Pakistan Shopping and nightlife
Shopping in Pakistan
Pakistan offers a treasure trove of handicrafts and traditional items that reflect its rich cultural heritage. Popular purchases include carved wooden furniture like tables and trays, exquisite onyx ware, and intricate silver jewellery. For fashion and textiles, hand-embroidered shawls, cashmere wraps, and silk scarves are must-haves, alongside colourful glass bangles and traditional Saleem Shahi slippers with their distinctive upturned toes. Camel-skin lamps, brassware, and pottery make for unique souvenirs, while rugs and carpets, often handwoven, showcase Pakistan's exceptional craftsmanship.
Pakistan's bustling bazaars provide an unforgettable shopping experience, combining vibrant sights, sounds, and opportunities for haggling. In Peshawar, the Old City's bazaars are famed for rugs, topis (woollen hats), leather chappals (sandals), and chadors (light woollen blankets). The Meena Bazaar, exclusively for women, is a maze of shops selling traditional clothing and accessories. Karachi's Saddar district is a hotspot for souvenirs, especially at the renowned Zainab Market, while Lahore's Anarkali Bazaar, believed to be South Asia's oldest, is a treasure trove of history and goods.
Shopping hours
Bazaars: Sat-Thu 09:30 to 13:00, 15:00 to 18:30.
Malls: Mon-Sun 11:00 to 21:00.
Hours may change during Ramadan.
Nightlife in Pakistan
Nightlife in Pakistan is a mix of cultural, social, and modern experiences, albeit more subdued compared to Western countries due to local cultural and religious values. Bars and clubs, along with heavy (alcohol) drinking, are rare. Instead, visitors can immerse themselves in cultural events and live music performances, particularly in urban areas.
Lahore hosts regular night-time performances. The Alhamra Arts Council organises classical music, dance performances, and theatre shows. Additionally, the Fort Road Food Street sometimes features live folk music, providing a lively cultural atmosphere for visitors to enjoy alongside traditional cuisine.
Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, boasts a vibrant late-night scene with trendy cafés, restaurants, and dessert spots that stay open well into the night. The city's coastline, particularly Clifton Beach and Do Darya, is a favourite for late-night dining with a sea view.
Islamabad also boasts a growing cultural scene, which includes the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) hosting events showcasing classical music, folk dances, and art exhibitions. In addition, rooftop cafes and cultural hubs in the city sometimes host live performances of both traditional and contemporary music.
