List of Places to Visit in Karachi
If you are someone who is about to visit Karachi for the first time, here is a list of places to visit in Karachi
1. Clifton Beach
If you want to experience true coastal beauty, that too without spending thousands of rupees, Clifton beach might be the perfect option for you.
Clifton beach, famously known as the sea view is a hub of recreational activities and renowned eateries. If you want to enjoy a sunset or you want to explore the seashells at the shore followed by a cool sea breeze, you should visit Clifton beach.
It is located on the Arabian Sea and stretches from Karachi to Ormara, Balochistan. Apart from natural beauty, the beach is flooded with many recreational activities including camel rides, scuba diving, cliff diving, buggy rides, horse rides, and plastic planes flying among others.
You can also stay in the residential areas located at the seashore. There are multiple Seaview apartments located in the gated residential area. Or you can stay at the top 3-stars hotels and 4-star hotels in a city.
These properties are considered to be among the top properties in the city due to their location and attractions. Other apartments and villas which can be seen along the Clifton beach coasts are becoming popular as well.
Hub dam is located in the Karachi district of Sindh and the Lasbela district of Balochistan. The dam is constructed on the Hub River. Dams in Pakistan are not only a source of electricity and water supply but they also act as perfect vacationing spots for the locals. If you are an adventurous person explore the deserts in Pakistan.
2. Mazar-e-Quaid
Karachi is also the final resting place of Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan. Mazar-e-Quaid, also known as the Jinnah Mausoleum is one of the most visited places in Karachi.
The construction and design of the mausoleum started in 1960 and were completed in 1971. Being an iconic symbol of Karachi, the mausoleum is one of the major tourist attractions in Pakistan. The mausoleum also has the tomb of Jinnah’s sister, Māder-e Millat (“Mother of the Nation”) Fatima Jinnah, Sardar Abdur Rab Nishtar, Liaquat Ali Khan, and Nurul Amin.
The mausoleum is open to the general public. Do visit the Mazar to pay homage to the heroes of Pakistan.
Pakistan is packed with hundreds of affordable and full of fun family vacation spots. But if you want to travel outside your country, you will be needing your passport. Get to know passport offices in Karachi. Many countries also offer visa-free entry for Pakistani passport holders. If you want a hassle-free and perfect trip with your loved ones, avail the services of any trusted travel agency in Pakistan. Travel agencies provide exceptional services at an affordable rate.
3. Mohatta Palace
The Mohatta Palace is a beautiful building located in the heart of Karachi. Designed by Agha Ahmed Hussain, the palace was built in 1927 in the posh seaside locale of Clifton Previously, it was the summer house of a famous Hindu businessman, Shivratan Mohatta. He constructed the palace for his sick wife as the doctors advised him to take his wife near the sea.
The palace was built in the tradition of stone palaces of Rajasthan, using pink Jodhpur stone in combination with the local yellow stone from nearby Gizri.
After the partition, the Mohatta palace was given to Fatima Jinnah. She spent her last years in this palace. In short, Mohatta palace has historical and political roots. Now, the palace has been turned into a museum and belongs to the state.
The spectacular architecture of the building is truly an amazing sight. With its vast gardens and corner tomb structures, the buildings stand out from the rest. If you want to see the true depiction of contemporary Mughal art and architecture, you should visit Mohatta Palace.
4. Charna Island
Charna Island, also known as Churna Island is located near Mubarak Goth, Kiamari Town in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. Charna Island is an uninhabited paradise in the Arabian Sea, about 9 km (5.6 mi) west of the mouth of the Hub River called “Manjhar Beach”, at the boundary between the provinces of Balochistan and Sindh.
Charna is also locally known as “Cheerno” among the fishermen. It is 6 km away from Mubarak Village, famous for its fishermen. Churna is mostly used as a firing range by the Pakistan Navy.
Charna is no doubt a hub for adventurous sports and other recreational activities. A huge number of people visit the island every day for recreational activities such as scuba diving, freediving, underwater photography, hiking, speed boating, kneeboarding, wake surfing, banana tubing, jet skiing, cliff diving, and snorkeling. There are many swimming spots in Karachi to visit. Swimming is an excellent hobby and sport that keeps you healthy and in shape. You can add more appeal to your house by installing a pool in the house.
If you have a knack for adventure and water sports, Charna Island is heaven for you. Fishermen also fish near this island as there are vast species of lobsters, crabs, and other fish.
5. Port Grand
Port Grand is known to be the entertainment hub of Karachi. From small eateries to fancy restaurants to good cinemas, Port Grand has got you covered. It has a one-kilometer bridge that is transformed into a food street and other stalls. You can find all kinds of non-desi and desi cuisine at this place. The meals range from 3-4$ (Rs. 300-600) for a full-fledged meal. Karachi has top restaurants serving piping hot food to its customers.
If you want to taste the famous cuisines of Karachi with a beautiful view, visit Port Grand with your friends and family and enjoy wholesome and yummy meals. Apart from the food, the place is breathtakingly beautiful and hence, it is known to be one of the most beautiful places to visit in Karachi.
6. Haleji Lake
Haleji Lake is a perennial freshwater lake in the 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 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.
7. Karachi Zoo
The Karachi Zoo, also known as Karachi Zoological Gardens, is located in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. It is the largest zoo in Pakistan and the second oldest zoo in the country after Lahore Zoo. It is one of the most sought-after places to visit in Karachi with family.
The Zoo was opened for the general public in 1878. Previously it was commonly known as Mahatma Gandhi Garden. After the independence of Pakistan in 1947, the name was changed to ‘Karachi Zoological Gardens’ or ‘Karachi Zoo’.
The zoo houses several exotic and wild species of animals including tigers, lions, alligators, zebras, and other animals. Some of the most famous attractions of the zoo include:
- Elephant House
- The Natural History Museum is one of the more famous attractions in Karachi Zoo. Apart from stuffed animals, skins, antlers, horns, and feathers of different animals are also being exhibited in the natural history museum.
- Reptile House with more than 13 species of snakes and lizards.
- Veterinary Hospital
- Mughal Garden is known among the masses for different species of fauna.
- White Lions
8. Frere Hall
Frere Hall is no doubt one of the best places to visit in Karachi. Frere Hall is a building in Karachi, Pakistan that dates from the early British colonial era in Sindh. The building was constructed in 1895 and it used to serve as the city’s town hall.
After partition, it is being used as an exhibition space and library.
Frere Hall is open to the public however on Sundays there is a book fair in its courts several booksellers and hawkers come and sell books at throwaway prices.
If you are a bibliophile, you should visit this place. You can easily find literary gems at this place.
9. Quaid e Azam Museum
Quaid e Azam Museum which is also known as the Flagstaff House is also located at the heart of Karachi city. The museum housed all the things that were in the personal use of Quaid e Azam.
The museum was designed by British architect Moses So make.
Originally, the museum was the residence of Quaid e Azam from 1944 to 1948. After his demise, his sister, Fatima Jinnah lived in the house until 1964. The building was later acquired in 1985 by the Pakistani government and conserved as a museum.
10. Turtle Beach
Another great way to enjoy a great day in Karachi is to visit Turtle Beach. It is a nesting ground for some of the rarest species of turtles including Green Sea Turtles and Olive Ridley Turtles. Every year hundreds of turtles lay their eggs at the beach.
Apart from watching turtles, there are several activities that you can do at the beach. There are many picnic spots on the beach where you can enjoy a beautiful day with your family and friends.
If you are a fan of recreational activities, this place is heaven for you. It has speed boating, fishing, and jet skiing. You can also enjoy camel and horse rides at the seashore.
11. Chaukhandi Tombs
The Chaukhandi tombs are ancient tombs located 29 km (18 mi) east of Karachi, in the Sindh province of Pakistan. The tombs are famous for their unique sand structures.
The tombs are attributed to the Jokhio and are known as the family graveyard of the Jokhio tribe.
They were mainly built during the Mughal era in the 15th and 18th centuries.
The graves are constructed with buff-colored sandstone. Tombs were constructed either as single graves or as groups of up to eight graves, raised on a common platform.
If you have a knack for historical sites and unique architecture, this place is definitely for you. The best time to visit the place is morning because you can see the beautiful detailing and carvings on the tombs.
12. Empress Market
One of the oldest and most famous marketplaces in Karachi is Empress Market. Located at the prime location of Saddar, Empress Market has everything you need. The market was started during the British Raj. Empress Market was constructed between 1884 and 1889 and was named to commemorate Queen Victoria, Empress of India.
The market has hundreds of shops that are selling fruit, vegetables, and meat to stationery materials, textiles, and pets. A recreational park called Jahangir Park is also located near the market where you can take your children after your shopping spree.
The market is of significant value as it is built on the grounds where several native sepoys were executed after the failed 1857 uprising against British rule.
Visit some of the most beautiful places to visit in Islamabad like Lahore, these are some of the places we think you should visit in Karachi. No doubt, the city is full of places to visit, delicious delicacies to eat, and a variety of shopping centers to shop from, an advanced education system. Visit these places and let us know what you think of them. If you want to unwind and relax with your friends and family, we suggest you visit water parks in Karachi. Get to know hill stations in Pakistan and famous haunted places in Pakistan.
Reference: Graana