
Karachi is different from the rest of Pakistan in the same way that New York is different from the rest of the United States. The pace of life is more hurried; time is money, and money is life.
Located on the coast, Karachi has a relatively mild climate with low levels of precipitation (approximately 10 inches per annum), the bulk of which occurs during the July-August monsoon season. Winters are mild, and the summers are hot. The city's proximity to the sea keeps humidity levels at a near-constant high, and cool sea breezes relieve the heat of the summer months. Due to the high temperatures during the summer (ranging from 30-44°C from April to October), the winter months (November to February) are generally considered the best times to visit Karachi. July, December and January have pleasing and cloudy weather when most of the social events, ranging from weddings to charity fundraisers, frequently take place. Tourists and expatriates usually visit Karachi in these months. The highest ever recorded temperature in Karachi is 47.8 °C (118.0 °F) while the lowest is 0 °C (32 °F).
The everyday lifestyle of Karachi differs substantially from that of other cities and towns in Pakistan. Karachi's culture is characterized by the blending of Middle Eastern, Central Asian, South Asian and Western influences, as well as the city's status as a major international business center. As a whole, there is considerable diversity in culture, and this diversity has produced a unique cultural amalgam of its own type. Karachi also hosts the largest middle class stratum of the country.
Karachi is home to some of Pakistan's important cultural institutions. The National Academy of Performing Arts, located in the newly renovated Hindu Gymkhana offers a two-year diploma course in performing arts that includes classical music and contemporary theater. The All Pakistan Music Conference, linked to the 45-year old similar institution in Lahore, has been holding its Annual Music Festival since its inception in 2004. The Festival is now a well-established feature of the city life of Karachi that is awaited anxiously and attended by more than 3000 citizens of Karachi as well as people from other cities.
The National Arts Council (Koocha-e-Saqafat) also has musical performances and Mushaira (poetry recitations). The Kara Film Festival organized annually showcases independent Pakistani and international films and documentaries. Our Karachi Festival celebrates Architecture of Karachi.
There is much to do in Karachi; a city of more than 16 million people is unlikely to be short on activities! Simply let yourself be overwhelmed by this city, its size and scope, its heart breaking disparity between rich and poor, and its breathtaking sights and sounds. Karachi isn't just a city, it is a world unto itself!
You can shop to your heart's content, in the massive range of markets and bazaars that dot the city, or you can shop & enjoy one of the many modern shopping malls that are found across the city's more affluent sectors, namely Defence and Clifton. And don't worry too much about your budget; a recent survey by the Times newspaper (UK) found Karachi to be the second-cheapest city in the world! [28].
Karachi has a fine collection of Anglo-Indian architecture, a legacy of the British Raj, which will keep history buffs engaged. Culture vultures will find a city with many art galleries, displaying a broad spectrum of works from Asia, and some New Age works from aspiring Pakistani artists.
Medical tourism [29] is a growing industry in Karachi due to its high quality and low cost, especially in sectors like Dental treatment, Hair transplant [30], [31] , Cosmetic surgery [32], [33] and Open heart surgery.
One is spoiled for choice by the variety of sports that can be found in Karachi. Cricket can be found at every conceivable corner, from the lush grounds of the more wealthy professional clubs or elite schools to the side streets of the working class Saddar City district.
Adventure lovers can visit Go Aish Adventure park [34] on University road. Besides that, there are several fine golf courses which host international tournaments such as the Pakistan Open on the Asian circuit, a bustling race track, and a wide range of water sports - sailing (at the Karachi Yacht Club), Scuba diving [35], snorkelling, water-skiing, wind surfing, deep sea fishing which are accessible due to the City's Arabian Sea coast.
There are a lot of water parks located in the suburbs of the city near the superhighway, like Fiesta [36], Cosy [37], Samzu [38], Water world, and Sunway Lagoon. Other things you might be interested in doing is catching a movie at the Karachi Cineplex [39]. Or catch a bird's-eye view of the animals from the Chair lifts at Karachi Safari park [40] or visit The Arena, [41] a gaming arcade at Karsaz offering an ice skating rink, bowling alley, minigolf, arcade games, rock-climbing and much more or Area 51, a bowling alley.
For those who love watching the city skyline, they can visit Hill Park, an amusement park, offering a nice view of the City or Polo ground or the Revolving Restaurant [42], which offers a good view of the Central Karachi.
You can also walk along the beaches, under clear skies, which at night is an experience worth the travel alone, as visitors can gaze towards the heavens while the Arabian sea cascades over their sandalled feet. Streetlights dotting the coast of Karachi increase the beauty of the sea and surrounding areas. Most city dwellers visit other beaches at the outskirt of the city like Hawksbay, Paradise Point, Sansdpit & French Beaches. Huts are available on these far-flung beaches, where you can also fish, yacht, ride horses and camels, collect sea shells and dive! Explore the under water world, marine life and coral reefs via Scuba Diving [43]. Manora Island, next to Clifton Beach, is another breathtaking place for a picnic. Private boats are the easiest way to reach the Island; they can be hired at the marshes of the PNSC building. Manora Island also has a shrine and some hundred-year old monuments. A Riding Victoria type horse carriage from Polo ground to Clifton can be a memorable experience.
Karachi has recently been experiencing a spa boom, and there is now plenty of choice for everything from holistic Ayurveda to green tea hydrotherapy. Good spas can be found in most five-star hotels such as Avari, PC and on Zamzama Avenue.
If you have the time, and inclination to smoke, check out one of Karachi's Cigar Lounges. They stock quality international brands including authentic Cuban Cigars at Club Havana (DHA 5). Other notable lounges are Castro's and the Cigar Bar in Zamzama. These places have luxurious interiors and can give the illusion of being in a 1950's film! Note that you will have to pay a handsome sum for the pleasure of genuine Cubans! You can also try shisha at Cafe Shisha or at Indulge.
Karachi has numerous quality country clubs. If you know anyone who has membership (they are, of course, restricted) check them out.
The following beaches are located at the outskirts of the city, and are less strict about clothing:
Dont miss the indoor kids theme parks that are located inside shopping malls, listed under Buy
Fiesta [21], Cosy [22], Samzu [23], Water world, Sunway Lagoon etc.
There are many Colonial public buildings in the City’s Saddar district, but some of the well-known buildings are:
Jinnah International Airport (IATA: KHI ICAO: OPKC), [9], is Karachi's largest international and domestic airport. It has connections to many other hubs such as Toronto, London, Dubai, Delhi and Singapore. It is also the hub for Pakistan International Airlines [10], Pakistan's national carrier, which flies to numerous destinations, including Lahore, Peshawar, Beijing and Tokyo. Facilities in the airport include a McDonald's, ATMs (in Arrivals), free internet (in departure), WiFi, hotels and a duty free shop that doesn't sell alcohol. Immigration used to be a lengthy process, but after a rearrangement of counters and the introduction of a green channel in 2006 this is no longer the case.
Karachi is very far from the rest of Pakistani cities, so try to come by plane only.
Daewoo Sammi [11] offers some direct services to/from Karachi, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, Lahore and Islamabad, UAN 111-007-008.
First Class travel with Pakistan Railways [12] is good, and Karachi has railway connections with various major cities in Pakistan including Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Hyderabad, Rawalpindi, & Peshawar.
Karachi is a major trading hub for dhows from around the Indian Ocean. Travelers wanting to arrive in the city this way will probably need to make their own arrangements with the captain of the vessel.
Once you get the hang of traveling in Karachi, it becomes a very entertaining experience. You meet new people and get to see unexpected things. It's not very hard to find a mode of transportation and if you know what you are doing, it is very easy to get around.
The most common method of traveling in Karachi is by bus, private and Government-run, and is used by most people. For lack of space, people often sit on roof, or hang from bars, and are jam-packed inside the bus. Outsiders might be put off by the cramped conditions in the buses, and might prefer traveling in taxis.
There are three kinds of taxis in Karachi: Metro, Yellow and Black. The yellow ones are generally thought to be better than the black ones, although they charge a greater mark up.
The Metros are chains of taxis operated by different private sector companies (i.e. private version of NY's TLC). As in any nation, some of the taxi drivers overcharge "foreigners". Most of the Black and Yellow taxis don't have any meter, so you should first fix the charge and the location with the driver before getting in. The official rate per kilometer is around 7 Rupees but expect to pay around double.
There is also the so called Radio/White Cab service, which is air conditioned and can be called in at the airport or anywhere in the city. Typical cost for a full day (8 hours, 150 KM) is US$25. White Cab Tel No. +92-21-111-789-786 or within Karachi 111-789-786. Per kilometer rate is 15 Rupees plus Rs. 50 calling charges.
A new company, Metro Cabs, (Tel +92-21-111-222-787 or 111-222-787 (Karachi)) is considered highly efficient. Their taxis are usually easily available from the airport, and their rates are very reasonable, they have white corolla fleet - Per Km charges: Pak Rs. 20/= Min charges: Pak Rs. 300/= within 12 km. Others companies include Sky Cab [13] (Phone: 92-21-5677721-23) with Limousine fleets, Pak Radio Cabs (UAN: 111-732-732), Pearl Cabs (UAN: 111-725-786), Redtop Cabs (UAN: 111-733-867) - they have liana fleets, Citi Cab (021-5650581), FVG Cab (UAN: 111-126-111), Karachi Cab (UAN: 111-527-222), Sana Cabs (UAN: 111-222-787), Star Cabs (UAN: 111-567-827) - they have Lancer fleets, CallCar (UAN: 111-092-021)-Corolla Fleets and Smart Cabs (UAN: 111-000-747).
It’s easier to hire a car with driver. Pearl Radio Cab (4604465) charges Rs 1500 per day including fuel, if you’re staying in the city limits and travel less than 100km. Walji’s (5660248; 13 Services Mess, Mereweather Rd) is recommended for self-drive cars. Prices are around Rs 2400 per day (without fuel; unlimited mileage).
There are a great number of shopping places in Karachi, ranging from the traditional bazaar to the modern shopping malls. A first-time visitor should try and visit the bazaars, The bazaars usually consist of many small vendors selling a variety of products from accessories to clothes to food and drink. In addition, there are larger stores which are more specific in their products. Also one would find that the bazaars are a more culturally enriching experience. A recent survey by the Times newspaper (UK) found Karachi to be the 2nd cheapest city in the world [71].
The Pakistani currency is the Pakistani Rupee. It is usually advised to get your foreign currency converted in local currency before you buy stuff (off course thats only applicable if you're planning to buy with cash not credit card). A number of licensed Currency Exchange Companies operate their offices located in various parts of the cities that can be used for the exchange. A passport might be required as an identification document but the requirement is often ignored. Some good repute currency exchange companies are Khanani & Kalia, and Galaxy International. Most large department stores and souvenir shops, as well as all upscale restaurants accept major credit cards. Some small shops may choose to pass on their 2-3% service free on to you should you choose to use a credit card, but this is negotiable so don't hesitate to haggle.
ATMs exist in most areas and accept major credit cards.
Some of the major shopping malls in Karachi are:
Some of the main bazaars in Karachi that deserve a visit:
There are also three underground bazaars in Karachi at Bohri Bazaar, Nazimabad chowrangi and Liaqatabad No. 10. These are just a few to mention. On the whole, shopping in Karachi is an interesting, exhilarating (because of the low prices!) and often tiring experience.
Karachi has several fantastic upscale restaurants, which serve a huge variety of cuisines. Most of the upper-end restaurants are either located within one of the major hotels in the city (the Sheraton, the Pearl Continental and Avari Towers), or in the trendy shopping district of Zamzama in Defence.
One can easily find a franchise of KFC (call: 111-KFC-KFC [111-532-532]), McDonald (call:111-244-622), Subway (call:586-8907), Papa Johns (Clifton) (call:585-3374}, Mr Cod (call:535-0746), Henny's (call:021-5867151, 5864023 9a-11p), Pizza Hut (call: 111-241-241) or Domino's (call: 111-DOMINO [111-366-466]). The beauty of the food in Karachi is that you will probably find cuisine for every taste.
The following Restaurants are very popular and should not be missed:
Drinking alcohol in public areas is nominally banned, and most of the top end hotels have their own bars. Try local brands like Murree Brewery, in addition to that there are other brands such as Budwieser and Barveria with non-alchoholic beer.
In soft drinks, try local limca cola which makes "pop" sound when opened. you can also try Pakola; Pakistan’s premier soft drink brand which is available in different flavors like Ice cream soda, Lychee, Orange, Raspberry, Apple sidra, Vino, Double cola, Bubble up etc.
Also try, Lassi which is a classic yogurt drink that is served either plain or sweet, and is sometimes flavored or even fused with fresh fruit. Rooh-Afza, a red-color-sweet-herbal drink. Sugar Cane Juice which is extracted by mechanical force, it is best when fresh. You would also love the Falouda and Gola Ganda which include various kinds of syrups in crushed ice.
If you want to drink plain water, always prefer bottled water of a good brand, it just costs Rs. 25 for a 1.5 liter bottle of Nestle water.
Excelsior, Toby's bar, Purple haze, Basement, the Casbah... Karachi's night life has become the envy of the region. Bars, nightclubs and dance halls have sprouted across the city and people have also made some places like that in their homes.In the seaview and defence area there are Sports car and bike races too.