Karachi, the capital of Sindh and the biggest metropolitan city of Pakistan, is known for its diverse culture, advanced education system, rich cuisine, historical sites, best shopping malls, top cinemas and various farmhouses, and, of course, the beautiful deep blue sea. Karachi offers a complete and comfortable life for its residents.
If you’re looking to live in Karachi, Graana.com brings you a list of top-performing areas in Karachi for you to invest in.
List of Places to Visit in Karachi
If you are about to visit Karachi city for the first time, here is a list of Karachi touristic places.
| No. | Place | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clifton Beach | Clifton Beach, famously known as the sea view, is a hub of recreational activities and renowned eateries. It stretches from Karachi to Ormara, Balochistan, offering natural beauty and various activities like camel rides, scuba diving, and more. Seaview apartments and 3 to 4-star hotels add to the charm. |
| 2 | Mazar-e-Quaid | Mazar-e-Quaid, also known as the Jinnah Mausoleum, is the final resting place of Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. The mausoleum, completed in 1971, is a major tourist attraction and houses the tombs of other significant figures. Pay homage to the heroes of Pakistan at this iconic symbol of Karachi. |
| 3 | Mohatta Palace | Mohatta Palace, built in 1927, is a beautiful building located in Clifton, Karachi. Once the summer house of a Hindu businessman, it now stands as a museum showcasing contemporary Mughal art and architecture. The palace has historical and political roots and is a fantastic sight with its vast gardens. |
| 4 | Charna Island | Charna Island, also known as Churna Island, is an uninhabited paradise in the Arabian Sea, about 9 km west of the mouth of the Hub River. A hub for adventurous sports and recreational activities, it attracts visitors for scuba diving, freediving, hiking, speed boating, and more. Enjoy the beauty of the island and its diverse marine life. |
| 5 | Port Grand | Port Grand is known as the entertainment hub of Karachi, featuring a one-kilometer bridge transformed into a food street. With small eateries, fancy restaurants, and cinemas, it offers a variety of non-desi and desi cuisine. The place is breathtakingly beautiful, making it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Karachi. |
| 6 | Haleji Lake | Haleji Lake, located in Thatta District, is Asia’s biggest bird den. The perennial freshwater lake is surrounded by marshes and lagoons, creating a haven for bird lovers. The lake is home to various bird species and is a must-visit for those seeking natural beauty and birdwatching opportunities. |
| 7 | Karachi Zoo | Karachi Zoo, also known as Karachi Zoological Gardens, is the largest zoo in Pakistan. Opened in 1878, it houses exotic and wild species, including tigers, lions, alligators, and more. The zoo offers attractions like the Elephant House, Natural History Museum, and Reptile House, making it a sought-after family destination. |
| 8 | Frere Hall | Frere Hall, dating from the early British colonial era, is a building in Karachi that served as the city’s town hall. Constructed in 1895, it is now used as an exhibition space and library. On Sundays, a book fair is held in its courts, attracting book lovers with a variety of literary gems at throwaway prices. |
| 9 | Quaid e Azam Museum | Quaid e Azam Museum, also known as the Flagstaff House, is located in the heart of Karachi. Designed by British architect Moses Somake, the museum houses personal belongings of Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Originally his residence, the museum preserves the history of Pakistan’s founder and his sister, Fatima Jinnah. |
| 10 | Turtle Beach | Turtle Beach is a nesting ground for some of the rarest species of turtles, including Green Sea Turtles and Olive Ridley Turtles. Apart from watching turtles, visitors can enjoy activities like speed boating, fishing, jet skiing, camel and horse rides. It’s a great spot for recreational activities and enjoying a beautiful day with family and friends. |
| 11 | Chaukhandi Tombs | The Chaukhandi tombs, located 29 km east of Karachi, are ancient tombs known for their unique sand structures. Attributed to the Jokhio tribe, these tombs were mainly built during the Mughal era in the 15th and 18th centuries. They feature buff-colored sandstone and intricate carvings, making them a fascinating site for history and architecture enthusiasts. |
| 12 | Empress Market | Empress Market, one of the oldest and most famous marketplaces in Karachi, was built between 1884 and 1889. Located in Saddar, it offers a diverse range of products, from fruits and vegetables to stationery and pets. The market holds historical significance, being built on the grounds where several native sepoys were executed after the failed 1857 uprising against British rule. |
| 12 | Aram Bagh | Aram Bagh, which translates to “Garden of Relaxation” in Urdu, was previously recognized as Ram Bagh, meaning “Garden of Ram.” Situated in the historic center of Karachi, Pakistan, this neighborhood revolves around Aram Bagh Park. Notably, Aram Bagh boasts a significant number of listed and protected heritage buildings, many of which are well-preserved. |
Clifton Beach
If you want to experience true coastal beauty, that too without spending thousands of rupees, Clifton beach might be the perfect option for you.
Clifton beach, famously known as the sea view is a hub of recreational activities and renowned eateries. If you want to enjoy a sunset or you want to explore the seashells at the shore followed by a cool sea breeze, you should visit Clifton beach.
It is located on the Arabian Sea and stretches from Karachi to Ormara, Balochistan. Apart from natural beauty, the beach is flooded with many recreational activities including camel rides, scuba diving, cliff diving, buggy rides, horse rides, plastic planes flying among others.
You can also stay in the residential areas located at the seashore. There are multiple Seaview apartments located in the gated residential area. Or you can stay at the top 3-stars hotels and 4-star hotels in a city.
These properties are considered among the city’s top properties due to their location and attractions. Other apartments and villas that can be seen along the Clifton beach coasts are also becoming popular.
Hub dam is located in the Karachi district of Sindh and Lasbela district of Balochistan. The dam is constructed on the Hub River. Dams in Pakistan are not only a source of electricity and water supply, but they also act as perfect vacation spots for the locals. If you are an adventurous person, explore the deserts in Pakistan.
Mazar-e-Quaid
Karachi is also the final resting place of Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan. Mazar-e-Quaid, also known as the Jinnah Mausoleum is one of the most visited places of Karachi.
The construction and designing of the mausoleum started in 1960 and completed in 1971. Being an iconic symbol of Karachi, the mausoleum is one of the major tourist attractions in Pakistan. The mausoleum also has the tomb of Jinnah’s sister, Māder-e Millat (“Mother of the Nation”), Fatima Jinnah, Sardar Abdur Rab Nishtar, Liaquat Ali Khan and Nurul Amin.
The Mazar e Quaid is open to the general public. Do visit the Mazar to pay homage to the heroes of Pakistan. Pakistan is packed with hundreds of affordable and full of fun family vacation spots.
Mohatta Palace
The Mohatta Palace is a beautiful building located in the heart of Karachi city. Designed by Agha Ahmed Hussain, the palace was built in 1927 in the posh seaside locale of Clifton. Previously, it was the summer house of a famous Hindu businessman, Shivratan Mohatta. He constructed the palace for his sick wife as the doctors advised him to take his wife near to the sea.
The palace was built in the tradition of stone palaces of Rajasthan, using pink Jodhpur stone in combination with the local yellow stone from nearby Gizri. After the partition, the Mohatta palace was given to Fatima Jinnah. She spent her last years in this palace. In short, Mohatta palace has historical and political roots. Now, the palace has been turned into a museum and belongs to the state.
The spectacular architecture of the building is truly a fantastic sight. The buildings stand out from the rest with its vast gardens and corner tomb structures. If you want to see the accurate depiction of contemporary Mughal art and architecture, you should visit Mohatta Palace.
Charna Island
Charna Island, also known as Churna Island, is located near Mubarak Goth, Kiamari Town in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. This Island is an uninhabited paradise in the Arabian Sea, about 9 km (5.6 mi) west of the mouth of the Hub River called “Manjhar Beach,” at the boundary between the provinces of Balochistan and Sindh.
Charna is also locally known as “Cheerno” among the fishermen. It is 6 km away from Mubarak Village, famous for its fishermen. Churna is mainly used as a firing range by the Pakistan Navy.
Charna is no doubt a hub for adventurous sports and other recreational activities. A huge number of people visit the island every day for recreational activities such as scuba diving, freediving, underwater photography, hiking, speed boating, kneeboarding, wake surfing, banana tubing, jet skiing, cliff diving, and snorkeling.
There are many swimming spots in Karachi to visit. Swimming is an excellent hobby and sport that keeps you healthy and in shape. You can add more appeal to your house by installing a pool in the house.
If you have a knack for adventure and water sports, Charna Island is a heaven for you. Fishermen also fish near this island as there are vast species of lobsters, crabs and other fish.
Port Grand
Port Grand is known to be the entertainment hub of Karachi. From small eateries to fancy restaurants to good cinemas, Port Grand has got you covered. It has a one-kilometer bridge that is transformed into a food street and other stalls. You can find all kinds of non-desi and desi cuisine at this place. The meals range from 3-4$ (Rs. 300-600) for a full-fledged meal. Karachi has top restaurants serving piping hot food to its customers.
If you want to taste the famous cuisines of Karachi with a beautiful view, visit Port Grand with your friends and family and enjoy wholesome and yummy meals. Apart from the food, the place is breathtakingly beautiful and hence, it is known to be one of the most beautiful places to visit in Karachi.
Haleji Lake
Haleji Lake is a perennial freshwater lake in Thatta District of Sindh Province, Pakistan. It is 6.58 km2 (2.54 sq mi) in size. The lake is surrounded by marshes and lagoons, adding more natural beauty. It is Asia’s biggest bird den and is a heaven for bird lovers.
The lake is said to inhabit a variety of flora and fauna such as cotton teal, Indian spot-billed duck, purple moorhen, and Pheasant-tailed jacana. It is also a breeding site for egrets and herons. If you are a bird watcher or an adventurer, Haleji should be on your list for sure.
Karachi Zoo
The Karachi Zoo, also known as Karachi Zoological Gardens, is located in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. It is the largest zoo in Pakistan and the second oldest zoo in the country after Lahore Zoo. It is one of the most sought after places to visit in Karachi with family.
The Zoo was opened for the general public in 1878. Previously, it was commonly known as Mahatma Gandhi Garden. After the independence of Pakistan in 1947, the name was changed to ‘Karachi Zoological Gardens’ or ‘Karachi Zoo’.
The zoo houses several exotic and wild species of animals, including tigers, lions, alligators, zebras, and other animals. Some of the most famous attractions of the zoo include:
- Elephant House
- The Natural History Museum is one of the more famous attractions in Karachi Zoo. Apart from stuffed animals, skins, antlers, horns, and feathers of different animals are also exhibited in the natural history museum.
- Reptile House with more than 13 species of snakes and lizards.
- Veterinary Hospital
- Mughal Garden is known among the masses for different species of fauna.
- White Lions
Frere Hall
Frere Hall is no doubt one of the best places to visit in Karachi. Its a building in Karachi, Pakistan, that dates from the early British colonial-era in Sindh. The building was constructed in 1895, and it used to serve as the city’s town hall.
After partition, it is being used as an exhibition space and library. Frere Hall is open to the public; however, on Sundays there is a book fair in its courts several booksellers and hawkers come and sell books at throwaway prices.
If you are a bibliophile, you should visit this place. You can easily find literary gems at this place.
Quaid e Azam Museum
Quaid e Azam Museum that is also known as the Flagstaff House, is also located at the heart of Karachi city. The museum has housed all the things that were in the personal use of Quaid e Azam.
British architect Moses Somake designed the museum. Originally, the museum was the residence of Quaid e Azam from 1944 to 1948. After his demise, his sister, Fatima Jinnah lived in the house until 1964. The building was later acquired in 1985 by the Pakistani government and conserved as a museum.
Turtle Beach
Another great way to enjoy a great day in Karachi is to visit Turtle Beach. It is a nesting ground for some of the rarest species of turtles including Green Sea Turtles and Olive Ridley Turtles. Every year hundreds of turtles lay their eggs at the beach.
Apart from watching turtles, there are several activities that you can do at the beach. There are many picnic spots on the beach where you can enjoy a beautiful day with your family and friends. If you are a fan of recreational activities, this place is heaven for you. It has speed boating, fishing, and jet skiing. You can also enjoy camel and horse rides at the seashore.
Chaukhandi Tombs
The Chaukhandi tombs are ancient tombs located 29 km (18 mi) east of Karachi, in the Sindh province of Pakistan. The tombs are famous for their unique sand structures.
The tombs are attributed to the Jokhio and known as the family graveyard of the Jokhio tribe. They were mainly built during the Mughal era in the 15th and 18th centuries. The graves are constructed with a buff-coloured sandstone. Tombs were constructed either as single graves or as groups of up to eight graves, raised on a common platform.
If you have a knack for historical sites and unique architecture, this place is definitely for you. The best time to visit the place is morning because you can see the beautiful detailing and carvings on the tombs.
Empress Market
One of the oldest and most famous market places in Karachi is Empress Market. Located at the prime location of Saddar, Empress Market has everything you need. The market was started during the British Raj. Empress Market was constructed between 1884 and 1889 and was named to commemorate Queen Victoria, Empress of India.
The market has hundreds of shops that are selling fruit, vegetables, and meat to stationery material, textiles, and pets. A recreational park called Jahangir Park is also located near the market where you can take your children after your shopping spree.
The market is of significant value as it is built on the grounds where several native sepoys were executed after the failed 1857 uprising against British rule.
Visit some of the most beautiful places to visit in Islamabad, like Lahore; these are some of the places we think you should visit in Karachi. No doubt, the city is full of places to visit, delicious delicacies to eat, and a variety of shopping centers to shop from, an advanced education system.
Visit these places and let us know what you think of them. If you want to unwind and relax with your friends and family, we suggest you visit water parks in Karachi. Get to know hill stations in Pakistan and famous haunted places in Pakistan.
Did not find the place you were looking for? Let us know in the comment section below and we will review the places to visit in Karachi, Pakistan.
Aram Bagh, Karachi
Aram Bagh, situated in the heart of Karachi, Pakistan, is a notable neighborhood with a rich history and cultural significance. This area, formerly known as Ram Bagh, revolves around the iconic Aram Bagh Park. Characterized by a high concentration of listed and protected heritage buildings, Aram Bagh stands as a testament to the historical and architectural legacy of Karachi.
Historical Significance: Dating back to ancient times, the Ram Bagh region has been blessed with abundant water sources, leading to the establishment of wells to cater to the local residents. According to Hindu belief, this location was visited by Hindu avatars Ram, Sita, and Lakshman during their journey to the Hinglaj pilgrimage. This historical connection has made Ram Bagh a revered pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Colonial Era and British Influence: The British, following their conquest of Karachi from the Kalmati in 1839, constructed an army cantonment in the Ram Bagh area. Notably, the naming of the entire locality as Ram Bagh stemmed from a prominent water tank called the Rambagh Tank. During the 1857 Mutiny against British rule, Ram Bagh witnessed historical events, including the use of canons by British forces.
Cultural and Religious Heritage: In 1939, Deewan Jethanand contributed to the cultural landscape by building Ram Bagh, a park located near the Swami Narayan temple on Burns Road. This space became a hub for Hindu religious gatherings, political events, and the annual enactment of the Ramlila story. The partition of British India in 1947 brought about significant changes, with the renaming of Ram Bagh to Aram Bagh, symbolizing the end of the arduous journey of Muslim refugees to Pakistan.
Religious Diversity: Aram Bagh boasts a diverse religious landscape, hosting the Shiv Mandir, Rameshwar Mahadev Mandir, and the Guru Nanak Satsang Sabha Gurdwara. The Aram Bagh Masjid, Shiv Mandir, and Swami Narayan Mandir coexist, representing the harmonious blend of different faiths in the neighborhood. The Aram Bagh Masjid, constructed on the stage where Ramlila performances once took place, stands as a unique testament to the area’s multicultural history.
Heritage Preservation: The neighborhood takes pride in its heritage, with a plethora of listed and protected buildings contributing to the architectural charm of Aram Bagh. These well-conserved structures serve as a living heritage, narrating the story of Karachi’s past and its cultural evolution over the years.
Best Places to Visit in Karachi with Family
Here are some of the best places to visit in Karachi where you can go with your family to have a journey full of fun and joy. Following are the beautiful Karachi places for fun.
| No. | Place |
|---|---|
| 1 | LuckyOne Mall |
| 2 | State Bank Museum |
| 3 | Quaid-e-Azam House Museum |
| 4 | Ocean Tower |
| 5 | Churna Island |
| 6 | Park Towers |
| 7 | Boat Basin |
| 8 | Devils Point |
| 9 | University of Karachi |
| 10 | Bin Qasim Park Clifton |
| 11 | Sindbad Amusement Park |
| 12 | Three Swords Monument |
| 13 | Safari Park |
| 14 | Bin Qasim Park |
| 15 | Seaview Park |
| 16 | National Museum of Pakistan |
| 17 | Hill Park |
| 18 | High Court Building |
| 19 | Habib Bank Plaza |
| 20 | Koel Gallery |
| 21 | Governor House |
| 22 | Chunky Monkey |
| 23 | Super space |
| 24 | National Academy of Performing Arts |
| 25 | Merewether Clock Tower |
| 26 | I.I. Chundriger Rd |
| 27 | Atrium Mall and Cinema |
| 28 | Zamzama Park |
| 29 | Wazir Mansion |
| 30 | Nisar Shaheed Park |
| 31 | Sea View Beach |
| 32 | Saint Patrick’s Cathedral |
| 33 | Karachi Zoo |
| 34 | Dreamworld |
| 35 | PIA Planetarium |
| 36 | Emerald Tower |
| 37 | Benazir Bhutto Park |
| 38 | French Beach |
| 39 | Bahria Adventure Land Theme Park |
| 40 | Bukhari Park |
| 41 | Darul Uloom Mosque |
| 42 | Jheel Park |
| 43 | Maj Khalid Shaheed Park |
| 44 | Wild Venture Water Park & Resort |
| 45 | Artciti |
| 46 | Eduljee Dinshaw Road |
| 47 | Nueplex Cinemas |
| 48 | Karachi War Cemetery |
| 49 | Karachi Golf Club |
| 50 | Darya Lal Sankat Mochan Mandir |
| 51 | Clifton Art Gallery |
| 52 | Danzoo Day And Night Zoo |
| 53 | Kanrach Waterfalls |
| 54 | Rahat Park |
| 55 | Fayazee Rehamin Art Gallery |
| 56 | Kidney Hill |
| 57 | Khoja Masjid |
| 58 | Canvas Gallery |
| 59 | Millennium Mall |
| 60 | Chawkandi Gallery |
| 61 | Abdullah Shah Ghazi Shrine |
| 62 | Paradise Market |
| 63 | Karachi Expo Center |
| 64 | Aziz Bhatti Park |
| 65 | Kidz Dunya |
| 66 | Pakistan Chowk Community Centre |
| 67 | Art Chowk |
| 68 | Hub Dam |
| 69 | Gandhara-Art |
Best Places to Eat in Food in Karachi
| Restaurant | Location | Facebook Ratings | Social Accounts | Contact |
| BarBQ Tonight | 5/1, Boating Basin, Clifton, Block-5, Karachi, Pakistan | 4.5/5 | Facebook: BarBQ Tonight Instagram: BarbQ tonight | 111-227-111 |
| Cafe Aylanto | D 141, Block 4 Clifton, Karachi | 4/5 | Facebook: Cafe Aylanto Instagram: Cafe Aylanto Restaurant | 021-35309869 |
| Xander’s Cafe | 48-C, Lane 13, Bukhari Commercial DHA Phase 6, Karachi | 4.5/5 | Facebook: Xander’s Cafe Instagram: Xander’s | 021-35250408 |
| Kolachi | Beach Avenue, Do Darya, Devils Point, Phase 8, D.H.A, Karachi | 4.5/5 | Facebook: Kolachi restaurant Instagram: Kolachi | 021- 3-606-6945 |
| Fushia | Ground Floor, Plot No 23-E, 2nd Commercial Lane, Zamzama, DHA. Phase 5, Karachi | 4/5 | Facebook: Fuschia Instagram: Fuschia Restaurant | 021-35363944 |
| The Deli | Bungalow C-29/1, Block 4, KDA Scheme 5, Clifton Karachi, Pakistan | 4/5 | Facebook: The Deli Instagram: The Deli | 021-3-583-8954 |
| Al-Bustan | Mövenpick Hotel, Club Road, Karachi, Pakistan | 4.5/5 | Facebook: Al-Bustan
| 021-3-563-3333 |
| Tao | 7-c, Lane 13, Khayaban-e-Bukhari, Karachi | 4/5 | Facebook: Tao Instagram: Tao Restaurant | (021) 38899999 |
| Nando’s | Plot 31 Khayaban-e-Seher, D.H.A Phase 6 Shahbaz Commercial Area Phase 6 Defence Housing Authority, Karachi. | 4/5 | Facebook: Nando’s Instagram: Nando’s | (021) 111 626 367 |
| Dynasties | Saddar, Karachi, Sindh | 4.5/5 | Facebook: Dynasties | 021-111282747 |
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about popular tourist destinations in Karachi:
What are some must-visit places in Karachi?
Clifton Beach, the National Museum of Pakistan, the Pakistan Air Force Museum, the Pakistan Maritime Museum, Mohatta Palace and the PAF Museum are considered some of the most popular destinations in Karachi.
What is the best time to visit the Mohatta Palace Museum?
It is open every day of the week except for Monday, and is recommended to be visited between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
Can anyone visit Clifton Beach?
Yes, Clifton Beach is open to visitors all year round and is considered one of the most popular destinations for families and tourists in Karachi.
What are the timings for visiting the National Museum of Pakistan?
The National Museum of Pakistan is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and is closed on Mondays.
What is the Pakistan Air Force Museum like?
The Pakistan Air Force Museum showcases the rich history of the country’s air force, with numerous aircraft and exhibits on display, making it a popular destination for history buffs and aviation enthusiasts.
What can be found at the Pakistan Maritime Museum?
The Pakistan Maritime Museum displays the history of the country’s maritime industry, with numerous exhibits, models, and artifacts, including ship models and navigational equipment, which make it a popular destination for maritime enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
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