DISTANCE FROM ISLAMABAD AIRPORT TO THE CITY CENTRE

The main airport serving the citizens of Islamabad is the Islamabad International Airport (IATA: ISB). Since it is located at a considerable distance of 30 kilometres from the heart of the city, the administration has taken adequate measures to ensure that travellers have to face minimal difficulty in commuting from the airport to the city. Well connected to the city centre, you will be able to find suitable transportation, even if your flight arrives at odd hours like early morning or late at night. You might be travelling on premium economy flights or business class flights, but travelling to Islamabad from the airport will be a breeze.

ISLAMABAD AIRPORT TRANSPORT

When arriving in Islamabad, there are multiple means of transportation which you can use to reach the city from the airport. By carefully evaluating them for convenience and cost, you can make your selection.

Taxi: The best part about taxis is that they ply 24/7 and are an economical way of travelling to the airport from the main city. It will take you roughly 30-40 minutes to travel from the airport and the fare will come to approximately £7.

Ride-sharing apps like Uber: Another inexpensive option which you can make use of to travel from the airport. The only catch is that the prices might go up during rush hour when there are many commuters.

Are you travelling on First Class Flights? Then the option of requesting the airline staff to arrange for pick up and drop off services from the airport can be availed. Nearly all flights which operate this category of flights along this route provide this service.

FLYING TIME FROM EDINBURGH TO ISLAMABAD

Are you looking to travel between Islamabad and Edinburgh? Well, rest assured that you will be easily able to get tickets as there are many airlines operating flights along this route. Owing to the large distance, you are bound to encounter roughly 1-2 stops and it will take you 13-14 hours to complete the journey. Some of the common stopovers which you will be encountering while travelling along this route are:

Istanbul

Doha

Heathrow

Frankfurt

Bahrain

Dubai

Many travellers wonder whether or not their luggage will be properly routed to their chosen destination. If this question too comes to your mind, then rest assured there is no need to worry. You might be travelling frugally on economy flights or any other flight class, be rest assured that all your luggage will be directed to your chosen destination.

ATTRACTIONS IN ISLAMABAD

Over the years, Islamabad has emerged as one of the top tourist destinations in South Asia. When here, the places written below should surely be on your itinerary.

Saidpur: Located east of the city, about 1 kilometers from Islamabad lies the Village of Saidpur, which is highly famous for pottery. Developed as a model village, here you will be able to see Pakistani cultural traditions from Punjab and neighbouring provinces of Balochistan and Sindh. A place where you can observe authentic rural Punjabi life. Another motivation for paying a visit here is that you will be able to purchase souvenirs like clothing, pottery and handicrafts to take home with you to remind you of the happy times spent.  

Rajah Bazaar: Dotten with mosques and old Hindu temples, you can easily spend many hours here shopping for everything of daily use ranging from new dentures to batteries to run electronic equipment. Previous travellers have described the bazaar as a beautiful kaleidoscope of people, fragrances and colours. By all means, touring here, with all its hustle and bustle is a great way to see what all the real city has to offer to tourists.

Rose & Jasmine Garden: A few kilometres away from Shakarparian is the 20-hectare Rose and Jasmine Garden where flower and horticultural shows are organized regularly. Popular with the residents of the city as a venue where you can go pay a visit if wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city. Containing close to 250 varieties of roses and many types of Jasmines, the garden is a paradise for anybody hoping to get a glimpse of the natural beauty of North Pakistan.  

Ayub National Park: Named after General Ayub Khan, the first among the country''s martial law administrators. It is located a short distance south of Islamabad Cantonment and contains about 900 hectares of paths, gardens and lakes. It is the biggest park in the Islamabad–Rawalpindi metropolitan area and is claimed to be one of the largest of its kind in Asia. Among the activities in which you can indulge are exploring the gardens, boating in lakes and participating in cultural and social gatherings in the park''s open Air Theater.

Shakarparian: This urban wilderness is situated just south of Islamabad and is famous for being a locale visited by heads of state from many different foreign countries. What makes it unique is that all dignitaries who have come here have planted trees as a symbol of their efforts to cement the bonds between Pakistan and their respective states. 

SHOPPING IN ISLAMABAD

Islamabad is a hive of activity when it comes to business and pleasure, with a wide variety of stores to suit every taste and budget. With its modern malls and lively marketplaces, the city provides a unique shopping experience. Check out this list of Islamabad''s best stores for shopping:

Karachi Company: Also referred to as G-9 Markaz, is the largest and busiest in the city. Named after a construction company in Karachi which built it in 1978, its claim to fame lies in the diverse variety of items which are available for sale. You can obtain wonderful bargains for groceries, clothing, vegetables and fruits. As a tourist, you might have come here, if you intend to travel to other places in the country, as it is also home to a general bus stand for inter and intra-city travel.

Metro Cash and Carry: A leading provider of business-to-business wholesalers, serving the needs of traders, hotels, restaurants, caterers, and offices. A popular shopping destination, which you can visit if you are on the lookout for a venue to get items of daily use under a single roof. Here you can purchase a large variety of products ranging from grocery, household furniture, cosmetics, confectionery, and home appliances right at one location. An added benefit of shopping here is that free home delivery services are also provided when you purchase goods for a minimal order.

Libra Jewellers: Over the years, patrons have spoken highly of the craftsmanship and competitively priced jewellery available at this shop. All tourists looking for gemstones and designer jewellery should come to this store. On display are a great selection of rings, pendants and earrings which will attract even the most discerning shoppers. The skilled goldsmiths who work here will give you work tailored to any specific requirement that you might have. 

Emporium Islamabad: The Emporium Islamabad Mall is the most popular shopping mall cum food place in the capital. Though the place is often very crowded, the ambience, safety and gesture of the place are largely positive. The place has outlets of a variety of renowned local and international brands offering clothing, footwear, accessories, furniture, eatables etc. all under one roof. With friendly and cooperative staff, this is the best indoor hangout for families looking to have a gala time in Islamabad.

Tanzara Art Gallery: Located in the heart of the capital, Tanzara Art Gallery offers art lovers a splendid collection of artwork by Pakistani artists both emerging and established.  The management adheres to the philosophy of displaying high-quality art and maintaining the standard of artwork that the gallery has set for itself, which is reflected in her curated exhibitions. It is a must-visit for all those who are looking to acquire art or just get to know the fine artists of Pakistan.

With it wide variety of attractions, there is something to suit everybody’s taste in Islamabad. The time which you spend shopping will definitely be enjoyable.

NIGHTLIFE IN ISLAMABAD

Islamabad is a city having a wide range of nighttime entertainment avenues. There is something to suit everybody''s taste here. Among the list of things to do here are dining in a fine restaurant, relaxing after a tiring day in one of the many coffee shops or going to the local cinema to enjoy the latest movie. A small list of the places where you can go to after the sun sets are:

The Serena Hotel: In case you are on the lookout for an upscale experience befitting royalty, then this is the hotel to come and pay a visit to. Boasting several bars and restaurants with a sophisticated ambience coupled with a wide selection of food and drinks. The major attraction here is the rooftop bar, which is perfect for a romantic night out with your lover.

The Rock Musicarium: Are you a fan of live music? Then this is the best venue in the city where you can go enjoy yourself. Regularly hosting performances by local bands and solo musicians, a wide range of genres of music ranging from rock to jazz to classical to folk are played here. You will surely have a gala time with talented performers providing an energetic atmosphere to keep you entertained all night long.

The Cave Lounge: Located in the commercial Markaz area, this is a unique underground bar containing a cosy atmosphere. You will be able to choose from an extensive selection of music and have an enjoyable and relaxed evening spent with friends. You will also be able to spend a gala time dancing to foot-tapping numbers and grooving to the latest chartbuster hits.

Kuch Khass: This a community centre where various musical performances by local bands, solo artists and folk dances of a wide range of genres are performed. The exotic setting creates an unforgettable experience for all those who come here.

Food Street in Rana Market: This food market comes alive at night with stalls offering a large variety of cuisines ranging from Pakistani, Afghani, Continental, and Middle Eastern. It is the perfect place to go for a late-night feast with your friends and family. Probably the best time to go visit this market would be during festive times like Ramadan when tasty dishes like Sehri Platter and Biriyani are prepared for the Iftaar Feast.

By all means, you will be able to have a really enjoyable time after the sun sets in the city. 

Over the years, thousands of people have visited Islamabad and gone back with really happy memories. You might be looking for a quiet evening or a thrilling adventure, this city has it all.

 WHERE TO GET FOREX CONVERTED IN ISLAMABAD

If you want to go touring in Islamabad, you should, as in any foreign place, carry copies of the local currency. Only the Pakistani rupee is accepted as payment by businesses and tourist destinations in the country. The best places to go and exchange money are those listed below.

Airport Currency Exchange: An easy location to exchange money. Although the airport provides currency exchange facilities, the one drawback is that the rates of conversion may not always be beneficial.

Banks: It is a good idea to visit the banks listed below if you need to convert money. You will be charged between two and three percent of the conversion rate.

• Meezan Bank
• HBL
• Faysal Bank
• Bank al Habib

Travellers'' checks: You can also enquire about buying travellers'' checks if you''re on a business trip, vacation, or holiday.

Exchange offices for currencies: These are reputable places that are very well-liked by travellers and where you may exchange money. In the city, the most popular ones are:

GREAT EATING PLACES IN ISLAMABAD

Islamabad, a metropolis serving as the capital of Islamabad is home to restaurants serving an incredible variety of preparations from all corners of the globe. When in town you must pay a visit to the outlets written below to get a feel of the culinary skills of the Pakistani chefs:

1969 Restaurant: With lush greenery, well-kept lawns and fresh air the ambience of this hotel is really tranquil and serene. Come here to get a feel of the 1960’s, which is the golden era of Pakistan. A variety of cultural programs are also organized here on weekends and festival days. In conclusion, come here and experience an amazing time. The interiors contain lush greenery, well-kept lawns, fresh air and an ambiance which exudes tranquillity and serenity.

Khoka Khola: The restaurant is located in the famous commercial Beverly Center of Islamabad. In other words, it is the best place to come enjoy a hearty meal after a tiring day spent sightseeing. Find a diverse selection of gourmet and street food  in the restaurant.  In conclusion, you will have a hard time finding any fault about this amazing restaurant. They go out of their way make diners welcome. In conclusion, you will definitely go home from here with happy memories.

Khyber Dodai: Want to taste Afghan cuisine? Then visit this restaurant. Management puts in a lot of effort to ensure that food is of exceptional quality. Menu comprises of traditional dishes like Shinwari Karahi, Namkeen Tikka and Lamb Tikka. In other words, dine here and taste speciality dishes representing an epitome of traditional Afghani culinary delights. Above all, the restaurant contains an amazing ambiance but food served at really reasonable prices.

District 6: Located in the commercial locality of F-6 Markaz and is really popular for its creative setup. The menu comprises of a variety of dining options. Come to this outlet and try out classic sweet dishes like Nachos, Tacos, Smash Burger and Lotus Donut. In addition, the atmosphere contains ambient lighting and decor featuring exotic pieces of art from far and wide. Above all, propropieters leave no stone unturned to give all visitors a wonderful dining experience.

Mindanos: Looking for a delightful meal in Islamabad? You need look no further. This restaurant is the best choice for everybody visiting he city. Offering an vast variety of dishes ranging from Chinese, Thai to European, you will surely have an amazing time tasting the preparations on the menu. In conclusion, it is the perfect place to enjoy your meal in an inviting meal in a proper ambiance with your friends and family.

Islamabad is an amazing city. Come here to fully satisfy all you’re your gastronomical cravings. Communities from all over Pakistan live here. In other words, taste dishes that are an amazing combination of influences from all corners of the country.

HOTELS STAY IN ISLAMABAD

Want a refreshing holiday? Just head over to Islamabad. Discover its attractions and be in awe of the vision of planners.  A major commercial centre containing natural beauty, visitors have a lovely time exploring it. All tourists, both businessmen and those seeking leisure here have a wonderful time. Without a doubt, come to the city and go back with really happy memories. Finally, live in the city irrespective of what your budget is.

Ragat Villas Apartment (5 Star)

Address: MV96+49M, 44000 Islamabad, Pakistan

An apartment-sized hotel located close to Islamabad''s top tourist attractions. In other words, the best hotel in the city for visitors. For example, enjoy multiple benefits when living here. When staying here taste mouth-watering dishes and easily explore locales in the city. Also fully enjoy the privacy of living in an apartment while tasting the comforts of a five-star resort. This is the main reason for its popularity.

Rose Lodges Guest House (5 Star)

Address: New Rose Lodges Guest House, House No 446, Street 51, G-9 Sector, 44000 Islamabad, Pakistan

The management of this hotel puts in a lot of effort to ensure that tourist enjoy their stay. The hotel has top ratings on multiple parameters of evaluation. For example, they give pick-up and drop-off services from the airport. In other words, you can also go sightseeing in the city easily. The restaurant attached to the hotel contains Pakistani, Continental and American cuisines. Come out here for a memorable stay. 

Oriole Luxury Hotel (5 Star)

Address: 52 Street 55 House 52, Sector G9/4, G-9 Sector, 44000 Islamabad, Pakistan

Looking to live in a luxurious fashion befitting royalty? Without a doubt, come put up here. You will get the advantage of living in comfort, enjoying the latest amenities and sightseeing all attractions quickly. Stunning views, elegant rooms as well as top-notch service wait right in the heart of Islamabad. In other words, your stay is comparable to other top-notch luxury resorts.

Gofas Lodge (4 Star)

Address: house 27a, street 17. sector-7/2, F-7 Sector, 44000 Islamabad, Pakistan

A perfect combination of cost and comfort. In other words, come stay here and have a memorable time exploring the city. The hotel is large and complete with lots of extras. Boasting exceptional service, and meticulous attention given to detail ensuring a memorable guest experience will surely give you a great experience. Useful features like spacious rooms, large beds with premium bedding and scope for on-site activities are its unique points.

Envoy Continental Hotel (4 Star)

Address: 111 East, Fazal-Ul-Haq Road, Blue Area, Blue Area, 44000 Islamabad, Pakistan

The best 4-star hotel in Islamabad. Owners put in diligent and intelligent efforts and ensure that guests have a comfortable stay. In conclusion, your stay here will be enjoyable. Above all, you get a beautiful venue where you can relax after sightseeing in Islamabad. As a tourist coming here, make use of features like Wifi, an attached bathroom and complimentary meals. An equally, beneficial feature is the complimentary transport to and from the airport.

Roomy Signature Hotel (3 Star)

Address: Block 7 Agha Khan Road, F6 Islamabad, F-6 Sector, 44220 Islamabad, Pakistan

Are you travelling thriftily? Then this is the best service to make use of. In other words, this hotel is a favourite with backpackers, students and middle-class travellers. Without a doubt, you will surely go home after happy memories of staying here. Finally, good discounts are also given during the tourist season when lots of tourists come to enjoy themselves.

Travel frugally, or in a lavish fashion surely find suitable accommodation. Come explore the delights of Islamabad.