View the Karachi Map

Population
City proper: 9,339,023
Metro area: 11,819,000

Elevation
15 meters (49 feet) 

Temperature
January 26°/10°C (78°/51°F);
July 33°/27°C (92°/81°F)
Average daily High/Low °C (°F) 

Rainfall
January 6 (0.2);
July 86 (3.4)
Average monthly mm (inches)

Time Zone
+5 hours UTC (Coordinated Universal Time)

Karachi is a fast growing city which features many modern and impressive restaurants, stores, boutiques, furniture makers and specialty shops. As in any large city, the pollution and traffic are major issues. However, environmental friendly groups are creating awareness and the city is improving quickly. The rapid construction of new roads, bridges and shopping malls is giving Karachi a  newfound hope for the years to come. Extensive expansion is planned for the near future, as are luxury living towers, resort and golf clubs and extravagant shopping malls. Karachi has the potential to be one of the world's mega cities and we excitedly look forward to the positive changes that are taking place now and in the future.

Since Karachi's hygiene standards are not up to par with most other countries, it is important to choose food items carefully. Each and every food or drink should be considered before consumption. Avoid drinking and eating anything which may have been made or washed with normal tap water. This water usually contains anaerobes and cysts which can later cause major intestinal problems, malnutrition and even death if untreated. Avoid salads, fruit salads, cut vegetables, milk shakes, slushies and sauces, as they may have become  contaminated with tap water. It is customary in most places to leave sandwiches and other snacks un-refrigerated for long periods of time. These sandwiches usually  contain mayonnaise and/or meats that may have been sitting out all day in hot temperatures. Flies are also a major problem and hop from food item to food item. Uncovered sewers and trash sites provide the perfect atmosphere for flies, therefore increasing the risk of contamination and food-borne illness. Choose company packaged items, preferably imported. Due to the lack of awareness in food-handling practices, plastic-wrapped food items cannot be completely trusted. Eat home-cooked food from a reliable source whenever possible. When eating out, choose well-done grilled meats, freshly boiled or fried food, since any bacteria would have likely been killed during the cooking process. In particular, and if budget allows, dine at restaurants which are well-known for hygiene and cleanliness, such as Okra.

Unfortunately, it is likely that you may get sick while visiting Karachi. We take many things for granted in other countries and therefore find it difficult to predict possibilities for disease and infection. It is important to be your own doctor in Karachi. Even the major hospitals can become confused with foreigners' illnesses and easily misdiagnose, therefore multiplying the complications. Viruses are very common and cannot be killed with antibiotics. Antibiotics given for a virus will only reduce the immune system's ability to fight the virus and intensify the illness. However, Karachi is fond of prescribing broad-spectrum antibiotics such as Augmentin. For colds and sinus infections, Theraflu or Nyquil and rest in a clean environment may be the best solution. Some foreign medications are hard to find in Karachi and can be found only at select stores such as Time Medico, Agha's and Ebco. For prolonged Diarrhea caused by a bacterial infection, Ciproxin is a safe and effective antibiotic choice. For diarrhea and intestinal problems not caused by a bacterial infection, Giardiasis (or other similar parasitic infection) is a likely culprit and can be treated very easily with Entamizole DS. Untreated or misdiagnosed Giardiasis will cause major frustration, uncomfort and mental upset among other physical problems. Immediate blood and stool sample tests from a reputable lab, such as Aga Khan Hospital, are the best way to avoid being misdiagnosed. If your doctor is not focused, seems incapable or confused, or you are simply not convinced and satisfied, find another doctor or hospital.
* This information has been provided solely as a guide and is not intended to diagnose, treat or replace the advice of a qualified physician.
* Written by your friend at KarachiSnob.com, national of California, USA living in Karachi. 

It's not a secret that the air quality in Karachi is very poor, with rickshaws being a major cause of irritation in the city. They spew out loads of chemical-ridden smoke and are loud and irritating as well. Extended periods outdoors will contribute, if not cause, some type of upper respiratory illness or sinus infection. The only practical solution is to go from clean air-conditioned building to air-conditioned car to air-conditioned shopping mall, etc. Avoid riding in rickshaws, open-windowed taxis and taking the buses. Simply minimize breathing outdoor air to minimize risk of illness.

Major attractions

Mazar-e-Quaid - tomb of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan

Mohatta Palace and museum

Karachi Port Authority's Water Jet fountain

Masjid e Tooba - largest single-domed mosque in the world

Beaches and Waterfront

Clifton Beach

Beach Park

Jehangir Kothari Parade

Hawke's Bay Beach - breeding ground for endangered turtles

Paradise Point - rock promontory in the sea with a natural arch

Sandspit Beach

French Beach

Museums

Pakistan Air Force Museum

Karachi Expo Center

PIA Planetarium

Pakistan Maritime Museum

National Museum of Pakistan

Colonial Buildings

Merewether Tower

Frere Hall

Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Karachi

Sindh High Court

Empress Market

Islands

Clifton Oyster Rocks

Bhit Shah Island

Buddo Island

Bundal Island

Churma Island

Manora Island

Amusement Parks

Arena

Go Aish Adventure Park

Dream World

Safari Park (University Road)

Aladdin Park (Rashid Minhas Road)

Sindbad

PIA Planetarium

Karachi Zoological Gardens (Gandhi Garden)

Cosy Water Park (super highway)

Samzu Park (super highway)

Fiesta park (super highway)

Sun Way Lagon (near Nooriabad)

Polo Ground (PIDC)

Cheekoo water park (super highway)

City Parks

Bin Qasim Park (Old Clifton)

Beach Park (Sea View) 

Askari Park (University Road)

Hill Park (Tariq Road)

Nisar Shaheed Park (Defence P5)

Zam Zam Park (Zamzama)

Famous Avenues

Zamzama Avenue (famous for its designer outlets & restaurants)

Beach Avenue

Karsaz Road

II Chundrigar Road (Karachi's Wall Street)

Shahrah-e-Faisal

Tariq Road (Shopping street)

 

= Snob Approved Attractions

IMPORTANT NOTE: Although we have mentioned these sites for your convenience, it should be noted that visitors coming from most other countries may be disappointed with some of these sites. It is therefore recommended that you are escorted by someone who is familiar with your tastes and expectations.