OVERVIEW

Are you worn out from living life on a daily grind?  Are you itching to travel to a far-off place? Then you ought to visit Islamabad. Numerous travellers have visited and have been awed by the delights of this unique location over the years. You will undoubtedly enjoy every second of touring here.

Over two decades, our skilled team at Pack and Fly has helped many daring travellers like you. Do you want to take economy flights or first class flights? When you book a flight with us from Luton to Islamabad, you can get the best deals.

Gateway to the nations Northern Territories and a breathtakingly gorgeous natural setting

Pakistans capital city is well-planned and organized. While here, you can explore a lot of interesting places. A few of the citys most well-liked sites are Rawal Lake Viewpoint, Lok Virsa Museum, and Faisal Mosque. Eagerly want to come sightseeing here? You will surely accomplish this with ease. Being a popular tourist attraction, many tour operating companies operate here. You can request the hotel staff to help you select the best fit for your requirements.

Cultural Diversity

Pakistans history dates back thousands of years. Now, the country is home to numerous communities, each with its unique language, customs for eating, and attire. And there is no better way to learn about the country than visiting its thriving marketplaces, art galleries and cultural attractions. As a tourist, you will be in total awe of this city, which is a wonderful blend of modern attractiveness and old-world charm.

The best time to come explore the city attractions

Islamabad is located in a temperate zone. The winter months from November to March are the best time for coming to Islamabad. As a tourist, you will surely find the weather suitable for exploration and see the citys attractions comfortably. Approximately 5-6 days are enough to fully explore Islamabad in totality.

As Pakistans administrative capital, it is also frequently visited by individuals travelling for business purposes. If you are one of these travellers, our knowledgeable staff will undoubtedly be able to offer you fantastic rates on business class flights or economy flights from Luton to Islamabad. This is the city to visit if you are searching for an amazing journey filled with novel experiences and lasting memories. With its incredible natural beauty and attraction of adventure, Islamabad has something to suit every travellers taste and inclination.

DISTANCE FROM ISLAMABAD AIRPORT TO THE CITY CENTRE

The Islamabad International Airport (IATA: ISB) is approximately 30 kilometres from the main city. A trip from the airport to the city centre takes roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour. The time duration might vary depending on:-

When your flight arrives

Prevailing on road traffic conditions

The mode of transport chosen.

The traffic can be erratic particularly during rush hours. Travelling frugally on economy flights, or in a lavish manner on business class flights, you will be able to find transport to the main city.

ISLAMABAD AIRPORT TRANSPORT

Depending on the time at hand and your budget, there are many modes of transport available for you to travel to the main city. Read on below to learn how you can travel from the main airport:-

Taxis: A popular way of travelling from the airport. They will charge you roughly 6-8  pounds.

Ride-Sharing Apps: Apni Sawari, Uber and In-Drive are the most popular ride sharing apps which you can make use of to travel from the airport.

First class flights: If you are coming on this flight class, then you can request the airline staff to arrange for transportation from the main city. Due to this feature, this flight class flights are exceedingly popular with first-timers coming to Islamabad.

FLYING TIME FROM LUTON TO ISLAMABAD

The exact time necessary to complete the journey depends on a variety of factors:-

Air traffic conditions

Prevailing weather patterns

The exact route which you have chosen to travel on

When you fly from Luton to Islamabad, then you will surely encounter roughly 3-4 stops to complete the journey. Some of the common stopovers are:-

Tel Aviv

Dublin

Cyprus

Cairo

Amsterdam     

You might be travelling on economy flights or any other flight class, be rest assured that your luggage will be properly directed to the destination of your choice. The chances of luggage getting misplaced are minimal.

ATTRACTIONS IN ISLAMABAD

Islamabad being a modern planned city, is choc a block with many attractions for tourists to come and explore. Read on below to know which all should be visited while exploring this amazing metropolis:

Nurpur Shahan Village: The village is located approximately 4 kilometres northeast of the city. Originally, it was constructed to honour Bari Shah Latif, a 17th-century Sufi teacher. He is also known as the citys unofficial patron saint. Thursdays are the best times to come and visit the shrine. The spectacle of pilgrims coming from far and wide to listen to Quawali (Islamic Devotional Singing) is worth witnessing.

Taxila Excavations: The ruins of the ancient city of Taxila, are located about 32 kilometres away from the federal capital Islamabad. They were originally discovered by Sir Alexander Cunningham, also known as the Father of Indian Archaeology. A great majority of historical sites of this ancient town are located within a perimeter of 2 kilometres from the main ruins. All enthusiasts of art and craft will have a merry time witnessing this comprehensive collection of Gandharan Art.

Pakistani Army Museum: This place is a must-visit for all interested in getting glimpses of the martial traditions of the country. The main attractions in the museum are weapons dating back to pre-historic times, jewel-encrusted swords and modern artefacts like automatic and semi-automatic firearms.

Ayub National Park: Named after General Ayub Khan, one of the countrys first martial law administrators. Built over 900 acres of lakes, gardens and winding pathways, its popular with all looking for a tranquil spot to escape the hurly-burly of metropolitan life. It is the biggest park in the Islamabad-Rawalpindi area and also claims to be one of the largest of its kind in Asia.

Daman-e-Koh: A beautiful picturesque spot overlooking the Margalla Hills, all visitors coming here will be enamoured by the panoramic views that Daman-e-Koh has to offer. Mini-buses regularly ply from the main city to Daman-e-Koh. To reach here, you can also trek on the path behind the Marghzar Zoo.

Ever since Islamabads establishment thousands of people have been enamoured by its attractions. Your trip to the city will surely remain incomplete if you do not visit the above-mentioned locales.

SHOPPING IN ISLAMABAD

When coming to Islamabad, you should visit the many bazaars dotting every corner of the city. You might be looking for small mom-and-pop shops selling exotic wares or ultra-modern malls Islamabad surely has it all. The souvenirs which you collect here will surely help you preserve lovely memories for many years to come.

Tanzara Art Gallery: The art gallery is in the heart of the capital. Come here and see a splendid collection done by Pakistani artists. Over the years, this gallery has obtained numerous accolades for being the destination of choice for all looking to take home with them work done by local talent.

Emporium Islamabad: A much-visited shopping mall and food court in the city. You will surely have a merry time enjoying it as the vibe here is largely positive. Here outlets offer a fantastic selection of eatables, accessories and clothing all under one roof. The staff here is largely friendly and cooperative. And this is the venue of choice for all looking to have a gala time in Islamabad.

Metro Cash and Carry: A popular shopping centre, which you should think of visiting to stock up on items which you might need while going deep into the country. The best part of exploring this place is that you get all items of daily usage right under one roof. An added benefit of coming here is that you will generous discounts beyond purchasing goods of a certain value.

Islamabad Farmers Market: The Islamabad farmers market opens on Saturdays from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Hands down it is a wonderful place to shop meet local farmers, purchase local and seasonal fruits and get products which abide by international norms. As a tourist, you can have a hearty meal made from fresh ingredients, which are free of preservatives and colourings.

Giga Mall: The mall offers a wonderful mix of exceptional retail with world-class entertainment facilities. Travelling with friends and family, then you can surely drop by the shops and outlets selling branded designer wares. After exploring, you can also try out a wide variety of delicious cuisines in the restaurant within its premises.

Hands down, the best part of shopping in Islamabad is that you will be abel to pick up mementoes to remind you of the merry times spent. The experience of exploring the city will surely be really memorable.

NIGHTLIFE IN ISLAMABAD 

In Islamabad, the nighttime gives rise to a wonderful mix of traditional and contemporary cultures. You might be looking to taste mouth-watering local cuisines or just relax after sipping coffee in a café, you can find it all here. A small list of places to visit after sundown are:

F-7 Markaz: Located in the commercial area of the city, it is also known as the Jinnah Supermarket. This bustling area is home to many entertainment outlets and eateries which remain open till late at night. Here there are plenty of options for a night owl. You can go for a stroll, taste delicious food or just come here and enjoy the beautiful vibe. Also if you wish to try out typical roadside cuisine, this is the place.

Street Food Stalls: Want to try out some roadside dishes? Then hands down, this is the place. Try out lip-smacking Pakistani dishes like Samosas and Sweet Jalebis. The stalls are open till late at night and are a welcome option for all those interested in what life in The Pakistani capital truly is like.

Scenic Viewpoints: The city is located at the Foothills of the Margalla Mountain Range. Some evening spots to visit are the Daman-e-Koh and Pir Sohawa Ranges. People from all across the city frequent these scenic locales to unwind from the daily grind of modern life. These also serve as a wonderful venue to take memorable photographs with the cityscape in the background.

Monal Restaurant: The main draw of Monal Restaurant is the beautiful panoramic views of the city from the restaurant rooftop. Some of the added attractions to be found here are tasting delicious beverages like juices, and mocktails as well as the opportunity to unwind while listening to the latest Pakistani music soundtracks.

Music Mela: The Music Mela is an annual music festival, which is organized in December each year. Trained musicians and dancers from across the Indian sub-continent come here to showcase their talents. The atmosphere here is lively and a must-visit location for tourists coming to Islamabad.

The beautiful lights of the capital will enchant you and leave you with memories to cherish for many years to come. Step out at night and immerse yourself in the beauty of the citys night bazaars.

WHERE TO GET FOREX CONVERTED IN ISLAMABAD

If you want to explore the citys attractions in a relaxed manner, then you must carry some copies of the local currency. When you come to the city you can visit the following locations to exchange foreign currency.

Currency exchange services in the airport: The airport is a handy place to go exchange your money. However, the only issue which you might face here is that the exchange fares might be on the higher side and unfavourable.

Banks: The banks in the city will be charging you with an exchange rate of about 2-3% of the entire amount. The ones listed have been approved by the Central Bank of Pakistan and can be visited to get the local currency:

HBL

Faysal Bank

Mezan Bank

Bank al habib

Bureaus dedicated to exchanging money: These are another extra convenient venue to go exchange money when coming to Islamabad.

            GREAT EATING PLACES IN ISLAMABAD                                           

Pakistani cuisine contains influences from many regions. Add to this the fact Islamabad is located in Punjab, also known as the bread basket of South Asia. What you get is delightfully tasty dishes made from the freshest farm-grown ingredients. Dining in the citys restaurants is an experience which you should certainly not miss out on. Some of the best ones are:-

Arz Lebanon Restaurant: This restaurant offers a delightful fusion of Syrian and Lebanese cuisines. As a guest, you can try out an amazing array of appetizers, raw veggies, hummus and bread. The main course is equally enticing when you can taste classic Middle Eastern dishes like kebabs, and grilled and marinated food. Another useful aspect of the restaurant is that it is open till late at night.

Sakura Japanese Restaurant: This restaurant has obtained many recommendations owing to the original cuisines which it serves. Every dish is created in true Japanese style, incredibly flavourful and made with the freshest ingredients. Worth visiting time and again if you are a sushi lover.

Khyber Dodai: Another popular eatery in the city, well known for its Authentic Afghani cuisines. Some classic items to try out here are Namken Tikka, Lamb Tikka and Shinwarai Karahi. This outlet truly represents the epitome of traditional Afghani culinary calibre.

The Taste of Istanbul: The restaurants management takes great pride in serving all patrons a wide variety of traditional Turkish dishes. You will surely be left in awe by the warm, inviting ambience where you can go on an unforgettable culinary journey. The dining experience to be had here is surely unparalleled. Among the trademark dishes to try out are doner and kunafa.

The Capital Grill: Hands down the best Italian restaurant in the city. Other advantages of dining here are that it offers gluten-free options and boasts exceptionally high service standards. It has obtained top ratings on multiple parameters like food quality, service and aesthetics. Steaks and seafood are the most popular dishes sold here.

All those who have visited Islamabad have heaped laurels on the delicious cuisines they savoured during their stay. After witnessing the skill of the city chefs you will be left craving for more.

HOTELS STAY IN ISLAMABAD      

Since Islamabad is a popular tourist destination, so a thriving hotel industry has come up here. No matter what your specific preference or budget might be you will surely be able to obtain suitable accommodation. A brief list of the best hotels in the city are:-

Green Line Motel Islamabad (5 Star)

Address: House #. 132, Main Service Road, G-14/4 East, Islamabad 44000 Pakistan

Located in the main business district of Islamabad, the best part of staying here is the beautiful blend of modern and traditional which it offers. The best part of this hotel is its proximity to the airport, making it a hit with tourists coming on business class flights. Ideal for all seeking a comfortable stay.

Ramada by Wyndham Islamabad (5 Star)

Address:1 Club Road Murree Road, Islamabad 44000 Pakistan     

An excellent choice for travellers who might be coming to the city. Travellers coming here will get a warm welcome with numerous amenities which have been designed to make your stay all the more memorable. The highlight of your visit here will be relaxing rooms offering in-house air-conditioning coupled with room service. A valet parking is one of its other attractions.

Roomy Signature Hotel, Islamabad (5 Star)

Address: Block 7, F-6 Markaz, Main Agha Khan Road, Islamabad 44000 Pakistan

Are you travelling with your family or solo? There are plenty of attractions to be found here. The centrally designed rooms and central location assure you of a venue for a peaceful stay in this vibrant city. Hands down, one of the best places to come and put up in the city.

Envoy Continental Hotel (4 Star)

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

In this, hotel you will surely be able to obtain a variety of services like good quality of service, and many desired amenities. Additional facilities like campus-wide WiFi, valet parking and complimentary parking to and from the airport, make a favourite of tourists coming here. Surely the place to come if you want a memorable vacation in South Asia.

Best Western Premier Islamabad (4 Star)

Address: 6 Club Road, Islamabad 6 Club Road, Islamabad, 44000 Islamabad, Pakistan

Located at the foothills of Margalla Hills, this 4-star property is located about 35 minutes drive away from the International Airport. The best part of coming here is the homely and relaxing environment which is to be found here. Management works hard to ensure that all visitors have an unforgettable experience. It has obtained top ratings on many platforms covering developments in the hospitality sector.

Villa Vista (4 Star)

Address: School Road House no 36, F-6/3, opposite Shaheen Chemist., F-6 Sector, 44000 Islamabad, Pakistan

This hotel is the best place where you can come and organize small meetings. Another useful feature is its proximity to popular tourist locales like The Diplomatic Enclave, Blue Area, Margalla Hills Hiking trails and Zoo. The hotel offers all visitors an unmatched experience in opulence and luxury. You should decide to come put up here.

Hotel Hillview Islamabad (3 Star)

Address:- College Road Main Jinnah Super Market, Islamabad 44000 Pakistan

The best part of staying here is the useful features like campus-wide air-conditioning, airport transportation and complimentary breakfast. Surely, the place to come put up, if you are travelling on a frugal budget.

Hotel Margala (3 Star)

Address:- M-2 Near Convention Centre, Islamabad 44000 Pakistan

Do you happen to be a student, hitchhiker, backpacker or somebody who does not have deep pockets? This is the place to come live. The best part of coming here is that the staff speaks English, so communicating with them will not be an issue. With rooms having a great view, this is the best mid-range hotel to come and stay at.

Over the years many travellers have come to Islamabad and gone back with lovely memories. So what are you waiting for, simply fly from Luton to Islamabad and have a wonderful holiday.