Things To Do
in Saidpur
Saidpur is a restored heritage village nestled at the foothills of the Margalla Hills inside Islamabad, Pakistan. Once a mixed Hindu-Muslim settlement, it has been revitalized into a compact tourist precinct of cobbled lanes, old temples, a gurdwara, small galleries and courtyard cafés. The village sits within easy reach of popular Islamabad viewpoints and trailheads, giving visitors a blend of cultural heritage and access to nature.
Saidpur is a popular spot for photography, casual dining and a calm escape from Islamabad’s more modern districts.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey in Saidpur by wandering through the old streets and absorbing the rich history of this quaint village. Visit the local artisans at work, where you can see traditional crafts being made. Don’t miss the beautiful old temples that showcase stunning architecture.
After lunch at a local café serving traditional Pakistani cuisine, continue exploring the area by visiting places like the Saidpur Heritage Village. Engage with the friendly locals and perhaps even participate in a craft or cooking workshop. Capture the vibrant scenery with your camera, from the colorful houses to the lush surroundings.
As the sun sets, find a quiet spot to enjoy the view of the Margalla Hills. Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant, where you can savor local dishes while taking in the panoramic views. Take a leisurely stroll through the village as the lights begin to twinkle, creating a magical ambiance.
Embark on a morning hike in the nearby Margalla Hills National Park, surrounded by breathtaking views and diverse wildlife. Breathe in the fresh air as you climb winding trails, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers. Stop at a viewpoint to soak in the beauty of the landscape.
After hiking, enjoy a picnic lunch amidst nature, feeling rejuvenated by the tranquil environment. Spend the afternoon exploring nearby hiking trails or discovering hidden waterfalls in the area. If you're lucky, you might spot some local fauna along your journey.
Return to Saidpur to unwind at a local tea house, enjoying a warm cup of chai as you reflect on your day in nature. Engage in conversations with other visitors or locals who share stories and experiences about the region. As the evening progresses, feast on dinner at a nearby eatery, taking in the local atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| ☕Coffee or chai at a café | $0.80-2.50 |
| 🚕Short taxi/ride-hail fare (within city) | $1.50-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-70 |
| 💧Bottled water | $0.25-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, photogenic historic village with restored architecture and a relaxed ambience
- Very close to Margalla Hills and multiple hiking trails — great for nature and city combos
- Good variety of cafés and restaurants in atmospheric courtyard settings
- Easily accessible from Islamabad’s main attractions and transport hubs
- Can be crowded during weekends and holidays, especially with domestic tourists
- Limited late-night entertainment within the village itself
- Some parts feel commercialized compared with untouched rural heritage
- Weather extremes (hot summers, wet monsoon) can affect outdoor plans
- "Assalamualaikum" - Peace be upon you (common greeting)
- "Shukriya / Dhanyavaad" - Thank you
- "Mehrbani" - Please / Thanks (polite)
- "Maaf kijiye" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Yeh kitne ka hai?" - How much is this?
- "Kahan hai...?" - Where is...?
- "Main angrezi bolta/bolti hoon" - I speak English (male/female form)
- "Khuda Hafiz" - Goodbye (may God protect you)
Places to Visit in Saidpur
Visit one of these nice places.
Photograph restored architecture, painted doors, stone pathways and the interplay of light and shadow in the compact village center.
Historic religious structures provide textured, culturally rich subjects — early morning or late afternoon light is best.
Elevated viewpoints offer sweeping panoramas of Islamabad and the Margalla foothills, perfect for wide landscapes and sunset shots.
Calm water, reflections and surrounding greenery make the lake a good spot for golden-hour photography and birds.
Candid street photography opportunities: vendors, local markets and café life capture everyday atmosphere and colors.
Food in Saidpur
Saidpur Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A spiced, pan-fried minced meat patty (usually beef or lamb) common in northern Pakistan; look for it at local restaurants or grill stalls.
Must-Try!
A rich tomato-based curry cooked in a wok-like vessel with chicken or mutton, often ordered to share and best enjoyed with naan or roti.
Simple, flavorful lentils with rice, and slow-cooked leafy greens (saag) — good vegetarian staples available across cafés and small eateries.
Deep-fried savory snacks sold by street vendors — perfect for tea-time or a quick bite while exploring the village.
Tangy, spicy street-food mixes (e.g., fruit chaat, aloo chaat, papri chaat) available at markets and roadside stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The small courtyard marketplace within Saidpur offers tea shops, snack stalls and vendors selling sweets and street snacks. Try fritters, samosas and fresh chai while wandering the alleys.
A short drive away, these markets and streets are known for diverse eateries, street-food stalls and dessert shops that showcase a wide range of Pakistani and fusion dishes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly in public: women should consider covered shoulders and knees; men should avoid overly revealing clothing. This helps show respect in religious and conservative settings.
Remove shoes before entering mosques, temples or gurdwara areas. When photographing inside religious sites, ask permission and respect any restricted areas.
Common greeting is 'Assalamualaikum' (peace be upon you). Polite, reserved behavior and a friendly tone will be well received; avoid loud or offensive gestures.
Be mindful of local gender norms—public displays of affection are frowned upon and dress/interaction expectations can be conservative; when in doubt, follow locals’ lead.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially women or religious ceremonies. Some locals may be uncomfortable with photos.
Safety
Tipping in Saidpur
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory. In restaurants, a 10% tip is customary if service is good and a service charge is not included; rounding up fares for drivers, porters and guides is common. Tip small amounts to hotel staff and give cash directly for small services.
Cash (Pakistani rupee, PKR) is widely used — carry small notes for markets and small vendors. Credit/debit card acceptance is common in larger restaurants, hotels and shops in Islamabad but limited inside small village stalls; mobile wallets and bank transfer options are growing but less universal for tourists.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant temperatures and blooming vegetation make spring one of the best times to visit; ideal for hiking and outdoor photography.
Hotter temperatures with occasional heatwaves; mornings and evenings are best for outdoor activities — carry water and sun protection.
Monsoon brings heavy but often short-lived rains and higher humidity; some trails may be slippery and certain outdoor plans can be disrupted.
Comfortable weather, clearer skies and cooler evenings — another excellent season for sightseeing and hikes.
Cool to cold temperatures with chilly nights and occasional fog; mornings can be crisp and visibility at higher viewpoints may be reduced.
Saidpur at Night
Hiking in Saidpur
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular trail leading up to Pir Sohawa with varied terrain and rewarding views over Islamabad — suitable for regular hikers and popular at sunrise and sunset.
A steeper route that offers more challenging climbs and quieter paths for those seeking less crowded trails and good vantage points.
Shorter, gentler walks around the Daman-e-Koh viewpoint area that are good for families and casual strollers wanting panoramic city views.
Routes leading toward the Monal restaurant and Pir Sohawa area offer both hiking and access to scenic restaurants and viewpoints higher on the Margallas.
Airports
How to reach Saidpur by plane.
Primary international airport serving Islamabad and Rawalpindi, about 30–45 km from Saidpur; accessible by car, taxi or airport transfer and typically 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
A regional airport serving parts of northern Punjab and some international flights; it is significantly further away (a few hours by road) but an option for some travelers connecting to the region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The resident population around Saidpur and Islamabad is predominantly Muslim, with people drawn from Punjabi, Pashtun, Kashmiri and other Pakistani ethnic backgrounds.
Islamabad’s population includes civil servants, professionals and students from across Pakistan and overseas; Saidpur historically had a mixed Hindu community and today attracts diverse visitors and some artisan/merchant families.
Small communities of Christians, Hindus and Sikhs live in the wider region; Saidpur’s heritage includes religious sites important to different faiths.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Pakistan, played and watched widely — informal street/park cricket is common and competitive matches draw large crowds.
Field hockey has historical national importance and remains a respected sport, though less dominant than cricket today.
Football is popular at grassroots level; squash has a strong tradition and produced world-class players from Pakistan.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Saidpur.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in the form of daal, vegetable curries, saag, paneer dishes and chaat. Ask for less oil or spice if needed; many restaurants will accommodate simple vegetarian requests.
Vegan choices exist but are more limited; rely on daal, plain rice, vegetable curries made without ghee and salads. Clarify ingredients with staff because ghee (clarified butter) and dairy are common.
Most meat served is halal. If you need confirmation, ask staff; alcohol is not widely available in public venues, so confirm policies at specific restaurants or hotels.
Ingredient transparency varies at smaller eateries; for serious allergies, use simple dishes and communicate clearly (carry translations for nuts, dairy, gluten etc.).