Most Instagram-Worthy Places in Islamabad

In recent times, it has become rather common to use social media for travel inspiration. Fortunately, there is no shortage of Insta worthy places in Islamabad.

The meticulously planned federal capital is one of the few places in Pakistan that can be perfectly photographed from every given angle. From the lush green Margalla Hills to the stunning Faisal Mosque, the strikingly beautiful city is popular among tourists for both its natural beauty and spectacular architecture.

Therefore, if you want to up your Instagram game by snapping shots of the city’s most classic sights, here is a list of the most camera-ready places in Islamabad.

Daman-e-Koh

Daman-e-Koh, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Islamabad, is the perfect place to click some great photos. The best part is you won’t even require any filters.

It doesn’t matter if you visit this Insta worthy place in Islamabad at night or during the day. As the view from this hilltop garden, nestled deep in the picturesque Margalla Hills, is going to be incredible either way.

You can see Islamabad in all its glory from Daman-e-Koh. Apart from the breathtaking landscape, the viewpoint itself has a lot of visually appealing spots waiting to be photographed. From beautiful fairy lights wrapped around trees to brightly lit stalls selling antiques and other gift items, there is no shortage of places in Islamabad that will serve as the perfect background of your next most-liked photo on Instagram.

Saidpur Village

If you are looking for a place for a photo shoot in Islamabad, Saidpur Model Village is your answer. This serene village once served as a garden resort for Mughal emperors.

Now, this Insta-worthy spot in Islamabad is a living heritage site. It not only pays homage to different religions and cultures but also depicts the extraordinary history of the Pothohar region.

A popular tourist attraction in Islamabad, Saidpur Model Village displays an eccentric mix of ancient architecture and modern amenities. From the beautiful gardens, cobbled pathways and historic buildings – including Hindu temple, Sikh Gurdawara and shrine of a Sufi saint, to newly-built trendy cafes, high-end restaurants and antique gift shops, every single corner of this village is Insta worthy.

Margalla Hills Hiking Trails

The hiking trails on Margalla Hills are perhaps the most popular haunt for both residents and tourists in Islamabad.

If you love both nature and exercise, don a pair of hiking boots and head over to Margalla Hils to take some amazing pictures for your Instagram.

For those who might not know, trails 3, 5 and 6 happen to be more popular than the rest. Trail 3, which starts from the Margalla Road in Sector F-6, is considered the ‘real hike.’ This path is a little tough due to steep hills. Trail 3 trail leads all the way to Pir Sohawa. However, you have the option to discontinue at the Viewpoint and complete the loop. It is also one of the most scenic hiking trails in Islamabad. You can pretty much see the entire city from up there.

Meanwhile, Trail 5 runs parallel to Trail 3 and is near a freshwater stream. It is also much easier to trek. Since it also leads to Pir Sohawa, the view from this trail is just as stunning. Furthermore, Trail 6 is the most popular and perhaps the easiest to trek compared to others. It starts near the famous Faisal Mosque. You can complete the loop and be back in a little over two hours.

The view from this trail is not as panoramic as the others. However, the sunlight filtering through the canopy of dense trees and a beautiful freshwater stream makes it one of the top Insta worthy place in Islmabad to capture some stunning stunning photos.

The Monal Restaurant

The Monal Restaurant in Islamabad is not only famous for its delicious food but also for its bird’s-eye view of the entire city. Although the view is amazing during the day as well, Monal is definitely one of the most Insta worthy places in Islamabad. That is especially true if you want to take some remarkable shots of the brightly lit roads and the beautifully illuminated Faisal Mosque.

If you travel a little further north, you can reach the Pir Sohawa View Point. It is yet another Insta worthy place near Islamabad that is perfect for nature photography. The green mountains and terrains make for the perfect background for your social media photos, no matter what time of the day or year you visit this wonderful spot.

Rawal Lake/Lake View Park

Another Insta worthy place in Islamabad, the beautiful Lake View Park in Islamabad is located next to Rawal Lake. It has been a popular tourist attraction since its inauguration. This is a perfect spot if you want to snap a few shots of the shimmering lake and the green trees on the opposite end surrounding the water.

Apart from the fishing and boating facilities, other parts of Lake View Park are just as click-ready. From the vast camping grounds to colourful flower beds and from spectacular garden pergolas to the spacious walk-in bird aviary, there is certainly no shortage of things to photograph in this park. It is also one of the most-visited places in Islamabad.

Pakistan Monument

The Pakistan Monument, constructed on the west viewpoint of the Shakarparian Hills, is one of the most beautifully built national monuments in the country. The popular tourist attraction in Islamabad mixes modern architecture with a display of the cultural heritage of Pakistan.

The magnificent monument pays tribute to those who laid their lives for the independence of this county. The structure comprises of four larger petals representing the four provinces – Sindh, Punjab, Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Meanwhile, three smaller petals represent Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). The intricate carvings on the inside of each petal highlight the historical events and sacrifices made during the Pakistan Movement.

The entire structure is visible from several viewpoints on the premises. These spots are also perfect for those hoping to capture the national moment in all its splendour.

Faisal Mosque

The beautiful Faisal Mosque on the foothills of the stunning Margalla Hills is not only one of the largest mosques in Pakistan but it is also one of the most famous tourist attractions in Islamabad. Designed by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay, the geometric shape of the mosque along with the four unusual minarets display an eclectic mix between modern architecture and traditional Islamic design.

Faisal Mosque lacks the customary domes and arches. However, the white marble tiles and the intricate calligraphy make it one of the most enchanting mosques in the world.

The exterior of the mosque set against the perfect backdrop of Margalla Hills makes for a wonderful no-filter-needed Instagram photo. Meanwhile, the interior of the grand mosque decorated with gorgeous mosaic and an enormous Turkish-style chandelier is perhaps even more brilliant and visually attractive for a photoshoot. It is easily one of the most Insta worthy spots in Islamabad.

Lok Virsa Museum

Quite easily the finest cultural museum in Pakistan, Lok Virsa Museum in Islamabad presents a colourful blend of history, heritage and architecture. It is also known as the Folk Heritage Museum.

Lok Virsa displays, documents and promotes cultures from different parts of the country in the form of murals, paintings, pottery, statues, woodwork, jewellery, block printing and embroidery, ivory and bone work, metalwork, and mirror and textile work.

Moreover, photography inside the breathtaking Lok Virsa Museum is prohibited. But you can click some really great shots outside the main building as well. From the antique wooden windows to traditional horse and bull carts displayed at the entrance, this famous tourist attraction is one of the perfect places in Islamabad for some glamourous Insta worthy photos.