Known as the city of lights, Karachi is the heart of Pakistan. Always awake, Karachi is a metropolis abuzz with people speaking multiple languages. The city has a magical quality of welcoming outsiders and making them feel at home.
If you have ever been to Karachi, you would know that the city has a lot to offer. From the BEST street food to soothing beaches, you get a chance to experience all of it within the city.
But there are many who have never been to Karachi and are planning to do so. To make their trip worth it, we have written this guide consisting of some of the best places to visit in Karachi.
So, all first-timers, brace yourselves as we start this journey:
1. Clifton Beach
If you visit Karachi, there is no chance that you would skip the beach. Without having to spend much, you can visit Clifton beach to experience what true coastal beauty feels like.
There are various attractions at Clifton beach including a camel ride, a horse ride or a tour of the beach on a speedy ATV. While all of these are cherries on top of the cake, you can also just relax on a nearby bench, eat bhuna hua bhutta and enjoy the soothing sound of the waves!
2. Mazar-e-Quaid
For all first-time visitors, Mazar-e-Quaid is a must-go place. Made with pure white marble, this tomb is the last resting place of our Quaid, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The tomb has gardens in its surroundings which adds to its beauty.
Mazar-e-Quaid is one of the major tourist attractions of Karachi.
3. Port Grand- The Ultimate Entertainment Spot
Port Grand is a place where Karachi is celebrated through art, food, fun, entertainment, shopping and leisure. From fancy restaurants to beautiful art lanes to grand circuses to adventure sports, the place has everything for everyone. Not to forget that Port Grand looks absolutely beautiful at night.
We suggest that you keep a day just for Port Grand because it has so much to explore that just a few hours won’t be enough.
4. Mohatta Palace for Art Lovers
Commissioned by a Hindu entrepreneur, Shiv Rattan Mohatta, Mohatta Palace is a work of art. Initially the place was Shiv Rattan’s summer house but later it got transformed into a museum of fine and decorative art. Pakistan’s artistic traditions in clay, metal, wood, paper and cloth are represented through the collections at the exhibitions held at Mohatta Palace.
Made with a combination of pink jodhpur stone and yellow Gizri stone, the stunning Rajasthani-style of the palace is a sight to behold.
5. Charna Island and Its Water Sports
Charna is THE place to be for people who love water sports. It is located near Mubarak village which is a two-hour drive from Karachi and we must tell you that it is a must visit. Once you reach Mubarak village, you will have to take a boat ride to Charna Island.
Charna Island is an unseen paradise in Karachi. It offers multiple water sports like cliff diving, snorkeling, underwater exploration, banana boat ride, jet skiing, etc. And while you are enjoying your time doing it all, you can also get your pictures taken.
Since it is two hours away, you can rent a car that will take you to Mubarak village and bring you back as well. To find the most suitable rental vehicle, visit OLX Pakistan’s website.
6. Quaid-e-Azam House Museum
Also known as the Flagstaff House, Quaid-e-Azam Museum is located in the heart of the city. This museum has all the things that were used by Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Originally, this place was Quaid-e-Azam’s residence but after he passed away, his sister, Fatima Jinnah started living there. The house was later acquired by the Government of Pakistan and was transformed into a museum.
7. Burns Road Food Street
The Karachi vs Lahore debate has been going on for decades and one of the most essential factors of this debate is: which city has better street food?
No offense to Lahoris, but Karachi does take the lead when it comes to street food. There is a whole food street in Karachi, called the Burns Road food street, where you get to eat various mouth-watering food items. Some of these food items include bun kebab, kachori, dhaga kabab, paratha roll, haleem, gol gappay, etc.
Even though Burns Road food street offers thousands of options, everything is reasonably priced which makes it a go-to place for every person.
8. Frere Hall
Frere hall is a historic building which dates back to the colonial period. Initially popular as the local town hall, Frere Hall is now a library which has thousands of books including archives from the pre-independence period.
Along with this, Frere Hall is also used for hosting exhibitions and various other city festivals like the Karachi Food Festival.
9. Arena- Family Recreational Center
If you have kids with you, it is must that you plan a day that has recreational activities. If you want to do it, Arena should be your place to go.
Arena is a recreational center which has something to offer for every age group. From a bouncing area for kids to a bowling alley for adults, the place is surely going to keep you entertained. It has a cafe of its own where you can enjoy delicious food items. Some of the activities available at Arena are rock climbing, ice skating, video gaming, snooker, etc.
10. TDF Ghar
The Dawood Foundation, popularly known as TDF Ghar, is located 6 mins away from the tomb of Quaid-e-Azam. It is a less popular place but definitely a must visit.
TDF Ghar is a restored home from the 1930s and is a little oasis of calm in this hustling city. This place has a beautiful rooftop which gives you a view of Quaid-e-Azam’s final resting place while you sip on some chai. TDF Ghar also has some old furniture and antiques to display which give you a glimpse of old Karachi.
Having said that, TDF Ghar Karachi is not just limited to antiques, it is a multi-purpose place where you can have food, play board games, hang out with friends or just drop by if you want to work at a quiet yet serene place.
11. Do Darya
How could this list be complete without mentioning Do Darya. Do Darya Karachi is a strip of sea facing restaurants that offer great food. But beside that, they have another speciality: these restaurants are built on terraces that are on the sea!
With a view like this, your meals taste even better. Some popular eateries include Kolachi do darya, Kababjees do darya, Al-Sajjad do darya, etc.
No matter if you visit while the sun is setting or at night time, the views and ambiance of this place are absolutely stunning.
These are some of the spots that we think you would enjoy exploring. If you are planning on visiting, you would definitely need a place to stay. Check out some of the places available for rent in Karachi by visiting OLX Pakistan’s website.
We hope that this blog will be your guide when you visit Karachi. Do let us know in the comments if you would like to read similar guides on other cities as well.
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