Best Places to Visit in Peshawar 2025

Travelling Peshawar: Top Tourist Attractions and Distances

Peshawar, one of South Asia’s oldest cities, is known for its deep-rooted history, vibrant bazaars, and blend of cultural influences. Here’s a guide to its must-visit attractions for travellers:

1. Peshawar Museum

• Distance: ~2 km from Peshawar city center.
• Overview: Established in 1907, Peshawar Museum houses an impressive collection of Gandharan art, Buddha statues, coins, and relics. The museum’s Indo-Buddhist architecture and historical collections offer insight into the region’s Buddhist past and cultural richness.

2. Qissa Khwani Bazaar

• Distance: ~1 km from the city center.
• Overview: Known as the “Bazaar of Storytellers,” Qissa Khwani is one of Peshawar’s most famous marketplaces. It’s filled with local handicrafts, textiles, spices, and street food. The bazaar has a historic ambiance where traders from Central Asia once gathered, making it a must-visit for shoppers and history enthusiasts.

3. Bala Hisar Fort (Not open for Foreigners)

• Distance: ~1 km from the city center.
• Overview: Originally built by the Mughal Emperor Babur in 1526, Bala Hisar Fort has served as a strategic fortification for centuries. The fort’s elevated location offers a commanding view of the city, and its museum displays military artifacts, historical items, and detailed exhibits about Peshawar’s past.

4. Sethi House Museum

• Distance: ~2 km from the city center.
• Overview: Located in the historic Sethi Mohallah, the Sethi House is a 19th-century mansion that reflects the opulent architecture of Peshawar’s merchant class. The house features woodwork, colorful stained-glass windows, and intricate carvings, offering a glimpse into the city’s cultural history.

5. Jamrud Fort (Not open for Foreigners)

• Distance: ~16 km from Peshawar, near the Khyber Pass.
• Overview: Built by the Sikhs in the early 19th century, Jamrud Fort marks the entrance to the legendary Khyber Pass. The fort holds a significant place in Peshawar’s military history and provides scenic views of the rugged landscape surrounding the Khyber region.

6. Mahabat Khan Mosque

• Distance: ~1 km from the city center.
• Overview: Constructed in the 17th century by the Mughal governor Mahabat Khan, this mosque is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, featuring elaborate frescoes, white marble domes, and minarets. It’s a serene spot for both prayer and appreciation of historical architecture.

7. Islamia College University

• Distance: ~5 km from Peshawar city center.
• Overview: Established in 1913, Islamia College’s campus is renowned for its stunning architecture, featuring grand halls, gardens, and historic buildings. The college played an essential role in Pakistan’s independence movement and remains a symbol of educational pride in the region.

8. Khyber Pass

• Distance: ~20 km from Peshawar.
• Overview: This historic mountain pass, linking Pakistan with Afghanistan, has served as a major trade route and strategic location for centuries. The Khyber Pass has been traversed by armies, traders, and explorers alike, and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Tourists need special permission to visit but can take guided tours from Peshawar.

9. Chowk Yadgar

• Distance: ~1 km from city center.
• Overview: Chowk Yadgar is a historic monument in the heart of Peshawar, commemorating soldiers who died in the 1965 and 1971 wars. Surrounded by bustling markets, it’s a popular meeting point and an integral part of Peshawar’s urban landscape.

Peshawar is a city of vibrant history and diverse influences, with sites reflecting centuries-old traditions, Mughal-era grandeur, and British colonial legacies. For tourists, Peshawar offers an enriching experience of South Asia’s rich cultural tapestry, from its bustling bazaars to its ancient forts and serene mosques.