About Islamabad
Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan. It is the country's tenth-most populous city with a population of over 1.1 million and is federally administered by the Pakistani government as part of the Islamabad Capital Territory — with a metropolitan population of over 2.3 million. Built as a planned city along the Margalla Hills in the 1960s and established in 1967, Islamabad replaced Karachi as Pakistan's national capital. It is located in the northern Punjab region, north of the city of Rawalpindi — with which it forms a metropolitan area of over 5.7 million inhabitants. As Of 2025, It has a HDI of 0.924 being the highest HDI In all of Pakistan Comparable to Countries like Malta or Japan.
Where to stay in Islamabad
Popular hotels in Islamabad, out of 122 properties you can book.
Movenpick Centaurus Islamabad
From $173 per night
Best Western Islamabad Hotel
From $143 per night
Islamabad Marriott Hotel
From $162 per night
Islamabad Serena Hotel
From $254 per night
Chalet Islamabad
From $81 per night
Grand Islamabad Hotel
From $83 per night
Doubletree By Hilton Nathiagali
From $201 per night
Pearl Continental Lahore
From $122 per night
The Nishat
From $188 per night
Royal Swiss Lahore
From $129 per night
De Papae
From $54 per night
Islamabad Hotel
Best time to visit Islamabad
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Islamabad is October to November, when average daytime highs are around 73–83°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Islamabad weather forecast
- Fri 23 Oct 82° 62° 12%
- Sat 24 Oct 79° 62° 50%
- Sun 25 Oct 79° 59° 0%
- Mon 26 Oct 81° 60° 0%
- Tue 27 Oct 82° 60° 0%
- Wed 28 Oct 82° 60° 0%
- Thu 29 Oct 84° 60° 0%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Pakistani rupee (PKR)1 US dollar ≈ ₨277
- Languages
- Urdu, English
- Calling code
- +92
- Driving
- On the left
- Time zone
- Asia/KarachiUTC+5
Getting to Islamabad
These are the airports closest to central Islamabad. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- ISB Islamabad International Airport15 mi (25 km) from the city centre
Getting around Islamabad
If you want a paper city map (you'll love to have one, just to see the difference in map making), you can buy one in the bookstore in Centaurus Mall.
By taxi
Taxis in Islamabad are abundant and popular. They are generally safe, but you may be initially shocked by the lack of safety belts, or lack of habit of using them. Most characteristic taxi car is a small Suzuki Mehran (people say these don't break), without taxi signs.
By car
Car hire is also a good way of getting around. Although road signs and directions are only available on main roads, the city's grid and numbering system make it relatively easy to find your way around. There are various car hire companies in Blue Area F-6 and also in G-8 Markaz where cars can be hired with drivers. Most major hotels have their own car hire services and are relatively cheap. A tip to the driver at the end of the booking period is always appreciated but not mandatory.
By bus
The city has implemented two bus rapid transit (BRT) lines, known locally as Metro Bus. The red line travels from the northeast corner of Islamabad to Rawalpindi Saddar. The orange line connects (at Peshawar Morr Interchange also known as G-9 interchange; Faiz Ahmad Faiz stop) this to the airport via shuttle. There are also blue and green lines heading south and east, but these use a different ticketing system and run on the highway with regular traffic.
Islamabad travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Islamabad?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Islamabad is October to November, when average daytime highs are around 73–83°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
What is the weather like in Islamabad?
June is usually the warmest month in Islamabad, with average highs of 100°F (38°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 44°F (7°C). The wettest month is typically July, with about 304 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Islamabad?
Islamabad International Airport (ISB) is the closest airport, about 15 miles (25 km) from the centre of Islamabad.
What currency is used in Islamabad?
Islamabad uses the Pakistani rupee (PKR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ ₨277.
What time zone is Islamabad in?
Islamabad uses the Asia/Karachi time zone (currently UTC+5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Islamabad?
If you want a paper city map (you'll love to have one, just to see the difference in map making), you can buy one in the bookstore in Centaurus Mall.
Where should I stay in Islamabad?
Popular areas for hotels in Islamabad include Islamabad and Lahore. Well-reviewed options include Movenpick Centaurus Islamabad and Best Western Islamabad Hotel.
How many hotels can I book in Islamabad?
Destina Holidays currently lists 122 properties in and around Islamabad, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
