Karachi - Do & See

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Karachi

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Asia Pakistan Karachi Do & See

Overview

Do & See The guide was updated: 2024-06-13

There is plenty to see in sprawling Karachi, the biggest megacity in Pakistan and a fascinating melting pot of cultures. Most visitor attractions are concentrated in the southern district, while the outlying beaches and islands make for excellent short trips out of the city. If you're keen on learning more about the city’s history, museums like the National Museum of Pakistan and Mohatta Palace Museum are not to be missed.

Mazar-e-Quaid

Mazar-e-Quaid

Karachi’s most prominent landmark is a memorial to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder and first head of state of Pakistan. The mausoleum is where Pakistan's great leader remains buried, making the location of immense historical significance to the local populace.

Tooba Mosque

Tooba Mosque

This splendid Midcentury modern white marble mosque can accommodate 5,000 worshippers and is reportedly the largest single-domed mosque in the world. Bear in mind that visits may only be arranged by prior appointment and are restricted to male visitors.

Mohatta Palace Museum

Mohatta Palace Museum

This spectacular 1920s palace, once officially belonging to the country's government, is now a museum showcasing the cultural heritage and narrating the history of Pakistan via a few dozen galleries belonging to its jurisdiction to-date. Check the website for current exhibitions.

National Museum of Pakistan

National Museum of Pakistan

The National Museum of Pakistan provides an excellent insight into the history of the region. Although the maintenance leaves something to be desired, the museum houses a collection of 58,000 old coins, hundreds of well-preserved sculptures, and other interesting artefacts dating back to various points in Pakistan's history.

Karachi’s Victorian Architecture

Karachi’s Victorian Architecture

The best places to admire the splendid monuments of the colonial era are Ibrahim Ismail Chundrigar Road, Zaib-un-Nissa Street and M.A.Jinnah Road. Be sure to check out Liaqat Hall on Abdullah Haroon Road, the Empress Market, and the Karachi Port Trust building.

Chaukhandi Tombs

Chaukhandi Tombs

East of Karachi lie the Chaukhandi tombs, a vast Islamic burial ground full of incredibly ornate tombs that date back to somewhere during the 15th through 18th centuries. The sandstone structures are believed to be a burial site for the late Jokhio tribe members.

Beaches

Beaches

Escape the heat of the city and catch the breeze at one of the nearby beaches. The best ones are Sandspit Hawkes Bay, Clifton Beach, French Beach (privately owned, with clear water) and Paradise Point, with its scenic rock jutting out into the Arabian Sea. Camel rides are available for entertainment.

Pakistan Air Force Museum (PAF)

Pakistan Air Force Museum (PAF)

The museum adjacent to a Pakistan Air Force base in Faisal is Karachi's prime attraction for aviation enthusiasts. The grounds contain an extensive collection of military aircraft, some of which are even open to be looked inside, and a small amusement park operates on-site.

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