Manchester is commonly known as England's second city. Once the world's first industrialized city, it is now a major cultural hub, famous for its architecture, musical exports, scientific and engineering firsts, extensive libraries and glorious sporting history.
PIA is currently flying to Manchester once a week.
BEST TIME TO GO
Between May and September, when the weather is warm and the city's events calendar is packed, is usually the best time to visit Manchester. The weather in the summers is quite pleasant and with rain. September starts to get a little cooler.
TOP 5 PLACES TO SEE
CHETHAM’S LIBRARY - dating back nearly 400 years, it is the oldest public collection library in the United Kingdom. The library has been a haven for scholars ever since, including Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, and is home to over 100,000 books that are open to the public. Library visits are by appointment or guided tours.
OLD TRAFFORD STADIUM – home to Manchester United, one of the best-known football clubs in the world, it’s one of the largest stadiums in the United Kingdom. Appropriately called the ‘Theatre of Dreams’, it’s a true football fan’s delight, when the atmosphere on match days is electric, and there’s lots to see and experience.
MANCHESTER ART GALLERY - known for its extensive collection of European oil paintings, prints, drawings, and photographs dating back between the 15th and 21st centuries, the Art Gallery also houses many ancient decorative pieces, ranging from coins, ceramics and armours to dollhouses, furniture and jade carvings.
MANCHESTER TOWN HALL - completed in 1877, the town hall has impressive architecture and a striking clock tower reminiscent of the Houses of Parliament in London.
SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY MUSEUM – sitting in the heart of the world’s first industrial city, the Science and Industry Museum is a place full of amazing objects and revolutionary ideas that changed the world forever. There are extensive displays on the theme of transport, power, textiles, communications and computing.
THINGS TO DO
SHOPPING – no trip is complete without shopping. The Intu Trafford Centre is the most popular mall and has everyone's favorite brands. Visitors can also catch the latest blockbusters at the Odeon Imax or go deep underwater at Sea Life or also explore Legoland Discovery Center.
HEATON PARK - among the biggest city parks in the United Kingdom, spanning more than 600 acres, Heaton Park has a number of gardens, a golf course, several ponds, and a many well-preserved historical buildings. A popular spot for families, one can easily spend a day relaxing here, with children enjoying the playgrounds and boating lake.
CASTLE FIELD - once the site of a Roman-era fort and terminating point of the world’s first industrial canal, Castlefield is an Urban Heritage Park and a charming conservation area. It’s one of the most peaceful areas in the city where you can spend the day exploring and sampling delicious food and drinks from local bars and restaurants.
FLIGHTS TO MANCHESTER
(*limited flights from Islamabad currently. Regular operation to resume soon)
| FLIGHTS FROM | ARRIVING AT | STOPS | SCHEDULE |
|
Islamabad |
Manchester Airport | Direct | Every Week |
MANCHESTER AND BEYOND
Discover the UK out of Manchester with our interline partner AccessRail.
| Liverpool | Leeds | Birmingham | Bradford | Coventry |
| Bristol | Exeter | Cambridge | Cardiff |
USEFUL INFORMATION
Traveling to Manchester with PIA? Browse through the relevant information here:
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and the largest city in the Emirates. It is a fascinating blend of tradition and modernism. From towering skyscrapers to desert safaris, from sandy beaches to theme parks, the city has a lot to offer.
PIA flies to Abu Dhabi thrice a week.
BEST TIME TO GO
April and May or from September to October, the spring and fall seasons have pleasant weather and reasonable hotel rates for tourists. December through March, or winters, is the best tome because it’s not too hot and not too humid in this desert city.
TOP 5 PLACES TO SEE
HERITAGE VILLAGE – a reconstruction of an Emirati village, showcasing the Bedouin lifestyle from a distant past. You can get a glimpse into the desert lifestyle here, with campfire, pots, camels, and falaj irrigation systems. Several artisans also exhibit their skills, like spinning, weaving, metal work pottery, and glass blowing.
SAADIYAT PUBLIC BEACH – stroll along the shorelines of the beach, surf in the blue waters and let the wind blow in your hair as you set sail. The Beach Café has delightful snacks and beverages, and there’s also a retail shopping outlet for some light shopping.
LOUVRE – the building of this museum is an art piece itself. It displays art from all around the world. An interesting item is the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamen's steele from 3,000 years ago. The museum itself is a series of white buildings, reminiscent of an Arab medina.
FALCON HOSPITAL – Falcons have played a crucial role in the UAE, as Bedouin hunters used the bird to help find food. This hospital provides care exclusively for falcons and is also used for education and awareness. Falconry is a very popular sport in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE.
SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE – sitting majestically at the entrance of the Abu Dhabi City Island, this mosque is a well-known landmark, displaying a blend of Maluk, Ottoman, and Fatimid styles of architecture. The grand mosque, which also allows non-Muslims to visit, is large enough to accommodate 40,000 worshippers, and houses the world’s largest carpet and chandelier.
THINGS TO DO
SHOPPING – while shopping in Abu Dhabi can be an extravagant affair, a trip to the numerous malls will have you find everything trendy. The ‘souks’ are where the tradition and culture are still alive. You can get classic souvenirs like Arabic carpets, the most sought-after and signature Abu Dhabi perfume Oudh, Arabic coffee pots, and of course, Arabian dates.
FERRARI WORLD THEME PARK – housing the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rosa, this amusement park is also the world’s largest, and is a must for all adventure and thrill seekers. Get your high dose of thrill, driving through the world’s longest race track in an Aston Martiv GT4 with a professional driver. Formula One fans have the Yas Marina Circuit Race Track and Formula Yas 300 to take on the wheels and let the adrenalin flow.
DUNE BASHING – or desert safari, another must for thrill seekers, is one the top adventure options in the UAE. Enjoy a roller coaster ride over the sand dunes, in an SUV driven by a certified desert driver. Not for the tender-hearted, desert safaris have some serious rolling and pitching over the sand dunes, giving you adrenaline rush and an experience to remember.
FLIGHTS TO ABU DHABI
| FLIGHTS FROM | ARRIVING AT | STOPS | SCHEDULE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Islamabad |
Abu Dhabi International Airport | Direct | Every day |
UAE AND BEYOND
Discover the world by flying out of Abu Dhabi with our codeshare partner Etihad Airways.
| Amsterdam | Athens | Frankfurt | Madrid | Moscow |
| Rome | Zurich | Chicago | Washington | Brisbane |
| Colombo | Melbourne | Sydney | Amman | Bahrain |
USEFUL INFORMATION
Traveling to Abu Dhabi with PIA? Browse through the relevant information here:
- Travel Requirements and Advisory
- Extra Legroom Seat Select
- Booking & Baggage Conditions
- Executive Economy Service
Milan is regarded as the Fashion Capital of the World, with its mix of business, artistic, entertainment, cultural and leisure activities. It is a city unlike others in Italy. From high-end shopping and fine dining, to relaxing at cafes and having the famous neopolitan pizzas by the roadside, to experiencing the nightlife at some great neighborhoods, the city is for everyone.
PIA flies to Milan twice a week.
BEST TIME TO GO
April and May or September and October have the best weather. July and August are the busiest peak tourist months. Summers are warm. Winters can get chilly and there might be some snow, but there is more rain than snow. Christmas markets starting in early December are always fun to check out. Winter is also the cheapest time to visit outside of the fashion weeks in January & February.
TOP 5 PLACES TO SEE
SCALA OPERA HOUSE – one of the most famous opera houses in the world and your go-to place if you’re a fan of opera. It has hosted some of the most well-known operas and ballets for over 200 years. The building is magnificent and seats more than 3000 people.
BRERA – the artistic heart of Milan, this neighborhood is famous for its Renaissance-style architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant atmosphere. Brera is filled with upscale shopping and dining options, but it really comes to life at night when the sidewalk cafes are swarmed by people enjoying the chic neighborhood.
NAVIGLIO GRANDE CANAL – one of the hippest spots in Milan, the canal is lined with several bars, restaurants and shops, attracting people in droves. The neighborhood is a popular spot for locals to relax and unwind after work
GALLERIA EMMANUELE II – right next door to the Duomo, this grand four storey building with its spectacular iron and glass domed roof, is the main shopping arcade in the city. Dotted with designer stores, and traditional cafes and restaurants, this place is a must-visit.
DUOMO MILANO – the Duomo (cathedral) and the Piazza del Duomo are the highlights of the city, located in the center of Milan. The Duomo attracts thousands of people (and pigeons) every day. Visiting the place at night is a treat to the eyes as the Duomo and surrounding buildings are beautifully illuminated.
THINGS TO DO
DUOMO’S ROOFTOP – while the Duomo is magnificent on its own when viewed from the ground, it’s an extra treat to go up the roofs of the cathedral to see the city. You can purchase your rooftop-access tickets online and in advance to avoid the long lines. Keep at least half a day to fully experience the views from the top, as well as from the inside of the cathedral, which is big enough to hold 1,000 people.
THE LAST SUPPER – one of the most famous paintings in the world by Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci, and also one of the hardest paintings to actually see in-person. Why? Only around 1000 people a day are allowed to see it, because the painting isn’t in very good condition. Be sure to purchase your tickets early as they go on sale at least 3 months in advance, and are quickly sold-out. The Last Supper painting is located in the Santa Maria delle Grazie church.
PIZZA – pizza originated in Italy, so naturally you can have one of the most authentic Neopolitan pizzas in Milan. Margherita pizza is quite popular, and a number of local chains have a variety of it. Pizzeria Spontini, a local favorite pizza place, has been around since the 1950s.
FLIGHTS TO MILAN
| FLIGHTS FROM | ARRIVING AT | STOPS | SCHEDULE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Islamabad |
Malpensa Airport | Direct | Sunday |
| Lahore | Malpensa Airport | Direct | Tuesday |
MILAN AND BEYOND
Discover Italy by flying out of Milan with our interline partner Air Italy.
| Bologna | Cagliari | Catania | Naples | Olbia |
| Palermo | Rome |
USEFUL INFORMATION
Traveling to Milan with PIA? Browse through the relevant information here:
- Travel Requirements and Advisory
- Extra Legroom Seat Select
- Booking & Baggage Conditions
- Executive Economy Service
There’s nothing more cathartic like being lost in the richness of the urban life that Kuala Lumpur offers. While exploring fashion trends from Tokyo to India, take a book with you, find yourself a roadside café and watch people from all over the world go about their lives around you. Featured as the world’s fourth best shopping city, Kuala Lumpur is a shopper’s paradise.
PIA flies to Kuala Lumpur twice a week.
BEST TIME TO GO
May to July and December to February, humidity is quite low and it is convenient to enjoy all the activities the city has to offer. March to April the city receives a lot of rain. The weather in Kuala Lumpur is tropical, hot and humid throughout the year. Average temperature 27 – 28 degrees C, and the average humidity is also quite high.
TOP 5 PLACES TO SEE
PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS - the 88-storey building is the world’s tallest twin-tower structure. The viewing deck on the 86th floor offers great panoramic views of the city,that must not be missed. The towers are surrounded by a unique blend of glamorous malls which house megabrands like Zara, Coach, H&M.
GENTING HIGHLANDS - a one-stop hill resort with hotels, theme parks, a casino and a number of entertainment, dining and retail options. An hour’s drive away from the city, with its cool and pleasant climate, it is a popular highland getaway for the city people.
BUKIT BINTANG – the shopping and entertainment district of the city, housing many of the major retail malls. A shopper’s paradise bustling with activity.
JALAN ALOR – Kuala Lumpur’s most popular food haunts. This street is transformed into a bustling outdoor food court at night, where hawkers fire up their woks to make local favorites for tourists and locals alike.
BBKLCC – the stretch from Bukit Bintang to Kuala Lumpur City Centre will leave you spoilt for choice with its abundant fashion, food and entertainment options. You can easily lose yourself in the huge selection of local and international brands available across nine signature malls within the area.
THINGS TO DO
SKYWAY CABLE CAR – ride the cable car up to the top of the Ulu Kali Mountain where the Genting Highlands hill resort is situated. Along the way, you can take a stop at the ChinSwee Caves Temple, the most scenic site of Genting, and take lots of picturesque photos to show back home.
JALAN ALOR – foodies should visit the busy and happening food street and try local favorites such as char kuey teow, grilled chicken wings, grilled fish, satay, chilli crabs and assam laksa. Fruit lovers? Try THE durian, mangosteen and rambutans from the fruit stalls along the street
KL TOWER – besides the panoramic view, KL Tower has something for city dwellers who love nature. The Bukit Nanas Forest surrounding the tower is the only oldest gazetted forest reserve in the country.
FLIGHTS TO KUALA LUMPUR
| FLIGHTS FROM | ARRIVING AT | STOPS | SCHEDULE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Islamabad |
Kuala Lumpur International Airport | Direct | Friday Monday |
KUALA LUMPUR AND BEYOND
Travel further beyond Malaysia to the Far East and Australia by flying out of Kuala Lumpur with our interline partner Malaysian Airlines.
| Johor Bahru | Langkawi | Kota Kinabalu | Sydney | Melbourne | Auckland |
| Singapore | Bangkok | Jakarta | Manila | Perth | Adelaide |
| Seoul | Hong Kong | Colombo | Dhaka | Sibu | Kuching |
USEFUL INFORMATION
Traveling to Kuala Lumpur with PIA? Browse through the relevant information here:
- Travel Requirements and Advisory
- Extra Legroom Seat Select
- Booking & Baggage Conditions
- Executive Economy Service
Tokyo is renowned for its skyscrapers, busy pedestrian crossings and bright neon-drenched streets. Whether you’re in for peaceful visits to museums, temples and tea ceremonies, or you just want to blend into the energy of crowded trains and the hustle-bustle of a fast-paced city life, Tokyo has something for everyone.
PIA flies to Tokyo thrice a week via Beijing.
BEST TIME TO GO
March and April are popular as the “Sakura” or cherry blossoms bloom in all their beauty. Mid-June to mid-July are the hot and damp summers. From September to November, the trees put on a colorful autumnal display. Winters are generally clear and cold, with temperatures averaging between 0 and 8 degrees Celsius.
TOP 5 PLACES TO SEE
AKIHABARA – Tokyo’s electric town, this is the central hub for Japanese tech and otaku culture - anime, manga, games, and electronics. You can find everything here from plug adapters and iPhone chargers, to the rarest anime collectibles.
SENSOJI TEMPLE – the most famous and most photographed of Tokyo's temples. It is the oldest Buddhist temple in the capital, and the five-story pagoda and trails of incense take you back to a Tokyo of time gone by.
TOKYO SKYTREE - a television broadcasting tower and the tallest building in Japan. The observation deck on its top gives you the best and most mesmerizing bird’s-eye views of the city.
TOKYO IMPERIAL PALACE – the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. The palace grounds have spots for cherry blossom viewing, art galleries, parks and beautiful gardens, offering a respite from the busy city streets.
SHIBUYA CROSSING – the world’s busiest street crossing where you can experience the Japanese crowds. Around a million people cross this intersection every day. It is famous for its fashion forwardness, and is also home to the newest trends in other forms of culture like music and movies.
THINGS TO DO
SAKURA (CHERRY BLOSSOM) – spring season is a treat with the cherry blossoms blooming in a week between March and April. Japanese people hold ‘flower watching’ parties known as hanami to celebrate and cherish cherry blossom trees.
TSUKIJI FISH MARKET - wholesale market which is one of the largest fish markets in the world. Wake up before the sun rises and make your way to this market for an interesting breakfast.
SUSHI TRAIN – make a trip to Kaiten-zushi, the restaurant where plates of sushi and other food are placed on a conveyer belt that moves around the restaurant for you to order and pick from, a truly unique culinary experience for your tastebuds.
FLIGHTS TO TOKYO
| FLIGHTS FROM | ARRIVING AT | STOPS | SCHEDULE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Islamabad |
Narita Airport | Via Beijing | Thursday |
| Lahore | Narita Airport | Via Beijing | Sunday |
TOKYO AND BEYOND
Discover Japan and the world further by flying out of Tokyo with our interline partner All Nippon Airways.
| Nagoya | Osaka | Toyama | Fukuoka | Sapporo |
| Rome | Zurich | Chicago | Washington |
USEFUL INFORMATION
Traveling to Tokyo with PIA? Browse through the relevant information here: