Karachi

Karachi

Spread out along the Arabian Sea coastline, this trading port has boomed over the last few decades with a real entrepreneurial spirit. As the city with the largest population in Pakistan, Karachi has become known as the city that never sleeps. The mix of European, Central Asian and Middle Eastern inhabitants has created a lively, cosmopolitan city which draws visitors back time and again.

Visit the stunning Mazar-e-Quaid monument, the resting place of Pakistan’s founding father Mohammed Ali Jinnah, or head to Clifton Beach to soak up some sun.

If you’re looking for aromatic spices to take home there’s nowhere better than Empress Market, built under the British Raj in the historical city centre, Saddar Town.

Swing by the vibrant street food market in the shadow of the Port Grand Bridge, it’s one of the largest food streets in Asia. For a more traditional culinary experience, you’ll no doubt end up on Burns Road. Or try the famous food market at Boat Basin and look out for the eternally popular restaurant Bar-B-Q Tonight. Cafe culture is in full swing here, so expect to see plenty of people taking their time perched on the streets’ ubiquitous plastic chairs.

To cross this bustling city, auto-rickshaws can be hired everywhere and offer the quickest way to navigate the busy streets.

Known as the City of Lights, you can experience the pulsing nightlife in the city’s many lounges; Karachi has a diverse and dynamic music scene. Or to get away from it all, check into one of the many international hotels to gather your thoughts. This neon-lit city might appear frantic but there’s no real rush, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Karachi.