When to fly
The city generally experiences little rainfall and mild temperatures, making it a comfortable time to take a flight to Karachi and explore. Book flights to Karachi during the cooler months of November, December, January and February make for prime exploring allowing visitors to experience Jashan-e-Baharan, The Spring Festival, in mid-February. Tens of thousands gather to witness this colourful event that is brimming with Pakistani culture. The festival features an array of entertainment for all such as music, children’s activities, bridal shows, stunt shows, Pashtoon dancers and Kashmiri marching bands. The spectacular day closes with an epic firework display which lasts around 25 minutes. Karachi also features a calendar of religious festivals such as Eid-ul-Fitr, Shab-e-Bara and many more throughout the year.
There are high temperatures during the months of May through September which are best avoided by tourists. Cheap flights to Karachi can be found outside of peak season, which runs from November through February.
Karachi overview
Take a flight to Karachi and see the heart of Pakistan which lies on the Arabian Sea in the mega metropolis of the city, the country’s original capital and the de facto capital of Pakistani commerce and politics to this day. Karachi’s evolution from fishing village to trading post to urban city centre is evident throughout the city, where old colonial structures, dome-topped mosques and urban skyscrapers create a stunning skyline against the sandy beaches of the Arabian Sea. Today, many people fly to Karachi, Pakistan’s melting pot to soak up the country’s history, immerse themselves in a microcosm of modern Pakistani culture and indulge in the perks of an increasingly international city.
The amount of attractions and neighbourhoods that compete for a tourist’s attention is almost overwhelming. Beaches surround the city and offer opportunities for watersports like diving and fishing. Green spaces like Bagh Ibne Qasim park are an idyllic retreat in the heart of this urban metropolis, while amusement parks, modern shopping malls and movie theatres keep everyone entertained in Karachi. Add to that a seemingly endless array of local and international restaurants and one could easily fill a few days with modern luxuries.
Such an itinerary might not offer the best reflection of true Pakistan, though and it’s worth seeking out one that shines light on Pakistan’s past and present. A host of colonial and Anglo-Indian architecture remains throughout Karachi, with must-see specimens including Empress Market, the Mohatta Palace Museum and Frere Hall. The National Museum of Pakistan offers insight into the country’s tumultuous history, while Wazir Mansion – the family home of the country’s founder – displays the clothing and possessions of Muhammid Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. Meanwhile, traditional bazaars live on in the shopping district of Saddar, where you can haggle for bargains on everything from clothing and jewellery to rugs and electronics.