From the Indus Valley Civilization to the Mughal emperors and the energy of a young nation, Pakistan layers history and hospitality in equal measure. This 7-day itinerary focuses on Lahore—the cultural heart—and Islamabad—the serene, modern capital—so you can savor monuments, markets, and mountains without rushing.

You’ll wander Lahore’s Walled City, stand beneath the red sandstone of Badshahi Mosque, and feel the roar of the Wagah Border ceremony. In Islamabad, sleek boulevards give way to the wild Margalla Hills, with Faisal Mosque gleaming like a desert flower and ancient Taxila just beyond—one of South Asia’s richest archaeological sites.

Come hungry: halwa puri breakfasts, smoky karahi, and syrupy jalebi are essential. Dress modestly, confirm opening hours around Friday prayers and public holidays, and check current travel advisories. For flights, see Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com; trains within Pakistan are on Trip.com Trains. Consider a pre-booked airport transfer for a smooth start: Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer.

Lahore

Lahore is Pakistan’s cultural capital: Mughal-era citadels, Sufi shrines, and bazaars perfumed with cardamom. The Walled City’s alleys open onto courtyards where calligraphers still work by hand, and Food Street plates up recipes passed down for generations.

• Top sights: Lahore Fort & Sheesh Mahal, Badshahi Mosque, Wazir Khan Mosque, Shalimar Gardens (UNESCO), Lahore Museum, Minar-e-Pakistan.
• Don’t miss: Fort Road Food Street at dusk; chai and qawwali (devotional music) nights; a rickshaw ride through Delhi Gate; winter fried fish at Bashir Dar-ul-Mahi.
• Where to eat: - Breakfast: Phajja Siri Paye (old city) or Capri (Liberty Market) for halwa puri. - Lunch: Butt Karahi (Lakshmi Chowk) for wok-seared goat or chicken; Rina’s Kitchenette (Gulberg) for a lighter local-modern menu. - Dinner with a view: Andaaz Restaurant, Cooco’s Den, or Haveli on Food Street overlooking Badshahi Mosque.

Stay in lively Gulberg or near the Fort/Walled City for quick access to heritage sites. Browse stays on Hotels.com (Lahore) or VRBO (Lahore). Excellent hotel picks include The Nishat Hotel, The Nishat Hotel, Gulberg, Pearl Continental Hotel Lahore, and Hotel One Gulberg.

Islamabad

Purpose-built in the 1960s, Islamabad is tree-lined and tranquil, tucked against the Margalla Hills. It’s a gateway to ancient Taxila and the Northwest Frontier’s caravan routes, yet it buzzes with cafés and a thriving arts scene.

• Top sights: Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Museum, Lok Virsa Heritage Museum, Daman-e-Koh, Saidpur Village, Rawal Lake.
• Day trips: UNESCO-listed Taxila (Gandhara Buddhist sites); Peshawar’s fabled bazaars and Bala Hisar Fort.
• Where to eat: - Coffee & breakfast: Chaaye Khana (F-6), Street 1 Café (Kohsar Market), Burning Brownie (F-7), Loafology (Blue Area). - Lunch: Savour Foods (pulao-kabab), Khoka Khola (Beverly Centre) for a stylish Pakistani bistro. - Dinner with a view: Monal or La Montana on Pir Sohawa Road.

Base yourself in F-6 or F-7 for markets and cafés, or up in the hills for views. Check options on Hotels.com (Islamabad) or VRBO (Islamabad). Top hotels: Serena Hotel Islamabad, Islamabad Marriott Hotel, Hotel One Super, and Hotel De Papae.

Day 1: Arrival in Lahore + Food Street Sunset

Morning: Fly into Lahore (LHE) via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. For a smooth arrival, pre-book Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer to your hotel.

Afternoon: Check in and shake off jet lag with a gentle loop through the Walled City: Delhi Gate, Shahi Hammam, and the tile-rich Wazir Khan Mosque. Pause for a sweet-and-spicy chaat at Anarkali Bazaar.

Evening: Head to Fort Road Food Street for dinner with views of lit-up Badshahi Mosque. Book a terrace table at Andaaz, Cooco’s Den, or Haveli. Order seekh kabab, mutton karahi, and kheer; wander Greater Iqbal Park after for skyline views of Minar-e-Pakistan.

Day 2: Lahore Essentials (Guided, Full Day)

Make the most of Lahore’s highlights with a curated full-day tour. You’ll cover the big hitters with context, skip guesswork, and travel efficiently between spread-out sites.

Lahore Full Day Sightseeing Guided Tour

• Typical inclusions: Lahore Fort (Sheesh Mahal), Badshahi Mosque, Shalimar Gardens (UNESCO), Lahore Museum, old city gates, and time for a proper Lahori lunch.
• Tip: Carry a scarf for mosque visits; conservative dress is appreciated. Museums’ hours can shift around Friday prayers—your guide will time this smartly.

Day 3: Gardens, Museums, and Wagah Border Ceremony

Morning: Coffee at Mocca (Gulberg) or English Tea House, then roam the terraced fountains of Shalimar Gardens. Continue to the Lahore Museum to trace Gandhara art, Sikh heritage, and the story of Partition.

Afternoon: Light lunch at Rina’s Kitchenette or a classic at Butt Karahi (share a half-kg wok-seared chicken with naan). Shop for embroidered kurtas and khussas around Liberty Market.

Evening: Depart by ~3:00 pm for the Wagah Border ceremony (start times vary by season; arrive early for security and seats). The flag-lowering drill—precision marching and crowd call-and-response—is a high-energy tradition. Return to town for dessert at Sweet Tooth or jalebi from a street vendor near Food Street.

Day 4: Lahore → Islamabad + Museums and Hills

Morning: Travel to Islamabad. Options: - Train to Rawalpindi/Islamabad: 4.5–6 hours, from roughly US$6–25 (economy to AC), bookable via Trip.com Trains. - Car/bus via M-2 Motorway: ~4–5 hours. - Flight: ~1 hour, often US$40–80 on Trip.com Flights.

Afternoon: Check in, then visit Lok Virsa Museum for an elegant walk through Pakistan’s folk crafts and music. Stroll Saidpur Village for restored mud-brick lanes and tea with a view of the hills.

Evening: Drive up Pir Sohawa Road to Monal for golden-hour panoramas and chapli kabab on the terrace. Nightcap and dessert at Burning Brownie (F-7) back in town.

Day 5: Islamabad’s Icons (Guided, Full Day)

Cover the capital’s greatest hits with a local expert, balancing architecture, green spaces, and viewpoints.

Top Ten Wonders of Islamabad Guided City Tour

• Expect highlights like Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Museum, Daman-e-Koh, Rawal Lake, and key spots across the F-sectors and Constitution Avenue.
• Lunch ideas en route: Savour Foods for the cult-favorite pulao-kabab; or Khoka Khola for a refined take on desi staples.

Day 6: UNESCO Taxila Day Trip (Guided, Full Day)

Explore one of South Asia’s most important archaeological zones—where Greek, Persian, and South Asian influences fused into Gandhara art and Buddhist learning.

From Islamabad: Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour

• Key sites often include the Taxila Museum, Dharmarajika stupa, Sirkap city ruins, and Jaulian monastery, with sculpted Buddhas and ornate stucco.
• Wear sturdy shoes; carry water and sun protection. Ask your guide for the best sequence to avoid midday heat.

Day 7: Margalla Morning + Farewell

Morning: Early hike on Trail 3 or 5 in the Margalla Hills (1.5–3 hours round-trip for scenic viewpoints). Brunch at Street 1 Café (Kohsar Market) or Chaaye Khana (F-6) for paratha, omelets, and karak chai.

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping at Jinnah Super Market for pashmina, stone inlay, and handmade khussa shoes. Depart in the afternoon for your flight via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Evening: If you have extra time, a sunset tea at Daman-e-Koh offers a last wide-angle look at the city before you go.

Where to stay (quick picks):

• Lahore: The Nishat Hotel, The Nishat Hotel, Gulberg, Pearl Continental Hotel Lahore, Hotel One Gulberg, or browse Hotels.com (Lahore) and VRBO (Lahore).
• Islamabad: Serena Hotel Islamabad, Islamabad Marriott Hotel, Hotel One Super, Hotel De Papae, or browse Hotels.com (Islamabad) and VRBO (Islamabad).

Getting around: Careem ride-hailing is widely used in both cities; Lahore’s Orange Line Metro helps for selective hops. Keep small PKR notes for rickshaws and market purchases. SIM cards are available at airports and major malls with passport and visa.

This week in Pakistan layers Mughal splendor, modern design, and ancient Gandhara—spiced with rooftop dinners and mountain sunsets. With a smart split between Lahore and Islamabad, you’ll see the essentials at an easy pace and leave room for serendipity.