1. Tour the striking Masjid Mahabat Khan

One of the most important landmarks in the city, Masjid Mahabat Khan, is a historic mosque that is known for its stunning façade created using white marble. The mosque is several hundred years old and was built in about 10 years, starting from 1660. The mosque has served several purposes during its history, and when the Sikh Empire was in control of the region, prisoners were hung from the minarets daily. The mosque consists of three striking domes with a fluted finish, and the ceiling has red-hued frescoes that are composed of flowers and geometric patterns.

Masjid Mahabat Khan

Address: Andar Shehr Mohallah Baqir Shah, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Opening hours: 4am – 10:29pm (daily)

2. Walk through Wazir Bagh

At Wazir Bagh garden, the remnants of splendid trees that once bore fruit such as apricots, pears, and peaches dot the area. The historic garden was at its prime during the 18th century, when it was constructed by Sardar Fateh Mohammad Khan, who laid its foundation. Currently, the garden is a favorite hangout for people in the vicinity and features a pavilion, sweeping lawns, a pond, and some of the original trees that were planted in the area. The garden, however, has not been maintained properly and continues to be encroached by modern buildings.

Wazir Bagh

Address: Wazir Bagh, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

3. Learn the history of the region at Peshawar Museum

At Peshawar Museum, visitors get to learn about the culture and history of the region. The museum is one of the most important in Pakistan and contains what is often described as the largest collection of Gandharan art in the world. The Gandharan pieces were recovered from the area by archeological teams and include sculpted Bodhisattvas, gods, and goddesses. The museum also has an extensive coin section that features coinage used by the Greeks, the Sikhs, the Mughals, and the British. In the Islamic portion of the museum, there are several Quran manuscripts, weapons, and metal pieces. The Ethnological collection in the museum is replete with items from the tribes of the region.

Peshawar Museum

Address: Saddar Road opposite Governor House Peshawar & Civil Secretariat، Finance Department, Civil Secretariat, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Website: Peshawar Museum

Opening hours: 1st April - 31st Sept: Mon - Sat: 8:30am - 5pm; 1st Oct - 31st March: Mon - Sat: 9am - 4pm

4. Enjoy spending time at Tatara Park

At Tatara Park, which is located in the posh Hayatabad area of Peshawar, visitors get a glimpse of the modern lifestyle of the city. The recreational park, one of the major areas where locals and people from surrounding villages congregate, features an artificial lake. The park also has several lawns which are ideal areas for children to play. A mini-train in the park is a popular attraction and there are several rides for adults and children. Boats are available on the lake and space for parking vehicles is readily available.

Tatara Park

Address: Phase-4 Phase 4 Hayatabad, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Opening hours: 2pm – 10pm (daily)

Price: 0.20 USD

5. Explore the grand Shalimar Garden

Shalimar Garden falls within a part of Shahi Bagh that spreads over 100 acres (40.4 hectares) and means “Royal Park.“ The garden is similar to the Shalimar Gardens in Lahore, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Peshawar, Shalimar Garden showcases the architecture of the Mughal period, and it is open to the public. The park is a favorite spot with students who hang out in the area after school. The park has been renovated extensively and also contains the Gymkhana Cricket Ground.

Shalimar Garden

Address: Shahi Bagh, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

6. View the rare animals at Peshawar Zoo

A recent addition to the city, Peshawar Zoo opened in 2018 and has since become one of the top local attractions. The zoo extends over an area of 29 acres (11.7 hectares) and is located near the Pakistan Forest Institute. The animals in the zoo were transported from the surrounding areas and the city of Lahore. The Lahore Zoo transferred lions and blackbucks to the zoo, while a black bear and leopards were brought in from Dhodial Pheasantry and the nearby mountain town of Nathiagali. Bengal tigers are also among the animals that are housed at the zoo.

Peshawar Zoo

Address: Palosi Rd, Qadir Abad, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan'

Website: Peshawar Zoo

Opening hours: 9am – 7pm (daily)

Price: 0.06 - 0.012 USD

7. Taste local cuisine at Habibi Restaurant

At Habibi Restaurant, which has several branches in the city, visitors can get a taste of the local cuisine. Habibi Restaurant is part of a large chain of restaurants found in several cities in Pakistan and the UAE. It is well-managed, and the restaurant offers a buffet, but guests can also choose to order from the menu. One of the branches in the city is located in the posh Hayatabad area of Peshawar, and it is more popular as it offers a large dining area. Décor at the Hayatabad restaurant is replete with art inspired by the Mughals, who once ruled the area.

Habibi Restaurant

Address: Habibi Restaurant & Bar-B-Q Gulabad Near Phase III Chowk Jamrud Road, Peshawar

Website: Habibi Restaurant

Opening hours: 11am – 11:50pm (daily)

8. Explore the area in and around Jinnah Park

This park was once known as Cunningham Park when the British ruled the area as part of the Raj. The park was renamed after partition and the creation of Pakistan. The current name of the park commemorates Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who is regarded as the “Father of the Nation.” The park occupies a prime position in the city and is right across from the Balahisar Fort, constructed when the Durrani Empire was in power. At the public park, visitors can enjoy the sights and the newly constructed digital fountain that was installed in 2011.

Jinnah Park

Address: Grand Trunk Rd, Peshawar Golf Club, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)

9. Play 18 holes at Peshawar Golf Club

Located adjacent to Grand Trunk Road and Shami Road, Peshawar Golf Club has been in operation since the colonial period of the British Raj. The golf club, currently run by the Pakistan Air Force, occupies a prestigious location in the city and is next to the Pearl Continental Hotel. Since it is in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of the country, the golf course is supervised by the Frontier Golf Association. It extends over 18 holes and is frequented by the elite golfers of the city.

Peshawar Golf Club

Address: Shami Road, Peshawar Golf Club, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Website: Peshawar Golf Club

Opening hours: 7:30am - 9pm (daily)

10. Check out Cunningham Clock Tower

Sir Cunningham Clock Tower is an important landmark in the city of Peshawar and attracts a lot of tourists. It was built during the British Raj and commemorated the Diamond Jubilee anniversary of the reign of Queen Victoria, who also held the title “Empress of India.” It was finished in 1900 and named after the then British governor of the province Sir George Cunningham who also laid the foundation stone for it in 1898. The clock tower is currently near a crowded market of the city, which has spread around it.

Sir Cunningham Clock Tower

Address: Sarafa Bazar Rd, Qadimi Shehr، Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Peshawar is modernizing but staying true to its roots

There are lots of things to see and do in Peshawar, Pakistan. History is still very much a part of the landscape, the people, and the sites of the city. Tourists can always follow in the footsteps of the locals to find the best that the city has to offer.