Karachi possesses over 600 protected buildings dating largely to the British period. The best of Indo-Gothic, Anglo Mughal or Indo Saracenic, Italianate, and Imperial-Vernacular styles, incorporated in Imperial buildings as well as those built by local merchant princes, can be found here.

As elsewhere the best way to explore a city is on foot. In most parts of Karachi, however, it might be advisable to use a taxi or a buggy (particularly pleasant during the evenings).You will find bottled cold drinks easily available in most places. But if you are planning to walk, especially in the hot weather, it is best to carry your own bottled water because there might be stretches of road where no drinks are available.

Six Rahguzar or Tour Routes have been outlined in this chapter for a journey of exploration of the best of cultural heritage that Karachi offers. All the buildings described on these routes are the more important, notified, protected buildings.

Since many road and building names have been changed, all pre-1947 names are given in bracket after the present day names of roads or buildings.

Tour Route 1

Tour Route 2

Tour Route 3

Tour Route 4

Tour Route 5

Tour Route 6