Pearl Inn

Getting to Karachi

Jinnah International Airport, Karachi lies about 15 km in a straight line from the centre at Saddar, so the airport sits well within the built-up city rather than out in open country. Arrivals usually continue by road, and because Karachi is a city of districts rather than a single centre, the drive to a stay depends on which district it is in. The road distance is longer than the straight-line figure suggests, and traffic is heavy for much of the day, so it helps to allow for that when timing a pickup.

Around Karachi

In Karachi, the centre is Saddar, the colonial quarter, with wide streets and stone buildings. Karachi is Pakistan's largest city and its main port, spread along the Arabian Sea in southern Sindh, and it sits on a flat coastal plain at about 10 metres above sea level. For a visitor, Karachi is a place of districts rather than a single centre: the old town, the colonial quarter, the beaches and the markets each feel separate. Distances are long and traffic is heavy, so plan on covering one or two areas a day rather than trying to see everything.

Around Karachi, Clifton is a seafront district with a long promenade, parks and views over the Arabian Sea towards the horizon. The city is home to roughly 20 million people, spread over the flat coastal plain beside the Arabian Sea. Because the districts are spread out, choosing a stay with the day's plans in mind keeps the crossing of town to what the plan needs.

Karachi through the year

In Karachi, the brief winter from late November to February is the most comfortable season, with mild days and cooler nights. December is the best month, with January, February, March and November good. April, May, September and October are possible, and June, July and August fall in the off season.

The city is hot and humid for much of the year, and sea breezes moderate the heat but also bring moisture. The milder winter months are the most comfortable for time outdoors and along the coast.

Places to stay in Karachi: what to expect

Guest houses in Karachi are also a large group, mostly simple to mid-range, with a few upscale options. Almost all list car parking, most list free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk, and many list breakfast, air conditioning and a shuttle service. Some list family rooms, a restaurant, a kitchen, room service or a garden, and a few list heating. With parking and front desk cover common, guest houses suit drivers and families who prefer a smaller setting with breakfast often available.

Hotels in Karachi form a large group, mostly simple to mid-range, with a few upscale options. Almost all list car parking, most list free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and a 24-hour front desk, and many list breakfast, family rooms and a shuttle service. Some list a restaurant, a kitchen or room service, a few list heating, a swimming pool or a fitness room, and some have a garden. The mix of parking, front desk cover and family rooms makes hotels a practical choice for families arriving by car and for travellers who want staff on hand through the day and night.

Serviced apartments in Karachi are a large group with a mix of simple, mid-range and unrated stays. Almost all list free Wi-Fi, car parking, a kitchen and air conditioning, and most list family rooms. Some list breakfast and room service, a few list a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, a garden or heating. The kitchen and family rooms make serviced apartments a natural fit for longer stays and for families who want to prepare their own meals.

Resorts and lodges in Karachi are a fair number, mostly simple to mid-range, with a few upscale options. Almost all list car parking and a 24-hour front desk, most list breakfast, and many list free Wi-Fi, family rooms, a shuttle service and air conditioning. Some list a restaurant, a kitchen, room service, a garden or a swimming pool, and a few list heating. With parking, front desk cover and breakfast common, resorts and lodges suit families and drivers looking for a base with more space around them.

Staying in Karachi: questions