15 Best Things to Do in Islamabad
The best things to do in Islamabad: Faisal Mosque, the Margalla Hills trails, Pakistan Monument, Lok Virsa, Saidpur Village, Rawal Lake, food streets and more.
Best Cafés in F-6 and F-7
The best café areas in Islamabad’s F-6 and F-7: Kohsar Market, Super Market and Jinnah Super, from specialty coffee and chai to brunch and bakeries.
Key takeaways
- F-6 and F-7 are Islamabad’s café heartland, with the biggest clusters around Kohsar Market, Super Market and Jinnah Super.
- Expect specialty coffee, chai spots, bakeries and brunch places, many with outdoor seating.
- Cafés open and close often; go by area, and check recent reviews before you set out.
On this page
If Islamabad has a café district, it’s the leafy F-6 and F-7 sectors at the foot of the Margalla Hills. Here, specialty coffee bars sit alongside old-school chai spots, bakeries and brunch places busy from mid-morning to midnight. Cafés come and go quickly, so this guide is organised by area. Check recent reviews and opening hours before you go.
The café clusters
| Area | Atmosphere | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Kohsar Market (F-6/3) | Leafy, upmarket, walkable | Brunch, specialty coffee, people-watching |
| Super Market (F-6 Markaz) | Busy, central, bookshops nearby | Coffee between errands, casual meetups |
| Jinnah Super (F-7 Markaz) | Lively, varied, open late | Evening coffee, desserts, groups |
| Around F-7/3 and side streets | Quieter, residential | Working sessions, relaxed chats |
Kohsar Market
A compact, tree-shaded market in F-6/3 with a cluster of cafés, bakeries and restaurants, many with outdoor seating. It’s a popular brunch spot and gets busy at weekends.
Super Market
F-6’s main market mixes cafés with bookshops, pharmacies and clothing stores. It’s a good place for a coffee break while running errands.
Jinnah Super
F-7’s central market is busier and louder, with plenty of places for coffee, desserts and late-night snacks. It’s a favourite for groups of friends in the evenings.
What to order
- Doodh patti chai, strong tea brewed with milk, and kashmiri chai, the pink tea often served in winter.
- Specialty coffee: espresso-based drinks and pour-overs are widely available.
- Desi breakfast: parathas, omelettes and halwa puri at weekends.
- Bakery treats: pastries, cakes and fresh bread.
Tips for café-hopping
- Weekend mornings are ideal for brunch, but popular places fill up fast.
- Evenings are busiest, especially in cooler months.
- Working from a café: many have Wi-Fi, but ask about time limits at busy periods.
- Parking is tight in the evenings; ride-hailing is often easier.
- Friday prayers: some places slow down or pause around midday.
Pair it with a walk
Start your morning with a hike on one of the Margalla Hills trails, which begin just a few minutes’ drive from F-6 and F-7, then come down for breakfast. For full meals, see our guide to restaurants by sector, and for shopping nearby, markets and malls in Islamabad.
Frequently asked questions
Which area has the most cafés?
F-6, especially around Kohsar Market and Super Market, and F-7’s Jinnah Super have the biggest concentrations.
Are cafés open late in Islamabad?
Many stay open late in the evening, especially in F-7. Hours vary, particularly during Ramadan.
Are cafés family-friendly?
Most are. Families, students and professionals all use them, and many have indoor and outdoor seating.
Sources
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Keep reading
Margalla Hills Hiking Trails: Complete Guide
A guide to hiking the Margalla Hills: the popular numbered trails, difficulty and timings, the best seasons, wildlife and the safety rules to follow.
Best Restaurants in Islamabad by Sector
Where to eat in Islamabad, sector by sector: the food hubs of F-6, F-7 and Blue Area, street food in G-9 and G-6, and tips for eating out.