Central
Mazar-e-Quaid
Mazar-e-Quaid is a Mausoleum in Central, selected for Pakistan founding leader mausoleum and ceremonial lawns. Use the mapped location to group it with nearby Karachi stops and confirm current access before visiting.
Pakistan
Karachi
Karachi is Pakistan's largest coastal city, a business capital, food powerhouse, and layered urban gateway where historic quarters, beach districts, shopping corridors, masjids, and family-friendly attractions need neighborhood-led navigation.
Search Karachi
A CLOSER LOOK
Top places to visit
Clifton
Mohatta Palace Museum
Mohatta Palace Museum is a Museum / palace in Clifton, selected for Signature Karachi architecture and exhibitions. Use the mapped location to group it with nearby Karachi stops and confirm current access before visiting.
Civil Lines
Frere Hall
Frere Hall is a Heritage / art in Civil Lines, selected for Colonial hall, Sadequain ceiling, lawns and book culture. Use the mapped location to group it with nearby Karachi stops and confirm current access before visiting.
Saddar
Empress Market
Empress Market is a Market / heritage in Saddar, selected for Historic market and Saddar street life. Use the mapped location to group it with nearby Karachi stops and confirm current access before visiting.
Clifton
Clifton Beach / Sea View
Clifton Beach / Sea View is a Beach in Clifton, selected for City beach, sunset and family crowds. Use the mapped location to group it with nearby Karachi stops and confirm current access before visiting.
Burns Garden
National Museum of Pakistan
National Museum of Pakistan is a Museum in Burns Garden, selected for Indus, Islamic, coins, Pakistan history collections. Use the mapped location to group it with nearby Karachi stops and confirm current access before visiting.
Tower
Merewether Clock Tower
Merewether Clock Tower is a Landmark in Tower, selected for Historic Gothic Revival clock tower marking Karachi's old port-city gateway.. Use the mapped location to group it with nearby Karachi stops and confirm current access before visiting.
Tower
Karachi Port Trust Building
Karachi Port Trust Building is a Civic/port heritage in Tower, selected for Historic port authority headquarters and colonial-era landmark near Karachi's harbor.. Use the mapped location to group it with nearby Karachi stops and confirm current access before visiting.
Clifton
Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim
Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim is a Park in Clifton, selected for Large seafront public park. Use the mapped location to group it with nearby Karachi stops and confirm current access before visiting.
Garden East
Karachi Zoo
Karachi Zoo is a Zoo/park in Garden East, selected for Historic family zoo. Use the mapped location to group it with nearby Karachi stops and confirm current access before visiting.
Karachi itineraries
Karachi In A Day
A full first-time Karachi day that starts with the national mausoleum, moves through civic heritage and Burns Road food, then finishes around Clifton, the shrine, Sea View, and a coastal dinner.
Karachi Two-Day Classic
A balanced two-day route for visitors who want Karachi's history, museums, old food districts, Clifton culture, shopping, and a calmer second-day pace.
Karachi Three-Day Deep Dive
A deeper Karachi plan for travelers who want the old city, Clifton and DHA, family-friendly museums, shopping, and a final day shaped around either beaches or a big family outing.
Karachi Family Weekend
A child-friendly Karachi weekend that avoids overloaded market walking and combines interactive museums, open-air pauses, malls, beaches, and easy family meals.
Karachi Old City Half-Day
A focused heritage walk through Tower, M.A. Jinnah Road, old civic buildings, Memon Masjid, Kharadar, Wazir Mansion, and Burns Road.
Karachi Beach And Coast Day
A coastal Karachi day that can stay easy around Clifton and Sea View or become a planned western-beach outing with advance booking and daylight travel.
Muslim travel planner
Full guidePlan a Muslim-friendly trip in Karachi
THE LOCAL TABLE
Halal restaurants in Karachi
Burns Road
Burns Road Food Street
Burns Road Food Street is a Food street dining option in Burns Road, selected for Nihari, haleem, bun kabab, rabri, fried snacks. It sits in Budget; confirm the exact branch, current menu and service pattern before travelling.
Clifton
BBQ Tonight
BBQ Tonight is a BBQ / Pakistani dining option in Clifton, selected for Karachi BBQ classic for visitors and families. It sits in Moderate/expensive; confirm the exact branch, current menu and service pattern before travelling.
Multiple / Saddar
Student Biryani
Student Biryani is a Biryani dining option in Multiple / Saddar, selected for Karachi biryani institution with multiple branches. It sits in Budget; confirm the exact branch, current menu and service pattern before travelling.
Federal B Area
Javed Nihari
Javed Nihari is a Nihari dining option in Federal B Area, selected for Famous nihari destination in central Karachi. It sits in Budget; confirm the exact branch, current menu and service pattern before travelling.
Burns Road
Food Centre
Food Centre is a Pakistani dining option in Burns Road, selected for Biryani, karahi, family dining in old city. It sits in Budget/moderate; confirm the exact branch, current menu and service pattern before travelling.
Native Jetty
Port Grand Restaurants
Port Grand Restaurants is a Promenade dining dining option in Native Jetty, selected for Multiple restaurants and kiosks in waterfront setting. It sits in Moderate; confirm the exact branch, current menu and service pattern before travelling.
Multiple
Bundu Khan
Bundu Khan is a Pakistani dining option in Multiple, selected for Family Pakistani dining; use nearest branch. It sits in Moderate; confirm the exact branch, current menu and service pattern before travelling.
Clifton
Cafe Flo
Cafe Flo is a French / continental dining option in Clifton, selected for Elegant Clifton dining and brunch. It sits in Expensive; confirm the exact branch, current menu and service pattern before travelling.
Clifton / DHA
Sattar Buksh
Sattar Buksh is a Cafe dining option in Clifton / DHA, selected for Local cafe brand, burgers and chai culture. It sits in Moderate; confirm the exact branch, current menu and service pattern before travelling.
Karachi
Usmania Restaurant
Usmania Restaurant is a Pakistani dining option in Karachi, selected for Family Pakistani dining; old reliable category. It sits in Moderate; confirm the exact branch, current menu and service pattern before travelling.
Loading local prayer times…
Calculated times. Confirm congregation times with your local masjid.
Where to stay in Karachi
Civil Lines / Club Road
Pearl Continental Hotel Karachi
Pearl Continental Hotel Karachi is a Expensive Karachi stay in Civil Lines / Club Road. Flagship luxury hotel near museums, consulates, Frere Hall and business district. Confirm the exact property, room inclusions and current guest services directly before booking.
Club Road
Movenpick Hotel Karachi
Movenpick Hotel Karachi is a Expensive Karachi stay in Club Road. Large luxury/business hotel with restaurants and pool; central for business travellers. Confirm the exact property, room inclusions and current guest services directly before booking.
Abdullah Haroon Road
Karachi Marriott Hotel
Karachi Marriott Hotel is a Expensive Karachi stay in Abdullah Haroon Road. Central luxury hotel near Frere Hall, consulates and old city access. Confirm the exact property, room inclusions and current guest services directly before booking.
Fatima Jinnah Road
Avari Towers Karachi
Avari Towers Karachi is a Expensive Karachi stay in Fatima Jinnah Road. Business hotel with multiple dining venues near Saddar and Civil Lines. Confirm the exact property, room inclusions and current guest services directly before booking.
Moulvi Tamizuddin Khan Road
Beach Luxury Hotel
Beach Luxury Hotel is a Moderate/expensive Karachi stay in Moulvi Tamizuddin Khan Road. Older waterfront hotel with harbour character and event legacy. Confirm the exact property, room inclusions and current guest services directly before booking.
Shahrah-e-Faisal / Saddar side
Hotel Mehran
Hotel Mehran is a Moderate Karachi stay in Shahrah-e-Faisal / Saddar side. Central business hotel category; verify current ratings before booking. Confirm the exact property, room inclusions and current guest services directly before booking.
Shahrah-e-Faisal
Regent Plaza Hotel
Regent Plaza Hotel is a Moderate Karachi stay in Shahrah-e-Faisal. Business-hotel category; verify condition/current reviews. Confirm the exact property, room inclusions and current guest services directly before booking.
Shahrah-e-Faisal
Embassy Inn
Embassy Inn is a Moderate Karachi stay in Shahrah-e-Faisal. Business corridor hotel category. Confirm the exact property, room inclusions and current guest services directly before booking.
Airport area
Airport Hotel Karachi
Airport Hotel Karachi is a Moderate Karachi stay in Airport area. Airport zone lodging; verify exact property and reviews. Confirm the exact property, room inclusions and current guest services directly before booking.
Clifton
Ambiance Boutique Art Hotel
Ambiance Boutique Art Hotel is a Expensive/moderate Karachi stay in Clifton. Boutique art-led stay near Clifton/DHA dining. Confirm the exact property, room inclusions and current guest services directly before booking.
History and today in Karachi
Karachi Today
“You will yet be the glory of the East; would that I could come again, Karachi, to see you in your grandeur” – Sir Charles Napier.
Karachi History
Karachi is a city which has attracted settlers from a very early time. Its roots lie in the Indus Valley Civilization which flourished on the banks of the mighty River Indus and its delta, which passes through Karachi and the adjoining areas.
Residents
Karachiites are famously direct, fast-moving, food-loving and resilient. Many residents live with traffic, heat, water shortages and infrastructure stress, yet the city remains generous in everyday ways: directions from strangers, invitations to food, a shopkeeper who remembers your order, a driver who knows a better rain detour. The city is not culturally uniform. Urdu-speaking families, Sindhi communities, Baloch and Makrani coastal communities, Pashtun transport and labour networks, Punjabi migrants, Gujarati/Memoni trading families, Ismaili, Bohra, Hindu, Christian and many other communities all shape Karachi social life.
Useful information
Traveling with kids in Karachi
What to Do with Children in Tow
What to Do with Children in Tow
What to Do with Children in Tow is a practical Karachi family stop for a flexible child-friendly pause in a demanding city itinerary, best used with verified hours, shaded breaks, snacks, and a route that avoids cross-city fatigue.
Safari Park
Safari Park
Safari Park is a practical Karachi family stop for open space and a softer pause between busier city stops, best used with verified hours, shaded breaks, snacks, and a route that avoids cross-city fatigue.
Karachi Zoo
Karachi Zoo
Karachi Zoo is a practical Karachi family stop for an animal-themed outing, current conditions permitting, best used with verified hours, shaded breaks, snacks, and a route that avoids cross-city fatigue.
Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim
Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim
Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim is a practical Karachi family stop for open space and a softer pause between busier city stops, best used with verified hours, shaded breaks, snacks, and a route that avoids cross-city fatigue.
Clifton Beach horse/camel rides
Clifton Beach horse/camel rides
Clifton Beach horse/camel rides is a practical Karachi family stop for a classic beach moment under close adult supervision, best used with verified hours, shaded breaks, snacks, and a route that avoids cross-city fatigue.
Bahria Adventure Land
Bahria Adventure Land
Bahria Adventure Land is a practical Karachi family stop for a longer leisure day outside the dense city core, best used with verified hours, shaded breaks, snacks, and a route that avoids cross-city fatigue.
Dolmen Mall Clifton
Dolmen Mall Clifton
Dolmen Mall Clifton is a practical Karachi family stop for air-conditioned meals, facilities, and a low-effort reset, best used with verified hours, shaded breaks, snacks, and a route that avoids cross-city fatigue.
Dreamworld Resort
Dreamworld Resort
Dreamworld Resort is a practical Karachi family stop for a longer leisure day outside the dense city core, best used with verified hours, shaded breaks, snacks, and a route that avoids cross-city fatigue.
Jahangir Park
Jahangir Park
Jahangir Park is a practical Karachi family stop for open space and a softer pause between busier city stops, best used with verified hours, shaded breaks, snacks, and a route that avoids cross-city fatigue.
LuckyOne Mall
LuckyOne Mall
LuckyOne Mall is a practical Karachi family stop for air-conditioned meals, facilities, and a low-effort reset, best used with verified hours, shaded breaks, snacks, and a route that avoids cross-city fatigue.
Shopping
Clifton
Dolmen Mall Clifton
Dolmen Mall Clifton is a Expensive shopping option in Clifton, selected for Premium mall, international-style retail, food court, family facilities. Confirm current opening hours, entrances and branch details before travelling.
PECHS
Tariq Road
Tariq Road is a Budget/moderate shopping option in PECHS, selected for Main clothing, shoes, bridal and household shopping street. Confirm current opening hours, entrances and branch details before travelling.
Saddar
Zainab Market
Zainab Market is a Budget/souvenir shopping option in Saddar, selected for Export surplus clothing, leather jackets, bags, local bargaining. Confirm current opening hours, entrances and branch details before travelling.
Old City
Boulton Market
Boulton Market is a Budget/wholesale shopping option in Old City, selected for Wholesale goods, household items, old Karachi commerce. Confirm current opening hours, entrances and branch details before travelling.
DHA Phase 5
Zamzama Boulevard
Zamzama Boulevard is a Expensive shopping option in DHA Phase 5, selected for Designer boutiques, cafes, fashion and lifestyle stores. Confirm current opening hours, entrances and branch details before travelling.
Clifton
Ocean Mall
Ocean Mall is a Expensive shopping option in Clifton, selected for Mall, cinema and dining near Clifton/Do Talwar. Confirm current opening hours, entrances and branch details before travelling.
Clifton
The Forum
The Forum is a Moderate/expensive shopping option in Clifton, selected for Older Clifton mall, grocery and retail. Confirm current opening hours, entrances and branch details before travelling.
Clifton
Park Towers
Park Towers is a Moderate shopping option in Clifton, selected for Long-running Clifton shopping mall. Confirm current opening hours, entrances and branch details before travelling.
Saddar
Atrium Mall
Atrium Mall is a Moderate shopping option in Saddar, selected for Cinema and mall in central Saddar. Confirm current opening hours, entrances and branch details before travelling.
Karimabad
Meena Bazaar
Meena Bazaar is a Budget/moderate shopping option in Karimabad, selected for Women clothes, bangles, henna, accessories. Confirm current opening hours, entrances and branch details before travelling.
Neighbourhoods
Bahadurabad
Bahadurabad is a food, sweets and shopping hub area in Karachi. Best for Char Minar roundabout, dining, boutiques.
Bahria Town Karachi
Bahria Town Karachi is a large gated development on m9 area in Karachi. Best for Theme parks, food, Grand Jamia, hotel/resort day.
Burns Road
Burns Road is a historic food street area in Karachi. Best for Nihari, haleem, bun kabab, rabri, night food crawl.
Civil Lines
Civil Lines is a consulates, colonial houses, museums nearby area in Karachi. Best for Frere Hall, Flag Staff House, luxury hotels.
Clifton
Clifton is a seafront, malls, galleries, shrines area in Karachi. Best for Mohatta Palace, Dolmen Mall, Abdullah Shah Ghazi, beach.
Gulshan-e-Iqbal
Gulshan-e-Iqbal is a large middle-class district area in Karachi. Best for Bait ul Mukarram, Safari Park, University Road.
Karsaz
Karsaz is a museum and airport corridor area in Karachi. Best for PAF Museum, Maritime Museum, stadium access.
Keamari
Keamari is a port district area in Karachi. Best for Manora ferry, seafood, port views.
Kharadar
Kharadar is a old merchant quarter near port area in Karachi. Best for Memon Masjid, Wazir Mansion, traditional bazaars.
M.A. Jinnah Road
M.A. Jinnah Road is a historic artery area in Karachi. Best for Merewether Tower, KMC, Denso Hall, Memon Masjid.
Signature sights in Karachi
PECHS
Hill Park
Hill Park is a Park in PECHS, selected for Hilltop city park. Use the mapped location to group it with nearby Karachi stops and confirm current access before visiting.
Gulshan-e-Iqbal
Aladin Park Legacy Site
Aladin Park Legacy Site is a Legacy/verify in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, selected for Older Irhal-style listing; do not publish as active without checking redevelopment. Use the mapped location to group it with nearby Karachi stops and confirm current access before visiting.
Clifton
Abdullah Shah Ghazi Shrine
Abdullah Shah Ghazi Shrine is a Shrine in Clifton, selected for Major Sufi shrine near seafront. Use the mapped location to group it with nearby Karachi stops and confirm current access before visiting.
Bahadurabad
Bahadurabad Char Minar
Bahadurabad Char Minar is a Food/shopping node in Bahadurabad, selected for Roundabout, dining, boutiques. Use the mapped location to group it with nearby Karachi stops and confirm current access before visiting.
Old City
Boulton Market
Boulton Market is a Market in Old City, selected for Wholesale goods and old Karachi commerce. Use the mapped location to group it with nearby Karachi stops and confirm current access before visiting.
Saddar
Burns Road Food Street
Burns Road Food Street is a Food street in Saddar, selected for Historic food crawl destination. Use the mapped location to group it with nearby Karachi stops and confirm current access before visiting.
Festivals and events in Karachi
August
Independence Day - 14 August
Karachi turns green and white with flags, lights, car rallies and family outings; traffic congestion can be intense at night.
April
Eid-ul-Fitr season
Eid shopping transforms Tariq Road, Saddar, Hyderi, Bahadurabad and Clifton/DHA bazaars; dates depend on moon sighting.
June
Eid-ul-Azha season
Cattle markets, charity meat distribution, family visits and heavy urban logistics define the season; dates depend on moon sighting.
September
Rabi-ul-Awwal / Milad-un-Nabi
Processions, mosque gatherings and decorative lights appear across the city when the Islamic calendar places the month here.
May
Arts Council and theatre programming
Indoor theatre, music, stand-up and literary events continue, but heat affects outdoor plans. Check venue calendars.
Karachi tours and experiences
Grand Jamia, Adventure Land, fountains, restaurants
Bahria Town family day
Bahria Town family day is a Karachi tour concept centred on Grand Jamia, Adventure Land, fountains, restaurants. More leisure than heritage; verify timings; confirm the operator, meeting point, inclusions and current safety arrangements before booking.
Boat from Mubarak Village, snorkeling/diving seasonally
Charna Island snorkeling/diving
Charna Island snorkeling/diving is a Karachi tour concept centred on Boat from Mubarak Village, snorkeling/diving seasonally. Only with specialist operators and suitable sea conditions; confirm the operator, meeting point, inclusions and current safety arrangements before booking.
Mohatta Palace exterior, Abdullah Shah Ghazi, Seaview, Do Darya dinner
Clifton-DHA evening tour
Clifton-DHA evening tour is a Karachi tour concept centred on Mohatta Palace exterior, Abdullah Shah Ghazi, Seaview, Do Darya dinner. Easy for first-time visitors with driver/ride-hailing; confirm the operator, meeting point, inclusions and current safety arrangements before booking.
Hawksbay, Sandspit, Mubarak Village, Cape Monze
Coastal west day trip
Coastal west day trip is a Karachi tour concept centred on Hawksbay, Sandspit, Mubarak Village, Cape Monze. Use vetted driver/operator; daylight only; confirm the operator, meeting point, inclusions and current safety arrangements before booking.
Old city heritage, markets, civic buildings, mosques, churches
Heritage walking tour - Saddar to M.A. Jinnah Road
Book with a local heritage guide or tour company; avoid unguided deep old-city walks after dark
Nihari, haleem, bun kabab, rabri, BBQ and chai
Karachi food crawl - Burns Road and Hussainabad
Karachi food crawl - Burns Road and Hussainabad is a Karachi tour concept centred on Nihari, haleem, bun kabab, rabri, BBQ and chai. Best with a local host who knows hygiene and timing; confirm the operator, meeting point, inclusions and current safety arrangements before booking.
PAF Museum, Maritime Museum, National Stadium area
Karsaz museum circuit
Karsaz museum circuit is a Karachi tour concept centred on PAF Museum, Maritime Museum, National Stadium area. Family-friendly half-day plan; confirm the operator, meeting point, inclusions and current safety arrangements before booking.
Chaukhandi Tombs, Thatta, Shah Jahan Mosque, Makli Necropolis
Thatta-Makli heritage day trip
Thatta-Makli heritage day trip is a Karachi tour concept centred on Chaukhandi Tombs, Thatta, Shah Jahan Mosque, Makli Necropolis. Longer day; start early and use good vehicle; confirm the operator, meeting point, inclusions and current safety arrangements before booking.
Karachi masjids and Muslim travel
Bolton Market / M.A. Jinnah Road
Memon Masjid
Historic M.A. Jinnah Road mosque beside Bolton Market, known for Jumuah prayers, Ramadan iftar, and late-night Shabeena gatherings.
DHA Phase 2
Masjid-e-Tooba / Gol Masjid
Masjid-e-Tooba / Gol Masjid is a Landmark / Jumuah in DHA Phase 2. The approved guide records it for Iconic large dome mosque and Karachi architectural symbol; use the saved map and confirm current access and congregation arrangements before travelling.
Gulshan-e-Iqbal
Bait-ul-Mukarram Masjid
Bait-ul-Mukarram Masjid is a Landmark / Jumuah in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. The approved guide records it for Large Gulshan mosque and major Jumuah point; use the saved map and confirm current access and congregation arrangements before travelling.
Korangi
Jamia Masjid Darul Uloom Karachi
Jamia Masjid Darul Uloom Karachi is a Jumuah / madrasa in Korangi. The approved guide records it for Major Islamic seminary mosque; visit respectfully; use the saved map and confirm current access and congregation arrangements before travelling.
New Town
Jamia Binoria / New Town Mosque
Jamia Binoria / New Town Mosque is a Jumuah / madrasa in New Town. The approved guide records it for Major religious education and prayer complex; use the saved map and confirm current access and congregation arrangements before travelling.
DHA Phase 4
Jamia Masjid Bait-us-Salam
Jamia Masjid Bait-us-Salam is a Jumuah / education in DHA Phase 4. The approved guide records it for Important Defence mosque and Islamic education centre; use the saved map and confirm current access and congregation arrangements before travelling.
Transportation
Airport: Jinnah International Airport (KHI)
Karachi is served by Jinnah International Airport on Airport Road near Malir/Faisal Cantonment. Travel time to Saddar, Clifton or DHA can range from roughly 30 minutes to well over an hour depending on traffic, rain, VIP/security movement and time of day. Use official airport information for terminal services and airline updates.
Buses and BRT
Karachi public bus network is improving but still uneven. Tourists should understand buses as useful for local context and selected corridors, not as the easiest universal solution. The Green Line BRT serves northern/central corridors, while the Red Line BRT is a major Malir Halt-Safoora-University Road-Numaish/Tower corridor project. People Bus Service routes, Pink Bus and EV buses cover selected roads; route details should be checked live before recommending exact itineraries.
Metro / rail
Karachi does not currently have a conventional underground metro. Karachi Circular Railway has had revival phases and limited services, but it should not be presented as a reliable tourist metro without checking current operations. For visitors, the practical urban transport mix is ride-hailing, taxis, private car/driver, selected buses and walking within small clusters.
Taxi and ride-hailing
Ride-hailing is the easiest option for most visitors. App availability and pricing change, but Careem, inDrive and similar services are commonly used in Pakistan urban centres. Confirm car plate and driver name, share ride details, avoid isolated pickups late at night and keep small cash for tips or tolls. Traditional taxis and rickshaws exist but are harder for first-time tourists unless fares are agreed clearly.
Car for hire / driver
For a serious Karachi itinerary, especially old city, beaches, Chaukhandi, Thatta or airport runs, a private car with a reliable local driver is often the most efficient option. Drivers should understand security-sensitive roads, rain detours, parking and mosque/restaurant timing. Hotels and local tour operators can arrange cars, but confirm total hours, fuel, tolls, waiting charges and late-night charges in writing.
From the airport
Use a hotel pickup if arriving late at night, during monsoon rain, or with family/luggage.
Driving tips
Plan by clusters: Old City/Saddar, Clifton/DHA, Gulshan/Karsaz, North/Central, West beaches, Malir/Korangi. Crossing all clusters in one day wastes time.
Visitor Information
Visa information
Pakistan tourist and visit visas are handled through the official Pakistan Online Visa System. Travellers should apply online before travel unless their nationality is eligible for a visa-on-arrival or another current facility. Requirements, processing time, fee and allowed stay vary by passport, purpose of visit and official policy at the time of application.
When to go
Best overall months: November to February. These months make walking, food streets, beaches, museum-hopping and old-city heritage routes much easier. March and October can work with early starts and indoor afternoons. May and June are very hot and can produce dangerous heat. July and August bring monsoon risk, humidity and possible urban flooding. December to February is also Karachi's most social outdoor season, with weddings, food events and winter festivals.
Fast facts
Location: Arabian Sea coast, Sindh province, southern Pakistan; Dialing code: +92 country code; Karachi fixed-line area code 21; Emergency numbers: Police 15; Rescue 1122; Fire 16; Edhi 115; Chhipa 1020; CPLC 1102 / +92-21-35662222
Exchange rates
Indicative mid-market exchange reference checked for this edition on 25 May 2026: 1 USD was around PKR 277-278, 1 AED around PKR 75-76 and 1 EUR around PKR 323. These are not cash-counter or card rates. Use XE or a bank/authorised exchange source before publishing or budgeting.
Public holidays
Islamic holidays shift every year and may be adjusted by moon sighting and official federal or Sindh notifications. City traffic, shopping hours, bank opening and museum access may all change around Eid, Ashura and Milad-un-Nabi.
Annual temperature and climate guide
January: 18-26 C; February: 19-28 C; March: 22-32 C
Health and Safety
Health and Safety
Karachi requires practical street-smart caution. The legacy Irhal health and safety guide warns that cell phone snatching, mugging, and pickpocketing can happen in public places, markets, public transport, and even during daytime movement through quiet lanes.
General safety
Karachi can be rewarding but requires practical caution. Official travel advisories from the UK, US and other governments continue to flag security risks in Pakistan, including terrorism, crime, demonstrations and travel disruption. The guide should not scare visitors, but it should be honest: avoid political gatherings, religious processions unless hosted by trusted locals, isolated streets at night, unlit beach areas, and unnecessary display of phones, jewellery or cash.
Food and water
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water or boiled/filtered water, avoid ice if hygiene is uncertain, and choose street-food stalls with high turnover and visible cooking heat. Karachi street food is part of the city soul, but visitors with sensitive stomachs should pace themselves and avoid raw salads, unpeeled fruit and lukewarm buffet dishes.
Areas and situations requiring extra caution
Crowded old-city markets: pickpocketing, traffic, heat and getting separated from group.
Useful emergency numbers
Police emergency: 15; Sindh Rescue / ambulance: 1122; Fire brigade: 16
