Mizar e Quaid

Karachi, a vibrant beach town on the coast of Pakistan, has more than a dozen different sights, catering to all sorts of interests. The following are the best from World 66:

Shopping Malls

You can’t visit Karachi without getting a few souvenirs for those back home, or a discounted Persian rug for your living room. Check out some of the best shopping markets and bazaars, including Saddar, Zaniab Market, Jamia Cloth Market and the Karachi Handicrafts Market. These are all located in the city center and feature hundreds of gifts, clothes, fabrics, jewelry and even spices, tea and non-perishable local foods.

On Sunday you can take the kids to the animal nursery in the Liaquatabad section of Karachi. Finally, if you prefer more contemporary shopping, check out the large city malls including Domen City Mall, Gulf Shopping Mall and the IT Tower. At the markets you can barter on the price of goods, but at the malls the prices are set. This staff writer recommends you visit the mall first to get an idea of how much things cost, before going to barter for lower prices in the markets.

Karachi Beaches

The beach is a great site to visit, if only because there’s something there for everyone: a surf lesson, a quick swim, a chance to finish the latest Stephen King novel while burying your feet in soft sand or just an enjoyable stroll along the coast. At the Karachi beaches you can rent a private beach house for a full day of relaxing in the sun. Treat your child to the ride of their life on a horse or camel at Clifton Beach. Horse rides are guided and the horses are well-trained and gentle with children.

Chaukandi Tombs

Don’t forget the camera for a trip to the Chaukandi Tombs. Better still, bring binoculars or a hand-held video camera. Visiting these tombs, constructed in the 16th century, is an experience you’ll treasure forever, and one where you won’t risk boring the grandkids with endless pictures. The intricate design and shape of these majestic tombs are worth seeing. You can hire a guide at the site or wander on your own.

National Mausoleum of Pakistan, Karachi

Built in the 1960s, the National Mausoleum of Pakistan is a majestic building constructed from marble and iron. The architecture of this incredible site is representative of the early 1990s with arches, tombs, glowing lights and beautifully carved windows. You can take a stroll around the park surrounding the Mausoleum and get pictures from all angles. Admission is free, and the Mausoleum is open daily.