1. Mazar-e-Quaid-e-Azam

If the history of a place fascinates you, you must stop by Mazar-e-Quaid-e-Azam before going back to your hotel in Karachi.

Mazar-e-Quaid-e-Azam is a historical monument in Karachi that holds great significance for the nation. The mausoleum houses the remains of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the revered founding father of Pakistan. The striking white marble structure and the graceful central dome of the structure define this architectural masterpiece that symbolizes the ideals of unity, faith, and discipline upon which Pakistan was founded in 1947.

Mazar-e-Quaid-e-Azam is not only a place of remembrance but also a symbol of the enduring legacy of the man who played a pivotal role in the creation of Pakistan and the preservation of its distinct identity. It remains a site of pilgrimage and reflection for millions of Pakistanis.

Mazar-e-Quaid-e-Azam

Address: M.A Jinnah Rd, Central Jacob Lines Ghm، Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan

Opening hours: Fri - Tue: 2pm - 5:30pm; Wed - Thu: 10am - 5:30pm

2. Karachi Port Trust Building

Constructed during the British colonial era in the early 20th century, the Karachi Port Trust Building is one of the most popular tourist places in Karachi. It stands as a testament to the city’s maritime heritage and its pivotal role as a major port in the region. Its grandiose design, blending elements of Gothic and Indo-Saracenic architecture, reflects the rich architectural heritage of the city.

The building has not only been a hub for administrative and trade-related activities but has also witnessed key moments in Pakistan’s history, including its struggle for independence. Today, the Karachi Port Trust Building serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the port and its contributions to the economic and historical tapestry of Karachi and Pakistan as a whole.

Karachi Port Trust Building

Address: Eduljee Dinshaw Road, West Wharf, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan

Website: Karachi Port Trust Building

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

3. Mohatta Palace Museum

Our first stop in Karachi is the Mohatta Palace Museum, distinctive for its Pink Jodhpur structure and Indo-Saracenic architecture. It was built in 1927 as the summer home of Shivratan Chandraratan Mohatta, a prominent Hindu Marwari mogul. Today, Mohatta Palace Museum holds a great number of treasures, from rare maps to Makli monuments that date back to thousands of years ago.

Mohatta Palace Museum

Address: 7 Hatim Alvi Road, Block 5 Old Clifton, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh 75600, Pakistan

Website: Mohatta Palace Museum

Opening hours: Tues - Sun: 11am - 6pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 0.19 USD; free for seniors, students, and children under 12

4. Chaukhandi Tombs

From the seaside town of Clifton, make your way to Landhi Town to view the intricate Chaukhandi Tombs. Made of carved sandstone, these tombs are believed to have originated between the 15th and 18th centuries as an Islamic cemetery. Today, it’s a design marvel with a twist- the Chaukhandi Tombs are also regarded as one of the most haunted places in Pakistan.

Chaukhandi Tombs

Address: N-5 near Landhi Town, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan

Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily

Price: Free

5. Frere Hall

Take a trip to Karachi’s British Colonial past by visiting Frere Hall, a Venetian-Gothic building that dates back to 1865. Frere Hall is one of Karachi’s most iconic structures and inside, you’ll find the beautiful mural painted by Sadequain Naqqash, one of Pakistan’s most revered artists. His painting almost rivals Michaelangelo’s work at the Sistine Chapel.

Frere Hall

Address: Fatima Jinnah Road, Civil Lines Saddar, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

Price: Free

6. Quaid-e-Azam House Museum

Also known as the Flagstaff House, the Quaid-e-Azam House Museum holds a special place in Pakistani history. After all, it was the home of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan’s founding father. The house is now a museum where you can view some of the furnishings used by Jinnah and his sister, as well as archaeological finds.

Quaid-e-Azam House Museum

Address: Fatima Jinnah Road, Karachi Cantonment, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan

Website: Quaid-e-Azam House Museum

Opening hours: Thurs - Tue: 9am - 5pm (closed on Wed)

Price: 0.13 USD (adults); 0.064 USD (children ages 6 to 12); 1.91 USD (foreigners), free for students in groups

7. Khaliq Deena Hall and Library

Khaliq Deena Hall and Library (also known as Khalikdina Hall) is both a cultural and architectural treasure. Built in 1906, it was used by British India as a court. For years, the Khaliq Deena Hall and Library was abandoned to waste, but thanks to local historical preservation projects, it is now a protected site.

Khaliq Deena Hall and Library

Address: M.A. Jinnah Road, New Labour Colony Nanakwara, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

Price: Free

8. St. Patrick's Cathedral

St. Patrick’s Cathedral and its imposing Gothic Revival architecture is quite the landmark! Opened to the public in 1881, this massive structure serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Karachi. Even if you didn’t come to pray, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, in all its ornate glory, will definitely take your breath away.

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Address: Shahrah-e-Iraq, Karachi Cantonment Saddar, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan

Price: Free

9. Empress Market

Whoever thought history and retail therapy can’t go hand in hand simply hasn’t visited shopping destinations such as Empress Market. Built between 1884 and 1889 and named after the formidable Queen Victoria, Empress Market has been in operation for hundreds of years. For some fun things to do, enter the market and find anything from spices, groceries, fresh and local produce, seafood, and even some antiques.

Empress Market

Address: Saddar Town, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 1pm - 11pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: Free

10. Merewether Clock Tower

Raised from the ground up starting in 1884, this old building in Karachi strikes an impressive figure in the busy streets of the city. You might even think its Gothic Revival architecture is slightly out of place, but it’s part of Pakistani history. Today, the clock tower still operates, just in case you’ve yet to adjust to the local time.

Merewether Clock Tower

Address: Merewether Tower, M.A. Jinnah Road, Boharpir, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 7pm; Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

11. Katrak Bandstand

Standing alone and proud amidst the ruins, the Katrak Bandstand is quite lovely in its isolation. In its heyday, Katrak Bandstand was a favorite spot for recreation. Maybe one day it will be a lively spot again, once the master-planned community of Bahria Town is finished and opened to the public.

Katrak Bandstand

Address: Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan

Price: Free

12. Denso Hall

Built in 1886, Denso Hall is one of Karachi’s city landmarks that has fallen into a state of disrepair. That said, the community is working hard to restore this beautiful Venetian Gothic building and turn it into one of Karachi’s heritage sites. For now, you can go and admire the intricate exterior details of Denso Hall from the streets.

Denso Hall

Address: M.A. Jinnah Road, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan

To love Karachi is to know its history

If you are wondering what Karachi is famous for, you have to learn more about its rich history by visiting these iconic places, which will give you a complete insight into Karachi and Pakistani culture. Head to the best spots for biryani when you are hungry and retire to your room in one of the best 5-star hotels in Karachi! For more Karachi travel guides, don’t forget to browse our website.