Why visit
Islamabad is Pakistan's planned capital, set against the Margalla Hills with wide avenues, parks, mosques, and quick access to Rawalpindi. It is calmer than Lahore or Karachi and useful before northern routes.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Islamabad is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Pakistan. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Islamabad, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Pakistan better matches the trip style.
Islamabad at a glance
City population
602k
Elevation
579 m
1,900 ft
Time zone
UTC+5
Asia/Karachi
Airport
ISB
Islamabad International Airport
Pakistan at a glance
Country center
30.0°, 70.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
881,912 km²
340,508 mi²
Country population
240.5 million
273/km²
Subregion
Southern Asia
Currency
Pakistani rupee (₨)
PKR
Dial
+92
Languages
English, Urdu
Demonym
Pakistani
Internet
.pk
UN
Member state
ISO code
PK / PAK
Where in the world
30.0° - 70.0°
Pakistan
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Islamabad was purpose-built in the 1960s to replace Karachi as Pakistan's capital.
- The Faisal Mosque sits below the Margalla Hills and is one of the city's defining landmarks.
- Faisal Mosque, shaped like a desert tent, was the largest mosque in the world from 1986 to 1993.
- Pakistan's K2 is the second-tallest mountain on earth (8,611 m) and considered the hardest 8,000-meter peak to climb.
- The Indus Valley civilization, one of the earliest human civilizations (3300 BCE), centered on present-day Pakistan.
Bordering Pakistan
Traveler notes
- Faisal Mosque is the city's defining landmark
- Margalla Hills offer accessible hiking above the capital
- Rawalpindi adds older bazaars and railway history nearby
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Islamabad
What currency is used in Islamabad?
Islamabad uses the Pakistani rupee (₨), ISO code PKR.
What languages are spoken in Pakistan?
The primary languages are English and Urdu.
What is the international calling code for Pakistan?
The calling code is +92.
When is the best time to visit Islamabad?
Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Islamabad?
Islamabad International Airport (IATA: ISB).
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