Islamabad / Rawalpindi Airport situated in the middle of [wiki=fca35f8c2c01709e211e67a0e4ed0299]Rawalpindi[/wiki] receives flights from a variety of international destinations, including in Europe via Turkish Airlines' hub in Istanbul (from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Amsterdam, Geneva, Zurich, Frankfurt, Paris, and many more), the middle east Dubai (via Emirates, Pakistan International Airlines PIA [url=http://www.piac.aero]),Shaheen]Air [url=http://www.shaheenair.com[/url]),]Sharjah (AirBlue [url=http://www.airblue.com[/url]),]Muscat, Doha, and Baghdad (Iraqi Airways)) and other Asian cities such as Urumqi (China Southern Airlines) and Bangkok (Thai Airways). Worth noting that other international destinations are served direct from [[Karachi[/url]] and [wiki=8871c5b0a8ac26f13ac2b0e3558b1148]Lahore[/wiki], including the only link to central Asia (Uzbekistan Airways fly from [wiki=8871c5b0a8ac26f13ac2b0e3558b1148]Lahore[/wiki] to [wiki=1e37948858daa7aed71fcb3f2e95e3e6]Tashkent[/wiki]). A taxi from the airport to Islamabad is around Rs400 (in a yellow non a/c cab). You can easily walk out of the airport and hail a taxi to get a cheaper price.The white Toyota Corolla aircon radio cabs will set you back Rs800/
Islamabad airport can get busy and groan under the weight of departing passengers, meaning giving yourself 2 hours prior to departure is a good idea. As with most places in Pakistan queuing is a optional concept and hence checking-in can involve getting those elbows out and pushing to the front.
Niazi Express, Skyways and Daewoo Sammi [url=http://www.sammi.com.pk]](+92 51 111 007 008) are some of the nicer long-haul operators. Skyways offer some direct services to/from Islamabad and [[Lahore[/url]], [wiki=f0e2a92592b0809144c78ed2d9d8431c]Peshawar[/wiki] and [wiki=896efdfbc7675d56197f2bc7dc4f3ffc]Karachi[/wiki]. Daewoo has its own terminal on the road from Islamabad just outside [wiki=fca35f8c2c01709e211e67a0e4ed0299]Rawalpindi[/wiki]. The majority of buses arrive and depart from [wiki=fca35f8c2c01709e211e67a0e4ed0299]Rawalpindi[/wiki], a few kilometers and a 45 minute taxi ride from Islamabad. It's best to book Daewoo by phone in advance if possible. At the moment they serve [wiki=896efdfbc7675d56197f2bc7dc4f3ffc]Karachi[/wiki], [wiki=f0e2a92592b0809144c78ed2d9d8431c]Peshawar[/wiki], [wiki=8871c5b0a8ac26f13ac2b0e3558b1148]Lahore[/wiki], [wiki=c86c718e1bba8335d2ca89abb70c8042]Murree[/wiki], [wiki=3c928929649432d5a1322bb587c0110c]Sialkot[/wiki], Abottabad, Bahawalpur, [wiki=0875fc07a757103b12792e238f9903e9]Faisalabad[/wiki] and [wiki=1f4d508180b8df30a83cc68a0f08e1cb]Multan[/wiki].
Since First Class travel with Pakistan Railway is good, it's worth knowing that Rawalpindi, the neighbouring city, has railway connections with various major cities including [wiki=896efdfbc7675d56197f2bc7dc4f3ffc]Karachi[/wiki], [wiki=8871c5b0a8ac26f13ac2b0e3558b1148]Lahore[/wiki] & [wiki=f0e2a92592b0809144c78ed2d9d8431c]Peshawar[/wiki].
The Margalla Hills are effectively foothills of the Himalayas - and are very easily accessible from Islamabad. However these are quite big, steep hills, and shouldn’t be underestimated - if you are planning on a walk up to the top of the first ridge (ie where the Monal restaurant is) then sturdy footwear, a large water bottle, and a change of t-shirt are necessary (good chance you’ll be drenched in sweat by the time you get to the top). Between March and November it is best to start walking in the early morning (before 7.30AM, or 6.30AM in the height of summer) as it is uncomfortably hot during the day.
There are many trails to choose from, some of which have been numbered by the city planners. The more popular walks are Trail 3, Trail 5 and the Zoo Trail. Google Earth gives a good way to orientate yourself before you set out.
Trail 6 - also known at the E7 or Faisal Mosque trail. Little used, in part because it is so difficult to find the trailhead. Head to the carpark to the rear of the Faisal Mosque, and look for a gate with a Margalla Tree Planting Project sign next to it. Head through the gate, take the first right, then right again (at a grey metal box with a hole in the top) through a small clearing, and turn left at the end. Walk north toward a large concrete water storage tank, and walk to the right of this on to a well defined path (GPS coordinates 33.734112° , 73.038421°) from here it should be plain sailing. Trail 1 winds its way up to the ridge, where you can turn right and reach the Pir Sohawa road, near the turn-off for Talhaar. Takes about 2 hours to get to the top. From Pir Sohawa road its a 20 minute walk to the Monal restaurant, and you can catch a taxi back in to town, or head down Trail 3 or the Saidpur village trail.
Trail 2 / Zoo trail - Trail 2 begins a little way up Pir Sohawa (just past the Jungle Shack drinks bar - GPS 33.7346° , 73.0545°) or you can start from the right of the entrance of the Islamabad Zoo. This is a good choice if you are looking for a 1-2 hour walk - the trail leads up to the Daman-e Koh viewpoint - if you want to continue walking a trail up to Cactus Ridge leads from next to the Police checkpoint near the entrance to Daman-e Koh. From Cactus Ridge you get a good view of where AirBlue flight 202 crashed.
Trail 3 - begins from Margalla Road, F-6/3 (the junction between Margalla Road & Ataturk Avenue). It is a little steep and strenuous in the first leg, which goes up to the Viewpoint and is about a 30 - 50 min. trek. After the Viewpoint you can continue on for another easy-going 45 - 60 mins and reach the Pir Sohawa, where you can choose from 3 restaurants for food, The Monal, Treehouse and Capital View Restaurant. This is the most popular walk, hence litter levels are high.
Trail 4 - this is a link trail between Trails 3 and 5
Trail 5 also begins from Margalla Road in F-5 (about 500m down from Trail 3 - opposite Judge's Enclave) and is initially an easier trail to climb. Trail 5 connects with Trail 3 (via Trail 4) and meets beyond Trail 3's viewpoint. If you continue on Trail 5 you eventually meet the Pir Sohawa road (33.7675°, 73.0771°) although it is possible to get lost on Trail 5 and veer too far east, ending up on the top part of Trail 6. Either way you'll eventually hit the Pir Sohawa road so it's difficult to get truly lost. From the top of Trail 5 it is 1.5km to the top of Trail 3 - hence you can do a loop, taking 3 - 4 hours.
Trail 6 is in the valley to the east of Trail 5. Start from the Trail 5 carpark, walk parallel to the blocked off dual carriageway heading east and then head north when you see the mouth of the valley. Walk past a small cluster of houses and then you'll come across a sealed single track road, follow this for a short while and you'll end up on the path, and follow this up the valley, ascending to the left side. You'll eventually end up on the Pir Sohawa road. From here you can head west to the top of Trail 5. The Trail is without signposts or markers, is little used but very scenic.
Saidpur trail - follow the river through the village (including ducking though some back alleys) and you'll emerge in a valley and a trail that leads up to the Monal restaurant - and hence you can easily do a loop coming down Trail 3. Saidpur trail isn't much used so it largely free of litter.
Bari Imam trail - for the more adventurous this is a good hike. Drive to Nurpur Shahan (east of the government complexs beyond the end of Margalla Road) - head to a road junction at 33.7457°, 73.1050° and turn left, until you reach a turnoff for a small guesthouse at the start of the trail (33.7569°, 73.1135°). The walk starts with steps leading up to the Bari Imam cave, then you can continue up the steep hill behind, then traverse round to the Pir Sohawa road, where there are a few cafes and a hotel (33.7843° , 73.1107° - it is about 5km from here to the Top of Trail 3 if you follow the road). You can return down the valley back to your starting point. Beware however that you pass into Khyber Paktunkwa on the walk and you may have to charm yourself pass some policemen.
Both Trail 3 & Trail 5 have large maps and guidance boards placed at the entrance.
For more walks and information buy a copy of Hiking Around Islamabad (available in Saeed Book Bank in F7 Markaz) or read through the original [url=http://www.scribd.com/doc/64633857/Hiking-Around-Islamabad-1992]1992 version[/url].
The Centaurus, Everything in one package from multiplex to food court. Also has a "Fun City" for children. Its a wonderful place to visit and you can get all multinational companies there under one roof.
*Safa Gold Mall, At F-7 Markaz.
*Mall9, At G-9 Markaz.
*Al Taqwa Mall, Good shopping mall with food court and playland.
*DHA Gold Crest
*World Trade Center, A big shopping center with many handicraft stores build by WTO. It is under construction expect completion end of 2014.
Foreign Currency Exchange is easily available from F-6 Blue Area where there are 100's of money changers in privately owned shops. It is advised to check the rate with a few of them before going ahead with it.
Majlis, Hill Road (northern end, on the F6-3 side), a trendy place with good Lebanese food. A place where you will find the the movers and shakers of the city and a large portion of the Arabic diplomatic community. The food is pretty good (although some would argue that the Lebanese Cafe in F10 is more authentic), and the setting just right. Though those visiting on a tight budget can choose to avoid it, it sure is worth a stop. It also delivers.
*Tastefully understated refurbishment of the old UN club building. Mango Tree offers great Thai food, a delicate combination of fresh ingredients and authentic Thai flavours. A bit pricey - the owners play the old trick of slapping on 17% tax and 10% service to the bill, hence mains are about Rs 700 a pop. The upstairs balcony is particularly pleasant.
Downstairs Nana's kitchen serves up a decent lunch and dinner menu with Brunch on Sundays. And their cupcakes are famous in Islamabad. The decor is tastefully done in soft tones and is accented by a large beautifully built fireplace.
*understated, home-cooked, well presented Asian and European food, in a small, cosy inside-outside restaurant with London Books (shop) next door. The place is aimed squarely at the expat market, and priced with this in mind. Owner also runs Riffy's restaurant in Chak Sharzad - call for details.
*Khiva offers a Central Asia Cuisine. It has indoor and outdoor seating. Address: House no.64, Main Margalla Road, F-6/3, Islamabad
*recently opened branch of the popular chicken chain
*Cafe Khaas, No. 1, Street 2, F-6/3. Cafe Khaas, is an extension of Khaas Art Gallery. A lunch only place that is normally packed, though expensive has great food. They also boast one of the finest art collections in Islamabad. Look for "Mouse" or the manager, and you will be given personal attention. Make sure you get a suggestion for what is best, and work your way through the limited, but exquisite menu. At the lunch hour, this place is filled with yet more, movers and shakers of Islamabad, from the business men, to politicians, models and expats. The place is always kicking for the sophisticated lunch.
*Famous for being the site of a bomb attack in 2008, offers acceptable Italian dining with an extensive menu covering, pastas, seafood and meat. Wine and beer available at a price (Rs 600 for a glass of red). Nice garden out back.
* Cafe Melange House 6, Street 41, F-6/1. Eat in, take away or delivery. Pizza is some of the best in Islamabad. 023 136 352 643
Espresso Lounge, F-7 Markaz (Jinnah Super), Behind Shell Petrol pump and standard Chartered Bank. Best Cafe of the town. Specialize in a variety of coffees, pastas, salads, sandwiches, desserts. 051-2652943
*Upper Deck, F-7 Markaz (Jinnah Super), above Gourmet Bakery, near north-west corner of Markaz. A very nice, up-market restaurant specializing in seafood. Popular with expats and well-off locals. Nice ambiance, a variety of well-prepared fish, fish & chips and a fish burger. Decent cheesecake and chocolate cake for dessert. Main courses Rs300 - Rs800.
*Only for dinner. Set in a pleasant garden behind a large guest house. Pakistani food, traditional music playing, aimed firmly at expats. Service is slow but the food good. Drinks available at a price (Rs2,500 for a bottle of wine). There is a better restaurant with the same name in [wiki=fca35f8c2c01709e211e67a0e4ed0299]Rawalpindi[/wiki]
*Opened in May 2011 and after a patchy start this place has found its feet. Tastefully decorated house restaurant offering an excellent choice in European dishes - try the Mediterranean chicken with olives, prunes & sun-dried tomatoes or the chocolate hazelnut timbale for dessert. The resident pianist adds to the occasion. Together with the Polo Lounge this is one of Islamabad's best restaurants. Can bring your own drinks. Recommended.
*Papa Sallis, F-7 Markaz (Jinnah Super)(Ph: 2650550-3), Very well known place (Please ask any local shop for directions) for steaks and pizzas since 1991. Prices are quite high for Pakistani standards, but from a Western perspective still very cheap.
*Kitchen Cuisine / KC Grill, 81 Bhittai Road, F7/4 (just off the southeast corner of Jinnah Super) 051 2655712. Adequate cafe restaurant with a nice terrace - serves european and Pakistani cuisine at reasonable prices (mains Rs 400). There is a popular bakery with really fresh and tasty bakery products downstairs, including chocolate fudge cakes, cheese cakes and low cholesterol items. Made to Order services are also available.
*Ye Olde Hangout, F-7 Markaz (Jinnah Super), behind Shell petrol station. A wonderful little coffee shop/sheesha bar. They serve a small selection of global and local food, and play sexy Bollywood and Egyptian videos. Posters of Jimi Hendrix, 50 Cent, Marilyn Manson and Angus Young are on the walls. One room is all men. Another for mixed couples and ladies only. No alcohol of course, but lots of cigarettes and a good tea selection.
*Civil Junction, F-7/3 markaz (Gol Market) offers good coffee and an interesting array of drinks and 'mocktails'. Light snacks are also offered along with coffee and drinks. The place offers occasional live music from upcoming local bands, making it a popular hangout with the youth of the city.
*Hot Spot, One of the few places that Islamabad can claim as theirs first. F-7/3 (Gol Market) also offers a great ice-cream place. Though the menu has now increased from just ice-cream to milkshakes, pies, sandwiches and plenty more, the place still has the feel of an ice-cream joint. With a unique, rather artistic decor, Hot Spot is a must visit for any first time traveler to Islamabad.
*Not the same as worldwide, but still better than a few.
*Opened in 2010 this place is still trying to establish itself. Its Euro-russian menu and tasteful modern décor make it worth seeking out.
*Set in the wealthy back streets of F7 the Olive Garden is popular with wealthy Pakistani's and is a great place to people watch on a weekend. Food is variable, but the setting is nice, with a fire pit in winter, and plenty of sheesha. Not part of the American chain.
* This large restaurant just off the markaz serves up tasty kebabs and Afghani specialties, and is usually very crowded with locals and expats at dinner time.
*Hidden away in F7's back streets is this house-converted-to-restaurant run by a Korean women. Most other diners are Korean expats craving a taste of home. Most Korean favourites available, including dolsot bibimbap, and piles of Kimchi. No 'cook at your table' bulgolgi however. Moderately expensive. Alcohol available, but ask the price before ordering.
*Securely placed in Kohsar Market which is frequented by westerner living as diplomats/families in Islamabad.
* MJ's Coffeehouse and Bakery. After 4 successful years in F10, now in Jinnah Super, Bhitai Road. ☎ 051 2608112 and 2608113, [10]. 8AM-11 PM. Specialist European style bakery, pizzeria and coffeehouse. Excellent food, speciality breads, cheesecakes, gelato ices, Fondant designer cakes for those special moments, see facebook.com/mjscoffeehouseandbakery . Traditional English Breakfasts etc
China Town Restaurant, Street 55, F-8/4. A large and popular Chinese restaurant. It offers Sichuan Cuisine with Firepot as one of it's specialities coupled with the modern blend where the waiters use PDAs to take orders. China Town enjoys a very loyal patronage from its customers. The restaurant is being re-located to a beautiful 8,000 sq ft building on Street 55, F-8/4. It features a professional kitchen in the basement, a beautiful lounge on ground floor, a fine dining hall on the first floor, and a roof top sitting with a fantastic view of Margallas.
*Low key Chinese restaurant set in a suburban house, run by a Chinese family. Food is more authentically Chinese in comparison to the Pak-China food you get elsewhere in Islamabad, demonstrated by the fact that half your fellow diners will be from China. The potions are designed to share between 2 so remember to order half sizes. An added plus is that this place will serve you a cold beer with your food (Rs300 a bottle).
*Patio Lounge, House no. 1, street 17, F-8/3. Opened in May 2011 this place is still finding its feet. Tastefully furnished garden with wall mounted fans keeping down the summer heat. Menu is standard western fare, although the steaks are considerably better than average. Also serves Sheesha as a digestive.
*The House of Bombay, 18 Margalla Road, F8/3. 051 831 2705/6. [http://www.thehouseofbombay.com/] Opened July 2011 this place is establishing itself as the place to go for decent south Asian cuisine. What separates HoB from the rest is that everything is made fresh and has a real home cooked taste to it and the cooking oil is kept to a minimum. Mains Rs700. Can bring your own drinks.
*Recently opened high-end restaurant serving European and Pakistani cuisine. Good food (try the caramelised steak) good service, a pleasant garden and local art on the walls makes this place worth seeking out. Has a clothing boutique upstairs also.
*LA balto Sheesha bar it has a very good offering flavours as well as snacks pizzas too.. a great place to visit
*19th House 6-A, Street 69, F8/3. 0345-5236578 / 051-8356280/1. Another Chinese restaurant set in a house, this one with a Shezhuan flavour. The chef, Ami Qin speaks both English and French.
*Urban Lounge Street 21, F8/2. A new coffee house opened up in 2011, this joint caters mostly to youngsters with its fairly budgeted and western food. The desserts are definitely worth a try and with ample seating at indoor sheesha allowed, its more than 90% of the time occupied!
* Habibi Restaurant Markaz F-8 (in the parking behind Habib Bank Ltd.) Serves Bar B Que and local dishes. During lunchtime mostly frequented by the crowd visiting "Kutchery" i.e. the Courts which are located in F-8 markaz.
McDonald's is situated in the south-west corner of the F-9 Park. It also has a drive through service. Very popular with families.
Pleasant, locally orientated Italian restaurant - extensive menu covering pizzas, pasta, meat and seafood - and all done pretty well (except the pizzas). Nice views of the F9 park from the upstairs seating area.
*Run by a Lebanese family, the cafe restaurant is the perfect excuse to delve in to the back streets of F10 - the setting is nothing fancy, but the food is excellent, and very good value. Home deliveries available. No sheesha however.
*Young hip hangout in the back streets of F10 - menu is simple but tasty, with many European favourites. Excellent rooftop sheesha bar. This is a popular place for Islamabad's young and wealthy. Open until late.
*Worth visiting just to see the custom made building. Nestled in the suburban sprawl of F10 this place offers a varied menu covering many cuisines, and doing a pretty good job at most of them. One of the more memorable places to eat in the city and certainly worth seeking out.
*Specialist European style bakery, pizzeria and BBQ. Excellent food, specialty breads, cheesecakes, gelato ices. Outside lawn for BBQ.
*A little gem of a coffeehouse serving the best coffee this side of Gloria Jeans in F6. Serves proper coffee in tasteful surrounds, and a great collection of cakes to boot - just a shame its all the way out in F10
"Inkantray" (Incantare) a nice place for hangout with friends. Mostly for shisha. In basement of Pizza Hut.
* A nice little cafe with an interesting and wide range of food menu. A definite choice to eat from for a scrumptious lunch or dinner. It is comparatively new as of 2013.
Restaurant, cafe, Spanish, Roll Parathas, Shawarma, Pastas, Chinese, Italian, Desi, BBQ. Home Delivery Dine Inn and Take Away
Des Pardes A sister restaurant of the popular Pakistani eatery in Saidpur village. Someone has clearly spent some money on opening this place - set in a huge tent in E11 markaz. Excellent Pakistani food, but you may find it quiet on a weeknight.
*Overly stylish sheesha lounge and cafe, very much the modern face of Pakistan and a place to go to meet the hip, young and rich.
*Homestyle Cafe / Funky Bake swish cafe in E11 markaz, has a great little made-to-order cupcake setup (Funky Bake) attached.
Melody Food Park In Melody G-6 Markaz is a newly opened food area with variety of food to choose from with some nationally famous restaurant names having outlets there. Plenty of BBQ and traditional Pakistani food with a variety of fresh fruit juices to choose from.
*Rakaposhi, pastry shop at the Serena, has some of the best coffee and pastries in Pakistan. Worth a visit if you just want to relax or get some work done. The Serena also offers wireless internet, so, it is an ideal place to sit and get some work done if you like.
*Kamran Restaurant In Aabpara, G-6/1 is also a famous place for traditional Pakistani cuisine.
**Real French Bakehouse At back side of Melody food park shop 9 block 21 is one of the leading baker of Islamabad producing a variety of French and local products with its expert team in a hygienic way. Cell 051-2603390.
* Nirvana Cafe and Spa, popular spot with 'ladies who lunch', business meet and greets and devotees of the tuna sandwich. House 18, Street 90, G-6/4. The thai red curry is good.
Pleasant local Afghan restaurant set in a small house, and a good excuse to explore the back streets of little-visited G9. Can eat well for under Rs. 500 per person.
*The Only Spanish Restaurant in Islamabad with wide range of variety in food. Pastas, burgers, french fries, shawarmas, roll paratha, salads, Italian and soups.
Small & pleasant cafe and pâtisserie, a place for lunch or a coffee rather than a dinner
*Upscale Afghan style BBQ restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating - look for the big red sign
*Notionally Italian - in pleasant dark wood surroundings. Certainly I8's nicest looking restaurant. Serves a range of salads, pastas, steaks and sea food. Worth making the trip to I-8 for.
*Fast Food Take Away,
*Pakistani Cuisine
Rahat Bakery is situated at I-8 Markaz having plenty of delicious items to eat.
Red Onion Chain of Restaurants Blue Area, opposite the Saudi Pak Tower building stands one of the oldest restaurants in Islamabad. Established in 1991 with buy one, get one free pizza. Wide range of cuisines i.e Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Pakistani & Continental. Prices are moderate, ambiance is modern & service is friendly
*Lasania Restaurant, 66 West Junaid Plaza, Blue Area (Ph: 227-3200, 287-2200). This place is very nicely decorated and is also situated in a very nice location. They have a huge selection of BBQ, Pakistani and Chinese food items on the menu. Their food is not extremely spicy like most other places.
*Cinnamon, Beverley Center, Blue Area, 051 2206988. One of Islamabad's best European restaurants, serving a range of continental pastas, salads and meat dishes, as well as a range of refreshing mocktails. The décor is absolutely superb, with black and white motifs and photographs, and the service and quality of food equally good. The perfect place to have a quiet albeit slightly expensive dinner. [[http://www.cinnamon.com.pk]
*Curious restaurant in a basement with a plasticy cave theme going on. Food is acceptable, with large portions of European (steakhouse) and Pakistani food. More curious than the restaurant itself is the fact that this place tops the Tripadvisor listings for Islamabad. Mains around Rs400-500.
*Tehzeeb (formerly known as Rahat Bakers), F-6 Blue Area, Driving along the main road in blue area, with pizzas, bakery products, rich creamy milk ice creams etc are available. A big range to choose from. Although it is a fairly big store, there are no eat-in arrangements. Right next to Rahat Bakers is a place called Safilo, which offers a wide range of ice-creams, milkshakes and juices. They pride themselves in their cleanliness.
*Subway is a franchise of the international Subway and has two branches, one in Blue Area, and the other one in F11-Markaz. It offers subs and salad.
*Take away, dine in and free home delivery.
*Usmania Restaurant In Blue Area is also a famous place for traditional Pakistani cuisine.
*Bolan Saltish Afghani and Pakistani restaurant, known for its Khadda Sajji.
*Jahangir's, Masco Plaza, Blue Area is one of the most popular local restaurant chains. Its delicious local or 'desi' items and barbecue are a treat, garnering it lots of appreciation from food lovers. Known for their Pakistani and Indian specialties.
*Popular new BBQ restaurant, with consistently good food and a varied menu of Pakistani favorites. Same owners as the branch in Karachi. Big rush on dinner timings. Price ranges from 300-700 per person. Free delivery available.
Expensive but not bad Japanese restaurant, and one of the few restaurants in the Diplomatic enclave outside of an Embassy and hence open-to-all. Serves a range of Bento boxes, tempura, noodles, sushi and sashimi, and in all fairness the food is fairly authentic (the owner/manager is Japanese). Can bring your own drinks also.
*Something of a diplomatic enclave institution. Cordon Rouge serves up authentic French cuisine in softly lit surroundings. A bit pricey but decent food. Extensive wine list.
A great choice for top notch Pakistani food - evenings are best when Saidpur is illuminated with subtle floodlighting, and you can relax on the terrace and admire the architecture. Can be very busy on weekends so reserving a table is recommended - the parking can be chaotic also.
*Decent fine dining restaurant, with a long established sister restaurant in Lahore. European menu, excellent steaks, professional chef, drinks available. The upstairs terrace is wonderful, if a bit chilly in winter. Reservations recommended.
*Set at an altitude of 3900 ft on Margalla Hills, Monal offers a spectacular view of the city. It is the largest restaurant in Pakistan in terms of seating capacity
*Chicken Shack - in Pir Sohawa about 5km past Monal a simple BBQ place with great views to the north and south. Mains about Rs300.
A lovely setting on the southern banks of Rawal Lake, and offering great sunset views over the water. Its all outdoor and set in a garden, with a few gazebos to shade you from the sun. Food is BBQ & standard Pakistani, and good value also. You may want to bring a map if its your first visit as its a little tricky to find.
*Red Onion Near the dam on the southern end of the lake. Standard food but a nice setting on the lakeside, with views across the water to Islamabad.
*Lake View Park Restaurant is the only place to eat on the northern part of the lake. Which is a shame as the place is over 1km from the waters edge and the food is overpriced for what you get.
Budget accommodation in Islamabad is fairly lackluster and questionably clean. There are many guesthouses around the city that make a nice alternative to a hotel.
*The Boys Hostel (TBH), G-8 (campus), F-10 (Campus) & G-10 (Campus). Phone: 2102352, 2256705, 2224012
*Hotel Blue Sky, Sitara Market, G-7 Markaz. Double rooms from Rs300, with cable tv from Rs. 400. Update: as of 03/2015 prices are at least 1200 Rs for a room. Management is not friendly to women travelling alone and has limited English skills.
*Simara Hotel, Sitara Market, G-7 Markaz. With good bargaining skills you can get a double room for 1000 Rs (03/2015). Can be strange travelling alone as a woman. Also, only pay to the official receptionist and ask for a receipt.
*Hotel Friends Inn, Aabpara Market, G-6 Markaz. As of 09/2014, rates for single rooms were around 2300 Rs with A/C.
*Hotel Meraj Next to National Bank of Pakistan, G-9 Markaz, Karachi Company. Tel: +92 (0)51 2282587, 2255056-7 Double rooms from Rs. 1600
*Caravan Park Opposite Aabpara Market and a little distance away from the Shakarparian Hills. This place is open and accessible only for foreigners, making it exclusive and safe. Adequate facilities are provided to make visitors to the area comfortable and at home. Rs50 per person, Rs100 per vehicle (bicycles free). Popular with overlanders. Update: since the Nanga Parbat Attack in 2013, this place is closed.
*Sohawa Heights Hotel, Pir Sohawa Up in the Margalla Hills about 5km past the Monal restaurant. An alternative to staying in Islamabad proper is to stay up in the hills overlooking the city. Rooms are en suite, have satellite TV, and great views over the city (from the roof terrace) and view to the north over the picturesque valley behind from your bedroom. Only really an option if you have your own transport, as its a 30 minute drive from town up the hill. There is a popular restaurant (The Khokha) and some shops / restaurants nearby. Rs. 1,200 per room.
Carnations Suites, House # 1A, Marvi Road F7/4, Islamabad, [http://carnations-suites.com/]. Phone: 0092 52 261 1450-51. Cell: 0092 333 53 222 14. Email: info@carnations_suites.com. Uniquely designed, intimate, cosy environment. Great place to stay. In the heart of the capital city; from here most of the sites are within short distance. Very enthusiastic and helpful staff, clean and nicely decorated rooms, bathrooms and kitchen. Good breakfast and free internet. .
* 3-star range GuestHouse with 5MB WiFi@Fiberoptic, air conditioning & heating, powerbackup.
* Same owner as Upper Deck restaurant. Chez Soi has been hosting the diplomatic community exclusively since 1993.
*
*
* 4-star range hotel (not related to the Crowne Plaza chain)
* 3-star range hotel, nice rooftop restaurant, internet center and phone center.
* Economical range guesthouse with WiFi, air conditioner and heated rooms.
* 4-star range Guest House with in-room LCD TVs, satellite channels, powerbackup, and WiFi, available to let on daily, weekly and monthly basis.
* Affordable rooms.
The Riviera, House 5 , F-8/1. +92 (0) 51 2816157, [url=http://www.theriviera.pk/].]"The Riviera", a Corporate only premium service guest house and business centre located in the heart of the city.
* Serena Hotel, Khayaban-e-Suhrawardy, F-6. +92 (0) 51 111-133133, [url=http://www.serenahotels.com/[/url].]This 5-star hotel is the nicest in the city, with great restaurants and a gym. Rooms and suites $300-700. Presidential suite $2000.
* Number Three, 3 College Road, F-7/3. +92 (0) 51 2822070 -71, [url=http://numberthree.com.pk/[/url].]A boutique hotel in a posh residential area, with private terraces and stunning views of the Margalla Hills.
* Number Three Lush, House 27-A, Street 18, F-7/2. +92 (0) 51 2651070 - 72, [url=http://numberthree.com.pk/[/url].]A boutique hotel in a posh residential area, with a restaurant and business center.
* Marriott Hotel, Agha Khan Road, Shalimar 5. +92 (0) 51 111-223344, [url=http://www.marriott.com.pk/imh/index.asp[/url].]Once one of the top hotels in the city, it was ravaged by a truck bomb in September 2008. Rebuilt in just 3 months, it's once again open for business. But now the security is improved.
* A comfortable and safe place with good service.
* Islamabad Club, a fine and prestigious place to stay. Reservation required and only for members and their guests.
Forthcoming luxury hotels that may or may not be built:
*Centaurus hotel and convention centre. Jinnah Avenue, Sector F-8. 7 star hotel with convention centre,mega mall and many other amenities.
*Grand Hyatt tower and apartments. Constitution Avenue.
*LE MERIDIAN hotel,another luxurious hotel under construction.
*Jumeirah hotel,7 star hotel in capital.
*Sheraton hotel and country club,Bahria town,a luxurious hotel. [http://bahriatown.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=271&Itemid=84[/url]
*Sunset Motel and BBQ,Only 7 Km From Islamabad International Airport, Executive rooms and suites for the discerning officials, business and leisure travlers are designed to provide every luxury for a relaxing yet productive stay ensuring the very best value for your money [http://www.sunsetsuites-pak.com]
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English Local Newspaper The Dawn, The News, The Express Tribune, The Nation & The Daily Times are national newspapers in English supplemented with local news sections.
Business Recorder is the only newpaper providing national and international business news. However, newspapers like International Herald Tribune, Financial Times, Khaleej Times, Gulf News, Sunday Times and etc., are also available. These international newspapers usually arrive in Islamabad a day after publishing.
All newspapers (international, national and local) are available at book stores in leading hotels like Serena & Marriott. They can also be purchased from leading book stores such as London Book House (Kohsar Market in sector F-6/3), Saeed Book Bank (Jinnah Super Market in sector F-7), and Mr. Books (Super Market in sector F-6).