If you’ve ever visited Islamabad, you would know how stunning this city looks once the sun goes down. Be it the beautifully lit Faisal Mosque at the foothills of Margalla or the lively Jinnah Super Market in the heart of the federal capital, there is certainly no shortage of places to visit in Islamabad at night.
Given the fact this city is considered a popular travel destination among locals and foreigners alike, these spots have turned into famous tourist attractions in Islamabad, owing to their brilliant views, among other factors.
Popular Places to Visit in Islamabad at Night
If you want to explore the nightlife in Islamabad, make sure to check out these popular spots:
- Daman-e-Koh
- Faisal Mosque
- Pakistan Monument
- Saidpur Village
- Jinnah Super Market
In case you’re planning to visit the city in the near future, make sure to add these places in Islamabad to your travel itinerary. Now, let’s take a further look at these locations.
Daman-e-Koh
Nestled in the lap of the majestic Margalla Hills, Daman-e-Koh is easily one of the most visited tourist attractions in Islamabad. Surrounded by an enchanting landscape and decorated with dazzling fairy lights, this hilltop garden is a must-visit for those who really want to explore the brilliant nightlife in Islamabad.
While the small kiosks, cobbled pathways and gorgeous gardens at Daman-e-Koh certainly add to its charm, it is widely known for its picturesque bird’s eye view of Islamabad. This view looks even more mesmerizing at night when all the street lights are turned on and all the buildings are brightly lit. You can also see Faisal Mosque from the viewing point at Daman-e-Koh.
Located at an altitude of 2400 ft, this lush green viewpoint is approximately 25 minutes’ drive away from the city if you travel via Pir Sohawa Road. This mountainous road leads all the way to Monal, one of the best restaurants in the city and another tourist attraction in Islamabad.
Address: Daman -e- Koh Rd, E-7, Islamabad, Islamabad
Timings: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Faisal Mosque
The majestic Faisal Mosque is perhaps the most widely recognized landmark in Pakistan, drawing tourists from all across the world. Built against the breathtakingly beautiful backdrop of the scenic Margalla Hills, it tops the list of largest mosques in Pakistan as it can hold nearly 1 lakh people in the main prayer area. Meanwhile, the adjoining grounds can accommodate approximately 2 lakh more.
It is also the fourth largest mosque in the world. This adds to its popularity as one of the main tourist attractions in Islamabad.
Named after the late King Faisal bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia, Faisal Mosque is perceived as the National Mosque of Pakistan. The magnificent white mosque, designed by a Turkish architect, is the perfect blend of traditional and modern architecture. While it looks mesmerizing during the day, it looks even more stunning at night when all the lights come on.
If you see this monument from a distance, the surrounding lights reflect magically on the vast marbled courtyard in the front, making the famous Faisal Mosque in Islamabad shine like a gem.
Address: Shah Faisal Avenue, E-8, Islamabad.
Pakistan Monument
Located at the west viewpoint on the picturesque Shakarparian Hills, the sprawling Pakistan Monument is also one of the best night spots in Islamabad. This architectural marvel not only symbolizes the patriotism of the people who live here but also celebrates those who laid down their lives for the country.
In case you have never visited this majestic monument, it is divided into two sections: the main monument that is shaped like a blooming flower and a museum, which is located adjacent to the alluring structure. The large petals, which are made of granite, represent the four provinces. Meanwhile, the smaller ones signify Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas.
Given its location, this national monument offers an enchanting view of the city, which looks even more magical at night. You can pretty much see the entire city in all its dazzling glory from up there, making it one of the must-visit places in Islamabad.
Make sure to visit Pakistan Monument and spend some time at its museum on your next trip to Islamabad.
Address: Shakarparian Hill, Islamabad.
Museum Timings: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Museum Ticket Price: PKR 20
Saidpur Village
The historical Saidpur Village once served as a resort town for Mughal emperors. Now, it has become an important part of the Islamabad nightlife.
Located at a 10-minute drive from the F-6 Markaz, this living heritage site depicts the rich cultural history of the region. This quaint model village houses a Sufi shrine, a Hindu temple and a Gurdawara all in the same area, paying homage to Muslim, Hindu and Sikh cultures.
Saidpur Village in Islamabad is an ideal place for those who want to spend some time away from the city without travelling too far. Although you can visit this cultural site at any time of the day, you must spend a few hours here after the sunset as well. Because if you thought the village looked charming during the day, it looks like a place straight out of an old movie at night.
From housing vintage jewellery and souvenir shops on its cobbled streets to the historic art gallery and quaint cafes, Saidpur Village is easily one of the most visited tourist attractions in Islamabad.
Moreover, there are a number of famous high-end restaurants located in this model village, making it a popular place to visit in Islamabad at night.
Jinnah Super Market
Before gigantic luxury malls, such as Centaurus and Giga, opened their doors to the residents of Islamabad, Jinnah Super Market used to be one of the trendiest places to visit in Islamabad at night – a status it has managed to maintain over the years.
This circular market complex houses high-end boutiques, book stores, jewellery shops, gift and handicraft stores, hole-in-the-wall cafes and a few popular restaurants to name a few. Moreover, there is a casual dining area in the middle of the main market. It is surrounded by a number of food carts and kiosks. However, this area gets particularly crowded after sunset, especially during the weekends, as it’s a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
So, if you ever visit the area, either for shopping or just to enjoy the nightlife in Islamabad, make sure to spend some time enjoying freshly squeezed lemonade with some steaming hot barbecue at the ‘Gol Market’ in Jinnah Super.
On a side note, it’s also a good area to live if you’re planning to invest in Islamabad.
Address: College Road, F-7 Markaz, Islamabad.
Timing: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
For more updates about what to do and where to go in Islamabad, head over to Zameen Blog your best source for all lifestyle-related matters in Pakistan.
