When looking at buildings gets tedious, embark of the delights of shopping in Islamabad. Not a city to embrace Western-style mega-malls, the chief way to purchase anything in the capital is at a super market. These aren’t the type of large grocery store the name implies in America, but rather a series of strip malls housing hundreds of sellers of clothing, CDs, carpets, fabric and much more. Jinnah Super Market is perhaps the best known, specializing in books, cloth and clothing dealers. The generically termed Super Market is another good catch, as is the Blue Area. While some of the shops offer set prices, others specialize in bargaining in the tradition of the bazaar. My personal favorites? Indus Crafts, which serves up elegant pashminas, embroidered bedspreads and carpets with its green tea, and Saeed Book Bank, a veritable treasure trove of English language books on the region.

If you’re sick of bargaining for fabric, head out to the hills for some fresh air and a picnic. The closest treks can be found in the city itself, in the notorious Margalla Hills. A nausea-inducing road will take you to the top of these, which provide views of the entire capital. Along the way, you may be alternately amused or frightened by the local wildlife—those monkeys who make it a habit to jump in front of your car as you make the slow crawl upwards. At one famous spot, Peer Sohawa, there’s a restaurant serving delicious chicken tikka; it’s here that young local couples congregate, away from the prying eyes of chaperones.

Rooms are typically spacious and come complete with fans/air conditioning units (perfect for hot, humid summers), cable television, and mini-bar (though as an Islamic country, the bars are only stocked with juices and sodas). Meals can be taken just about any time of day, as can the ubiquitous Pakistani chai—a deliciously sweet milk tea not to be missed. Many of these establishments also have outdoor gardens where guests can relax in lounge chairs, just reading a book or admiring the exotic trees snaking up over the garden walls.

Come dinner time, Islamabad has a range of inviting restaurants to sample. While most Westerners probably think Pakistani food is all curries and kebabs, they’re in for a surprise. Sure, there are plenty of establishments serving the average fare, but even these shouldn’t be knocked—crispy pakoras filled with vegetables and meat, daals, and biryani rice are all hearty and tasty, with subtleties depending on how they’re prepared. But there are other eateries that suit any palate—from Lebanese to Afghan to continental European food. Mondrian, for example, is a basement restaurant offering sandwiches and soups amid an art nouveau atmosphere. And there are also fast food options, as well, complete with a South Asian twist. Go to Pizza Hut and get a curry topped pan pizza, or visit the notorious joint One Potato, Two Potato and order spicy French Fries with your chicken burger. Afterwards, hit one of Islamabad’s numerous sweet shops to have some ice cream or gulab jaman, sickeningly sweet doughy balls glazed in syrup.