The best souvenirs from Islamabad are handmade crafts from across Pakistan: embroidered textiles, blue pottery, woodwork, brass and leather goods, and carpets. Islamabad makes almost nothing itself, but as the capital it sells work from every province, and there are a few reliable places to buy it, starting with the Lok Virsa craft shop and the government handicrafts shop in Blue Area.
This guide lists where to buy, what each place is good for, and how to avoid overpaying. We give no price lists, since prices vary by shop and season and we could not find dependable current figures.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Most reliable | Lok Virsa craft shop (Shakarparian) |
| Government shop | Pakistan Handicrafts Shop, Rizwan Plaza, Jinnah Avenue, Blue Area |
| For browsing and pottery | Saidpur Village |
| Carpets and regional crafts | Super Market, F-6 |
| Lok Virsa hours | Tuesday to Sunday, about 10 am to 7 or 8 pm (check) |
Lok Virsa craft shop
Lok Virsa, the national heritage institute, opened a souvenir shop at its museum in Shakarparian to give artisans from across the country a place to sell their work. It is among the most trustworthy places to buy, because items come from named craftspeople and regions, which makes it easier to know what you are getting.
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from about 10 am into the evening, so it is closed on Mondays. Our Lok Virsa Museum guide has the ticket prices and gallery details, and our Lok Mela guide covers the annual crafts festival held there.
Pakistan Handicrafts Shop, Blue Area
A government-run shop on Jinnah Avenue in Blue Area, at Rizwan Plaza, sells more than 20 categories of craft, including brass work, leather work, woodwork, carpets and blue pottery. Government shops usually mean fixed, marked prices, which suits anyone who dislikes haggling. You can also browse the range on the shop's website before going.
It is an easy stop if you are already in Blue Area (see our Blue Area guide). Opening hours were not listed, so phone or check before you go.
Saidpur Village
Saidpur Village at the foot of the Margalla Hills has craft shops selling local pottery, textiles and small gifts in restored old houses. It is best in the evening, and the shops are more of a browse than a serious craft market. See our Saidpur Village guide for the village itself and dinner.
Super Market, F-6
Super Market in F-6 is known for handicrafts from Punjab, Balochistan, KPK, Sindh and Kashmir, and for handmade rugs and carpets, with much of the trade aimed at foreign visitors. Prices are negotiable, so compare shops. Read the markets guide to place it among the city's other markets.
What to buy
- Embroidered textiles, including Sindhi mirror-work, Phulkari and Balochi needlework.
- Blue pottery, a well-known craft, in bowls, vases and tiles.
- Wood and brass, from small boxes to furniture.
- Leather and Peshawari chappals, for something wearable.
- Truck art, on ceramics, frames and decor.
- Carpets and rugs, which are heavy, so plan the shipping.
- Shawls and lawn fabric, easy to pack.
How to avoid overpaying
Buy from fixed-price government shops or Lok Virsa if you are unsure. At negotiable shops, compare two or three and start well below the asking price. Guides warn that tourist shops beside major sights can charge much more for the same goods. Ask what an item is made of, and where. For carpets and jewellery, ask for a receipt.
Carrying tip: fragile pottery needs good wrapping, so ask the shop to pack it or bring bubble wrap. Airlines set their own baggage limits, and for a flight out of Islamabad, check yours before buying anything heavy. Our Islamabad airport guide helps with the rest.
Is it worth buying here?
Yes, if you want crafts from across the country in one city and do not mind paying a fair price for the real thing. If you are going north to Hunza or Skardu, buy local crafts there, where they are made. Explore more on our experiences page.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good souvenir from Islamabad?
Handmade crafts such as embroidered textiles, blue pottery, truck art items and woodwork, which come from across Pakistan.
Where is the best place to buy souvenirs in Islamabad?
The Lok Virsa craft shop is the most reliable, followed by the government Pakistan Handicrafts Shop in Blue Area.
Can I bargain for souvenirs in Islamabad?
Yes in markets such as Super Market F-6 and at Saidpur, but not at government shops or Lok Virsa, where prices are marked.
Is the Lok Virsa shop open on Monday?
Sources show the museum open Tuesday to Sunday, so it is closed on Mondays. Check current hours before going.
What can I bring back from Islamabad in my luggage?
Textiles, shawls and small crafts pack easily. Pottery, carpets and furniture need packing and may hit baggage limits.
