Karachi Travel Information

Karachi Travel Information

The coastal city of Karachi, the financial capital of Pakistan and one of the world’s largest cities offers visitors a wide range of cultural and historical attractions, as well as beautiful beaches, museums, golf courses, excellent restaurants, and great chances for inexpensive shopping. While neither a major holiday destination nor the safest place for Western tourists, Karachi still offers plenty to explore for adventurous visitors.

Empress Market in Karachi, Pakistan

The large Karachi is the capital of Sindh Province in Southern Pakistan along the coast of Arabian Sea. It is the biggest city of Pakistan that also used to be the capital before Islamabad was constructed. Known locally as the City of Lights, Karachi has a diverse population of inhabitants that have come here from all over Pakistan or as refugees from India or Afghanistan. The culture of the city is a mixture of Middle Eastern, Central Asian, South Asian and Western influences.

Sights and activities in Karachi: beaches, shopping, museums & historical attractions

Karachi offers a great deal of attractions and activities, from beaches to museums and from golf clubs to excellent shopping and historical sites. Shopping in Karachi is inexpensive in the many shopping malls and old bazaars throughout the city. Karachi is home to many beautiful beaches, including the ones in Beach Park and Bin Qasim Park, as well as Sandspit Beach and French Beach. Churna Island offshore from Karachi hosts the only coral reefs in Pakistan, where snorkeling is available. For a city view over Karachi, visit the Hill Park or try the Revolving Restaurant in the city center.

Three Swords monument in Clifton, Karachi

Museums & entertainment. There are many amusement parks in Karachi, located on the waterfront, at Gulshan-e-Iqbal or near the Super Highway. Karachi Zoo hosts also a natural history museum. Other numerous museums in Karachi include Quaid Mausoleum and Museum, Mohatta Palace and History Museum, a maritime museum, a planetarium, and Karachi Expo Centre near the main university. Karachi also hosts the National Museum of Pakistan as well as several art galleries and many historical buildings. Cricket fields and golf courses in Karachi offer sports entertainment also for visitors, and there are many yacht clubs with possibilities for sailing and other water sports. The old art center and World Heritage Site of Thatta is also located near Karachi.

Kemari boat harbour in Karachi

Karachi travel tips and practical information

Karachi enjoys a dry tropical climate that is mostly hot but still milder than in inland areas of Pakistan.

The Weather in Karachi in summer is usually very hot, while the winters are warm and more pleasant. Most of the rainfall occurs during the monsoon season from July to August.

How to get there. Most visitors travel to Karachi by air, as the city is home to the busiest international airport in Pakistan with flights to Karachi from all over Asia and Middle East, as well as from many European cities. You can also travel to Karachi by bus or train from most cities in Pakistan.

City view of Karachi, Pakistan

Once in Karachi, you can get around by buses or taxis. The ubiquitous buses in Karachi are not very comfortable and have pickpockets in them. Taxis come in three forms: Yellow, black and metro. Unlike the yellow and black ones, the metro taxis usually have meters on them. Always agree on the price before getting into a taxi. Car rental in Karachi is also available.

Hotels & services. There is a wide range of hotels in Karachi from luxury hotels and beach resorts to many cheap guesthouses and hostels. There is also a great number of restaurants in Karachi, offering a wide variety of cuisines. Unlike in most parts of Pakistan, there are also many options for nightlife in Karachi. Most Pakistanis speak some English and many educated people in Karachi are very fluent in it.

Sunset by the beach in Karachi, Pakistan

Safety. Many parts of Karachi are not safe for visitors because of crime, political unrest or terrorism. As in any other mega city in the world, crime is not uncommon in Karachi. Car theft, robberies, bomb attacks and pick-pocketing do happen, so it is best to use common sense, avoid going out alone, and be vigilant at all times to avoid any dangerous situations. Follow the news for possible political unrest and ask local advice about current security situation before traveling to unknown areas.