Port Grand is an ideal destination for a nighttime outing in Karachi. Featuring a charming promenade, a variety of eateries, shops, and fun activities, it is a must-visit location. Situated on a beautifully recreated old pier, it offers a unique experience that is easily accessible via Maulvi Tamizuddin Road, with valet parking available for a fee. An entrance fee is required, but it is discounted with any purchase at the outlets or eateries.
The promenade is perfect for couples and families alike, with plenty of seating to enjoy the refreshing sea breeze after a hot day in Karachi. Small, decorated vendors sell snacks and beverages, and you can find local and Chinese cuisine, alongside fast food options and some continental dishes. Parties can book special dining areas, but booking and payment are necessary.
Visitors can also enjoy a shopping promenade, palmists, and live artists who create sketches and portraits. At the entrance, boat rides are available, allowing you to explore the nearby creeks at the mouth of the bay.
Dolmen Mall Karachi offers a vibrant and comprehensive shopping experience that caters to a variety of tastes and needs. Located in a prime area, the mall boasts a wide range of both local and international brands, making it a popular destination for those seeking fashion, electronics, and lifestyle products. Its spacious design and modern aesthetic create a comfortable shopping environment for all visitors.
The mall offers a wide range of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, perfect for enjoying a meal or taking a quick coffee break. Additionally, the entertainment options, which include a cinema and a play area for children, add an extra layer of enjoyment for families and film lovers.
However, while Dolmen Mall excels in many aspects, there are a few areas that could be improved. The cleanliness of some common areas is not consistently maintained, and busy hours can lead to overcrowding, detracting from the overall experience. Furthermore, parking can become quite challenging during peak times.
In conclusion, Dolmen Mall Karachi is a lively and convenient shopping venue that presents a broad array of options and amenities. With enhancements in cleanliness and crowd control, its appeal could be further heightened.
The Mohatta Palace is a gem in Pakistan’s heritage that has undergone extensive remodeling. It tells the story of the civilizations that existed before the formation of Pakistan, and knowledgeable guides are available to share the significance of the various historical sites featured here. It is a pleasant and peaceful place filled with history, though it may not be on par with many museums around the world.
Within this charming museum, you will find sections dedicated to historical photographs of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The exhibition on Pakistani textiles is particularly engaging, featuring well-written descriptive texts and well-illuminated exhibits. While the collection of Gandhara art is not extensive, it still has some beautiful pieces. The architecturally stunning building is in a park worth exploring, where peacocks roam freely. However, textiles, books, and postcards are available for purchase in the small museum shop.
The closest beach in Karachi is Clifton, located at the edge of the Defence Housing Authority and extending to Karachi Port. It features a flat shoreline with shallow waters, making it safe for non-swimmers and ideal for children. The long beachfront road has ample parking and a wide footpath suitable for strolling and walking, stretching for miles. The beach is popular at all times of the day, attracting early morning joggers seeking fresh air, post-sunrise walkers, and those looking to dip their feet in the water. The midday crowd is smaller, except on weekends when families and friends gather for picnics and breakfast. Late afternoons, evenings, and nights are lively, filled with water enthusiasts. The sunset offers a breathtaking view as the sun dips into the water on the western horizon. There are several good eateries nearby for dinner, and the surrounding areas also boast inviting dining options that draw in the vibrant populace of Karachi. The beach is beautifully illuminated at night with large spotlights, creating a wonderful ambiance. Visitors can enjoy camel rides, beach buggies, and horseback rides along the shore, as no other vehicles are permitted on the beach.
The Mazar is an undulating landscape, with the mausoleum at the peak of a hill offering numerous vantage points and places to rest and reflect. The complex attracts many visitors and is accessible from all sides in the city center, with ample public transport and parking available.
The Mazar complex contains three other graves: 1) His sister, Fatima Jinnah, known as Madar-e-Millat, who stood alongside the Quaid in the struggle for freedom; 2) Mr. Liaqat Ali Khan, also known as Shaheed-e-Millat, the first Prime Minister of Pakistan; and 3) Sardar Abdur Rab Nishtar, a member of the first cabinet.
The complex also features a small museum displaying artifacts and personal items of Quaid-e-Azam that reflect his exquisite taste and style. His two grand cars, restored to their original state, are definitely worth a visit. The museum has a separate admission fee, while entry to the park is available at the complex gates.
Frère Hall in Karachi is a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture. Built in 1865, its distinctive red brick façade and elegant arches make it a prominent landmark. The building is in good condition, and its historical significance enhances its charm. The surrounding gardens and peaceful atmosphere provide a pleasant backdrop for photographs. The hall is not always open to the public for interior tours, but its exterior alone is worth a visit for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs.
The PAF Museum in Karachi is an Air Force museum and park located near the Karsaz Interchange on Shahra-e-Faisal. It features numerous aircraft displayed in a vast, lush green setting. The main museum is inside and showcases all the prominent fighter aircraft used by the Pakistan Air Force. Walking around the grounds to take in the impressive aircraft is a delight. Among the displayed planes are the Mirages, F-6, A-6, and Canberra Bomber, along with radar and missile systems and helicopters.
The indoor exhibit area is also noteworthy, showcasing several aircraft, including the one that brought Quaid-e-Azam to Pakistan, the PAF F-104 Starfighter loaded with missiles, as well as the Indian Air Force Gnat, which landed in Pakistan out of fear of engaging an F-104 in the air. Additionally, a jet engine exhibit and a new area commemorate Operation Swift Retort, featuring the flight suit of Wing Commander Abhinandan, who was shot down within Pakistan’s borders by a Pakistani F-16 using an AIM-120 radar-guided missile.
This museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in military aviation or the history of the Pakistan Air Force.
One of the most fascinating places to visit in Karachi is the Chaukhandi Tombs. This early Islamic cemetery features several tombs known for their elaborate and exquisite sandstone carvings. Built in a style typical of the Sindh region, these tombs were constructed during the Mughal rule, roughly between the 15th and 18th centuries, when Islam became the dominant religion. Visitors can explore the famous family graveyard and immerse themselves in history as they walk among the tombs and admire the carvings on the walls.
Wazir Mansion is a beautiful family home recognized as the birthplace of the country’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. It is officially named the Quaid-e-Azam Birthplace Museum. The property was built in the second half of the 19th century and was transformed into a museum and national archive in the 1950s. The stunning three-story building boasts a rich history of Pakistan and is a worthy tourist attraction to visit during your stay in Karachi at our 5-star hotel.
This mosque is visually stunning, both inside and out. Its unique, almost flat dome structure sets it apart from typical mosques. The history behind its construction highlights a successful collaboration between the Turks and Pakistanis.
Inside, you’ll notice the vastness of the space, with thousands of small holes that create different galaxy-like effects on the ceiling. Remarkably, there are no beams visible, which showcases the craftsmanship of the design. This mosque is a must-see and is conveniently located near Defence.
It was refreshing to see a well-maintained museum in Karachi. The heritage building, which served as the residence of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, and his sister, has been preserved admirably. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour free of cost, and there is no entrance fee. However, photography is not allowed inside the museum. Outside, you can view the vintage cars that belonged to Jinnah’s sister.
The tour guide is a former employee of Jinnah, who worked for his sister for several years, and he offers an interesting and unique perspective.
Empress Market in Karachi is one of the oldest and busiest markets in the city. Finding a parking space can be quite a challenge. Once you navigate that ordeal and take in the market’s architecture, you’ll feel the essence of the colonial era. The market is chaotic yet enjoyable, exuding an old-world charm that transports visitors to a different time.
The shops are brimming with spices, dried fruits, sweets, and chocolates. At one stall, a seller was cold-pressing coconut oil right before customers’ eyes. Vendors promoting fresh juices, water, samosas, and other local delicacies attract buyers by balancing their goods on their shoulders in large trays.
Although it’s primarily a wholesale bazaar, small quantities are available for sale. This market should definitely be on the list of anyone visiting Karachi who wants to experience the city’s authentic spirit.
The Pakistan Navy has provided a valuable service by establishing the Maritime Museum. It features one submarine, one aircraft, and a small ship, along with a large building dedicated to naval artifacts. The museum also hosts a special dolphin show that includes beluga whales, dolphins, and seals. The entry ticket for the museum is reasonably priced.
The main museum building is set within a 28-acre park, comprising six galleries and an auditorium. The museum incorporates modern concepts of presentation and interactive education, featuring various maritime and naval heritage artifacts showcased through attractive dioramas, relief sculptures, murals, miniature paintings, touch screen computers, taxidermy, and ancient weapons. A computer-based maritime information retrieval system is also available to facilitate easy access for visitors and students.
Hilal Park is located in the heart of a residential area. Although it is small by international standards, it is one of the few parks that has been well-maintained by local authorities. The park is lush and vibrant, filled with seasonal flowers. In the mornings and evenings, you’ll find serious walkers and a few joggers making use of the park, although the narrow path for walking and jogging is somewhat challenging due to the many steps. There is also a mosque within the park.
The gardens are kept tidy year-round with regular lawn and plant maintenance. A play area for children features swings and slides. Parking is available alongside the park and on adjacent streets, which can cause some inconvenience to nearby residents in the evenings. The moderate-sized mosque serves the local community well.
Javed Nihari, with its decades of legacy, is a culinary institution in Karachi. Our restaurant has been serving exquisite Nihari, a traditional Pakistani delicacy, for generations. Whether you’re a connoisseur of Nihari or new to this flavorful dish, Javed Nihari offers a wide variety of Nihari options to tantalize your taste buds. Join us to savor the true essence of Nihari in the heart of Karachi, where tradition and taste come together to create an unforgettable dining experience.
Experience a definite change of scenery at Kolachi. Located away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this spacious pier-shaped restaurant rests on the shores of the Indian Ocean. The view of the ocean is incredibly relaxing, and the food is delicious. If you enjoy meat, Kolachi is the perfect place to visit. It is a wonderful spot to sit back, relax, and indulge in sizzling hot meaty delights. A must-visit when you are in Karachi, Pakistan!
Experience the delightful flavors of Lebanese cuisine in an enchanting atmosphere at Kabab-Ji. We offer a wide selection of authentic Arabic dishes, including kebabs, traditional side dishes, salads, and unique desserts. You’ll enjoy an upbeat yet relaxing ambiance at Mövenpick Hotel Karachi, complete with live cooking and Arabic music for an unforgettable dining experience.
