17 Best Places to Visit in Islamabad: Experts Guide with Images
Islamabad Pakistan is not only famous for its beauty as the world’s most beautiful capital but the city is also famous for its high life standard, peaceful environment, modernity, and its deep-rooted history. With all these qualities with many others, Islamabad offers a wide range of attractions for tourists and the residents of the city. In this guide, we are going to share 17 Best Places to visit in Islamabad few of which are very little known to the public.
Best Places to Visit in Islamabad
- Faisal Mosque
- Daman-e-Koh
- Pakistan Monument
- Rawal Lake
- Lok Virsa Museum
- Shakarparian Park
- Rose & Jasmine Garden
- Saidpur Village
- Margalla Hills National Park
- Centaurus Mall
- Trail 3, Margalla Hills
- Islamabad Zoo
- Fatima Jinnah Park
- Peer Sohawa
- Pakistan Sports Complex
- Golra Sharif Museum
- Monal Restaurant
#1- Faisal Mosque Islamabad
One of the renowned landmarks in the capital of Pakistan Islamabad is the Faisal Mosque. This Mosque is the largest mosque outside the Middle East, and the largest within South Asia and also in Pakistan and is located in the heart of the capital with a stunning view of Margalla Hills. The Mosque spans an impressive 5,000 square meters or 91,984 square feet.
History of Faisal Mosque Islamabad Pakistan
The idea for the famous Faisal Mosque Islamabad started in 1966 when King Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz of Saudi Arabia visited Pakistan and agreed to build a national mosque in Islamabad and finalized this place in the center of Margalla Jungles for the Mosque. But at that time this place was only a jungle without any roads and other facilities. But the Kind himself visited this place with the Pakistani delegations and put the first rock on his first visit to the place.
In 1969, architects from 17 countries competed to design the mosque.
The winning design was by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay. They assigned 46 acres of land for the mosque. Pakistani engineers and workers started building it in 1976, with funding from Saudi Arabia. It cost over 130 million Saudi Riyals, which is around 120 million USD today.
The mosque and the road leading to it were named after King Faisal after he was killed in 1975. King Khalid, who followed King Faisal, laid the foundation stone for the mosque in 1976 and signed the construction agreement in 1978.
Some basic information about the mosque can be found on the foundation stone which you can see if at the Mosque when you visit. And I recommend you to see the foundation stone once on your visit.
The first prayer at Faisal Mosque was held on June 18, 1988, even though the mosque was finished in 1986.
Capacity and Architecture of Faisal Mosque
About 300,000 worshippers can be accommodated at a time in Faisal Mosque which includes 74,000 people in the main area of the mosque including the inner hall and the courtyard. The ground of the mosque is also huge and can easily accommodate more than 200,00 people at a time. That’s why this mosque is the largest in the whole region.
And, if we talk about the architecture of the mosque you can see a unique design that is not very much similar to other traditional mosques with a dome shape. Instead, Faisal Mosque has four tall minrates with a triangular roof. Concrete and marble are used heavily to build the mosque. The mosque is designed in such a way that it reflects a blend of contemporary and traditional Islamic architecture.
“The main structure of the building is the main prayer hall, which is supported by four concrete girders. The four unusual minarets are inspired by Turkish architecture. Vedat Dalokay also believed that the design of the Masjid represents Kaaba in an abstract manner”
Wikipedia
#2- Daman-e-Koh Islamabad
Daman-e-Koh is the 2nd on our list of Best Places to Visit in Islamabad Pakistan.
If you want to get a panoramic view of the world’s second most beautiful capital Islamabad this is the only place where you can get this view. This place is also a favorite one of photographers to take a great shoot of the city, especially the sunset.
#3- Pakistan Monument
You can experience the 5 provinces of Pakistan in one place at Pakistan Monument Shakarparian Hills Islamabad.
Pakistan Monument is located at the top of Shakarparian Hills near to Zero Point Islamabad. The monument offers a splendid view of the whole Islamabad city. Tourists can enjoy the surrounding gardens, pools and a national museum at the hills.
More About Pakistan Monument
| S.No | Details | Friday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM |
| 1 | Address | Shakarparian, Islamabad, Near Zero Point |
| 2 | Timings | Friday to Sunday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM |
| 3 | Entry Fee | PKR 50 for adults local and free for children |
