Mid-Range Travel Guide: Islamabad

Accommodation

$35-80 per night

Mid-range hotels, boutique guesthouses, private rooms with amenities, 3-star properties

Food & Dining

$15-35 per day

Mix of local restaurants, hotel dining, cafes, occasional upscale dining, varied cuisine

Transportation

$8-20 per day

Taxis, ride-sharing apps, private car rentals, mix of public and private transport

Activities

$15-40 per day

Paid attractions, guided tours, cultural sites, day trips, recreational activities

Eat at local dhabas and street vendors instead of hotel restaurants (typically 60-80% cheaper)

Use the metro and public buses instead of taxis for transportation (usually 70-85% savings)

Visit free attractions like public parks, hiking trails, and markets instead of paid tourist sites

Stay in areas like G-6, G-7, or F-7 rather than diplomatic enclave for accommodation savings of 30-50%

Shop at local markets like Sunday Bazaar instead of upscale malls for 40-70% savings on goods

Book accommodations during weekdays rather than weekends for 15-30% lower rates

Use shared rickshaws and local transport during off-peak hours for additional 20-40% savings

Staying only in the diplomatic enclave or upscale areas (typically 100-200% more expensive than other neighborhoods)

Eating exclusively at hotel restaurants and tourist-oriented venues (usually 150-300% markup over local options)

Relying solely on taxis and ride-sharing without using public transport (can increase transport costs by 300-500%)

Not negotiating prices at markets and with local service providers (missing potential 20-50% savings)