Being the largest city in Pakistan, Karachi offers an abundance of tourist destinations for couples and families alike. Its attractions include sandy beaches, national monuments, amusement and theme parks, architectural marvels, and numerous other notable landmarks. Karachi boasts several highly acclaimed tourist hotspots, with plenty of stunning sights to behold. The city is replete with enthralling activities that are sure to leave you awe-struck. So what are you waiting for? At Mushtaq Travel we can help you find cheap flights to Karachi from all UK airports and offer flexible ticket options for extra peace of mind.
1. Clifton Beach
For those seeking a cost-effective way to bask in the coastal splendor, look no further than Clifton Beach.
Also known as Sea View, Clifton Beach is a vibrant hub of recreational activity and gastronomic delights. Whether you’re seeking a breathtaking sunset or a leisurely stroll collecting seashells while feeling the cool ocean breeze, Clifton Beach is the place to be.
It is situated along the Arabian Sea, the beach spans from Karachi to Ormara in Balochistan, offering stunning natural beauty and a host of leisurely activities. From camel rides to scuba diving, cliff diving to buggy rides, horseback riding to plastic plane flying, there’s no shortage of things to do.
If you’re interested in a longer stay, you can explore the residential areas situated along the seashore, which include a variety of Sea View apartments in gated communities, or opt for top-rated 3 and 4-star hotels in the city.
2. Mazar-e-Quaid
The final resting place of Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, is located in Karachi. Mazar-e-Quaid, also known as the Jinnah Mausoleum, is among the most popular tourist destinations in Karachi.
The mausoleum was designed and constructed between 1960 and 1971, and has become an iconic landmark of the city. It is also one of the main tourist attractions in Pakistan, drawing visitors from all over the world. Along with Jinnah, the mausoleum contains the tombs of his 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, and visitors are encouraged to pay their respects to the heroes of Pakistan by visiting the mausoleum.
3. Mohatta Palace
Situated in the heart of Karachi, the Mohatta Palace is a stunning edifice that’s not to be missed. Originally built in 1927 by Agha Ahmed Hussain, the palace was constructed in the affluent coastal neighborhood of Clifton as a summer house for the famous Hindu businessman Shivratan Mohatta, who built the palace for his ailing wife on the advice of doctors to bring her closer to the sea.
The palace’s design is heavily influenced by the stone palaces of Rajasthan, incorporating pink Jodhpur stone along with the local yellow stone from nearby Gizri. After partition, the Mohatta Palace was bequeathed to Fatima Jinnah, who spent her last years residing there. Today, the palace serves as a state-owned museum, preserving its rich history and political legacy.
Featuring a unique blend of contemporary Mughal art and architecture, the Mohatta Palace boasts spectacular corner tomb structures and vast gardens that make it a truly remarkable sight to behold. If you’re looking to experience the essence of this style of architecture, the Mohatta Palace is a must-visit.
4. Port Grand
Port Grand, often regarded as the entertainment capital of Karachi, is a one-stop destination for all your entertainment needs. The sprawling complex boasts an extensive range of eateries, from modest cafes to lavish restaurants, as well as cinemas, making it the perfect spot to spend an entire day out.
At Port Grand, you can stroll along the 1-kilometer-long bridge that has been transformed into a food street and explore a diverse range of non-desi and desi cuisine options. You can indulge in a full-fledged meal for a reasonable cost. Karachi is home to some of the best restaurants that serve piping hot food to their customers.
Whether you’re looking to sample Karachi’s famous cuisine or simply enjoy a beautiful view with your loved ones, Port Grand is the place to be. The ambiance is breathtakingly beautiful, making it one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Karachi.
5. Karachi Zoo
The Karachi Zoo, also referred to as Karachi Zoological Gardens, holds the distinction of being the largest zoo in Pakistan and the second oldest one in the country, after the Lahore Zoo. It is a popular destination for families and considered one of the top places to visit in Karachi.
Originally established in 1878 under the name Mahatma Gandhi Garden, the zoo was opened to the public and later renamed Karachi Zoological Gardens or Karachi Zoo after Pakistan’s independence in 1947. The zoo houses a diverse collection of wild and exotic animals, including tigers, lions, alligators, zebras, and various other species.
6. Frere Hall
Undoubtedly, Frere Hall is among the top tourist destinations in Karachi. This colonial-era building in Sindh, Pakistan, dates back to the early British rule. It was built in 1895 and originally served as the town hall of the city. Since the partition, it has been utilized as an exhibition space and a library.
Frere Hall welcomes the public, and on Sundays, its courtyard is transformed into a book fair. Here, numerous booksellers and hawkers offer books at very affordable prices.
7. Turtle Beach
To have a fantastic day in Karachi, consider visiting Turtle Beach, a sanctuary for some of the rarest turtle species, such as Green Sea Turtles and Olive Ridley Turtles that use it as a nesting site. Every year, hundreds of turtles lay their eggs on the beach, making it a unique experience to witness.
Besides observing the turtles, the beach has a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. There are plenty of picnic spots for families and friends to spend quality time together.
If you enjoy outdoor recreational activities, Turtle Beach is the perfect destination for you. It offers exhilarating experiences such as speed boating, fishing, and jet skiing. Moreover, you can explore the beach on camel or horseback rides along the seashore.
8. Quaid e Azam Museum
The Flagstaff House, also known as Quaid-e-Azam Museum, is situated in the center of Karachi. It houses all the personal belongings of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The British architect, Moses Somake designed the museum.
Initially, the building was the residence of Quaid-e-Azam from 1944 to 1948. Later, his sister, Fatima Jinnah lived there until 1964. In 1985, the Pakistani government obtained the property and preserved it as a museum.
9. Empress Market
Empress Market is one of the oldest and most renowned marketplaces in Karachi, situated at the prime location of Saddar. The market, which dates back to the British Raj, was built between 1884 and 1889 and named in honor of Queen Victoria, Empress of India.
The market boasts hundreds of shops that sell a wide variety of goods, from fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables, and meat to stationery items, textiles, and pets. Jahangir Park, a recreational park, is located near the market, providing a perfect spot to take your kids after a shopping spree.
Furthermore, the market holds great historical significance as it was erected on the very grounds where numerous native sepoys were executed following the failed 1857 uprising against British rule.
10. 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 to the place. 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.
Which season is best for Karachi?
The months with the most favorable weather conditions are January, February, March, April, September, October, November, and December. Typically, the warmest months are April, May, June, July, September, October, and November. Moreover, Karachi experiences dry periods in January, February, March, April, May, October, November, and December.
What is the Favourite food of Karachi?
One of the most beloved dishes in Karachi is Haleem, a hearty stew made with flour, soup, lentils, barley, meat, and spices. It is renowned for its delicious flavor and nutritional value. To fully appreciate this distinctive dish, it is best to savor it at the street stalls of Karachi. Additionally, Haleem is a popular dish in various forms throughout Central Asia.
Are there any direct flights to Karachi?
Currently there are no direct flights operating to Karachi. Passengers can take connecting flights if they are looking to fly to Karachi.