In Karachi: Tourist Sites

Bazaars

Many bazaars are located throughout the city, selling a wide variety of goods at low prices. Among these are Bohri Bazaar, Empress Market, and Zainab Market. For details, click on Shopping on the left menu bar.

Beaches

Various beaches are located in and around Karachi. It is good to find out what condition the beach is in before heading to the sea. Private beach huts can be rented for a fun day in the sun. Sandspit and Hawkes Bay are two clean beaches frequented by foreigners. Clifton Beach is a popular choice for camel and horse riding along the sea.

Bunder Boating

Bunder boating, sometimes called crabbing, is taking a medium size boat on a ride in the Arabian Sea. The locals will catch and cook your food while you enjoy the scenery.

Camel Rides

Camel Rides are offered at all the major beaches in Karachi. The rides are unique and very inexpensive. Clifton Beach is a popular choice for camel riding.

Cantonment Railway Station

This railway station is situated south on Fatima Jinnah Road. Popularly known as Cantt. Station.

Chaukandi

Chaukandi Tombs is a cluster of tombs and graves located 27km from Karachi.

Clock Tower at Empress Market

This building, variously described as neo-Gothic or Victorian Gothic, is a major landmark, and is surrounded by hundreds of small stalls and shops.

Dhobi Ghats

Millions of clothes are laundered here every day along the banks of the Lyari River.

Frere Hall

One of the halls, Galerie Sadequain, is extensively used for mounting exhibitions. The ground floor is still used as a library and the reading room can be accessed from its southern verandah.

Hindu Gymkhana

Used for exhibitions and lectures.

Keamari Harbor/Boat Basin

A popular site for bunder boating, also known as crabbing.

Mango Pir’s Shrine

This is a shrine to a Sufi saint. Alligators guard the sulfur springs. The hot springs are attributed to a miracle brought about by another Sufi saint. Devotees visit the shrine in search of cures for various diseases.

Manora Island

The island is approachable by both road and sea.

Mausoleum of Saint Abdullah Shah Ghazi

The shrine is the burial place of one of the most revered Sufi saints of Sindh, Hazrat Abdullah Shah Ghazi. This shrine is green in color and can’t be missed at The Point.

Merewether Clock Tower

Major landmark built in 1867.

Mohatta Palace

Funded by the Federal Government, Mohatta Palace houses exhibitions. (Tel. 583-7669)

National Museum of Pakistan

Houses the best collection of a range of artifacts representing the cultural heritage of Pakistan. (tel. 262-8280, 263-9930)

PAF (Pakistan Air Force) Museum

Built to preserve the history of the Pakistan Air Force. Guided Tours are available. (tel. 921-8326, ext. 2481 & 2483)

Pakistan Maritime Museum

This museum is among the best museums of the country with well-organized displays and presentations. (tel. 566-33046, 494-2188)

Parsi Dar-e-Meher or Agyari (Fire Temple)

Among the oldest communities of Karachi, The Parsis established their Tower of Silence (burial ground) in 1847 and Atash Kadeh (fire temple) a year later. Overlooking Dr. Daudpota Road (Frere Street), set back from the road, is the Parsi-dar-e-Meher, kept in an immaculate condition. You can enjoy the building from the outside, but will not be allowed to enter because the Fire Temple is open only to the Parsi community.

Quaid-e-Azam House Museum (Flagstaff House)

Located directly opposite Avari Towers Hotel, this building displays relics and furniture belonging to the Father of the Nation, Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

Quaid-e-Azam’s Mausoleum

The Mausoleum is a white marble structure built to house the mortal remains of Mohammed Ali Jinnah.

Sea Turtles

The laying of the eggs of giant Sea Turtles — an endangered species — is a very rare event that only happens once a year in a few select locations throughout the world. Only in Pakistan is one allowed to have unrestricted viewing of this very rare occurrence. This event can be viewed at Sandspit and Hawke's Bay.

The Point

A large shopping mall, The Mausoleum of Saint Abdullah Shah Ghazi, and a huge carnival are all located at this exciting location.

Tonga rides

A delightful way to spend part of the day or evening is in a Tonga ride, a horse-drawn carriage. These carriages are easily available from Avari Towers or the Metropole Hotel.

Wazir Mansion

Houses the relics of Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

Zoological Garden

Located in the center of the city, once you enter the gates you are transported into a tranquil setting. Elephant rides are also offered here. Wednesday is a ladies-only day.

Getting around: