Karachi City Guide

General Information / Guide

Karachi, the administrative center of the Sindh Province in Pakistan, was chosen as the capital when the country declared its independence, but later Islamabad became the capital. Today, Karachi, considered the country's most modern city, is one of the most important cities contributing to the nation's development in terms of industry and commerce. Positioned strategically for Pakistan due to its port and its location on the shores of the Arabian Sea, Karachi is highly developed in textile, maritime, automotive, entertainment, and medical research. With a population of nearly 15 million, Karachi is among the world's most populous cities.

Climate / Weather / When to Go

Karachi, situated in the coastal region of Pakistan, experiences a mild and arid climate. Since the city has relatively short spring and autumn seasons, it can be said that primarily, summer and winter are the distinct seasons. During the winter months, the temperatures hover around 18 degrees Celsius, and there is minimal rainfall, resulting in moderate conditions. In contrast, summer temperatures can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius. From July to the end of September, the city experiences monsoon rains, which increase the impact of hot and humid weather during the summer. Considering the climate conditions, the most suitable time to travel to Karachi is between October and April. During the winter, temperatures do not drop significantly, so you can explore the city without getting too cold.

How to Get There

Jinnah International Airport, located around 18 km from the city center, is accessible via direct and connecting flights from various locations. To reach the city center, travelers can opt for taxis or airport shuttles, both taking approximately 20 minutes.

Food / Restaurants / What to Eat and Drink

Pakistani cuisine is famous for dishes prepared using medicinal herbs and spices. One of the most well-known flavors where ingredients like chicken and lamb meat meet with spices is Balti. This dish, prepared with chicken, is flavored with garam masala spice. Another delicious dish made with chicken is Pakistan's chicken skewer, Tikka, which you can find in many local restaurants, tailored to your taste. Biryani, which combines chicken with saffron rice and onions, is one of Pakistan's most famous regional dishes. If you don't want to eat meat, Dhal made from lentils, lentils, and chickpeas, Kashmiri Pulao with saffron rice, and Raita, a side dish made with yogurt and various vegetables, are suitable for you. Among the restaurants where you can taste these regional flavors, Chandi, Lalqila, and Kolachi stand out. If you're not particularly interested in local dishes, you can try places like Boat Basin, Eaton, and Xander's.

Important Places / Places to Visit

• Mazar-e-Quaid: The mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, has become one of Karachi's iconic structures. As a result, it ranks first among the significant places in the city. The tomb, completed in 1970, features a modern architectural design. It also houses the tombs of Fatima Jinnah, Jinnah's sister, and Liaquat Ali Khan, the country's first prime minister.
• Clifton Beach: The liveliest side of Karachi is located along the Arabian Sea. The beach, stretching from Karachi to Ormara, comes to life with the arrival of spring. Especially during the scorching hot summer months, many people visit this beach to cool off. In the late afternoon, the setting sun creates a truly unforgettable view of the beach.
• Mohatta Palace: One of Karachi's most popular structures, the palace was originally built in 1927 as a summer residence for businessman Shivratan Mohatta. After Pakistan declared independence and Shivratan Mohatta left for India, the palace became state property and was later turned into a museum. Constructed with traditional stones from the Rajasthan region of India, the palace captivates onlookers with its stunning architecture.
• Frere Hall: One of the most beautiful buildings in Karachi, was constructed during the period when the city was under British colonial rule. Completed in 1865, the building once served as the city's municipal hall. After the country gained independence, the building's library was named the Liaquat National Library. This library is home to over 70,000 books and manuscripts, making it Karachi's largest library. With its distinctive orange architecture, this building is a must-see when you visit Karachi.
• Pakistan National Museum: It was initially opened in Frere Hall in 1950. However, as the museum's collection grew, it was relocated to its current location. Today, the museum has 11 galleries, and it houses over 300 copies of the Quran. Additionally, Pakistan's cultural heritage is showcased in this museum.
• Ibni-e Qasim Park: Located near Clifton Beach, Ibni-e Qasim Park is visited by approximately 10 million people each year. This extensive park features a turtle pond and gardens, providing a natural escape within the city. During the summer season, you can spend enjoyable moments in the park, which the local people visit for relaxation and entertainment.

What to Do

You can start your day on your Karachi tour with an early morning walk at Clifton Beach. Taking in the sea breeze and listening to the sound of the waves is one of the most beautiful ways to begin your day. You can bring your breakfast with you and have it by the seaside. Afterward, you can continue your tour at the Mohatta Palace. You can take photos of the palace's impressive architecture and share them as a memento of your trip. In Karachi, with its extensive coastline, you can visit Port Grand and take boat tours. These tours, conducted with speedboats, can make your Karachi experience unforgettable. We also recommend trying the street food available at Port Grand.

Nightlife / Bars / Entertainment

While the nightlife in Pakistan as a whole may not be very vibrant, Karachi offers various options for those looking to have fun. Especially during the summer months, there are activities at Clifton Beach and Ibn-e Qasim Park where you can have fun. If you want to have enjoyable moments during your trip, be sure to visit these two spots. In addition, you can have a delightful meal by choosing restaurants that offer live music during dinner hours. One of the important activities where the local people gather for entertainment is sports events. If you happen to be in Karachi during sports matches, you can participate in these events to experience the local concept of entertainment.

Shopping / What to Buy

Pakistan is famous for its spices. Therefore, when you visit any city in Pakistan, you should add spices to the top of your shopping list when you return. Among the various types of spices such as garam masala, curry, saffron, cumin, and mint, you can purchase your favorites and try preparing Pakistani dishes at home when you return. If your loved ones enjoy the meals you prepare, you can also gift them these spices during a dinner you share with them. You can find these spices at Empress Market, Saddar Bazaar, Zeynep Market, and Bohri Bazaar. In addition to spices, you can also buy kilims, bamboo objects, textile products, and cultural items that reflect the country's culture from Karachi.

Festivals/ Events

March: Karachi Literature Festival 
December: Karachi Film Festival 
December: Karachi Music Festival 

Holidays / Festivals / Important Days

1 January: New Year
5 February: Kashmir Solidarity Day
23 March: Pakistan Day
4 April: Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's Death Anniversary
1 May: Labor Day
14 August: Independence Day
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Adha

Things to Pay Attention to / Important Information

Smoking is prohibited in many public areas and is only allowed in certain designated areas. If you are a smoker, you should be mindful of this and smoke only in those areas when you visit the city.
Do not carry a large amount of cash with you. The city has a high rate of petty crimes, so be cautious about keeping your belongings safe. Additionally, not walking alone during late hours at night is recommended.
Avoid drinking tap water, it is known to be contaminated.

Transportation

Despite being a populous city, Karachi does not have a well-developed transportation network. The most commonly used means of transportation in the city are minibusses, midibuses, and buses. Buses and trains have separate sections for women to travel in. In addition to the public transport vehicles that operate throughout the day, residents also use 'chinchi' transportation, which allows up to 6 people to travel at the same time. These are popular due to their affordable fares. The most comfortable mode of transportation for getting around the city is a taxi.