Karachi, Pakistan Hotels and City Guide

Karachi - Attractions

Sightseeing in Karachi

Karachi, the commercial nerve centre of Pakistan, is one of the most richly rewarding regions of the world to visit. Its scenery is captivating and varied; its history and culture is mystifying and impressive. The myriad Karachi attractions keep travellers attracted throughout the year and more than anywhere else in Pakistan, there’s much to do and see in Karachi if you enjoy shopping, nightlife and dining.

With its stunning beaches, yachting, golf courses and famous horse racing meets, Karachi echoes an imperial charm. Within the city, talented artisans with age-old skills produce handicrafts of exquisite beauty. The countless Karachi restaurants prepare a wide choice of Pakistani and international cuisines. Its markets and bazaars boast rugs and carpets in handsome designs.

Karachi's Main Attractions

The Tombs of Chaukundi
Chaukundi is located along the National Highway, just 17 miles (27 kilometres) from Karachi. The Chaukundi tombs comprise of innumerable sandstone graves with mysteriously-carved motifs, dating back to 16th - 18th centuries in Sind. The most distinguishing features of these graves are the superb carvings and engravings on the sandstone slabs with floral motifs, designs of jewellery, horses and swords.

Bhambore
This archaeological site is believed to be the ancient port city of Debul, which flourished during the 8th century AD. It is also where the Arab conqueror Mohammad Bin Qasim first touched the shores of South Asia in 712 AD, and where, after a fierce battle with the then reigning king, the Arabs consolidated their hold for subsequent expansion.

Thatta
Located approximately 61 miles (98 kilometres) east of Karachi, Thatta was the capital of Sind for 4 centuries. Thatta is an ancient burial site. Many of these tombs boast elaborate stone-carvings and glazed tile decorations. Also in Thatta is the Shahjahan Mosque built on the orders of Emperor Shahjahan. Its blue tiles and mosaic work are alluring.

Wazir Mansion
Located in Kharadar, Wazir Mansion is the birthplace of Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. It now serves as a museum and national archive. The house has been declared a protected national monument by the Government of Pakistan.

Quaid-E-Azam's Mausoleum
This white marble mausoleum with its curved Moorish arches and copper grills rests on an elevated 54-square metre (66-square yard) platform. Today the Quaid-e-Azam’s Mausoleum is one of the most prominent and impressive landmarks in Karachi. Nearby are the graves of the ‘Quaid-e-Millat’ - Liaqat Ali Khan, the first Prime Minister of Pakistan, and Quaid’s sister Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah.

Karachi's Bazaars and Shopping
The Sarafa Bazaar is an oriental market, filled with little gold and silver trinkets. The Zainab Market specialises in garments. The Saddar Co-operative Market offers a delightful range of handicrafts made from onyx, wood and brass. Express Market, with its gothic style, was built by the British to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Victoria’s reign. From its centre rises a tall clock tower. The market contains shops that sell meat fish, poultry, vegetables and other groceries. The bazaars of Karachi offer a wealth of exciting shopping and irresistible bargains.

Clifton Beach and Funland
Scattered along miles of golden sand are several stalls selling handicrafts made from sea shells. Clifton also has an amusement park with a bowling alley and an aquarium.

French Beach
The French Beach, located half way between Hawkes Bay and Paradise Point, is a small fishing village known to the locals as Haji Abdullah Goth. Surrounded by a boundary wall, it offers 20 huts, constructed by the villagers, for rent. The village has neither running water nor electric power. Its rocky beach and clear waters are ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving. Visitors must bring their own equipment as well as food and drink supplies.

National Museum of Pakistan / Burns Garden
This museum contains an impressive collection of artefacts relating to Pakistan’s ancient heritage. On display are items from the Indus Civilisation, Gandhara sculptures, Islamic art, brilliant paintings, ancient coins and manuscripts documenting Pakistan’s political history. There is also an interesting ethnological gallery.

Town Hall / Liaqat Hall
Liaqat Hall was originally known as Frere Hall and was once the Town Hall where, in colonial days, concerts and social events were held regularly.

Haleji Lake
Asia's most diverse water fowl reserve and a very popular Karachi Attraction, Haleji Lake is approximately 52 miles (84 kilometres) from Karachi. During winter, hundreds of migrant birds fly down to Haleji to escape the cold of Siberia. It is a bird watchers' paradise.

Hotels in Karachi, Pakistan