Karachi is Pakistan's largest city and busiest port, a bustling seaside metropolis with colonial era landmarks, crowded bazaars, breezy beaches and some of the best street food in South Asia.
AT A GLANCE
Best time
November to February brings mild, dry and sunny weather.
How long
Two to three days to see the main sights and eat well.
Getting there
Jinnah International Airport has flights across Pakistan and the world.
Why visit Karachi
Karachi is the economic heart of Pakistan and a city of many communities, which shows in its food, architecture and markets. Grand buildings from the colonial era stand beside modern towers, the Arabian Sea breeze cools the evenings, and the city never seems to sleep.
Landmarks and history
Mazar-e-Quaid
The white marble mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, is the city's most important monument. Its gardens are peaceful, and the changing of the guard is a moving ceremony.
Frere Hall
This Venetian Gothic hall from the 1860s is surrounded by lawns and holds a famous ceiling mural by the artist Sadequain. A weekend book market often sets up outside.
Mohatta Palace Museum
Built of pink and yellow stone in Clifton, the Mohatta Palace is now a museum with exhibitions on art and heritage.
Empress Market
The Victorian clock tower of Empress Market rises over Saddar, where stalls sell spices, dried fruit and everyday goods.
Pakistan Maritime Museum
Families come to the Maritime Museum to climb aboard a submarine, see ships and aircraft and stroll the large park.
The seafront
Clifton Beach and Sea View
Clifton Beach is where Karachi comes to relax, with camel rides, snack stalls and sea breezes in the evening. Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents.
Do Darya and Port Grand
Seafood restaurants along Do Darya look straight out over the water, and Port Grand near the harbour is a food and leisure strip that comes alive at night.
Manora
Boats from Keamari cross the harbour to Manora, a quiet peninsula with a lighthouse and beach.
Bazaars and food streets
Burns Road
Burns Road is the city's most famous food street, known for nihari, haleem, kebabs and sweets that draw crowds late into the night.
Zainab Market and Saddar
Zainab Market is the place for handicrafts, embroidered fabrics and leather goods, while the lanes of Saddar are packed with shops of every kind.
Popular dishes to try in Karachi
On WiserMap
Local businesses in Karachi
Citrus Talent
Citrus Talent is a Talent Agency located in Mandi Bahauddin. with an average rating of 4.4 stars based on 428 customer reviews.
Staple foods Pvt LTD
Staple foods Pvt LTD is a Staple Food Package located in Mandi Burewala. with an average rating of 4.4 stars based on 60 customer reviews.
Mosques and shrines
Tooba Mosque
Masjid-e-Tooba in DHA is famous for its huge single dome and white marble, one of the largest of its kind in the world.
Abdullah Shah Ghazi shrine
The shrine of the Sufi saint Abdullah Shah Ghazi in Clifton is one of the most visited in the city, especially on Thursday evenings.
Food and local flavours
Karachi is a food lover's city. Karachi biryani is spicy, fragrant and served with raita, nihari is slow cooked beef stew eaten with fresh naan, and haleem is a rich mix of meat, lentils and grains. Do not miss a bun kabab from a street stall, seekh kebabs on Burns Road and a cup of strong doodh patti chai.
Where to stay
Clifton and DHA are the most comfortable areas for visitors, close to the seafront, restaurants and shopping malls. Saddar is central and close to historic sights and markets, with a range of hotels.
Where to stay in Karachi
Best time to visit
The cool season from November to February is the most pleasant, with sunny days and mild nights. Summers are hot and humid, and the monsoon from July to September can bring heavy rain and flooding.
Top rated
Trusted by locals in Karachi
Safari Park
Adventure trails & children’s play areas in a vast outdoor park with tree-shaded lawns & duck ponds.
Getting there and getting around
Jinnah International Airport has domestic and international flights, and trains connect Karachi with Lahore and other major cities. Ride hailing apps are the easiest way to get around, the Green Line bus rapid transit runs through the centre, and rickshaws are handy for short trips.
A suggested itinerary
First day
Visit Mazar-e-Quaid, Frere Hall and the Mohatta Palace, then spend the evening eating on Burns Road.
Second day
Explore Empress Market and Zainab Market, see Tooba Mosque and watch the sunset at Clifton Beach before a seafood dinner at Do Darya.
Practical tips
- Check your government's current travel advice before you go.
- Dress modestly, especially at mosques and shrines.
- Carry cash for markets and street food stalls.
- Allow plenty of time for traffic, especially at rush hour.
