DISTANCE FROM ISLAMABAD AIRPORT TO THE CITY CENTRE

The distance from Islamabad International Airport to the city''''s centre is about 25 kilometres, about 15.5 miles. To cover this distance, it usually takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour, however, it might vary due to several aspects such as chosen routes or traffic conditions. To get an overwhelming travelling experience as well as effective travel packages, book your economy flights.

ISLAMABAD AIRPORT TRANSPORT

The nation''s management makes a concerted effort to guarantee visitors enjoy their stay in the city. From here, you can use one of the following transportation options to go to the main town:-

Taxi: A common method for travelling to the main metropolis is by taxi. It will cost approximately five to six British pounds.

Ride-sharing Apps: Well-known ride-sharing services such as Uber are also available in the city. You fully benefit from cashless transactions and upfront pricing while using them for travel.

Public Transportation: Islamabad Airport is connected to various areas of the city via minibuses. They may not be the most convenient alternative, despite being affordable.

Are you travelling in first class flights? Travellers with specific needs, including those who need gluten-free food or in-flight WiFi, are drawn to this choice.  If you are travelling by this mode of transport, then you can request the airlines to provide conveyance from the airport.

FLYING TIME FROM GATWICK TO ISLAMABAD

When you fly from Gatwick to Islamabad, the journey duration will be between 13-14 hours. You will be encountering roughly 1-2 stopovers en-route. The exact time taken depends on a variety of factors like:

Prevailing weather conditions

The exact route chosen

Airline on which you are flying on

Conditions prevailing at stopovers

Some common stopovers which you will encounter en-route are:-

Jeddah

Dubai

Istanbul

Doha, Qatar

You might be travelling on economy flights or any other class, be rest assured that your luggage will be properly routed to the destination of choice. Adequate safeguards exist to ensure that your belongings do not go missing.

ATTRACTIONS IN ISLAMABAD

There are so many tourist attractions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi National Capital Area. Since it is a planned city, you can take your time exploring them. The following are the places to be visited while in Pakistan''s capital:

Shah Faisal Mosque: The mosque is a stunning illustration of contemporary Islamic architecture. Situated directly at the base of Margalla Hills, it can hold up to 100,000 people during the busiest hours for prayer. The renowned Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay created the design, and King Faisal of Saudi Arabia provided a grant for its completion in 1986. All visitors are welcome here, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, or creed. But you should stay away from Fridays and prayer times if you''re not a Muslim.

Ayub National Park: General Ayub Khan was one of the nation''s early martial law enforcers, and the park bears his name, Ayub National Park. It is situated not far to the south of the Islamabad cantonment and encompasses more than 900 hectares of lakes, gardens, and parks. Among the biggest of its kind in Asia, it features lovely melodic fountains, meandering walkways, and spotless gardens. Really popular with everybody looking to take a break from the busy grind of metropolitan life.

The Rawalpindi Arts Council: Eager to witness the artistic abilities of local Pakistani artists? If so, a visit to the Rawalpindi Arts Council is highly recommended. Here, exhibitions, plays, and other cultural events are frequently planned. The council gives the city a vibrant new cultural aspect. All art forms be it photography, dance, drama or paintings are organized held here. Also you can shop for souvenirs in the attached store.

Islamabad Zoo: With a variety of animal species, the Islamabad Zoo is a fantastic family-friendly destination. It provides visitors of all ages with an informative experience that teaches them about animal preservation and nature conservation. The beautifully landscaped grounds and immaculate enclosures will appeal to families and animal lovers alike. A holistic spot where all tourists travelling with adolescents and young children should surely come and visit.

Pakistan Museum of Natural History: The museum was founded in 1976 in Pakistan. It has a large number of exhibits as well as galleries with informational displays and displays on the nation''s planetology, geology, and ecology. In addition, the museum collaborates closely with the Lok Virsa Museum and serves as a research centre. Are you going to go see it? Then, from 10 AM to 5 PM, every day except Friday, it is accessible to the public.

Islamabad has grown into one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Asia as a result of the administration''s clever and sustained efforts. A visit here has to be planned when travelling through this region of the world.

SHOPPING IN ISLAMABAD

Every visitor may expect a diverse selection of experiences from the top shopping destinations in Islamabad. You''re going to love strolling around its bustling streets and shopping districts:

Islamabad''s Giga Mall: A premier retail destination that meets all of your needs. Well-known and luxurious, it offers excellent leisure and entertainment alternatives in addition to a fantastic mix of shopping. The multiplex next door is a great place to watch a movie on a Friday or Saturday night. The excellent assortment of shops, boutiques, and outlets selling branded designer goods is another draw. Recommended by families with small children and teenagers who can have a fantastic time at the food court and treat their taste buds to a variety of delicious cuisines.

Tanzara Art Gallery: Located in the centre of the nation''s capital, Tanzara Art Gallery showcases an impressive array of works created by Pakistani artists. The well-known painter Noshi Qadir is the gallery''s owner and curator. She puts a lot of effort into her job and makes sure that it meets the highest standards. Anyone hoping to purchase fine paintings showcasing Pakistans artistic heritage, take home must definitely check it out. Over the years, the art gallery has emerged as a favourite resting spot for tourists looking to take home with them souvenirs to remind them of good times spent.

Esajees: Back in 1965, one of the first businesses to open food retail stores in Islamabad, the then-developing city, was Esajee & Sons. To cater to the wealthy class in the city, it has expanded into the gourmet food, personal care, and gift item categories over the years. Produce, meats, and groceries are always of the highest quality thanks to meticulous efforts. This, together with the helpful and kind staff, really contributes to making your shopping experience unforgettable. Youll come back for more since its so easy to get anything you need, from special items to everyday necessities.

Itwar Bazaar: A typical South Asian bazaar that provides needs for city dwellers. Everything is definitely available here, including vegetables, apparel, kitchenware, rugs, and household goods. Though the market is open seven days a week, Tuesday is the best day to visit because the prices are at their lowest. It could appear crowded, but don''t worry—you''ll always discover excellent prices and premium goods on everything that''s offered. Definitely worth taking in while you''re in town.

Emproium Islamabad: One of the most well-liked shopping centres in the city is Emporium Islamabad. His place has a generally upbeat atmosphere and feel. The main attraction is the wide range of well-known domestic and international companies that have opened shop under one roof. Do you want to spend quality time in the city, stoking up items which might be needed while exploring this beautiful city? Then you should surely go to this location.

Every visitor is guaranteed to have a unique memento to bring back home thanks to the lively markets, mom-and-pop stores, and bazaars. This city meets everyone''s needs, whether you''re looking for traditional Pakistani handicrafts or haute couture.

NIGHTLIFE IN ISLAMABAD

During the day, Islamabad is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. But in the city, the good times last far into the night. By exploring the neighbouring bazaars, shopping for handicrafts, and indulging in street cuisine, you can get a flavour of the local way of life while taking in live performances and dancing to the newest tracks spun by local DJs. A few well-liked locations to spend the evening are:

Monal Downtown: This restaurant, which is located near the Centaurus Mall, offers a breath-taking perspective of the city. This institution, which is open late into the night, offers a large selection of Pakistani, Chinese, and continental dishes to all of its customers. Come here to savour a delectable dinner and take in the breathtaking city views. Without a doubt, the spot to go if you''re searching for foreign cuisine or local favourites. Definitely this should be visited if you want to get a full picture of life in Islamabad.

Food Street at Rana Market: Vendors serving a wide range of cuisines, including Pakistani, Afghani, Continental, and Middle Eastern, make this food market come alive at night. It is the ideal location for a late-night meal enjoyed with loved ones. During festive periods like Ramadan, when delectable dishes like Sehri Platter and Biriyani are produced for the Iftaar Feast, is probably the greatest time to visit this market.

The Cave Lounge: A distinctive underground bar with a cozy ambiance that is situated in the business district of Markaz. You can pick from a wide variety of music and have a laid-back and pleasurable evening with your pals. Additionally, you will have a fantastic time swaying to the newest chart-topping hits and dancing to foot-tapping tunes. For starters you can try out dishes like chicken tikka, Cheese Omelet and Rooh Azfa.

Night Markets: In the city, night markets are another well-liked tourist destinations. The greatest times to visit are during festive occasions like Independence Day and Eid. Stalls offering apparel, accessories, and handicrafts are among the most popular attractions here. Live music and cultural events also contribute to the joyous atmosphere. In addition to tasting mouth watering delicious food, you can also pick up mementos to remind you of the memorable time spent.

Scenic Vistas: From vistas like Daman-e-Koh and Pir Sohawa, you can get incredibly gorgeous views of the city skyline while you''re in the area. For someone who might be looking for a stroll or a romantic evening beneath the stars, these points are ideal. These spots are well connected to the city and travelling back and forth from there to Islamabad, even during late at night will not be an issue.

The nights in the capital will fascinate and enchant you. To fully feel the pulsating energy of the city''s vibrant nightlife, just head outside at night.

WHERE TO GET FOREX CONVERTED IN ISLAMABAD

Bring copies of the Pakistani rupee, which is the local legal tender, if you''re visiting Islamabad and want to take advantage of everything the city has to offer. The locations where you can go to complete the conversion are listed below:-

Currency exchange at the airport is a convenient place. The one disadvantage of the airport''s foreign exchange facilities is that the exchange rates aren''t always favourable.

Banks: If you need to exchange money, visiting the banks on this list is a great option. As an exchange rate, you will be charged between two and three percent of the entire amount being exchanged.

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.

Currency exchange outlets: Known to be very well-liked by travellers, these are reputable places you can go to exchange money. In the city, the most well-liked ones are:-

GREAT EATING PLACES IN ISLAMABAD

One of the best cuisines in the world is thought to be from South Asia, specifically Pakistan. You should definitely stop by the eateries listed below if you''d like to see the nation''s chefs up close and personal:-

Khoka Khola: The eatery is situated in Islamabad''s well-known business district, the Beverly Centre. Stated differently, it''s the ideal spot to unwind with a substantial lunch following an exhausting day of sightseeing. The restaurant offers a wide variety of gourmet and street cuisine options.  In conclusion, it will be difficult for you to find any criticism of this outstanding restaurant. They make a special effort to greet diners. To sum up, you will undoubtedly return home from this place with fond memories.

The Smokey Cauldron: Located in the heart of Islamabad''s business district, F-6, this restaurant draws inspiration from the Harry Potter series. Every attempt has been made to offer restaurant guests a good meal and an authentic medieval European experience. The themed restaurant stands out as a singular business in the city and provides each visitor with an amazing eating experience.

District 6: Located in the F-6 Markaz commercial sector, this neighbourhood is well-known for its creative arrangement. The menu offers a wide variety of food alternatives. Come here to try classic sweets like lotus donuts, tacos, nachos, and smash burgers. Ambient lights and décor showcasing exotic artwork from around the world are also part of the mood. The management goes above and beyond over all to make sure that each and every customer has an amazing dining experience.

Asian Wok: This highly regarded Chinese restaurant has won multiple awards for both its exquisite cuisine and ambiance. Among the greatest Chinese, Thai, and Japanese eateries in the city. Unquestionably among the best in Islamabad in terms of flavour, quality, and value for money. Well-liked by both residents and visitors who may be searching for exquisite dining experiences with authentic Chinese flavours.

Kabul''s Afghan Restaurant: is well-known for serving traditional Afghan food. The best part about eating here is definitely that you can enjoy traditional food in an authentic environment. For instance, the restaurant has both indoor and outdoor dining spaces. The staff members are also motivated and skilled. Yes, you can definitely expect to have an amazing supper at this many award-winning restaurant.

Everyone who has visited Islamabad has only been able to express gratitude for the cuisine they have had here. After eating at its restaurants, you will also return home with fond memories.

HOTELS STAY IN ISLAMABAD

The capital of Pakistan, Islamabad, is a well-liked travel destination in South Asia. As a result, tourists come here from all over the world. The hotel business is flourishing in order to accommodate the enormous amount of tourists that come here. Whether you''re seeking for five-star luxury accommodations fit for a king or reasonably priced hotel rooms, you might find all you need here. To choose where to stay on your trip, browse the selection of hotels below.

Islamabad Serena Hotel (5 Star)

Address: Agha Khan Rd, F-5/1 F-5, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory 44000, Pakistan

The Islamabad Serena Hotel is the place to stay if you want to live like a king. It has consistently achieved the highest rankings on a number of platforms that track changes in the hotel sector in Islamabad. The proximity to the city''s top tourist attractions is the nicest thing about visiting here.

Ragat Villas Apartment (5 Star)

Address: MV96+49M, 44000 Islamabad, Pakistan

This is the spot to come and stay if you want to explore everything that the city has to offer. It is situated in the picturesque Margalla Hills. The most delightful aspect of being here is that every accommodation offers stunning views of the National Capital Region. The management frequently plans trips to Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, and other parts of northern Pakistan. There are so many options for sites to explore in this area.

Jacaranda Family Club (5 Star)

Address:- Club Avenue, Islamabad 44000 Pakistan

The hotel is very well-liked by tourists and is located about 28 km from renowned tourist spots including Shah Faisal Mosque. Stated differently, some of its unique selling points are the garden, terraces, free private parking, and fitness centre. Workers are very competent and motivated. Furthermore, special care is taken to ensure that each visitor has enjoyable recollections.

Grand Islamabad Hotel (4 Star)

Address: St 1, MPCHS E-11/1 MPCHS E 11/1 E-11, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan

The Grand Islamabad Hotel enjoys great popularity among visitors to the city because of its exceptional value and services. The management puts a lot of effort into making sure that every guest has a special time. Without a doubt, after a long day of sightseeing, you like to come to this hotel.

Hotel Akbar International (4 Star)

Address: Liaqat Rd, opposite Liaqaut Bagh, Naya Mohalla, Rawalpindi, Punjab 46000, Pakistan

The perfect place to crash after a full day of touring. There''s little doubt that your stay here will be quite memorable. The hotel offers a food court, a sauna, a gym, and a bar next door, among other attractions. Favoured by dignitaries, entrepreneurs, and other high-ranking individuals in Islamabad. The management and employees have worked hard to make the hotel one of the best locations to stay.

Islamabad Regalia Hotel (3 Star)

Address: Street 48 G-6/1-1, G-6 Sector, 44000 Islamabad, Pakistan

The ideal place to stay after a long day of sightseeing. Your time here can undoubtedly be quite unforgettable. The hotel has a range of amenities, including a food court, sauna, gym and adjacent bar. Well-liked by dignitaries, businesspeople, and other influential persons visiting Islamabad. The hotel has been ranked among the top places to stay thanks to the efforts of the staff and management.

Which are you: a family man, an entrepreneur, or a traveller? Islamabad is a place you won''t be disappointed. When you visit Islamabad, you can count on a wonderful experience.