The Ultimate Tourist Guide to Karachi
A 2020 disclaimer - this was written in 2017 - it’s being updated slowly.
Karachi, Pakistan is usually not the top on anyone's list of holiday destinations. But those who do venture here find the hidden gems of a sprawling city with modern necessities meshed with remnants of British colonial rule in the sub-continent. If you are passing by for business, in town for a friend's wedding, or were just that reckless enough to book a flight to one of the "most dangerous cities in the world" (it's not that bad), this is quick guide is for you. It will be continuously updated, as more keeps getting added.
But before we begin with the tourism, some basic facts:
6th or 8th largest city in the world based on population, with between 14-26 million people living there. (This is currently debatable, given a controversial 2017 census. I err on the 26 million side).
Wikipedia says we are 'the most secular and socially liberal city of Pakistan', I'll take it.
Huge cultural hub with a continuous stream of exhibitions, plays, music shows, art shows, talks, book launches & more.
City filled with remnants of the British Raj and Colonial Rule (the more Mughal period architecture is in Lahore).
If you still need more historical or modern facts about this city, I cave and direct you to Wikipedia.
The Karachi not in the news...
Karachi is huge. Despite lived having lived Karachi most of my life (debatable as I get older), there are still places I haven't seen. Not only do I mean places to eat, but also in terms of historical gems littered around the city (mixed in with the actual litter). The city can undoubtedly be daunting for those who have no connections here, as many places to see and things to do are not always easily accessible publicly. But I think it is likely that you would have some sort of connection before coming here.
A quick disclaimer, I love Karachi, but most residents are well aware of changing security situations in the city. The lists below are recommendations for your trip, but some areas may not be safe/accessible at the time of your visit. Please always check with friends/hotel staff/tour operators about safety and security of the city before you embark on these (mildly crazy) adventures.
One of the best ways to see Karachi is through the new Super Savari Express tours. The tours leave from right at the border of Saddar every Sunday morning at 7:30am (to kick off your jet-lag) and last till about 1:00pm. Here are the usual stops they make along the way
Saddar (all. of. it.)
Dhaba food
In addition to the famous landmarks you can see above, there are many, many other sights worth a visit. Here is a semi-exhaustive list of additional, equally interesting places to visit while you are here, in no particular order. You can pick and choose what you want, or ask the friend you are probably visiting to take you around here. Days, timings and entrance permissions for all these places vary, so be sure to Google/call ahead of time.
Mohatta Palace. Gorgeous architecture outside and rotating exhibitions inside. Rs. 30 entrance fees.
Seaview Beach. A friend described it as 'urban beach surrealism', can't disagree. Iconic Karachi camels and horses, and dune buggies.
Dolmen Mall. Equal parts shopping, equal parts people watching. Antiquating slowly, but most high-street Pakistani fashion designers have stores here if you need to shop.
Avari Hotel Rooftop. Visit the rooftop on the 12th floor for a ~270 degree view of the sprawling city.
Flagstaff House. Refurbished as the Quaid-e-Azam M.A. Jinnah's Museum. Closed on Wednesdays.
Frere Hall. A iconic Karachi landmark, hosts a collection of the late Pakistan painter Sadequain's work.
Ghandi Gardens. The quite shabby, quite sad Karachi zoo. Only the surrounding gardens are lovely, however.
Uzma Market. A much smaller, more manageable version of Zainab Market, Lunda Bazaar, Sunday Bazaar, or even Gulf Market.
Zamzama. Not much to see, but home to many more shops and eateries.
Khadda Market. Same as above, plus photo studios and the famous Red Apple chicken rolls (or Hot n' Spicy).
Hilal Park. Quiet little park good for evening jogs or strolls.
Burns Road. The best food street in all of Karachi for authentic, Karachi/Pakistani food. ONLY for the iron-stomached.
If you are staying in Karachi. Extra sights to venture, if you have time - not too close, but not too far. Various tour companies can organize tours here (search Facebook or the web).
Manora Village. Small fishing village with preserved shrines and Hindu temples.
French/Turtle/Sandspit Beaches. THE beaches to escape to from Karachi.
Makli Tombs. Approximately 0.5-1 million ancient tombs of royals,
Scuba diving/snorkeling. There are many organizations that can take you. Divers Reef Karachi is one of them.
Churna Island. Many snorkeling & diving companies will take you there.
Astola Island. Another hidden gem off the coast of Karachi. Tour agencies take you there as well.
Chawkandi Tombs. Day tour agencies can take you there, or even a rental driver and car.
Mohanjedaro. You will have to fly out there, I’d recommend staying for a day or two. Obviously a little further out, but worth a visit if you have time.
For local events
There's always something happening in Karachi - festivals, concerts, theatre, seminars. Events are hosted year-round. Make sure to check with the organizers for the most up to date information. There is not a huge e-ticket culture in Pakistan so you will most likely be paying cash at the entrance for these, if they are not free. Some pages to follow (on Facebook, and websites) for upcoming events are:
Pakistan American Cultural Center (PACC)
Goethe Institut
Alliance Francias
Karachi Eat Festival
Karachi Biennial Festival
Karachi Literature Festival
Eating all the things
Karachi serves some of the best food in the world - that's an unbiased opinion. Having eaten food in over 30 countries & dozens of cities I can definitely say some things just don't compare to places I eat back home. Karachi's food scene is always evolving. There are dozens of incredible options for food, and I don't say this lightly. New restaurants and food ventures are always opening, and many places also close down after a few years of business. Below are some places I personally have eaten at, and recommend, but there could be many more added to the list.
Pakistani Food
Kolachi
BBQ Tonight
Burns Road (for those with an iron stomach)
Chaiwala
Ghaffar Kabab
Mirchi
Pakistan Fast Food
(Usually drive thru/pick up)
Hot n' Spicy
Red Apple
Nihari Inn
Student Biryani
Cafes & Restaurants
(Pakistan & Non-Pakistani Food)
Xanders
Okra + Test Kitchen
Neecos
Espresso
Koel
Mews
Aylanto
Cafe Flo
Pompei
Il Posto
Patio
Loco
Newbury
Evergreen
Some tour companies
While I've already mentioned Super Savari Express for a must-do tour of Karachi, there are a few other tour agencies that you can get in touch with for local tours as well.
Coming soon!