generally, the only way to call for the standard taxi is to hail one on the street. This will not be a problem if you are inside city limits but If you are in the suburbs, it will be difficult to find a taxi as they have been out-competed by the cheaper auto-rickshaws. The maximum number of passengers allowed for a trip officially is four — three in the back seat and one in the front.

If you want a more comfortable and air-conditioned ride, it's best to use branded taxi companies (such as Karachi Cab , Metro Radio Cab , White Cab and others) that operate with fixed, government-approved prices. There is no need to negotiate prices. These services operate modern fleets with well trained drivers. There are two type of taxi services, regular and call taxis. Regular taxis are normally available at designated taxi stands, at the airport, and at train stations while call taxis can be called anywhere in the city and they're available with 30-60 minutes notice. Mostly cars are white Toyota Corollas, they're clean; air-conditioned; equipped with digital meters; punctual; and GPS-equipped and monitored.

If you want to travel luxury, Travel agents and hotels can arrange private chauffeur driven car of your choice. They are expensive compared to private taxis; however, they are the most trusted, secure, and comfortable way to travel around the city. But the cars provide through hotels for their guests can be charged slightly higher than elsewhere.

Uber and Careem private taxi services are also available in Karachi. The rates are quite reasonable and drivers are trained.

Unless you are into adventure seeking or used to South Asian roads, self-drive in Karachi is not recommended as driving discipline is almost non-existent. Driving is on the right side and the speed limit is 40 km/h (25 mph) in residential areas and usually 80 km/h (50 mph) on arterial roads, but this is only sporadically enforced. Driving in Karachi is difficult and stressful due to the behaviour of other drivers. Lane discipline is practically non-existent, excessive honking, high vehicle density, lack of regard for traffic laws, combined with razor thin passing margins are common. One ride in a taxi will convince you that driving yourself is not worth the risk.

Many local and a few international car rental companies (most notably Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt) operate in the city. Renters will need to provide a valid credit card, a passport or Pakistan national identity card, a cash deposit and their driving licence. Many car rental companies refuse to provide self-drive cars to visitors unless it chauffeur-driven.

Renting a self driven car is expensive as well. Cars are mostly compact cars with Toyota Corolla most popular and rental cost for a day with fuel can be less than Rs 10,000. Parking in the city is not a problem at all since you can park them anywhere but still there which are congested and busy areas, you'll not get parking.

Part of the Karachi Circular Railway , a railway ring around the central parts of the city, reopened in late 2020 after having been dormant for almost two decades. The line is mostly aimed at commuters with a limited number of departures. Frequency are however projected to increase when the full ring is completed.

There is a lot to see in Karachi, but the typical "tourist" sights are concentrated in the downtown district of Saddar which is fairly spread out and where there's a collection of buildings and structures of varied architectural styles. The British built a variety of private and public buildings during the British Raj from 1858 to 1947 in Karachi, many of which colonial buildings and landmarks still remain today. Saddar is a chaotic tumble of goods, people, and vehicles and getting lost in Saddar can make for a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. According to some reports, the city possesses over 600 protected buildings dating largely to the British period. Few fine examples colonial buildings still remain today but unfortunately they are not well preserved and most of them have deteriorated over time due to lack of preservation.

Architecture

• 24.85243 67.02164 5 Hindu Gymkhana ( National Academy of Performing Arts ), M R Kayani Rd . is one of the first Mughal revival buildings in the city constructed in 1925. The building is designed by Muslim architect Agha Ahmed Hussain. The plan and massing was based on the tomb of Itamad-ud-Daulah (1628) in Agra. The building is small in size and consists primarily of a hall and some smaller rooms used for administrative purposes. Stone for the 2-foot-thick (0.61m) walls was acquired in Bijapur. The roof line is defined by delicate massing of cupolas and balustrades directly influenced by Akbar's Fatehpur Sikri . The octagonal corner towers framing the projecting central jharoka are capped with chattris. Smaller chattris highlight the corners of the projecting porch that carry the drooping bangladar roof used in Emperor Akbar's period. The projecting chajjas are supported by ornamental brackets. The cupolas of the chattris are reinforced concrete and the walls are dressed in Gizri stone. Some of the carved elements are of Jodhpur stone. Now converted to the National Academy of Performing Arts.  

• 24.87441 67.03969 13 Quaid-e-Azam's Mausoleum and Museum ( Mazar-e-Quaid) (مزار قائد ), MA Jinnah Rd, Jamshed Quarters . The final resting place and magnificent mausoleum of the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah (known as Quaid-e-Azam or "Great Leader"), is a prominent impressive landmark of Karachi made entirely of white marble with impressive north African arches. The mighty mausoleum was completed in the 1960s and designed by Mumbai based, Indian architect Yahya Merchant. The tomb is fabulously built on a 4 m high platform made of white marble with curved Moorish arches, copper grilles and a four-tiered crystal chandelier gifted by the people of China. Fifteen successive fountains lead to the platform from one side and, from all sides, terraced avenues lead to the gates. In the interior of the grave complex, there are three graves in a row and one to the north. The northern one, which is decorated with a series of black floral designs at the base, belongs to Fatima Jinnah, Jinnah's sister. Out of the three graves, the northern one belongs to Liaquat Ali Khan, who died as Prime Minister of Pakistan. The extreme southern grave belongs to Sardar Abdur Rab Nishtar. In the middle lies buried Nurul Amin, who rose to be the Vice-President of Pakistan. All these graves are made of Italian white marble, and they are of the box type, like the sarcophagus of Jinnah, placed on a triple base. But the sides of these graves are tapering inward while that of Jinnah is diverging outwards. These are all plain graves, except that of Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, which has a basal floral ornamentation. Official and military ceremonies take place here on special occasions, especially on 23 March, 14 August, 11 September and 25 December. Dignitaries and officials from foreign countries also visit this place. Around the mausoleum is a 53 hectare park "Bagh-e-Quaid-i-Azam" laid in the format of Islamic art, with fountains all around it, fitted with spot-lights which project light on the white mausoleum and making the glowing tomb able to be seen for miles at night. The tomb is guarded at all times and after every 20 minutes there is a ceremonial position shift of the honour guard and, every 4 hours, the guard is changed. In addition to the tomb, you can also see a small museum housing various artefacts used by Jinnah such as cars, dinning sets, bedroom furniture, swords and guns from is private collection. The location is usually calm and tranquil – which is significant considering that it is in the heart of one of the largest global megalopolises. Open Sa-Tu, Th 10:00-13:00, 14:00-17:00; F 09:00-12:00.  

• 24.90319 67.07769 21 PIA Planetarium , Main University Rd ( next to Karachi Expo Centre ). Temporarily closed . A virtual observatory which regularly puts on shows about the solar system and cosmic phenomenon. The shows in English are much more detailed, and are held every Sunday evening. On other days there are only Urdu shows. A ticketed, guided tour by an officer enables one to view the plane from the inside; its cockpit, pilot seats, and various other areas.  
• 24.84818 66.99956 22 State Bank Museum , I.I. Chundrigar Rd, . M-F 09:00-17:00 . Focuses on money, coinage and economic. This is the only currency museum of Pakistan that displays the financial history of the nation dating back to when Pakistan was part of the British Raj. The exhibition hall comprise of seven Galleries. Free .  

Beaches and waterfronts

Karachi has a coastal line of more than 60 km stretches from Cape Monze in the west to Bundle Island in the east; however, most of its area is barren with little tourist attraction or facilities provided and awaiting development. Karachi has many big and small beaches, including one in the Karachi downtown area "Clifton Beach", which is city's busiest and most popular beach. But they aren't that great and the water off Karachi's coast is extraordinarily dirty; moreover, they are not the kind where women can wear swimsuits particularly two-pieces. The relatively better ones are in the Karachi outskirts most popularly Sandspit Beach, Hawks Bay Beach and French beach. These are located are less strict about clothing. These beaches are also the breeding ground for endangered turtles and sometimes contain stinging jellyfish, especially during the monsoon (July to September), so it is advisable to avoid walking on beach alone after dark.

• 24.8015 66.96218 26 Manora Beach , Manora Island . On the southwestern outskirts of Karachi is a long sandy beach along the southern edge of a small peninsula called "Manora Island" consisting of natural landscapes of beach and mangrove forest can be a good and exotic picnic spot. The island has the remains of a 19th-century old Hindu temple "Shive Varon Dev Mandir" near the beach. Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents and polluted sea water. A few small food stalls on sell mostly fish. The beach is connected to the mainland Karachi by the 12-km-long causeway "Manora Drive".  
• 24.84419 66.99201 28 Port Grand , Near Jinnah Fly Over – M.T. Khan Rd ( Near Beach Luxury Hotel ), ☏ +92 21 3833-0020 , +92 21 3831-1111 , [email protected] . 12:00-01:00 . Alongside Karachi Harbour, this is an extensive and very pedestrian friendly food strip with scores of restaurants, cafes and eateries and entertainment complex popular with the elite of Karachi. Pedestrian friendly pier built along the 19th century Native Jetty Bridge, with having different good restaurants of exotic Pakistani and foreign food and other food and beverages kiosks on one side and breathtaking views of Karachi Harbour on the other side. A shopping mall, an art gallery, a tavern area, a mosque, many stalls, a children's play area, and a theatre stage is located in the complex area. A 200-year-old Hindu temple named "Shri Laxmi Narayan Mandir" is just outside the complex entrance. Entrance is "strictly for families & couples", which makes the atmosphere very family friendly and safe. The place has a discriminatory policy of forbidding single males, except for Wednesday evenings. Likely to be overcrowded during weekends and public holidays. Musical concerts often take place as well. The entry fee is Rs 300 per person out of which Rs 200 would be redeemable at different food outlets and shops inside the complex. Free valet parking is available for visitors. Don't forget to take an exciting speed boat ride in China Creek for Rs 500 per person which includes a complimentary pass to enter the Port Grand area. With amazing stunts and incredible spins, the ride will provide an unforgettable experience.  

Karachi has a justified reputation as a concrete jungle, but there are some nice pockets of greenery within the city. Some city parks are very well-maintained and popular such as Bagh-e-Ibn-e-Qasim Park, Boat Basin Park, Jheel Park, Nisar Shaheed Park and Hill Park, this latter one in particular offering a birds eye view of the city.

• 24.874 67.061 32 Sindbad Amusement Park , NIPA . In Karachi, there are three indoor Sindbads located inside Dolmen Mall Clifton, Dolmen Mall Tariq Road and Dolmen Mall Hyderi. They include a mix of the latest video games, redemption games as well as kiddy rides. Sindbad at Dolmen Mall Clifton also includes the largest indoor playground in Pakistan, with three storeys of soft play. The play ground includes slides, ball pools, ball shooters and trampolines. Karachi is also home to two outdoor Sindbads located at Nisar Shaheed Park and NIPA.  

Karachi offers a wide scope of activities; however, don't expect too much even though it's one of the world's biggest cities. Due to being on the shoreline, Karachi offers plenty of opportunities for water babies.

• 24.88795 67.08938 1 Arena , FEC-01, Habib Ibrahim Rehmatullah Rd, Main Karsaz ( Near Maritime Museum ), ☏ +92 21 9924 5251 , +91 21 9924 5264 , [email protected] . M-Th 13:00-23:30, F Sa 13:00-00:30, Su 12:00-23:30 . A modern and family friendly gaming arcade offering 16 lanes computerised bowling alley, virtual bowling for those who don't want to handle the traditional heavier bowling balls, mini golf, pool tables, 29 different arcade games, coin-operated kiddy rides for children, ice skating rink which is first of its kind in Pakistan, virtual reality simulator, paint ball, rock climbing, and a gymnasium. There's a nice buffet restaurant "Rangoli" which serve continental & Mughlai dishes and a cafe styled restaurant "Cafe Mist" and "Mocktail Bar" located inside the Arena. Entrance fee is Rs 500 per person which is redeemable .  

• Boating You can hire a boat for a 15–20min ride at Kiamari boating harbour , which will take you to Manora Island (though not really an island) or tour you around the Karachi harbour. At the southeastern end of Manora island is the tallest lighthouse (28 m high) in Pakistan, which was erected by the British after they captured Karachi's Talpur rulers. The access to lighthouse is unfortunately restricted due to its presence inside the military protected area. Private boats can be hired for around Rs 500-3,000 per hour according to size of boat. If you are also interested in eating fish or crabs, ask the boat owner to arrange some and have a cookout on the boat while you travel. Please avoid taking photographs as it is prohibited when you're touring near the harbour due to its proximity to a Naval base, and other sensitive installations around. Even the boats crew will discourage you to take photos. Aside from the wooden trawlers, ferries are also available. Some captains of boats and ferry offers sea fishing, or even just crabbing but within the harbour. You can spend a romantic evening crabbing in Karachi's coastline beginning at sunset and ending with a delightful crab and seafood feast under the stars in evening. There are also two ferry boats run by government, which run twice daily and can take you to Manora island free of charges. You can also rent larger boats from Kiamari boat harbour for longer duration to go further away to other islands such as Bundle Island or Buddo Island but you'll have to heavily negotiate to get a better rate, and try to avoid the touts who would be lurking outside in the parking area. One of the best ways to see Karachi coastline is from the waters of Karachi. Boats in Kiamari may offer marvellous tour and views of the Karachi beach and Port of Karachi of varying durations and prices.
• 24.77945 67.08971 2 Cinemas . 10:00-02:00 . Karachi loves going to movies, and Karachihites flocks to cinemas every day. Nueplex Cinemas in The Place, Khayaban e Shaheen, is a magnificent and country's biggest movie theatre. This is Pakistan's most notable cinema, offers a high quality experience with a good 3D system and has huge screens in an attractive ambience. The cinema is designed by world renowned cinema Architects Mesbur & Smith and comprises five theatres including a luxury one, totalling 1100 seats and features 3 of the largest silver screens in Pakistan. Other major players includes Cinepax in Clifton and Atrium Mall in Saddar, close to Zainab Market. These cinemas show mainstream releases of Bollywood, Hollywood and Pakistani. Rs 500-1,000 .  
• 24.78551 67.09117 3 Dinner Cruise , Phase 8, DHA . Enjoy dinner on board while taking a boat ride off Karachi coastline in middle of sea. Cruise dining is itself most exciting part and makes this fantastic dining experience especially if you never did cruise dining before. Booking must be made a day in advance. Either go with Savor , Savor provide 2 hour sailing time but if you've money and you want to go private, nearby Carlton Hotel can rent a nice comfortable, with both air-conditioned and open air deck and clean boat for you. They charge Rs 17,500/hour and Rs 2,300 per person for dinner. They've 2 menus to choose from, either Chinese or Pakistani.  
• Hutting - there are hundred of beach huts on the outskirts of the city, not found elsewhere in the country, built on the shoreline of the Arabian Sea. You can rent a hut on a daily, weekly or even monthly basis. When summer comes to Karachi, more beach huts spring up and every day large numbers of people from Karachi rent huts to enjoy picnic, swimming, and sunbathing. The huts are built on various small beaches located next to each other with a parallel access road and are less strict about clothing because of the more private access to the beach via these huts. Prices depend on the quality of hut you want, but normally start from Rs 8,000 a day. Prices can be negotiable though, so don't hesitate to haggle . Even huts with low charges are equipped with some basic furniture such as chairs and a bed together with a stove. Lifeguards and security are usually available as well in case of emergency. Bring your own food and drink. The beach with the most huts is 24.85957 66.86365 4 Hawke's Bay beach .   , which is most popular due to its close proximity to the city. It's a sandy beach with crystal blue water and is one of the few beaches in the world where green sea turtles come to lay eggs. There are hundred of huts built on the beach shoreline along Hawke's Bay Drive. 24.84185 66.90712 5 Sandspit beach .   is also a popular tourist spot due to its close proximity to the city. Huts built on the beach shoreline are along Manora Drive. 24.84076 66.81812 6 French beach .   is often cited as Karachi’s most beautiful beach. Located half way between Hawke's Bay and Paradise Point, it offers plenty of beach huts for rent. Its rocky beach and clear water are ideal for fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving as well as surfing during the monsoon season. Visitors have to bring their own equipment for diving and fishing though. A minute away from French Beach is 24.84532 66.80297 7 Tushan beach .   and "Turtle beach" which have a mixture of small hills with a perfect sandy beach with a few beach huts. You'll need to book the hut in advance.
• 24.8576 67.04556 8 Revolving restaurant , 16th Floor, Caesar's Tower, Main Shahrah-e-Faisal ( Opp. Aisha Bawany School ), ☏ +92 21 3278 5147-8 . Have you ever heard of or experienced dining in a Revolving restaurant? If not, this is time to do. It is the only restaurant of its kind in the country where one can dine on a revolving floor located on the rooftop of the building and enjoy the stunning views of the Karachi skyline and major landmarks such as Mazar-e-Quaid.  
• 24.92258 67.11104 9 Safari Park , Main University Rd, Gulshan-e-Iqbal . This family-only park was opened in 1970, has a small zoo, a children's playland and some gardens. This park is one of the major recreation and amusement park in the city. Catch a bird's-eye view of the animals from the 10 minutes long chairlifts in the park. Also, houses Karachi's largest adventure park Go-Aish which offers different adventure activities such as rope course, Paintball, Wall climbing, ATV track, Big swing and Flying fox.  
• Snorkelling and scuba diving Snorkelling and diving is getting popular in Karachi. The most well-known dive site in Karachi is Churna Island, where you can explore the city's beautiful aquatic life at a totally different level. It would be a thrilling, fun and excitement filled experience for those who've never dived before. The diving season in Karachi is from September to mid-May, so it's better not to dive during the monsoons in Pakistan which usually occur from June until September. The water temperature is a minimum of 16⁰C to a maximum of 29⁰C and you may dive to a depth of more than 30 m (100 ft). Churna Island is actually a small island off the coast of the city and is only accessible by boat. It has abundant of coral reefs and widely varied marine life which makes it very popular for diving. There is a marine park where you can find fishes such as hound fish, marlin, angel fish, parrot fish, puffer fish and barracuda together with dolphins, sea urchins, turtles, jelly fish and sea anemones as well. Karachi Scuba Diving Centre offer a complete scuba diving and snorkelling package which usually includes breakfast, lunch, diving instructions, diving gear, life jackets, local boat ride to Island and a pick-up, drop-off service as well Divers Reef Karachi along with knee-boarding, banana tubing and cliff diving. For those looking for some thrilling experience, take a thrilling and exciting ride on Jet Ski at the city's seashore. The riding time is from dawn in the morning until afternoon. Ride usually cost around Rs 3,000 for two persons.
• Water parks There are some water parks in Karachi located in the suburbs of the city. They usually charge around Rs 500 entrance ticket and open from early in the morning until 6PM. Among the good ones are 25.01941 67.38827 11 The Great Fiesta Water Park .   located on M-9, one of the best water park in Pakistan. Surely a family park so only families are allowed. Offering many exciting water slides including one of the most heart wrenching "Raft Spiral Black Tunnel", Teenager, Cyclone, Wave Pool, Lazy River, Mountain Fall, Aqua Play, Mini Titanic Ship, Light House, and Free Fall. The most amazing slide is Rainbow slide and 25.05823 67.19204 12 Cosy Water Park .   on N-5 which is recommended for ladies because it is one of the water parks in Karachi that offers private ladies slides in a wide range. Other includes Al Mehran Water Park and Dreams-world Resorts.

Karachi is home to some of Pakistan's important cultural institutions. The National Academy of Performing Arts, located in the newly renovated Hindu Gymkhana offers a two-year diploma course in performing arts that includes classical music and contemporary theatre. The All Pakistan Music Conference, linked to the 45-year old similar institution in Lahore, has been holding its Annual Music Festival since its inception in 2004. The Festival is now a well-established feature of the city life of Karachi that is eagerly awaited and attended by more than 3,000 citizens of Karachi as well as people from other cities.

The National Arts Council (Koocha-e-Saqafat) also has musical performances and Mushaira (poetry recitations). Karachi has a few museums including the Mohatta Palace Museum and National Museum of Pakistan that regularly have exhibitions related to performance arts. Karachi is also home to the annual Kara Film Festival, which is one of the biggest film festivals in Pakistan and showcases independent Pakistani and international films and documentaries.

Karachi hosts plenty of cultural events on regular basis, from art exhibitions to concerts, theatre plays and local newspapers often have listings of forthcoming culture event in the city. The city has a fine collection of Anglo-Indian architecture , a legacy of the British Raj, which will keep history buffs engaged. Culture vultures will find a city with many art galleries , displaying a broad spectrum of works from Asia, and some New Age works from aspiring Pakistani artists. It is not wrong to mention that some of the most famous art galleries in Pakistan are found here.

• Tour bus ( Super Savari Express ), ☏ +92 3343207773 , +92 3008967874 , [email protected] . Karachi's only guided bus tour service. It is popular among elite, students and foreigners. Rs 2,000 .  

Karachi is the shopping capital of the country and Karachiites are avid shoppers. As such, Karachi boasts an incredible diversity in terms of shopping, accommodating anyone's preferences and budget. Products that shoppers can buy in Karachi come from a vast variety of sources, from one of the many local cottage industries to authentic brand wear by renowned international designers. Whether it is simple trinkets, a nice handicraft or high fashion boutiques that turn you on, Karachi is a shopper's paradise and anything can be found in Karachi if you just ask. A huge range of very affordable products are offered to the point where shopping can overwhelm a visit if you allow it to! Western-style malls and shopping emporiums are popping up across the city but don't expect a traditional or uniquely Pakistani shopping experience in the malls. The city has many modern, high-end shopping malls such as Park Towers, The Forum and Dolmen Mall, in addition to local traditional bazaars and a gamut of streetside vendors. You can shop to your heart's content, in the massive range of markets and bazaars that dot the city, or you can shop and enjoy one of the many modern shopping malls that are found across the city's more affluent sectors, namely Defence and Clifton. And don't worry too much about your budget; Karachi is an inexpensive city for expatriates.

There are many shopping places in Karachi, ranging from the traditional bazaar to the modern shopping malls. A first-time visitor should try and visit the bazaars, The bazaars usually consist of many small vendors selling a variety of products from accessories to clothes to food and drink. In addition, there are larger stores which are more specific in their products. Also one would find that the bazaars are a more culturally enriching experience. One problem is that when shopkeepers find out you're from out of town, they will charge you double/triple prices. Try to go with someone local if you can to get a good price.

The shopping experience in the city is a study in contrasts. At the lower end of the spectrum are street vendors. Existing at the borderline of legality, entire streets have been given over to these hawkers and in many places it is impossible to walk on the footpaths, because they have blocked the way. On the other hand, these vendors often give you a great bargain though you will have to haggle a lot and be careful about what to buy. There's nothing like taking a local along to shop for you.

Karachi is probably worth visiting just for its street markets, the hustle of vendors, and the madness of the crowds. Good places are anywhere in Saddar. If you came to Karachi and didn't give visit to this highly dense and crowded area, it means you didn't meet the real Karachi. Hawkers and street shoppers don't ask for any legal permission and then set their stalls at the places where they see maximum footfall. From electronics items to fresh food, you can get everything anywhere.

Most vendors in Karachi are open to bargaining, which is a common sight at most bazaars and among hawkers. As a result, prices of products vary immensely among every vendor, with the exception of upscale high-end shopping malls, which usually have fixed prices. In Karachi, it is also general knowledge to be cautious when bargaining with vendors, especially in bazaars and with hawkers, as they often sell substandard goods at high prices to unaware shoppers. Apparent foreigners, in particular, are often ripped off.

Shopping reaches its peak during the Eid season, as not only established businesses but vendors from all over the country come to the city to sell their goods to the city's large population, a majority of which is middle class and relatively well-off compared to most other parts of the country.

Haggling is very common in most Karachi bazaars – so don't hesitate to negotiate prices. On the whole, shopping in Karachi is an interesting, exhilarating but often tiring experience.

Places to shop

• Saddar . is the largest shopping district of the city and home to Pakistan's big jewellery market, electronics market, mostly consumer electronics as well everything from A to Z. You can find cheap and high quality products here. It consists of number of interconnecting by-lanes with street vendors hawking a wide variety of items from antiques to shoes to car accessories etc. The place can be quite a surprise for the number and type of items on sale. On the other hand, these vendors often give you a great bargain though you will have to haggle a lot and be careful about what to buy. Shop with a keen eye – look out for fakes or second hand items that are shoddily repaired and can be passed out for a quick buck. Don’t carry too many items like money / jewellery / watches on you when visit this huge shopping area. Keep it to bare essentials and keep an eye on your belongings. There is a very good chance that you may get robbed since locals are apt at spotting first time shoppers. Beware of the auctioneering shops in Saddar which are illegal and fake. Those fake auctioneers hire a group of people who apparently take part in the bidding but their purpose is to trap other people.  
• 24.859444 67.026167 1 Co-operative market . is one of the oldest and major marketplace in Saddar, selling the most diverse goods from clothing to electronics at reasonable prices. You can find a huge number of potential gifts such as traditional souvenirs, rugs, all types of handicraft, and other cultural products of Pakistan.  
• 24.863246 67.030608 2 Rainbow Centre . is famous as the hub of video entertainment in Pakistan and reported to be one of the largest CD and DVD market in Asia.  
• 24.855601 67.028482 3 Zainab Market ( in Saddar near Avari hotel. ). One of the cheapest markets in the city, Zainab Market is a labyrinth of small shops selling handicrafts and casual clothing including export-surplus or slightly defective genuine name brands such as Adidas, Nike, Polo etc. manufactured locally for export or very good copies of the real thing for a fraction of the real price! Check out the brass-ware, the pashminas, the rugs and the leather goods as well, all for very reasonable prices. But don't be shy to haggle. It's expected and quoted prices are invariably 30-40% inflated.  
• 24.858036 67.028802 4 Zebunissa Street ( neighborhood of Saddar, in the heart of Karachi ). It is one of Karachi's most renowned shopping area and one of the city's most vital arteries which used to be called as 'Karachi's Piccadilly Circus' by British tourists, as it is lined with historic colonial buildings from the British Raj era. It is now home to Karachi's biggest high end shoe shops such as Metro, Sputnik, English Boot House together with Gold Souks and other retails shops. It also houses one of Karachi's largest Atrium Malls.  
• 24.87141 67.05975 5 Tariq Rd . Houses more than one thousand shops, from jewellery, garments, cosmetics, food, computers to shoes and is among the city's largest shopping district. It is one of the best shopping places of Karachi. In fact, it is the most famous and number one shopping centre, people from almost all areas of Karachi come and do shopping here. Rabi Centre have good quality shops for bridal and casual suiting. It is also home to several malls with Dolmen Mall more popular have mostly branded shops. Tariq Rd is most famous for its high-quality garments and thriving market for the footwear business, with hundreds of shoe-stores lining the road. This street is famous for different traditional food item including traditional Samosa, Katchori and especially the mixed fruit chat.  
• 24.81706 67.04089 6 Zamzama Boulevard . This is the place where the rich, famous and affluent like to hangout for up-market designer boutiques, clubs and restaurants. Zamzama is home to the trendiest and hippest Cafes in town, where all the hip and young people of Karachi like to hang out in their designer attires and sip on the best brews in town. At the same time, Zamzama is also home to the more up end and exclusive dining places in the city, and here are the some of the city's most expensive and trendiest boutiques and designers. Zamzama is basically a rich mans playground where most of the restaurants and cafes clientele comprises of people from the rich and upper middle class of society.  

Karachi is rapidly becoming a 'mall crazy' city with a variety of large and luxury shopping malls. There're plenty of big and small shopping malls in the city. Here are some better-known shopping malls, which are big, more most popular which makes them busy throughout the year.

• 24.80271 67.02888 7 Dolmen City Mall , Marine Drive, Block 4, Clifton . One of three Dolmen malls in the city, this one fronts Karachi beach and can be much comparable to ones in Dubai in terms of grandeur. It is home to numerous high street shops, a huge "Hyperstar – Carrefour" hyper market, a giant food court with eateries from western cinnabon, fat burger, Johnny Rockets to the most trendiest GunSmoke. Many people head to this mall not only for shopping, but to spend some good time which make it very crowdy on weekends. You can also enjoy beautiful sea view from Gloria Jeans here or try Fish Spa or try the indoor Sindbad Amusement Park, largest in the country.  
• 24.82722 67.0378 8 The Forum , Khayaban-e-Jami, Block 9, Clifton . Known as one of the few good and modern shopping mall in city. Includes shops, food court and Ebco superstore.  
• 24.82407 67.03563 9 Ocean Mall , Teen Talwar, Clifton . 10AM-2AM . This is the Pakistan's tallest building, a 393 ft (120 m) high skyscraper that houses a large upmarket shopping mall with many local and international brands. It also houses a big food court and Cinepax, four grand cinemas, one of them being a 3D cinema.  
• 24.81391 67.02741 10 Park Towers , Shahrah-e-Firdousi, Clifton . One of the oldest upscale shopping in town still attracts many visitors. Has shops of various downtown boutiques, a food court, a superstore, an indoor kids' theme park and art gallery.  

Karachi has a large number of restaurants from fast food, fast casual, casual dining to fine dining as well several fantastic upmarket restaurants, which serve a huge and wide variety of both local and international cuisines such as (Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Arab, Korean, South Indian, etc.). The cuisine of Karachi is strongly influenced by the city's Muhajir population, who have traditionally been based in Karachi, hence the city being known for Muhajir tastes in its cuisine, however cuisines varies from one neighborhood to another, given the diverse nature of ethnic origins that exist in this giant metropolitan. Biryani is arguably the most popular food among Karachiites, with numerous variants. The beauty of the food in Karachi is that you will probably find a cuisine for every taste. Whereas the dining experience at an upscale restaurant in Karachi is more or less the same as anywhere else in the world. If you search hard enough, you will find cuisine from practically every part of the world represented in the city. But to get a real flavour of what's unique to Karachi, you will have to go a little lower down the scale and experience the street food. Few upper-end restaurants are located in major splurge hotels in the city (the Sheraton, the Pearl Continental, Mövenpick Hotel and Avari Towers). It is a huge task for a visitor to find the "right place" to eat in Karachi largely because, as in any big city, there are literally thousands of venues from which to choose, ranging from fast food joints, mainstream chains all the way up to some of the most exclusive restaurants in the subcontinent which attract the kind of clientele that don't need to ask the price. On the other hand, one can easily find a franchise of an international fast food outlets such as KFC, McDonalds, Subway, Papa Johns, Mr Cod, Henny's, Pizza Hut, Domino's, Penny Pizza.

There are hundreds of restaurants, small and big scattered throughout the neighbourhoods of Defence and Clifton which is chock-full of fine dining, trendiest and happiest restaurants, food joints and cafés. Although it cannot be called a food street given the large distances between the restaurants, Defence is a force to with which to be reckoned. There are some areas where the majority of diners are Karachiites, rather than tourists and, in general, there you will get better food and value. But the city has scores of food streets as well that is devoted specifically to eating out. They are lined with food stalls, restaurants, and other food shops, and are typically pedestrianised. They have become a social norm, with people using them as formal and informal meeting areas. These places can be visited even during the day but are best visited in the evening. A few of the most popular food districts are:

• Boat Basin . A mile-long gastronomic delight strip of open-air eateries and restaurants. Boat Basin is where almost all of Karachi's late-partying citizens wind up, as food is often available here until five or six in the morning, and some restaurants serves 24 hours a day. Due to open air dining option available, the place becomes the most popular hangout place in the city. Like Burns Road, this bustling street offers a huge variety of local food, drinks and deserts. Boat Basin truly comes alive at night. Local style breakfast (such as halwa puri and anda paratha) is served at Boat-Basin as early as 06:00. At most of the eateries Rs 500 per person will be more than sufficient. If you're not the experimenting type then there's always the International fast food options apart from the authentic and traditional food.  
• Burns Road ( Saddar ). Burns Road is a historic traditional and bustling food street which offers a huge variety of local food and drinks. For authentic and traditional food of any budget this is the place to be. The street house countless famous and unique eateries that feature their own specialty dishes, crowded Burn Road is a must-see for curious eaters and food-lovers. The best tasting Nihari, Sajji, Bottis and Tikkas can be found in this congested corner of Old Karachi. Most of the restaurants here are built in really old pre-independence era Victorian style buildings which sort of gives you the feeling of being in a crowded part of Old Delhi. Hygienically this may not be the cleanest part of town, but if you are a big time foodie and you really want to taste real Karachi food then seriously this is the place to head to. If food preparation hygiene is really an issue for you then the best option is to head to Food Centre. Places to head to here include Punjab Lassi house for the best Lassi in town, Food Center and Sabri Nihari. Other than these there are many more eateries scattered throughout this street. Most restaurants and eateries accept only cash. Many places on the street are open during the day but like Karachi itself, Burns Road truly comes alive at night.  
• Do Darya . Adjacent but far away from the Sea View beach is a unique food street Do Darya which is along the scenic sea front of Arabian Sea, and fastly becoming a very well known dining spot in city. Has the reputation of being one of the poshest food street of the country, this is the only food street of its kind in the country where you will be greeted by giant restaurants clustering at the edge of the Arabian Sea. Several restaurants here offering indoor and open air dining facilities. Here, the rocky shore provides shrimp which are used as bait to catch fish. You can feel the cool, relaxing sea breeze and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere from huts right above the shore giving a fulfilling experience. The choice of restaurants is endless here.  
• 24.813659 67.049187 1 Hot N Spicy , Khada Market, Phase 5, Defence , ☏ +92 21 358 43930 . It is mainly famous for its delicious and best "Paratha Rolls" that can be eaten with a various array of different meats, e.g. chicken, beef and kebab. With different fillings and yea that includes cheese, chatni, ketchup, and garlic mayo. One average Paratha Roll without any fillings will cost you around Rs 100. The more fillings you add the more price increases this can go up to around Rs 120 per roll. Other than the Paratha Rolls, serve some great sandwiches, burgers, and crispy chicken filling rolls. Have outlets all over the city.  
• 24.826756 67.026083 2 Nihari Inn , ☏ +92 21 3587 0026 . Boat Basin. The restaurant is especially famous for it traditional Nihari (a popular meat dish of Pakistan) with piping hot hans. A plain nihari cost Rs 150 whereas special nihari dish cost per person around Rs 350. Located on the strip of Boat Basin food street.  
• 24.86029 67.01647 3 Student Biryani , ☏ +92 21 111 111 778 . A popular and one of the oldest Pakistani food chain that is best known for selling its famous biryani dish, a variant of India's Bombay Biryani. It is a very much renowned Biryani center in Pakistan and has the most excellent biryani for biryani lovers. Having branches throughout the city with the flagship in Saddar. Home delivery is also possible. A regular chicken biryani plate, salad, raita with a cold drink will cost not more than Rs 250. Must try special zarda as well.  
• 24.86861 67.05772 4 Zahid Nihari , Main Tariq Rd , ☏ +92-21-34387042 . Famous for Nihari, a traditional thick stew dish. The restaurant unarguably serves the most delicious Nihari in town along with many other traditional dishes.  
• 24.81599 67.02109 5 BBQ Tonight , ☏ +92 21 111 227 111 . Main Bilawal Roundabout, Clifton. One of Karachi's most popular and splurge restaurants. Spread over four stories of seating, including partly covered rooftop seating, the restaurant is almost always completely packed, but the turnover is high, so reservations aren't required. It now serves lunch. The rooftop is good. Per person will cost at around Rs 900.  
• 24.869226 67.031831 6 Bundu Khan . One of the oldest restaurants in Karachi. Serve authentic Pakistani food and delicious Bar B Q dishes.  
• 24.811005 67.017771 7 China Town , ☏ +92 21 3586 0528 . Near Bilawal House, Block 2, Clifton. Traditional, authentic and fresh Pakistani Chinese food at reasonable prices. Popular among local Chinese community. Cost per person is around Rs 800.  
• 24.82611 67.0358 8 Damascus , Block 9, Near KPT Underpass, Clifton , ☏ +92 21 3587-9902 . 18:00-02:00 . One of the oldest cafe in the city. Mostly a restaurant specialized in Arabic cuisine, also offers many seafood items. Rs 500-800 .  
• 24.80746 67.06091 9 Ginsoy , 29-C Main Khayaban-e-Shahbaz, Phase 6, Defence , ☏ +92 21 3534 5362 . A pretty good Chinese restaurant offering some excellent authentic Chinese food in town at affordable prices and in a pleasant ambience. Overall, good value for money. Cost per person is around Rs 700.  
• 24.872377 67.090815 10 Lal Qila , Shahrah-e-Faisal , ☏ +92 21 3438 8363-64 . A theme restaurant built in the style of a 17th-century Moghul fort. Offering Pakistani cuisine such as Barbecue, biryani, and a local beef-based delicacy, haleem, in its open brick courtyard. Very busy on weekends. Buffet dinner costs per person around Rs 1,300, lunch costs Rs 750.  
• 24.815665 67.042492 11 Angus , 23-C, 2nd Commercial Lane, Main Zamzama Rd Phase 5, Defence , ☏ +92 304 111 4274 . A very cosy cafe with nice interior. A good place to hang out. Food is excellent and offering gourmet coffee, desserts, grill as well steak. Rs 800-1,000 .  
• 24.778338 67.054539 12 [ https://www.clocktower.pk/ Clock Tower - The Food Bazaar

کلاک ٹاور], Beach Avenue, Defence , ☏ +92 300 1112873 . On the edge of sea coast of Arabian see, offers a scenic view of the beach. This themed restaurant depicts the village architecture of Pakistan and is popular for its authentic Pakistani food with live music and a buffet.  

• Usmania Restaurant , University Rd, Block 13 A Gulshan-e-Iqbal , ☏ +92 21 3498 2525 . Near Bilawal House, Block 2, Clifton. A fine dining restaurant serving quality and authentic Pakistan cuisine along with continental, Chinese and Indian dishes and Bar BQ. Restaurant offers air side as well for dining. Have branches throughout the country. Price per head around Rs 800.  
• 24.81677 67.04134 13 Aqua Lounge , ☏ +92 21 3537 6700-1 . 18-C, 1st Floor, 5th Zamzama Commercial Street, Phase V, Defence. An upscale premier restaurant serving almost all kind of quality sea food as well steaks. Popular among elites and very busy. Cost per person is around Rs 2,000.  
• 24.84715 67.02515 14 Chandni ( Pearl Continental Hotel ), ☏ +92 21 3568 5021 . Club Road. A fine dining restaurant in town offering quality desi Pakistani cuisine in buffet style only. Great atmosphere with live classical music daily. Cost per person is around Rs 1,500.  
• 24.852302 67.03248 15 Dynasty ( Avari Towers ), ☏ +92 21 3566 0100 . Fatima Jinnah Road. Award winning top end restaurant serving truly quality and authentic Chinese cuisine with around 139 dishes in the menu. Restaurant is decorated in Chinese style and popular among expats. Cost per person is around Rs 2,000+.  
• 24.852151 67.032088 16 Fujiyama ( Avari Towers ), Fatima Jinnah Road. , ☏ +92 21 3566 0100 ext 2076 . Traditional Japanese food, on the top floor of the 17-storey Avari Towers. It offers 360-degree panoramic views of the city. Cost per person is from Rs 2,000.  
• 24.80622 67.03357 17 The Patio , F-50/1, Block 4, Clifton , ☏ +92 21 3530 9871 . Popular upscale and contemporary fine dining restaurant offering Pakistani and Pan-Asian cuisine. Outdoor seating also available. Price per head around Rs 1,500.  
• 24.841401 67.040672 18 Pompei ( Shapes Health Club Compound, old railway club ), 139 Mc Niel Rd, Cantt , ☏ +92 21 3521 9657-8 . A fine dining restaurant serving Italian cuisine. Open air dining as is also available in beautiful garden. Interior is excellent Italian style. Cost per person from Rs 2,000.  
• 24.84769 67.02481 19 Sakura ( Pearl Continental Hotel ), Club Road , ☏ +92 21 111-505-505 . Specialties includes spicy tuna tartare, Japanese green tea, noodles with shrimp, tempura and teriyaki. Located on roof top of the hotel. Cost per person is above Rs 2,000+.  

Obtaining alcohol is easier than in the rest of the Pakistan but still, drinking alcohol in public areas including restaurants is banned and strongly discouraged, and only legal wine shops are allowed to sell alcohol. The signs of wine shops are usually marked with blue and red stripes (which indicates they're legalised), have no area to sit and drink, mostly sell locally produced brand such as Murree Brewery and are usually closed on Fridays. And even though Karachi has the largest number of wine shops but still finding one can be hassle for a newcomer since most of the taxi and rickshaw drivers simply deny knowing their locations, due to cultural taboos.

Coffee shops, cigar lounges, juice and ice cream parlours are all plentiful and scattered throughout the city, mostly in Defence and Clifton areas. Nightlife in Karachi is livelier than in other Pakistani cities although nightclubs can't be found easily (except a few that have popped up across the city but are very private), there are some fantastic restaurants that offer musical and theatrical performances on a daily basis.

• Agha Juice House , Near Jamia Masjid, Block No. 1, Nazimabad . Daily 11:30-02:45 . A chain serving fresh fruit juices from all seasonal fruits and some good shakes. There are no more branches but some fake have made them at: Opp Amber Auditorium Bahadurabad, Main Rashid Minhas Road, Gushan Iqbal and Khadda Market Defence.  
• 24.802392 67.029503 1 Espresso , Dolmen City Mall, Clifton ( Marine Promenade ), ☏ +92-21-3486-0245 , toll-free: +92-21-111-393-377 . 08:30-00:00) . The bigger branch of a local coffee chain house, Espresso is very popular among the young generation serve all type of hot and cold coffee, milkshakes, fruit juices as well light snacks. Free WIFI. Four more branches in the city. Rs 500-800 . ( updated Jul 2022 )

Apart from the many good restaurant there are also plenty of cafes with pleasant ambience:

• 24.817111 67.04102 2 Butlers Chocolate Café , Main Road, Off 6th Commercial Lane, Zamzama , ☏ +92 21 3530-1927 . 07:00-14:00 . The Irish chocolatier has an upmarket and elegant cafe offering chocolates and gifts. Rs 800-1,000 .  
• 24.843537 66.995374 3 Casbah & 007 Club ( Beach Luxury hotel ), M T Khan Rd , ☏ +92 21 561-1031 . Saturday night dance party. Couples only. Call to confirm.  
• Cinnamon Lounge , Avari Towers, Fatimah Jinnah Rd , ☏ +92 21 3566-0100 . 24 hr . Casual cafe inside a splurge hotel offering many desserts, snacks and good coffee. Rs 1,000-1,500 .  
• Gloria Jeans Coffee , located at many places such as in Dolmen City Mall . A branch of the global chain.  
• Koel Cafe , F-42/2, Block 4, Scheme # 5, Clifton , ☏ +92 21 3530-9745 . A nice open air cafe with good Continental food and in a pleasant atmosphere. Rs 1,000-1,500 .  
• 24.807491 67.039841 4 Purple Haze , 66C-68C, 25th St Tauheed Commercial, Defence ( In the basement of 'Evolution' restaurant ), ☏ +92 21 3586-0941 . 13:00-01:00 . Serves excellent desserts and shisha. Karaoke nights are usually fun. Rs 800-1,000 .  

Cigar lounges

Karachi's cigar lounges stock good quality international brands including authentic Cuban cigars. These places have luxurious interiors and can give the illusion of being in a 1950s film.

For Shisha lovers, "Indulge," a chain of cigar lounges, have branches in Park Tower, Millennium Mall, Rashid Minhas Road, and Gulshan-e-Iqbal.

• La Cueva Cigar Lounge , Shop no 4 Building#41c, 04 Shahbaz Commercial Ln, near Pomo Restaurant, D.H.A Phase 6 , ☏ +92 21 3584 4073 .  
• Club Havana , 10, Vawda House, 10th Commercial Lane, Zamzama, Phase 5, Defence , ☏ +92-21-3582-1696 . 11:30-00:30 . A unique, cozy and tranquil atmosphere cigar lounge in the city often play music in the background. Has a large collection of cigars. Rs 800-1,000 .  

Nightlife exists in Karachi and has become the envy of the region. Bars, nightclubs and dance halls have sprouted across the city and some people have also made entertainment venues in their own homes, but these are not easy to find. There are no open 'night clubs' in the city; however, periodic special events are organised in various venues about once every two months – spread by word-of-mouth.

• Dumpukht , ( Marriott Hotel ). Live Indian traditional dancer, every night except Monday from 20:00-23:30.
• PC hotel , Live band playing all types of music followed by Ghazals from 20:30-23:00. Live Ghazal band from 23:00-01:00.

Karachi has a glut of hotels. Prices range from Rs 1,500 to Rs 95,000 (USD15-1,000). As in any other destination, you get what you pay for! The majority of hotels of interest to visitors from outwith Pakistan are located in the Saddar where both the business district and the heavily touristed areas are.

There are hundreds of budget hotels and dormitories to sleep in, scattered throughout Saddar, most dotted around Dr Daud Pota Road, south of Empress Market. For USD30 per night you can get a very decent room, with private bathroom, cable TV and air conditioning. Please remember that the cheaper budget hotels often don’t have their own electric generators – a real problem in the oppressive heat of summer during one of Karachi’s many power cuts. Even within the same budget hotel there will often be a range of rooms with varying facilities and prices, but breakfast is not usually provided. Room amenities such as bed linen, soap and even toilet paper may only be provided on request. Budget hotels here are generally male dominated and solo women or couples may feel uncomfortable staying at them. Some places won't even accept women travelling without men at all and it is particularly important for women and couples to personally inspect accommodation first, to make sure it meets their needs.

• 24.85256 67.03394 1 Gulf Hotel , Dr Daud Pota Rd , ☏ +92 21 3566-1235 . Pretty simple midrange hotel but very reasonable prices. Good executive rooms with air-con for a little extra charge. Rs 1,500-2,500 .  
• Luxury Inn , 245-1-B, Block 6, P.E.C.H.S. , ☏ +92-321-9277881 . Room service and complimentary breakfast. Have spacious room, have Wifi in rooms and TV in every rooms. Rooms have air-conditioned. Have single, double and triple rooms. Hotel have gym and in house restaurant to serve staying guest. Guarded by security personals. Rs 3,000-Rs 4,000 .  
• 24.86128 67.07357 2 Royal Inn Guest House , 245-2-H, Block 6, P.E.C.H.S. , ☏ +92 334 310 1990 . Free Wi-Fi, breakfast, TV, fridge, air-con. Different type of rooms and it is more likely a mid-range guest house.  
• 24.8568 67.031 3 Sarawan Hotel , Raja Ghazanfar Ali Rd , ☏ +92 21 3521-6001 . Good central location in Saddar town. Rooms are large and the whole is solidly reliable if lacking some charm and beauty but overall a decent choice, all in all. Rs 3,000-4,500 .  
• Seaview Guest House , 99/2, 29th Street, Khayaban-e-Bukhari, Phase 6, DHA , ☏ +92 315-2168092 , +92 3332 866771 , +92 300 2514726 . Near Karachi beach in a safer and posh neighbourhood of Karachi. Room service and complimentary breakfast. Have Wifi in rooms and TV in every rooms. Rooms have air-conditioned. Rs 3,500 .  

Karachi’s mid-range hotels usually provide free breakfast and mostly have restaurants and room service. There are usually fewer issues for solo women when staying in mid-range hotels.

• 24.89448 67.15442 4 Airport Hotel , Star Gate Rd, Near Old Airport Rd , ☏ +92 21 34570141-45 , fax : +92 21 34578401 . A pretty good hotel which opened in 1955 under the name “Speed Bird House”. It is owned by Pakistan's national flag carrier airline PIA for its transit passengers and walk-in guests. The hotel have some 244 air-conditioned rooms including some executive rooms. Facilities includes standby generators, cable TV in rooms, free WiFi, gym, sauna, jacuzzi, steam bath, swimming pool and free airport pickup/drop.  
• 24.84337 66.99563 5 Beach Luxury Hotel , Lalazar, MT Khan Rd ( Adjacent to PNSC Building and Port Grand ), ☏ +92 21 3561-1031 , +92 21 111-254-111 , fax : +92-21-3561-1625 , [email protected] . Check-in: 12:00 , check-out: 12:00 . A mid-range resort hotel set amongst tropical gardens and palm trees, with views of China Creek and the Arabian Sea. This female-friendly hotel has 82 bedrooms with free Wi-Fi located at some distance from the shopping area, but close to the business district. 4 restaurants including the only floating buffet restaurant in Pakistan, "Seafront BBQ", and a 24/7 coffee shop. All guests provided with free buffet breakfast, airport pick/drop, swimming pool/gym. Free WifI. Discount rate is given to corporate guests. Rs 8,000-27,500 .  
• Hotel Crown Inn Karachi , 171 Frere Road, Clarke st , Shahrah e iraq, Saddar , ☏ +92 (21) 35622001-6 , +92 3335622002 (WhatsApp) , fax : +92 (21) 35622007 , [email protected] . Offers a sun terrace with views of the city and free WiFi. All rooms have a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Extras include bath robes, slippers and free toiletries. There is a 24-hour front desk, an onsite restaurant, a cash machine and gift shop at the property. Free parking is available onsite. ( updated Mar 2020 )
• 24.86701 67.08384 6 [ https://www.hotelone.com.pk/ Hotel One Karachi

ہوٹل ون], 164, B.C، H.S Shahrah-e-Faisal ( PAF Museum Road ), ☏ +92 341 2201111 . A three-star hotel near PAF and Naval museum.  

• 24.85918 67.05784 7 Embassy Hotel , Shahrah-e-Faisal , ☏ +92 21 34535461-70 . Another mid-range hotel, with a 24-hour coffee shop and restaurant. Rs 6,000 .  
• Grace Inn Guest House , C - 23, Block - B, Gulshan-e-Jamal, , ☏ +92 346 232 3323 . A nice guest house equipped with all basic facilities such as restaurant, room service. Have single and double rooms. All air-conditioned, equipped with TV and wireless internet. Rs 3,000 - Rs 4,000 . ( updated Jul 2022 )
• 24.8518 67.03384 8 Mehran Hotel , Shahrah-e-Faisal , ☏ +92 21 111-909-909 , fax : +92 21 35677019 . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . A 8-floor hotel with 182 room four-star hotel offering hospitality between a mid-range and splurge hotel. Renovated, modern and clean rooms. Two restaurant, a few shops and a bank located inside the hotel. Rs 4,500-6,000 .  
• 24.85564 67.03833 9 Regent Plaza Hotel & Convention Centre. , Shahrah-e-Faisal , ☏ +92 21 111 111 774 , fax : +92 21 35631523 . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 14:00 . facilities including airport transfer, in room safe, buffet breakfast, health club with service. Rs 7,000-10,000 .  
• Regine Inn , C-139/1 Block 2 Clifton , ☏ +92 21-3582 3441 . Fully furnished air-con rooms with free Wifi internet. 4,500-11,000 .  

There are few splurge hotels in Karachi, but the ones that are there are among the very best to be found in all of Pakistan. Security tends to be very strict – so expect metal detectors on entry. The high-rise Sheraton and Avari Towers hotels are prominent landmarks on the Karachi skyline. All the hotels provide complimentary buffet breakfast, have gym, swimming pool, free laundry service to its guests, provide tea makers in the rooms, mini bars, LCD TVs, free WiFi, free shuttles with airport dropoff/pickup and all the other services a full-service hotel have. The hotels provide broad range of facilities and extensive service to guests and generally staffed around the clock and usually divided into floors and rooms on upper floors are more attractive, executive and costly. The hotel include a front desk and room service available 24 hours a day, an on-site restaurants with upscale cuisine.

Special, lower rates are often available when booking in advance.

• 24.85221 67.03223 10 Avari Towers , Club Rd , ☏ +92 21 111-282-747 , [email protected] . This 20 story hotel is the tallest hotel in Pakistan. Hotel has 236 rooms in addition to suites and presidential suites. Complimentary mini bar. Hotel provides international standard facilities. Tennis courts, swimming pool, fitness centre with Jacuzzi, sauna etc. are located on the premises along with four restaurants offering specialist cuisine, named "Fujiyama" for Japanese, the Karachi famed restaurant "Dynasty" for Chinese cuisine, "Asia Live" for Pakistani and continental food and a Pakistani/Continental barbecue restaurant "Sky BBQ" located on the rooftop that gives the best views of the Karachi city. There is also a 24 hours casual dining place inside the hotel offering coffee with desserts and snacks. Rs 18,000-70,000 .  
• 24.84584 67.03126 11 Marriott Hotel , Abdullah Haroon Rd , ☏ +92-21-111-223-344 , fax : +92-21-3568-9510 . A five-star hotel opposite the historic building of Frere Hall and provides very tight security due to the close proximity of the Japanese consulate. Quality of the hotel is best, with elegant rooms and good service. Few good restaurants are located inside the hotel such as "Dumpukht" for Bar B Q, "Suzie Wong" for Chinese and a popular "Nadia Coffee Shop" for continental and Pakistani cuisine. Hotel offer business facilities along with Leisure Club which includes tennis and squash courts, swimming pool and a fitness centre complimentary. Rs 22,000-94,000) .  
• 24.84654 67.02633 12 Mövenpick Hotel ( previously Sheraton Hotel And Towers ), Club Rd , ☏ +92 21 3563-3333 , fax : +92 21 3563-3209 . Check-in: 15:00 , check-out: 12:00 . An international managed five star hotel which is renovated. There are 407 rooms inside the hotel including 21 suites, which vary according to price, hotel offers some fashionably elegant rooms in the city. There are five restaurants inside the hotel named "Al Bustan" and "The Pakistani" which offer Pakistani cuisine, an Italian trendy atmosphere "La Mamma" and "Kabab-Ji Restaurant" offer Lebanese cuisine. There is one good 24 hours coffee lounge and a snacks restaurant also located inside the hotel. Swimming pool and fitness centre are available on the premises. Also a shopping arcade provides a variety of souvenirs. Rs 20,000-125,000 .  
• 24.84711 67.02494 13 Pearl Continental , Club Rd , ☏ +92 21 111-505-505 , [email protected] . Check-in: 15:00 , check-out: 12:00 . This five star hotel is the most sophisticated hotel in the city and provides international standard facilities with quality service. Hotel has total 258 rooms and 21 suites which includes some stylish rooms. Tennis and squash courts, swimming pool and a health club are located inside the hotel building. Among the restaurants inside the hotel are, rooftop "Chandni" for Pakistani, "Taipan" and "Marcopolo" for Chinese, a steak house "Jason Steak House" and "the Royal Elephant" for the sea food lovers, also a 24 hours nice coffee shop and a small shopping centre in the lobby. Overall a high standards hotel. This was the first-ever five-star Intercontinental Hotel in Pakistan, and has hosted Queen Elizabeth II, Nelson Mandela, and other world leaders and royalty. Its known for its classic luxury and an array of restaurants including Sakura serving authentic Japanese food on the hotel's top floor, which has views of downtown Karachi. Rs 18,000-95,000 .  
• 24.89434 67.15565 14 Ramada Plaza Hotel , Star Avenue, Terminal 1, Airport Rd ( Close to airport ), ☏ +92 21 99242600 , fax : +92 21 99242978 . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Owned by international hotel chain (Ramada) Wyndham Worldwide. This is considered as airport hotel because of its very close proximity to airport. Rs 20,000-32,000 .  

Since the late 2000s, Karachi has seen many bombings and attacks as well as political and ethnic tensions, since the city has a conspicuous history of problems with terrorism, violent demonstrations, street crime, kidnappings and other negative effects of Islamic fundamentalism, and has become one of the most crime-infested and troubled cities of the region. Several countries started to order their citizens to register with their consulate to receive contact details during emergencies. Check with your consulate before you travel, if you are required to register, too.

Street crime in Karachi is about what you'd expect in a huge city. Use common sense and avoid dangerous areas such as slums and suburbs with bad reputation such as Orangi town, Malir, New Karachi, and North Karachi where gun crime is getting common, however, there should be no serious danger in the affluent parts of the city. Defence, Nazimabad, Gulshan Lyari and Clifton are regarded as the safest neighbourhoods of Karachi and will offer the most "tourist-friendly" experience of Karachi, given that there will be no language barrier (most Pakistanis can speak some English, and many people in these districts will be completely fluent). Most visitors will find there is a large degree of cultural understanding and compatibility between the residents of Karachi and western tourists.

The people of Karachi are very hospitable. They tend to welcome any foreigner very warmly, but regardless of how nice someone seems you should remain aware and alert at all times.

Women are usually stared at in certain parts of the city, so they should bring along a male relative or friend, to be safe. Female travellers should never accept lifts from strangers and should not go out alone at night.

In general, in Karachi, if you are ever worried about your safety, make a loud scene. It is an extremely crowded city, and somebody is always around and willing to help. Keep your money and credit cards safe at all times. Always carry some cash as many places won't take cards. Do not display 5,000 rupee notes in public. Also beware of bag snatchers.

Police can sometimes be almost as shady as criminals in Karachi. Some police officers may be corrupt and unhelpful, while others are very honest and helpful. Surprisingly, it's fine to offer bribes to a police officer in case you violated a traffic rule but possession of drugs can get you into trouble.

Karachi has mostly been spared the attacks that have happened in the rest of the country, but "mostly" is a relative term. You should always keep handy the emergency telephone contact numbers of your country's consulate in Karachi.

Traffic jams are a major hassle in Karachi. Although the city government has built dozens of underpasses and flyovers to get rid of the overflow of the traffic, it is a good idea to keep a look for any rallies/protests and check out alternate routes while travelling in the city. Because it is Pakistan's biggest city, it's the area most affected during strikes and you should do your best to keep a low profile during times of political unrest. Avoid any sort of large gatherings, even positive ones, as there's a good chance you'll become the centre of attention and you probably don't want that from a group of raucous chanters.

Try not to drive in Karachi if you are new to the city since drivers are aggressive and undisciplined and traffic is chaotic. Pollution levels (like most other cities in the subcontinent) are high. It's not common to see local people with face masks on, but at the very least you should carry a handkerchief with you to cover your mouth and nose, especially during rickshaw rides.

Pedestrians should be careful while crossing roads as some drivers will neither slow down nor sound a horn to warn of an impending collision. This also applies when getting out of the car on the traffic side; look both ways until you are off the road and don't hesitate to run if you sense a car barrelling towards you. Minibus drivers are particularly notorious.

Never let any men on motorbikes get near you, even if they are asking for directions. They could be muggers, and you could lose you valuables as the crime rate in Karachi is significant, especially in abandoned or dark areas. While driving, beware of chingchis, rickshaws and motorbikes as they can literally emerge from anywhere right in front of you, and if any accident happens, you will be blamed because you or your car is deemed to be stronger than they or their vehicle. Even worse, irate crowds gather in such situations.

The area code for Karachi is 21 . (International code +92 if calling from outside Pakistan). Karachi phone numbers are eight digits long. Public Call Offices (PCO), can be found all over the city although they're not so popular nowadays as they once used to be because of vast use of mobile phones now but still you can find a PCO in general or convenience stores; there is usually someone who operates the phone and fax unlike coin operated telephone booths. Rates are usually cheap and will be charged according to the time spent, and you will pay when you have finished your call. Often it is difficult to find one that is open early in the morning or late at night. Cell phone coverage in the city is excellent.

Cybercafes , locally known as "Internet cafes" can be found on virtually every street corner and the rates at around Rs 50 per hr. They usually don't have a very fast operating system nor good internet speed so don't be too impatient. Don't be surprised if you are stuck with a small monitor, Windows XP, and Internet Explorer 5.0. Also data security could be an issue. As a caution, change your password after you use it at a cybercafe or do private/incognito browsing. Most of the cafes in downtown area have a decent speed internet connection with good operating systems.

Internet Access , can be obtained easily on notebook computers with the help of GRPS/3G enabled mobile connections, supported by almost all of the 5 mobile operators. The standard cost of GPRS/EDGE/3G usage is PKR 15-Rs 20/MB of data download with no charges on uploads, Although some provide prepay Unlimited daily/weekly packages, however if you wish to download much more you may want to use unlimited packages, provided by all of the 5 mobile operators. PTCL, Mobilink Infinity, WorldCall, Wateen, Qubee are WiMax internet providers and Wi-Tribe offers USB internet. PTCL 3G/4G evo is also a good highspeed and budget option for internet.

Wi-Fi , Finding Wi-Fi in Karachi is very difficult. However there are several Wi-Fi Hotspots in hotels, malls and cafes/restaurants. If you are in a business district like Shahra-e-Faisal or I.I.Chundrigar Rd, or Malls in Clifton then most of the area will have Wi-Fi.

• Aga Khan Hospital , Stadium Rd . This hospital is by far the best and biggest private hospital in the city, with world class medical care though not at an affordable cost but profound professional service. However, the free, government hospitals aren't up to par with what some visitors may be used to. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• Kirthar National Park – a beautiful and rugged vast land area; home to a large variety of wildlife.
• Mohenjo-daro – a spectacular, fascinating and important archaeological site of ruins of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Quaid-i-Azam Mausoleum

This curiously shaped mausoleum is a monument to Pakistan's founder, Mohammed Ali Jinnah. It's set at the top of a stepped pyramid in a small park. Built…

Although not as busy as Clifton Beach, Sandspit is popular with families on Sunday and on holidays. Sandspit is a natural breakwater that prevents the…

Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach is Karachi's busiest beach, although here you'll want to take a stroll rather than a swim. The beach itself is nothing special, made of mud…

Manora Island

Manora Island sits a short ferry ride from Keamari Harbour, the entrance to Karachi's busy port. The island was the site of the fort where Karachi's…

Defence Housing Authority Mosque (Masjid-i-Tuba)

Surely Pakistan's most eccentric mosque, the Defence Housing Authority Mosque is a truly odd structure that was built in the late 1960s. The low-slung…

Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Museum

Pakistan's plentiful military museums always pose a problem - how to celebrate an institution that has repeatedly seized power from the politicians and…

Karachi Metropolitan Development Corporation Building

Many of the city's most architecturally interesting British Raj buildings are now used as government offices and aren't so easily accessible for…

National Museum of Pakistan

The display here includes a two-million-year-old Stone Age axe recovered from the Potwar Plateau and other artefacts from around Pakistan. There's an…

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Karachi

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Sunset in Karachi.

Things to Do in Karachi: A Guide to Top Activities, Attractions, and Hidden Gems

Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan , is a bustling metropolis known for its diverse culture, historical landmarks, and vibrant street life. For those considering things to do in Karachi, exploring the Quaid-e-Azam’s Mausoleum, the final resting place of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, and wandering through the bustling streets of Saddar, the city’s commercial heart, are top activities.

The city’s Clifton Beach offers a respite from the urban hustle, providing a space for leisure and relaxation along the Arabian Sea. Nearby, the Mohatta Palace, a stunning pink stone palace, now serves as a museum showcasing Pakistani arts and culture.

Beyond its historical and cultural attractions, Karachi is renowned for its culinary scene, with street food stalls and high-end restaurants serving a wide array of delicious Pakistani dishes. For those seeking the best places to visit in Pakistan , Karachi’s blend of history, culture, and gastronomy makes it a compelling destination.

Table of Contents

Attractions & Things to Do in Karachi, Pakistan

1. clifton beach.

Clifton Beach, also known as Sea View, is a bustling strip along the Arabian Sea where locals come to enjoy the ocean breeze, camel and horse rides, and the vibrant atmosphere.

Travel Tip: Visit in the early evening to catch the sunset and stay to experience the lively night scene, with plenty of local food vendors around.

2. Quaid-e-Azam’s Mausoleum

This impressive white marble mausoleum is the final resting place of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. Its modern design and peaceful surroundings make it a significant landmark in Karachi.

Travel Tip: Dress conservatively when visiting and try to go during the cooler parts of the day, as it can get quite hot.

3. Mohatta Palace Museum

Mohatta Palace is a stunning pink sandstone palace that now serves as an art museum. It was built by a Hindu prince in the colonial era and now showcases various exhibits, including Pakistani arts and crafts.

Travel Tip: Check the exhibition schedule before your visit to see if there are any special arts or cultural exhibits that interest you.

4. Karachi Zoo

Karachi Zoo, also known as Karachi Zoological Gardens, is home to a wide range of animals, including an elephant house, a natural history museum, and a botanical garden.

Travel Tip: Visit the zoo in the morning when the animals are most active and the weather is cooler.

5. Empress Market

Empress Market is a bustling bazaar located in the Saddar Town locality. It’s a historic building dating back to the British Raj, and visitors can find a wide array of goods, from food and spices to textiles and handicrafts.

Travel Tip: Be ready to haggle if you want to get the best prices and visit earlier in the day when it’s less crowded.

6. Chaukhandi Tombs

Situated 29 kilometers east of Karachi, the Chaukhandi tombs are notable for their elaborate sandstone carvings. They are a unique example of Sindh’s early Islamic architecture.

Travel Tip: Hire a guide when you arrive to fully appreciate the historical context of the tombs.

7. National Museum of Pakistan

The National Museum of Pakistan holds a vast collection of items relating to Pakistan’s heritage, including ancient relics, Islamic art, and historical documents.

Travel Tip: Allow a few hours to thoroughly explore the museum’s extensive collection.

8. Port Grand

Port Grand is a waterfront dining and entertainment complex offering a variety of food stalls, restaurants, and recreational activities. It’s a great place to experience Karachi’s nightlife.

Travel Tip: Plan your visit around sunset to enjoy waterfront dining against the backdrop of the setting sun.

9. Frere Hall

Frere Hall is a beautifully preserved example of colonial-era architecture that now hosts a library and art exhibitions. Its lawns are a popular place for picnics and cultural events.

Travel Tip: Visit on the weekend when the surrounding park becomes a lively spot for families and cultural events like book fairs.

10. Pakistan Air Force Museum

The museum is dedicated to the history of the Pakistan Air Force and has an impressive collection of aircraft and aviation artifacts, both military and civilian.

Travel Tip: Check out the outdoor display that includes historical aircraft; it makes for great photo opportunities.

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Karachi, Pakistan: Ratings

Kid-Friendly Activities in Karachi: 7/10 – Karachi offers several family-friendly attractions, such as the Karachi Zoo, Clifton Beach, and amusement parks like Aladdin Park and Sindbad’s Wonderland. The PAF Museum and Pakistan Maritime Museum also provide educational and interactive experiences for children.

Nightlife in Karachi: 6/10 – Nightlife in Karachi is vibrant, with a range of restaurants, cafes, and private clubs that stay open late. Areas like Clifton and DHA are popular for dining and socializing. While there are no bars or nightclubs due to cultural norms, the city’s diverse dining scene provides enjoyable evening entertainment.

Sport in Karachi: 8/10 – Karachi provides excellent opportunities for sports, particularly cricket, with venues like the National Stadium hosting major matches. The city also offers facilities for football, tennis, and water sports along its coast, including sailing and jet skiing. Parks and gyms cater to various fitness activities.

Culture and Attractions in Karachi: 8/10 – Karachi is rich in cultural and historical attractions, such as the Quaid-e-Azam House Museum, Mohatta Palace, and the vibrant Saddar area. The city’s diverse arts scene, theaters, and cultural festivals, like the Karachi Literature Festival, contribute to its rich cultural landscape.

Gastronomy in Karachi: 9/10 – The culinary scene in Karachi is diverse and renowned for its traditional Pakistani cuisine, including biryani, kebabs, and seafood. The city offers a wide range of dining options, from street food to fine dining, representing various regional and international cuisines.

Shopping in Karachi: 8/10 – Karachi offers excellent shopping experiences, from luxury malls like Dolmen Mall Clifton and Lucky One Mall to bustling markets like Zainab Market and Empress Market. The city provides a wide variety of goods, including fashion, electronics, and local crafts, catering to all budgets.

Prices in Karachi: 7/10 – Karachi is relatively affordable, with moderate prices for accommodation, dining, and entertainment. The cost of living is lower compared to many international cities, making it accessible for a range of travelers.

Average price for a hotel night: $60 Cost of a lunch at a local restaurant: $5 Price of a beer: N/A (Alcohol is restricted and mostly available in private settings) Price of a coffee: $2.50

Beyond the City: Exploring Surroundings and Stays in Karachi, Pakistan

For those looking to explore beyond Karachi’s bustling streets, top day trips near Karachi present an opportunity to discover Pakistan’s diverse landscapes and historical sites. The ancient ruins of Mohenjo-Daro, the serene beauty of Keenjhar Lake, and the wildlife at Haleji Lake offer a break from the city life, each accessible for a memorable day out.

When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay, Karachi accommodations offer a variety of choices, from opulent hotels boasting all modern comforts to budget-friendly guesthouses, ensuring a pleasant stay for visitors looking to experience this vibrant city’s energy and warmth.

FAQ About Things to Do in Karachi, Pakistan

What are the must-visit places in karachi for first-time visitors.

For first-time visitors, the Karachi coastline including Clifton Beach, the historical Quaid-e-Azam’s Mausoleum, the Pakistan Maritime Museum, and the bustling Saddar Town are essential places to visit.

Can I visit any historical sites in Karachi?

Yes, Karachi is home to several historical sites such as the Mohatta Palace, Frere Hall, and the National Museum of Pakistan, where you can delve into the country’s rich heritage.

Are there any parks or gardens to visit in Karachi?

Karachi features numerous parks and gardens such as Bagh Ibne Qasim, Karachi Zoo, and the Hill Park, which provide a green escape from the city life.

What shopping experiences can I have in Karachi?

Karachi offers a vibrant shopping experience from high-end malls like Dolmen Mall to traditional bazaars such as Zainab Market and Empress Market where you can find a variety of goods from clothes to spices.

Is there a place to experience wildlife or sea life in Karachi?

Yes, you can visit the Karachi Safari Park for wildlife encounters or the Churna Island for snorkeling and scuba diving to explore marine life.

What cultural experiences does Karachi offer?

Karachi is a cultural hub with regular events at the National Academy of Performing Arts, exhibitions at the Karachi Biennale, and the annual Karachi Literature Festival.

Where can I find the best local food in Karachi?

Karachi is famous for its diverse cuisine. Areas like Boat Basin, Burns Road, and Port Grand offer a wide range of local dishes such as Biryani, Haleem, and Nihari.

Are there any beach activities in Karachi?

Clifton Beach and Hawke’s Bay Beach are popular spots for camel rides, horseback riding, and enjoying the seaside. For more adventurous activities, you can try jet skiing and beach buggy rides.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karachi https://www.getyourguide.com/karachi-l156904/

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended, at no extra cost to you.

David Zacik

I like to travel and I run a website about interesting places, food, countries and customs, sharing practical tips and inspiring others.

Pakistan: Peaks, Palaces, and Pastoral Beauty

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How to Travel in Karachi as a Tourist

Date: January 9, 2024 By Apricot Tours Categories: Blog No comments

The lovely islands include Clifton Oyster Rocks and Monora Island. Churna Island is a true paradise, known for its snorkelling, scuba diving, and other activities. The Pakistani government and investors intend to transform Bandal Island into a beautiful island city. The Hub Lake, which is approximately 60 km from Karachi, is also a great site to visit.

Karachi’s beautiful architecture dates back to the Mughal and British eras, while the remainder was created after independence. Frere Hall, Empress Market, Karachi Gymkhana, and Mahatta Palace are all must-see destinations. You will be delighted by the sight of Jehangir Kothari Parade and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

If you want to see some of Karachi’s educational institutions, Agha Khan University, Karachi University, Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology, and Habib University are just a handful of them, but the city has a couple dozen more great ones.

List of Places to Visit in Karachi

If you are about to visit Karachi for the first time, here is a list of Karachi touristic places.

Clifton Beach

If you want to enjoy authentic coastal beauty without paying thousands of rupees, Clifton Beach could be the best option for you.

Clifton Beach, often known as the Sea View, is a hub of recreational activities and well-known restaurants. If you want to watch the sunset or examine the seashells on the beach while enjoying a cool sea breeze, head to Clifton Beach.

It spans the Arabian Sea from Karachi to Ormara, Balochistan. Aside from the natural beauty, the beach offers a variety of recreational activities such as camel rides, scuba diving, cliff diving, buggy rides, horseback riding, and plastic aircraft flying, among others.

You can also stay in residential neighbourhoods near the coast. There are several Seaview apartments in the gated residential area. Alternatively, you can stay at the city’s top 3- and 4-star hotels. These establishments are regarded as among the city’s best due to their location and attractions. Other apartments and villas along the Clifton beach beaches are gaining popularity.

The Hub Dam is located in Sindh’s Karachi district and Balochistan’s Lasbela district. The dam is built on the Hub River. Dams in Pakistan provide not just electricity and water, but also serve as ideal vacation destinations for people. If you enjoy adventure, explore Pakistan’s deserts.

Mazar-e-Quaid

Karachi is also the ultimate resting place of Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Mazar-e-Quaid, commonly known as the Jinnah Mausoleum, is one of the most popular attractions in Karachi.

Construction and design of the mausoleum began in 1960 and was finished in 1971. The mausoleum is an iconic emblem of Karachi and one of Pakistan’s most popular tourist destinations. The mausoleum includes the tombs of Jinnah’s sister, Māder-e Millat (“Mother of the Nation”), Fatima Jinnah, Sardar Abdur Rab Nishtar, Liaquat Ali Khan, and Nurul Amin.

The Mazar e Quaid is open to the general public. Visit the Mazar to honour Pakistan’s heroes. Pakistan has hundreds of economical and entertaining family vacation destinations.

Mohatta Palace

The Mohatta Palace is a stunning structure situated in the centre of Karachi. The palace, designed by Agha Ahmed Hussain, was completed in 1927 in the wealthy beach town of Clifton. Previously, it was the vacation home of Shivratan Mohatta, a well-known Hindu industrialist. He built the palace for his ailing wife after physicians urged him to take her near the sea.

The palace was created in the manner of Rajasthani stone palaces, with pink Jodhpur stone combined with native yellow stone from nearby Gizri. After the partition, Fatima Jinnah received the Mohatta palace. She spent her final years in this palace. In short, Mohatta Palace has both historical and political roots. The palace is now a state-owned museum.

The amazing architecture of the structure is simply breathtaking. The buildings stand out from the crowd with their expansive gardens and corner tomb structures. If you want to see a realistic picture of modern Mughal art and architecture, go to Mohatta Palace.

Karachi Zoo

The Karachi Zoo, commonly known as the Karachi Zoological Gardens, is situated in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. It is Pakistan’s largest and second-oldest zoo, behind the Lahore Zoo. It is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Karachi with family. The Zoo was opened to the public in 1878. Previously, it was known as the Mahatma Gandhi Garden. Pakistan gained independence in 1947, and the name was changed to ‘Karachi Zoological Gardens’ or ‘Karachi Zoo’.

The zoo is home to a variety of exotic and wild creatures, including tigers, lions, alligators, and zebras. Some of the most notable attractions of the zoo are:

• Elephant House
• The Natural History Museum is one of the more famous attractions in Karachi Zoo. Apart from stuffed animals, skins, antlers, horns, and feathers of different animals are also exhibited in the Natural History Museum.
• Reptile House with more than 13 species of snakes and lizards.
• Veterinary Hospital
• Mughal Garden is known among the masses for different species of fauna.
• White Lions

Empress Market

Empress Market is one of Karachi’s oldest and most well-known marketplaces. Empress Market is located in the heart of Saddar and contains everything you need. The market originated during the British Raj. Empress Market was built between 1884 and 1889 and was named after Queen Victoria, Empress of India.

The market is home to hundreds of stores selling anything from fruit, vegetables, and meat to stationery, textiles, and pets. After your shopping trip, you can take your children to Jahangir Park, a recreational park near the market.

The market has considerable value because it is situated on the site where numerous local sepoys were killed following the failed 1857 revolt against British rule.

Quaid e Azam Museum

The Quaid e Azam Museum, popularly known as the Flagstaff House, is located in the heart of Karachi city. The museum housed all of Quaid e Azam’s personal belongings.

Moses Somake, a British architect, designed the museum. Between 1944 and 1948, the museum served as Quaid e Azam’s house. After his death, his sister, Fatima Jinnah, stayed in the residence until 1964. The Pakistani government later bought the structure in 1985 and converted it into a museum.

How to get around Karachi

Buses, taxis, rickshaws, trains, and private cars are all options for getting about Karachi. The most popular and convenient means of transportation in Karachi is the local taxi service known as “kaali-peeli” taxis. You can also utilise ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem. However, it is advised to use these services during the day and in well-known regions. The local bus service is also an inexpensive and convenient way to get through the city, however, it can be congested during rush hour. You can either rent a car or hire a private driver for your trip, depending on your preferences and budget.

So there you have it—the top tourist attractions in Karachi. Karachi has something for everyone, from eating delicious street food to exploring bustling marketplaces and participating in adventurous outdoor activities. Don’t forget to bring your sense of adventure and appetite for good food – you’re in for a wonderful time in the City of Lights! In conclusion, Karachi is a city that seamlessly integrates history, culture, and modernity, making it a popular tourist destination in Pakistan.

There are plenty of things to do in Karachi, from visiting its historical landmarks and dynamic neighbourhoods to relaxing on its beautiful beaches and indulging in its rich culinary scene. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, this definitive guide has shown you the best of Karachi. So, pack your luggage and prepare to start on a tour to this fascinating city that will certainly captivate you. Karachi awaits, ready to captivate and delight you with its bright energy and welcoming warmth.

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Karachi Travel Guide

Experience Karachi

Clifton Beach, Karachi

Millennium Mall

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Karachi Zoo

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Pakistan Maritime Museum

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Where to stay, mövenpick hotel karachi, pearl continental hotel, karachi, hotel excelsior karachi, regent plaza hotel & convention center, avari tower karachi, ramada plaza by wyndham karachi airport hotel, karachi marriott hotel, beach luxury hotel, ramada by wyndham karachi creek, hotel crown inn, waypoint hotel, what to eat.

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Section in Karachi Do & See There is plenty to see in sprawling Karachi, the financial first city of Pakistan and a fascinating melting pot of cultures. Most visitor attractions are concentrated in the southern district, while the outlying beaches and islands make for excellent short trips out of the city. If you're keen on learning more about the city’s history, museums like the National Museum of Pakistan and Mohatta Palace Museum are ones not to be missed. Read more

Quaid Mausoleum

Tuba Mosque

Mohatta Palace Museum

National Museum of Pakistan

Karachi’s Victorian Architecture

Pakistan Air Force Museum (PAF)

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15 Most Beautiful Places in Karachi to Travel

K arachi is surrounded by numerous historical places and family picnic points. People outside the city thrive to travel those spots. But for the locals, it becomes a little bit tangled because of their hectic schedules. Since everyone wants to have quality time with their loved ones and look for an escape from their routine, it often becomes difficult to find the best places to visit in Karachi. Now you don’t need to worry any longer as we bring here the 15 most beautiful places in Karachi.

Let’s get started:

1. Bahria Town Karachi 

If we talk about the cleanest and most elegant areas of Karachi for a comfortable living then, Bahria Town Karachi will always stand out. Not just that, this luxurious area also has several popular spots for entertainment which are worth exploring. In fact, this area has become one of the prime locations for shooting Pakistani dramas and other music videos. Inside Bahria Town, you can find Mosque, University, Restaurants, and many other entertaining places. Here are some activities you can do at Bahria Town Karachi:

• Exploring Danzoo
• Touring Bahria Adventure Land
• Day & Night Safari
• Bahria Sightseeing
• Dancing Fountain Show

Location: Bahria Town Karachi City, Sindh

2. Port Grand

Port Grand is a go-to spot to explore art, food, entertainment and music. A visit to this exciting place can bring back the happy vibes in you. It’s a must-visit place if you’re looking for astonishing spots in Karachi. This place is full of entertainment activities. Not just adults but children also can have a memorable time. Giving the vibes of a foreign location you will be amazed to see the infrastructure of this location. This dreamy place has a lot to provide likewise, these are the activities you can do at Port Grand:

• Outdoor Games
• Indoor & Outdoor Dining
• Music Concerts
• Buggy Rides

Read: [ What’s in Port Grand Karachi ]

Location: Road Port Grand Food St, opposite PNSC Building, West Wharf, Karachi City, Sindh Timings: 4:00 p.m – 12:00 a.m

3. Do Darya

If you’re looking for seafood restaurants in Karachi with a serene view of nature then Do Darya is your go-to place. It’s a food street where you can dine in the fresh air and enjoy the experience. Also, the best place to visit in Karachi for couples. You can choose between the numerous restaurants and cafes and get your dinner done along the seashore.

Location: Q32P+6P3, Sea View Rd, D.H.A. Phase 8 Zone C Phase 8 DHA, Karachi, Sindh 75500 Timings: Mon-Sat 06:00 p.m to 03:00 a.m, Sunday 03:00 p.m to 03:00 a.m

4. TDF Magnifiscience Centre 

Do you also want your children to explore something related to science and technology? Then have a trip to TDF Magnifiscience Centre which has now become a primary hub for kids to increase their knowledge related to science and technology. Moreover, there are several mind games for them to boost their IQ level and learning capacity. One of the surprising and worth exploring places for kids.

Read: [ What’s in TDF Magnifiscience Centre ]

Location: Plot no 1 RY-15 Railway Quarter, Karachi, 75530 Timings: Mon – Thu 08:30 a.m – 04:30 p.m, Sat, Sun 10:00 a.m – 07:30 p.m

5. Burns Road Food Street

Food carts at burns road are mouth-watering. Your visit to Karachi is incomplete without exploring the appetizing dishes at the local restaurants on burns road. Similar to Port Grand food street, burns road is also filled with traditional food varieties. Here you will find famous cuisines along with the local street food of Karachi. Moreover, the best thing about Burns road is its timing. You can have a round of this place even at midnight and taste the delicious food.

Location: Burns Road, M.A Jinnah Road Karachi Timings: Mon-Sun 10:00 a.m – 3:30 a.m

6. PAF Museum 

If the Air Force of Pakistan entices you, this place is for you. The famous PAF museum is full of history related to the country’s well-known heroes who sacrificed themselves for the sake of their homeland. Furthermore, there are several aircraft archives which you can capture into your cameras. In the same way, video games and other indoor activities areas are also available for the kids. Have a look at the prime activities people can do at PAF Museum.

• Exploring Museum
• Learning About the Pak air-force history
• Indoor Video Games

Location: PAF Faisal Base، Shahrah-e-Faisal, Faisal Cantonment, Karachi City, Sindh Timings: 9:00 a.m – 9:00 p.m

7. Winterland 

Near to PAF Museum, there’s also Winterland. It’s the most trending public attraction nowadays. A place where you can enjoy the live snowfall. You can also call it the first cold park in Karachi. The place is all set to give you a thrilling experience at minus 10 degrees. Moreover, there are frozen slides for kids and other exciting activities. So, surprise your children and take them to this snow Winterland Karachi to make them enjoy these activities:

• Ice Sliding
• Ice Air Hockey
• Merry Snow Round
• Live Snowfall
• Ice Sculptures

Read: [ What’s in Winterland ]

Location: PAF Museum (near Gate number 4) Sharah e Faisal – Faisal Cantonment, Karachi Timings: Mon-Sun 03:00 p.m to 12:00 a.m

8. Mohatta Palace 

Mohatta Palace was constructed in 1921 and it was the home of Hindu businessman Shivratan Mohatta. However, after the Independence Pakistani government made a few changes in construction. Since field trips are essential for every student to learn about their roots, this place is the best to explore the history of Karachi. The ancient figures of Mohatta give the vibes of old Mughal living standards. Time to make a plan to visit this historically rich place, Mohatta Palace.

Location: 7 Hatim Alvi Rd, Block 5 Old Clifton, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh 75600 Timings: 11:00 a.m to 06:00 p.m

9. Mazar-e-Quaid

Mazar-e-Quaid is one of the well-known tourist attractions. People love to be at the tomb of Quaid e Azam to pay him regard for his struggle for Pakistan. Whenever travellers visit Karachi the natives always suggest to them to plan a trip to Mazar-e-Quaid. If we talk about the history of the best place to visit in Karachi with friends and family then, Mazar of Quaid was first contracted in 1960 and inaugurated in 1971 for the public. This mausoleum is the resting place of the founder of Pakistan Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his Sister Fatima Ali Jinnah. Since 1971 this place is one of the most visited sights in Pakistan. Furthermore, you can enjoy the visit by exploring the museum and capturing great photos there.

Read: [ Book Review: Jinnah of Pakistan ] 

Location:   V2FQ+VR2, M.A Jinnah Rd, Central Jacob Lines Ghm, Karachi City, Sindh Timings: 10:00 a.m to 05:30 p.m

10. Clifton Beach (Sea View) 

Clifton beach is one of the prime visiting destinations for people around the country. There are several exciting activities to do such as horse riding and making Sandcastle. It’s one of the finest sea picnic points in Karachi. Although it’s a common beach for Karachities but might appeal to you if you’re travelling for the first time in Karachi. This exceptional spot is the most visited area by locals and travellers. Moreover, there are several enjoyable activities you can do along with your household, a few of them are listed below:

• Horse Riding
• Camel Riding
• Family Picnic
• Play Outdoor Games
• Making Sandcastle

Location: Sea View Clifton Beach, Karachi

11. Kidney Hill Park

If you’re a nature lover then there’s a place for you which is green, beautiful, dense, vast and full of alluring views. It’s called Kidney Hill Park. It was inaugurated in 2019 by Murtuza Wahab and is now maintained by KDA. It’s built on 62 acres of land and has a vast variety of fruit-bearing plants and trees. It’s also a preservation point for the most famous rock Jabal Tariq. Once you step into this lush green environment, it’s impossible for you to step out before evening. Here’s what you can do at this park:

• Playing sports
• Photography
• Picnic spot
• Good time with your friends and family

Read: [ What’s in Kidney Hill Park ]

Location: Kokan Society, Cp & Berar Chs, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh Timings: 6:00 a.m – 7:00 p.m

12. Chaukhandi Tombs

The Graveyard of Chaukhandi Tombs was built around the 16th -18th century under the Mughal Empire. It’s situated 29 km east of Karachi and gives the vibes of several old dynasties. You should always have a trip to this necropolis to know more about human history. People visit these tombs during the daytime and get amazed by the infrastructure of this ancient graveyard.

Location: N-5 Near، Landhi Town, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh Timings: 10:00 a.m to 07:00 p.m

13. Karachi Zoo

One of the old and most visited parks in Karachi. Horror shows and natural museums are the most popular spots at Karachi Zoo. It’s also known as the Botanical and Gandhi garden. Talking about the public attendance then kids love to travel to this amazing park and meet with the animals of the zoo. Furthermore, the ticket prices are cheap and economical. Students from different schools also have their trips to the Karachi zoo and enjoy doing these activities:

• Elephant House
• Horror Show
• Explore Natural Museum
• Kids Train Ride

Location:   V2GF+F8R, Garden West Millat Nagar, Karachi, Sindh Timings: Mon-Sat 09:00 a.m to 06:30 p.m

14. Frere Hall

Frere Hall was built during British Empire now it is used as an exhibition spot and library. This beautiful hall was constructed in 1865 and has now become an exhibition space. Hundreds of people visit this place on a daily basis and learn about the background of this historic building. Located at one of these leading locations in Karachi, it contributes so much to gain for those who love historical monuments.

Read Also: [ Trip to Int Bara Market, Saddar ]

Location: R2XM+263, Fatima Jinnah Rd, Saddar Civil Lines, Karachi, Sindh Timings: 09:00 a.m to 05:00 p.m

15. TDF Ghar

Last on the list of most beautiful places in Karachi but worth mentioning is TDF Ghar. The Dawood Foundation Ghar was constructed in 1930 after the Independence was restored by The Dawood Foundation and turned into a Museum. This museum reflects the past of Karachi and the culture of the locals. Students from all over the city travel to this museum during their field trips. In this glorious public attraction, there are several areas such as Numaish Hall, Rooftop, library, Sehan Cafe and living room museum. Apart from exploring the place, you can also enjoy these activities:

• Art Exhibitions
• Film screenings
• Performances

Location:   M.A Jinnah Rd, Soldier Bazaar Catholic Colony, Karachi, Sindh Timings: Tue – Sun 10:00 a.m to 10:00 p.m

It’s always fun to travel to these most beautiful spots in Karachi. In fact, exploring new places will always shift your mood to good. That’s why it is important to take tourism seriously and increase the opportunities for people to have quality time and energize themselves. So, these were the most recommended locations in Karachi for a perfect family time.

Have we missed your favourite place? You can let us know in the comments below.

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10 Best Travel Agencies in Karachi

Karachi, the city of lights, is a traveler’s delight. With a rich cultural heritage, vibrant people, and scrumptious cuisine, it can be difficult to choose just where to start your adventure. Fear not, for Karachi is home to some of the best travel agencies in Pakistan.

These agencies are not only reliable but also offer customized travel packages suited to your needs and budget. So whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, you can trust these travel agencies to make your journey to Karachi a memorable one. Plan your trip with ease as we bring you the top travel agencies in Karachi that cater to every traveler’s needs.

Travel Agency In Karachi

Here’s a list of the top 10 travel agencies in Karachi based on customer ratings:

1.Total Travels

Established in 2007, Total Travels has grown exponentially to become one of the premier travel agencies in Pakistan. With its main office and a dedicated branch both located in Karachi, Total Travels offers a comprehensive range of travel-related services. This includes air ticket booking, curated tour packages, hotel reservations, travel insurance, and even specialized packages for Hajj and Umrah.

For those seeking a maritime adventure, cruise bookings are also available, along with international tours for the global explorer. With both online and onsite appointment services, Total Travels ensures maximum convenience for its customers. The agency’s commitment to providing top-notch services has earned it a stellar 4.6-star rating on Google, based on 261 reviews.

Total Travels operates from Monday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 7:30 pm. For further inquiries, they can be contacted at 0336-8728357 or via email at [email protected]. The head office is situated at Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Rashid Minhas Rd, Plot #14/FL, A-2, Block 5, Karachi.

2.Zeb Travels

Zeb Travels, the leading travel agency in Karachi, boasts a rich history spanning four decades. As the largest travel agency in Pakistan, it serves a diverse clientele with a vast array of both domestic and international travel services.

The agency is steadfast in its commitment to offering cost-effective, personalized tours that cater to the unique needs and interests of each client. Services range from adventure and ecotours to specialized offerings like women’s tours, heritage rainbow tours, spiritual tours, and honeymoon tours.

A standout feature is Zeb’s Traveling Classroom, a unique initiative that fosters student learning through engaging outdoor activities. The agency holds a solid 3.9-star rating on Google from 55 reviews, underscoring its consistent performance and customer satisfaction. For inquiries or bookings, contact 021-32411204 during working hours (Mon-Sat 9am-6pm) or email [email protected]. Visit Zeb Travels at Uni Plaza, Chundrigar Road, Seari Quarters, near the Karachi Cotton Exchange for your travel needs.

3.HikeWhiz Travel and Tours

HikeWhiz Travel and Tours, a premier travel agency based in Karachi, is committed to delivering excellent services in the tourism industry. With a ranking of #3 among the top travel agencies in Pakistan, HikeWhiz has built a strong reputation for providing an array of services, which include Ziarat services, international and domestic tours, corporate travel, and Silver, Gold, and Platinum Umrah travel packages. Achieving a remarkable rating of 4.7 stars on Google after ten reviews, customer satisfaction is clearly a priority for HikeWhiz.

You can contact HikeWhiz Travel and Tours at 021-35380848. The dedicated team is available to cater to your travel needs from Monday to Saturday, 9am to 8pm. The agency is conveniently located at Gulshan e Jamal, Office 1, Block B, Street 12, near the Millennium Mall in Karachi.

4.The Real Time Travels & Tourism Services

The Real-Time Travels & Tourism Services, based in Karachi, is a leading travel agency known for setting industry trends and delivering exceptional service. Real-Time Travels & Tourism Services offerings include both outbound and inbound travel, comprehensive packages, first-class flight services, and access to the latest destination hotspots.

Real-Time Travels & Tourism Services quick booking facility and international tours are created with our clients in mind, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable travel experience. Real-Time Travels & Tourism Services are proud of our 5-star rating on Google, a testament to Real-Time Travels & Tourism Servicesdedication to client satisfaction. We’re here for you from Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, and on Saturdays from 9am to 5pm. Please contact us at 021-34551673, 021-34551678 or via email at [email protected]. Real-Time Travels & Tourism Services office is located at SMCHS, 2nd Floor, Office 207, Shahrah-e-Faisal, in the Portway Trade Center, Karachi.

5.Bukhari Travel and Tourism Services

Bukhari Travel and Tourism Services, based in Karachi, holds the prestigious title of being one of the oldest travel agencies in the region. Their extensive years of service have cemented a robust reputation as a one-stop solution for all travel needs, serving customers across several decades. The agency offers a wide array of services including air ticketing, visa assistance, accommodations, meet and greet services, car rentals and transfers.

Additionally, they also specialize in both domestic and international tourism, travel insurance, air charter services, and religious packages for Hajj and Umrah. Bukhari Travel and Tourism Services take pride in their 3.9-star rating on Google, an accolade earned after 51 reviews. They can be reached at the contact number 0321-2682082. Their office located at Karachi Cantonment, Dr. Daud Rd, Karachi, operates from 9:30 am to 10 pm from Monday to Thursday, 9:30 am to 9:30 pm on Friday, 9:30 am to 10 pm on Saturday, and 9:30 am to 8 pm on Sunday.

6.Pelican Travel and Tours

Pioneering the journey since 2006, Pelican Travel and Tours has been a beacon of excellence in the travel industry in Karachi. Pelican Travel and Tours pride ourselves in offering tailor-made tours that echo quality and exceptional service. Pelican Travel and Toursr diverse offerings include domestic and international holiday packages, Umrah packages, as well as online flight reservations. Pelican Travel and Tours are committed to superior customer service, further evidenced by Pelican Travel and Tours impressive rating of 4.6 stars on Google based on 11 reviews.

For your convenience, both online and onsite bookings are available. Pelican Travel and Tours are just a call away at 021-35308561, and Pelican Travel and Tours lines are open from Monday to Friday, 11am to 6pm. You can also reach us via email at [email protected]. Visit us at Pelican Travel and Tours office located near Do Talwar Clifton, Suite 101, Khayaban-e-Iqbal, the Plaza Shopping Mall, Block 9, Clifton, Karachi.

7.Shirazi Travel and Tours

With more than 35 years of experience in the industry, Shirazi Travel and Tours has established itself as one of the leading travel agencies in Karachi. The agency is dedicated to efficiently meeting clients’ needs with a diverse range of services. These include business travel, event management, and services for private clients. The agency also offers delightful honeymoon and leisure packages, both domestic and international.

In addition, they provide Hajj services, ensuring a smooth and spiritually fulfilling journey for the pilgrims. Shirazi Travel and Tours has earned a high rating of 4.4 stars on Google after 67 reviews, reflecting their commitment to excellent service. You can reach them at the following contact numbers: 021-35221301, 021-35211075, or via email at [email protected]. Their office is located at Sharah-e-Faisal, 8th Hotel Mehran, Karachi. Experience the best in travel with Shirazi Travel and Tours.

8.Al Khizra Travel and tours

With a commitment to making religious travel both simple and comfortable, Al Khizra Travel and Tours has earned its reputation as one of the best travel agencies in Karachi. Providing a vast range of services, including but not limited to, Hajj and Umrah services, global hotel bookings, visa services, Ziyarat services, and air ticket services, they have all your travel needs covered.

In addition to these, the agency also organizes domestic field trips, adding a unique offering to their portfolio. Rated 3.9 stars on Google after 7 reviews, their commitment to customer service is clear. To contact Al Khizra Travel and Tours, dial +92 315-2128751 during their operating hours from Monday to Sunday, 9:30am to 9pm. Alternatively, you can reach out to them via email at [email protected]. Their office is conveniently located at Sec 11-B, A-576, More North, Karachi.

9.Aalishaan Travels

Aalishaan Travels stands as one of the preeminent travel agencies in Karachi, acclaimed for its dedication and comprehensive services. Whether it’s visa processing, securing travel tickets, accommodation bookings, or even food arrangements, Aalishaan Travels leaves no stone unturned in ensuring an unparalleled travel experience. The agency offers a wide range of services including international tours across eight different countries, enticing promotional packages, comprehensive visa assistance, exhilarating group tours, and bespoke honeymoon packages. Notably, they also offer onsite appointments to cater to the individual needs of their clients.

The agency takes pride in its impressive rating of 3.9 stars on Google, a testament to their excellent service, earned through 38 reviews. For any queries or appointments, they can be reached at 021-34391002 during their working hours from Monday to Saturday, 10:30am – 8:30pm. Their office is conveniently located at Shaheed-e-Millat Rd, Hameeda Height, Plot 5, Shop 3, Karachi. Choose Aalishaan Travels for an unforgettable travel experience.

10.Aroma Travels

Aroma Travels is a premier travel agency based in Karachi, with a remarkable legacy of over 35 years in the travel industry. Known for their comprehensive services, they cater to all your travel needs under one roof.

Being a part of Pakistan’s largest travel group, they have the recognition of being an award-winning agency. Their extensive range of services include 24-hour booking, ticketing services, Aroma Rent-a-car, Aroma Holidays, Umrah and Hajj packages, International tours, and corporate group travel. With a high Google rating of 4.3 stars from 113 reviews, they have proved their credibility and customer satisfaction.

They can be contacted at 0300-0663287 during their working hours from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm from Monday to Friday, and 9:30 am to 5:30 pm on Saturday. For any queries, you can drop an email at [email protected]. Visit them at their office located at 16, Strachen Road, Sidco Avenue Centre, Karachi for personalized service.

Conclusion:

To sum it all up, Karachi has some amazing travel agencies that make your vacation planning easier. All these agencies strive to provide the best services and prices in the market, making them highly reliable. Many of these companies offer tour packages with hassle-free processes for booking and payment. You can pick and choose whatever suits you best depending on your budget. Whether you’re looking at planning a family trip or an adventurous outing with friends, let these top 10 travel agencies in Karachi help you out and create unforgettable experiences that you will cherish forever!

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