Top 13 Beautiful Places to Visit in Peshawar 2024

Saba Ghani

2 years of guide experience in Pakistan.

Are you confused about the top beautiful places to visit in Peshawar? Then, we have got your back. Keep reading the blog, you will get to know about the famous places of Peshawar in no time. Peshawar is not only the oldest city in Pakistan but also the most ancient city in South Asia!

Peshawar's history dates back to 539 BC (at least), and since then, the city has seen the rise and fall of many empires and kingdoms. So you might not be surprised that most of the best places to visit in Peshawar have some kind of historical significance. This unique city, also the capital of KPK, is one of my most favourite places in the whole of Pakistan. Walking the streets, you can feel the history, the culture of this regional capital is very different from that of neighbouring Punjab.

Peshawar is the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in northern Pakistan. The city is located west of the Bara River, a tributary of the Kabul River, near the Khyber Pass. The Shaji-ki-Dheri to the east cover the remains of the largest stupas in the Indian subcontinent (2nd century AD), testifying to the city's long-standing association with the Buddha and Buddhism. The city was once the capital of the ancient Buddhist kingdom of Gandhara. Its current name, Peshawar, was attributed to the Mughal emperor Akbar. Peshawar was a major historical centre for the transit caravan trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia and is today connected to Lahore, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, and Karachi by road and rail, and to Rawalpindi, Chitral, Afghanistan, Kabul by air.

How To Get There?

Peshawar Airport is just a 10-minute drive from the city centre hotel. You can pick up your car from the airport or ask us to book a transfer for you. Peshawar is 170 kilometres from Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. A direct flight from Islamabad to Peshawar takes about 3 hours. However, if you choose to visit Taxila, the oldest Buddhist capital of Gandhara, it will take 5-6 hours.

You can also drive to and from Swat or from Peshawar, about 190 kilometres away, a green valley at the foot of the Hindu Kush.

Beautiful Places to Visit in Peshawar

There are numerous places to visit in Peshawar. Indeed, Peshawar is safe to travel to, the city has an unbelievable history to witness. Food to culture, historical sites to archaeological sites, this city is a treat for everyone.

1) Sethi House

Sethi House is located near twelve famous Havelis in the old city of Peshawar, all of which were built in the nineteenth century. The frequented Sethi Haveli was built in 1884 and is owned by the Sethi family, wealthy businessmen with operations in South and Central Asia.

Haveli showcases Central Asian design inspired by the architecture of Bukhara, Uzbekistan. Visitors can admire stained glass windows, intricate wood carvings, and a basement area.

Notably, Sethi’s house is in impeccable condition. This visit will be accompanied by a guide who will make sure you know all about the famous Peshawari tourist attractions. You can visit this place around 9 am-5 pm.

2) Chowk Yadgar

Chowk Yadgar is one of the most famous places in Peshawar, located in the heart of the old city. The monument was originally built in 1892 to honour General Hastings but was later dedicated to the victims of the 1930 Qissa Khwani Bazaar massacre.

In the years since this Peshawar landmark has become a popular spot for religious and political gatherings, but most of the time, it's just a picnic spot. Surrounded by many alleys, Chowk Yadgar is a relaxing stop while exploring the ancient city of Peshawar. There are several old-school Havelis in the area, many of which are just a short walk from Chowk Yadgar. Due to the busy nature of the area, driving by yourself is not recommended at all. Taking a taxi or rickshaw to the area is the best way to see this famous place in Peshawar.

3) Mahabat Khan Mosque

No trip to Peshawar is complete without seeing the ravishing yet historic) Mahabat Khan Mosque. Reflecting the famous Mughal-era architecture, this 17th-century mosque in the narrow meandering depths of the old city is in relatively good condition despite its age.

The famous mosque was built by the Mughal rulers of Peshawar and has a white marble facade. The interior is impressive, consisting of countless colourful murals and various floral patterns. The interior design of Mahabat Khan is enthralling. The best view of Mahabat Khan is from above, which can be seen when running to the correct caretaker. It's no secret that spending time visiting this Mughal masterpiece is one of the best things to do in Peshawar, even if you don't quite get a bird's eye view.

4) Peshawar Museum

If you tell someone you are visiting the capital of the KPK, they will undoubtedly tell you to visit the Peshawar Museum. Because this famous place in Peshawar is epic. Established in 1907, the museum is known for its outstanding collection of ancient Gandhara Buddhist art. Featuring Buddhist sculptures, statues, and other objects, the museum is surprisingly considered to have one of the largest collections of Buddhist objects in the world. In ancient times, Buddhism flourished in KPK, and this historical place perfectly reflects that.

In addition to Buddhist artefacts, the Peshawar Museum houses a wide variety of pre-Islamic coins, Mughal art, and items from the Kalash people living in the province's Chitral region. The entrance fee is 10 rupees for Pakistanis and 100 rupees for foreigners.

5) Baab e Khyber

Khyber Pass Gate is a famous monument located at the entrance to the famous Khyber Pass. The Khyber Pass was an integral part of the ancient Silk Road, linking Pakistan and Afghanistan. The memorial is about 15 kilometres from Peshawar, but trust me, it's worth a visit. Moreover, Karkhano Market is famous for its variety of contraband and is very close to Bab e Khyber, making it a fun place to visit on your way to and from the memorial.

6) Chitrali Bazaar

Chitrali Bazaar in the heart of Peshawar is a bustling meeting point for locals and foreigners. Afghan traders import chitrali chugha (embroidered robes), pakol (traditional headgear), and handmade wool jackets and coats, which are in high demand not only by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and FATA people from the rest of the world. Chitrali Bazaar is known for its handcrafted Chitrali hats, jackets, and robes with colourful embroidery.

7) Qissa Khwani Market

For famous Peshawar attractions, it's hard to beat this popular market. This historic district in the old town is home to the aforementioned Sethi House and many other architecturally charming Havelis. Named after storytellers from the past, the bazaar is the perfect place to get lost. It's not just about the audience! Qissa Khwani is a must-see for foodies: the many street food stalls and shops cook everything from succulent Paya to Chapli Kebabs, and of course: jars filled with Kehwa, a famous Pakistani icon Peshawar green tea.

8) Jamrud Fort

Although it is impossible to visit Jamrud Fort these days without a high pass, it is easily visible from Bab e Khyber. The Peshawar Historic Landmark was completed in early 1837 by the Sikh General Hari Singh Nalwa. Famous for its 3-metre-thick walls, the fort was attacked by Afghan troops on April 30, 1837. Today, Jamrud Castle is still under the control of the security forces and can only be seen from the road. However, a visit to Bab e Khyber will ensure you see this important historical site.

9) Shahi Bagh

Shahi Bagh is Known as the "Royal Garden", the Mughal-era garden with a total area of ??more than 100 acres is still an important place for political and social gatherings in the city. These gardens are the best places to go in Peshawar if you want to relax or learn a little history or both. There is a large fountain in the garden, as well as a monument to the Commander-in-Chief. Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium is partly located outside the historic gardens that are still popular with Peshawari students after school. From 2020, the garden will be rejuvenated and we hope it will restore its Mughal beauty.

10) Bala Hisar Fort

This historic fort has been in use for centuries, it has seen the rise and fall of many empires, and today it is under the jurisdiction of the Pakistan Frontier Corps. The name Bala Hisar, which means "high fortress" in Afghan Dari, is said to be named after the former emperor of Afghanistan, Timur Shah Durrani.

The fort is located on a high mountain in the northwest corner of Peshawar, with a total area of ??about 10 acres. From the top, you'll get stunning 360-degree views of the city below. Also, within the boundaries of the fort, you can find a museum showing military and Pashtun history. However, the fort is under the control of the regiment, so it may be difficult for foreigners to enter without special permission.

11) Sir Cunningham's Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar)

Sir Cunningham's Clock Tower was built in 1900 and is named after the county's former British governor. Also known as Ghanta Ghar, the tower is 26 metres high. The ancient clock stands amid the chaos of the ancient city of Peshawar. You cannot miss it as it is only 200 metres away from the famous Chowk Yadgar. Given that there are absolutely no parking spaces in or around Ghanta Ghar, taking a rickshaw is the best way to see the famous Peshawar landmark.

12) Gorkhatri

At first glance, the Gurkhatri might look like another Peshawari garden, but the site actually holds many wonderful historical attractions. Gorkhatri contains an ancient Buddhist archaeological site, believed to be the place where giant Buddha bowls were preserved. Located on one of the highest points in Peshawar, this relatively small park is known to have been converted into a caravanserai in the 16th century by Jahan Ara Begum. Perhaps the highlight of Gurkhatri is the Gorakhnath Temple, a Hindu place of worship built in 1851. One of the few surviving Hindu temples in Peshawar, the temple only reopened in 2011. The temple has been attacked many times, but somehow it still stands today.

13) Islamia College Peshawar

This beautifully built university is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in Pakistan and one of Peshawar's most famous landmarks. The Islamia College Peshawar was established in 1913 and named after the will of the Grand Commander Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

The university's impressive architecture and manicured landscape make it one of the city's most popular tourist attractions and a highly desirable institution for admission.

Tags:

Top 13 Beautiful Places to Visit in Peshawar 2024