try eating at Lal-Qila (Pakistan’s first ISO 9001 certified buffet restaurant)
360d pics
http://www.lalqila.com/hm/data/11.htm
Flash Intro
http://www.lalqila.com/vt.htm
Mehnaz...i would definately wear a medium or large dupatta when going out for shopping.......specially at Tariq road or Meena bazaar etc....really the stares and gazes are just sickening...just save urself from that.
Humtum, thanks for that restaurant information. It certainly does look impressive. :) If anybody else could recommend any other good places to eat, I would appreciate it.
Are all the restaurants and such places even open during Ramadan? I'm assuming they should be open in the evenings. Anybody know?
MehnazQ,
You could also try,
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Salt & Pepper at the Clifton Beach
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Mela
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Lasania
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Al-Habib/ Knights Bridge at the Super Highway
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High-Tea at Avari Towers (3pm-5pm!!, ~ Rs150/person, “snack” buffet freshly made chaats, panipuri, sandwiches, cakes, fruits, abt 50-60 items)
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If you love Nihari and Kabobs, try going to Burns Rd, founding fathers food area of Karachi!! original Sabri Restaurant is there as well.. you could also try desi style Bun-kabobs… nope not the Mcdonalds
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Mateen Foods in North. Nazimabad (close to your Naani’s house in Nazimabad, DONT forget to check the Shaadi/Marraige Lawns in N. Nazimabad near “Sakhi Hasan” at night (in fact you will find Karachi is filled with most decorated/stylish Shaadi lawns in the world) , .. kind of going to Vegas and walking on the strip at night…they are most the beautiful pieces of architect/decoration i have ever seen!. Ask Khanzada bro for detailed Khi Help
Check out the following threads as well;
List of Good Restaurants in Karachi, Lahore and other Pak Cities
http://www.gupistan.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=111023
Karachi by Irem 
http://www.gupistan.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=118878
Ramadan time- one can eat in public after iftar, although some places stay open during day, like bakeris etc.
Dont forget to bring with you a big bottle of Pepto-Bismol, u never know…just in case:) j/k
*i will try to post some Avari Tower’s High-Tea pics for you, if i find them
[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by YKKB: *
1. Does anybody have a map that shoes the different neighborhoods and main roads in Karachi?
Well you can take a look on apnakarachisite but if you have not been earlier, or you are not familiar with the city its not going to help you that much, its not like a well defined map detailed structure with each block and street, which could be compared with mapquest or others.
- Where is Nazimabad? (sp?)
Nazimabad is north of Karachi, which is most populated area of city, and it divided into blocks and nos. One more thing is to confirm is its not North Nazimabad, they are two different places.
I can’t recall at all that there are any nice shopping places in that area, there are but normally they don’t attract overseas visitors.
- How far is .2 from everything?
Simple and easy you are marginal an hour and half away from Tariq Road and Saddar Clifton and two hours for Defence if you are traveling around mid after noon 12 to 2pm or 5pm to 7pm you will may hit bad traffic and time variations, delay and with your schedules will be normal. So make sure keep all these things in mind when you plan for 3 hour shopping you may end up with 5 or 6 hours extra, The phenomena of revisiting for price check wont apply or would not be in favor with you short mini stopover.
Basically I would say you will away but if you have arranged way of transport or your cousins are there for you, it wont be a problem. You can hire a car with a driver, for a week and with a very nominal amount of money, and you can hop around everywhere without disturbing anyone in worse cases. But here if you are going after a long time I don’t think you will need it as people from that part of the city are very helpful and hospitable in nature.
- Is it better to stay at a hotel? My nani has a house in Nazimabad so we might stay there.
If you do that, It will be rude! And mean. when you will acknowledge your relatives, most will look forward for you to come and stay with them and it’s the case with me all the time when expects while I do have my own house back there. I may be wrong and situations may vary, with you. But again I would say try to cherish your moments and create everlasting memories with you grandmother and cousins as clothes and things are replaceable but feelings and moments are nt.
- What sites should I see in Karachi? (keep in mind, I will be there for a week only)I will be in Karachi in the last week of October for one week.
The more you are getting excited, it may upset you realizing and agreeing that a week is nothing. In case if you know the tailors, shops and spot to go and pick it up. The time is too short “ Karachi is city of nights” life starts at night and people sleep very late in most parts. So most of the above mentioned places referred by friends is like no show till late 11 30 am, and its normal for years.
Let assume like this if you are there for 7 days, excluding Sunday you have six working days. Where for shopping you have nine hours multiplies by 6 is equalent to fifty fours hours.
But the it wont be the case with you, and the bad part is if you are landing in the last week of Oct, your hours are down by thirty six hours only, Guess Why ?? It will be the first week of Ramadan ul Mubarak where everything gets a bit slow then usual, timings differ, because of fasting and prayers. And its less could be seen, eat or shop around that time. Some do go vacations and shop goes under renovation preparaing for last two weeks, where the city blazes up in lights and crowds over street for Eid , …….Best time for you and all who are visiting back home.. I am not trying to discourage your excitement but portraying you the reality.
I would say try to visit Marina, Creek club, Clifton, the best bet would be get glimpse on Irem post you will see names in details.
6.Where do I go for the best clothes and jewelry shopping?
There are many places, but for Day 1 from Bahadurabad Chorangi to Allah Wala chorangi can work for you, which is whole Tariq Road. Onwards from Bahadurabdad all kind of Duppatas, Embroidery work are behind the Chorangi, Wedding clothes next two blocks and a next to Dolmen Building. Go to Rabi center, Dolmen, and Mateen. While entering Rabi and Mateen don’t forget a handy fan or oxygen mask as it is too hot inside. Lol, believe me I am not joking.
But do go and get the experience to enjoy. Tariq Center is will be the best place for Chorrian.
Metro and English Boot House are well famous for their shoes, at Tariq Road. I mean Sandals for you. Want to get some thing for men s then Kurta Gali is very next to Metro. This very spot is known as Café Liberty. Where are there series of Jewelry shop. Recommended are Abdul Khaliq and Sons, Naurattan, Marhaba Jewelers, Chotani and Sadiq as well. Where I can say Naurattan will be safe and sound with design and price wise. Starting from Café Liberty to next Chowrangi shops are awaiting like Jafferjee’s and boutiques.
2nd day for Clifton, Starting from Teen Talwar checking all center and ending up in zamzam will cover all of your needs. If something left use 3rd day either for Hydri market near too you or Saddar where you will feel the utter most unforgettable moments of well populated city.
7.Will mosquitoes still be around in October? What other insects are there that are notorious for biting? I'm allergic to mosquito bites.
Well yes, they will be there to welcome you and get more healthy with American blood supply.
Other, Flies which are common. To avoid mosquito bites use mosphil lotion it will work against. Looks for lizards common in Stairways and rest rooms, don’t worry they wont bit you. But should be ready to meet Mickey mouse wild family members which intrudes in homes via gutters and kitchens, Depends how old is your house is well protected. …and tiny chocolate brown coacroaches….loll ….I am just joking it wont the like that.
All I intend on getting is clothes. I think $500 is sufficient considering I just got 2 new outfits from Pakistan that cost me $50 each (with the conversion rate).
No and no way, yeah if your mother shares the jewelry money but 500 dollars is nothing when it comes to female shopping I know from my family every time they cross the limit of 2000 dollars, and still shining eyes looks forward at to get more. No idea of your taste and selections but mom and bhabhi’s leaves us bank corrupt at last day of their stay. I hope you don’t experienced the same with your mom. For example quality suites from boutiques starts from fours thousand rupees. Normally hangs for six thousand, if each is six, then your luggage will have five suites only on your return and that wont be acceptable to you ! I know you girls??
Just watch how quick a 1000 rupee note changes its color to red and then green. You will love the rainbow colors contrast, downsizing to a five rupee note.
Nothing is definite as of yet. I will only know when I'm in England next month if we will go further to Karachi for a week.
Me too planning for UK next month attending a cable and satellite Exhibition and conference, if everything went smooth I may get you guys at the Trafalgar on 13 Oct. Where I can discuss and help you out more advancing towards the adventure.
All apology in advance for sp mistake and grammer, bit too sleepy now, may edit or add tomorrow.
Regards.
YKKB.
[/QUOTE]
WOW !!
YKKB, that was a very good and thorough guide for mehnaz! have u worked as a tour guide before....? how did u get so good! ive spent the first 20 years of my life in karachi and i wouldnt be able to give a better explanation of the places and what "treats" they offer! lolz!
“women dont even wear a dopatta in karachi”
im sure thats not true!
which part of karachi have u seen women not wearing dopattas ?? 
one good tip for fighting the heat and humidity:
keep those lil spray bottles (they use in hair salons) handy and fill em up with ice cold water! and spray water on your face often!
this technique works best esp when ure outside!
:D
If you ask me the best time to go to Karachi is Dec/Jan. In the 13 yrs since i've been out of that place I've only been there once in May. I didn't stop sweating from the time I set foot out of the aeroplane till the time I got back onto the plane (ofcourse a few exceptions here and there). And I made a mental note to not ever do that again.
But then again once you're with family and friends and start make your adventurous trips thru the hussle and bussle of the huge city and aromatic smell of the streets, the most wonderful traffic (specially if you're driving yourself) and the breath the dusty air... heat is not the top thing in your mind!!!
LOL Mehnaz (not trying to scare you), inspite of all the fun stuff there's still life there and you're going to enjoy it.
I'll be there from October 28 until November 17. Inshallah, it will have cooled down a bit by then. :D