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New City Paradise Islamabad: Where Nature Beckons

Nestled at the foothills of the Margalla Hills, Islamabad is a city that truly lives up to its nickname "New City Paradise Islamabad". Designed by world-renowned town planner Constantinos A. Doxiadis in 1960, this modern capital city of Pakistan has since flourished into a bustling metropolis with an enchanting mix of nature and urbanity. With stunning parks, fascinating museums, vibrant markets and delicious cuisine, Islamabad offers visitors a plethora of experiences to indulge in. In this blog post, we'll take you on a tour through the best sights and sounds of New City Paradise Islamabad!

How Islamabad came to be

Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, came into being in 1960 with the aim to replace Karachi as the country's capital due to its central location. The first step towards building a new capital was selecting an appropriate site. A team of experts led by Greek architect Constantinos A. Doxiadis identified Islamabad as the ideal location for a new capital due to its scenic beauty and strategic geographical location.

The construction of Islamabad began in earnest in 1961 and took almost ten years to complete. During this time, thousands of workers labored tirelessly day and night, enduring extreme weather conditions to transform barren land into a sprawling metropolis.

The result was a modern city that combined elements from both traditional Islamic architecture and contemporary urban planning principles. The city is known for its spacious boulevards lined with trees, well-manicured parks, and modern infrastructure.

Today, Islamabad stands as one of Asia's most beautiful capitals - boasting stunning views of Margalla Hills on one side and Faisal Mosque on another - an architectural marvel that symbolizes the fusion between Islam’s past heritage with modern-day technology.

The cityscape of Islamabad

Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and natural beauty. The cityscape of Islamabad boasts a fusion of modern architecture and green spaces that blend together seamlessly. The wide avenues, lush green parks, and impressive buildings offer a picturesque view of this beautiful city.

One cannot help but appreciate the well-planned layout that gives an airy feel to the entire metropolis. It's no wonder that locals often refer to it as "the world's second most beautiful capital." With the Margalla Hills towering in the backdrop, one can't help but feel connected with nature even while being within the heart of the city.

Islamabad has numerous landmarks like Faisal Mosque which is considered one of Asia’s largest mosques. Other notable structures include Pakistan Monument Museum, Rawal Lake View Point, Daman-e-Koh viewpoint & many more! From every angle you get breathtaking views!

Islamabad presents itself as a perfect place for tourists who are looking to relax amidst natural beauty coupled with modern amenities.

What to see in Islamabad

Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, is a perfect blend of modernity and tradition. It offers plenty of tourist attractions that cater to different interests and preferences.

One must-see destination in Islamabad is the famous Faisal Mosque. This iconic structure boasts an impressive blend of contemporary design with traditional Islamic architecture and can accommodate over 100,000 worshippers at once.

For those who appreciate art and culture, one should visit Lok Virsa Museum. The museum showcases various exhibits about Pakistani culture including handicrafts, traditional dresses, music instruments etc.

Another popular tourist spot is Pir Sohawa. It’s a scenic viewpoint where you get to enjoy panoramic views of the city while dining in open-air restaurants or indulging in outdoor activities like hiking or paragliding.

Nature enthusiasts will love exploring Margalla Hills National Park which covers an area of over 17k hectares. Visitors can hike through its trails whilst admiring wildlife such as leopards, monkeys etc., or take part in birdwatching sessions near Rawal Lake.

There are plenty more things to see around New City Paradise Islamabad than what I have mentioned above – from stunning parks to vibrant markets bustling with people selling local goods!

Activities to do in Islamabad

Islamabad is filled with activities to keep you entertained throughout your stay. If you're an adventure lover, take a trip to the Margalla Hills National Park for some hiking and trekking or try paragliding at Khanpur Dam. The view from above is breathtaking!

For a cultural experience, visit Lok Virsa Museum and learn about Pakistan's diverse culture through its art, music, and handicrafts. You can also attend one of the many festivals held in Islamabad such as the Islamabad Literature Festival or the Pakistan Day Parade.

If you're traveling with kids, Fun City in Centaurus Mall has plenty of rides and games to keep them occupied while parents shop. Additionally, Rawal Lake offers boating facilities where families can enjoy a peaceful afternoon on the water.

Don't forget to explore Faisal Mosque - one of Islamabad's most iconic landmarks. Its unique design makes it stand out as one of the biggest mosques in Asia and it's open for visitors all year round.

No matter what your interests are – there is always something exciting happening in New City Paradise Islamabad!

Restaurants and Bars in Islamabad

Islamabad is a city that's full of surprises, especially when it comes to food. From street vendors selling spicy pakoras to fine dining restaurants offering international cuisine, Islamabad has something for everyone. Here are some must-try restaurants and bars in the city.

For those looking for Pakistani food with a modern twist, Monal Downtown is the perfect spot. Located in the heart of Islamabad, this restaurant offers stunning views of the Margalla Hills along with delicious food.

If you're in the mood for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, head over to Khiva Restaurant. Their signature dish is their lamb shank which falls off the bone and melts in your mouth.

For those who love Italian food, Bella Vita Ristorante is a must-visit spot. The cozy ambiance accompanied by their homemade pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas make it an unforgettable experience.

Moving on to bars - if you're looking for somewhere chic yet laid back where you can sip on cocktails while listening to live music then head over to Melange Cafe & Bar. With its plush sofas and dim lighting setting up an intimate atmosphere perfect for unwinding after work or spending time with friends.

Another great bar option is The Cave Lounge located at Marriott Hotel Islamabad which offers delicious beverages coupled with serene views of lush greenery around them making it one of the most favored hangout spots amongst locals as well as tourists visiting Islamabad

No matter what type of cuisine or ambiance you prefer, there's always something new waiting around every corner in this vibrant city!

Shopping in Islamabad

Shopping in Islamabad is a unique experience that offers an eclectic mix of traditional and modern shopping options. The city has a variety of markets, malls and boutiques that cater to every budget and taste.

The most popular marketplaces in Islamabad are the Jinnah Super Market, F-6 Markaz and Blue Area. These markets offer a diverse range of goods such as clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, electronics and much more.

For those looking for high-end shopping options, Centaurus Mall is the place to be. This mall boasts high end luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Gucci along with local designer stores.

Islamabad also has several artisanal bazaars where one can buy beautiful handcrafted items made by skilled artisans from all over Pakistan. Lok Virsa Heritage Museum Bazaar is one such place where one can find exquisite handmade pottery, textiles and woodwork.

Shopping in Islamabad provides visitors with a unique experience that blends tradition with modernity making it well worth exploring during your visit to this vibrant city.

Conclusion

Islamabad truly is a paradise for nature lovers. With its serene parks and gardens, mesmerizing lakes and hills, the city offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of busy urban life. The architecture of Islamabad is also noteworthy, as it blends modernity with traditional Islamic influences.

Visitors to this beautiful city can explore a wide range of attractions including museums, monuments, and markets. They can indulge in various activities like hiking or trekking on Margalla Hills or simply enjoying a picnic by Rawal Lake.

The restaurants in Islamabad offer delicious Pakistani cuisine along with international flavors catering to all tastes while shopping enthusiasts will find plenty to keep them occupied in the numerous malls and bazaars scattered throughout the city.

New City Paradise Islamabad has something for everyone making it one of Pakistan's most desirable holiday destinations.