The Centaurus Mall

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AttractionType

View Point, Market, Other

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District

City

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   Photo Credit:
    Muhammad Ibrahim

Attraction Type

View Point
Market
Other

Description

The Centaurus Mall, opened in 2013, is Islamabad’s premier shopping and entertainment destination, located on Jinnah Avenue in Sector F-8. Spanning 6.6 acres, this mixed-use complex, designed by British firm WS Atkins, features a four-story mall with over 250 shops, a five-screen cineplex, and Fun City for kids. Part of a larger development with three 22-floor towers (including residential apartments, offices, and a hotel under construction), it boasts modern architecture with a glass facade and skylights. Despite criticisms like entry fees for bachelors and occasional maintenance issues, the mall’s diverse brands, dining options, and family-friendly vibe make it a must-visit for locals and tourists.

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What To Do

  • Shopping at over 250 retail outlets with international and local brands (e.g., Hugo Boss, Nike, Khaadi, Sapphire)
  • Dining at over 40 food outlets, including Pakistani, Chinese, Italian, and fast food options
  • Watching movies at the five-screen Centaurus Cineplex with Lollywood and Hollywood films
  • Enjoying family entertainment at Fun City, a play area with rides and games for children
  • Browsing specialty shops for jewelry, electronics, and household goods
  • Attending occasional events, live performances, or fashion shows in the mall
  • Relaxing in cafés or lounges with coffee, desserts, and scenic views
  • Exploring the modern architecture with large windows and skylights
  • Visiting the supermarket for daily essentials and groceries
  • Socializing in the food court or open-air seating areas

What To Buy

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What is Around

  • Four-story mall with 250+ shops (clothing, electronics, jewelry, beauty products)
  • Food court and over 40 restaurants offering Pakistani and international cuisines
  • Centaurus Cineplex with five screens for Lollywood and Hollywood movies
  • Fun City, an indoor amusement area with rides and games for children
  • Supermarket for groceries and household essentials
  • Cafés and lounges for coffee, desserts, and relaxation
  • Parking facilities across four floors (free or nominal fee, security provided)
  • Specialty shops for Pakistani crafts, souvenirs, and designer wear
  • Event spaces for live performances, fashion shows, or cultural activities
  • Nearby Blue Area with additional shops and commercial offices

Nearby Tourist

  • Faisal Mosque (3.7 km): An iconic mosque with modern architecture and city views.
  • Pakistan Monument and Museum (3 km): Showcases Pakistan’s history in Shakarparian Hills.
  • Margalla Hills National Park (4 km): Offers hiking trails, Daman-e-Koh, and Pir Sohawa viewpoints.
  • Fatima Jinnah Park (F-9 Park) (5 km): A large recreational park with jogging tracks.
  • Rawal Lake (10 km): A scenic lake for boating and picnicking.
  • Lok Virsa Museum (6 km): Displays Pakistan’s cultural heritage with artifacts.
  • Saidpur Village (6 km): A historic Mughal-era village with cultural charm.
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Best Season to visit

April
August
December
February
January
July
June
March
May
November
October
September

Spring (February - March)

  • Spring brings mild temperatures (15-25°C) and blooming flora, ideal for exploring the mall’s open areas and enjoying outdoor seating at cafés. The pleasant weather encourages shopping and dining, with fewer crowds compared to summer holidays.

Summer (April - June)

  • Summers are hot, with temperatures reaching 30-35°C. The mall’s air-conditioned interiors provide relief, but some stores may feel warm due to minimal AC. Early mornings or evenings are best for a comfortable visit, with vibrant evening crowds.

Monsoon (July - August)

  • Monsoon season brings heavy rain and humidity, which may affect travel to the mall. The indoor setting ensures accessibility, but parking can be congested during rain. Check weather forecasts and enjoy the mall’s cinema or food court on rainy days.

Autumn (September - November)

  • Autumn offers clear skies, mild temperatures (15-25°C), and low humidity, making it one of the best times to visit. The comfortable weather is perfect for shopping, dining, and attending events, with the mall’s glass facade enhancing natural light.

Winter (December - January)

  • Winters are cool (5-15°C), with sunny days ideal for daytime visits. The crisp air makes indoor shopping and warm meals appealing, though light jackets are recommended for evenings. The mall may host festive events during the holiday season.
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How to Reach


  • By Air: Fly into Islamabad International Airport (ISB), approximately 32 km from Centaurus Mall. From the airport, hire a taxi or use ride-hailing apps (e.g., Indrive, Yango) to reach Jinnah Avenue in Sector F-8 in about 25-35 minutes. Use “Centaurus Mall” as the destination. Ample parking is available across four floors.
  • By Road from Major Cities:
    • From Lahore: Travel via the M-2 Motorway (approximately 378 km, 4-5 hours). Take the Islamabad exit, follow Jinnah Avenue, and reach the mall in Sector F-8, about 5 km from Zero Point.
    • From Karachi: Take the M-9 and M-2 Motorways (approximately 1,414 km, 16-18 hours) to Islamabad, then navigate to Sector F-8 via Jinnah Avenue.
    • From Peshawar: Use the M-1 Motorway (approximately 191 km, 2-3 hours) to Islamabad, then follow Islamabad Expressway and Jinnah Avenue to the mall. Taxis, private cars, or intercity buses (e.g., Daewoo Express) are options. From the bus terminal (e.g., Faizabad or Rawalpindi), take a local taxi or ride-hailing service to Centaurus Mall, a 10-15 minute.
  • By Train: Travel to Rawalpindi Railway Station (17 km from Centaurus Mall) via trains like the Khyber Mail, Awam Express, or Tezgam from major cities (e.g., Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar). From the station, hire a taxi, use a ride-hailing app, or take a bus from saddar metrobus station to Centaurus mall station. For ride use “Centaurus Mall” as the destination.
  • By Public Transport: In Islamabad, use the Islamabad Metrobus to the “PIMS Station” (nearest stop to the mall), then walk 5-10 minutes (500 meters).
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Where to Eat / Stay

Where to Eat:

  • The mall offers over 40 dining options, including food court stalls, fast food chains, and restaurants serving Pakistani, Chinese, Italian, and other international cuisines. Visitors can enjoy quick bites like burgers or leisurely meals with city views, catering to various budgets and tastes.

Where to Stay:

  • Islamabad offers accommodations for all budgets, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guest houses and mid-range options, primarily in nearby sectors like F-7, F-6, and the Blue Area. For bookings, explore luxury, budget hotels, and guest houses through the booking section of the National Tourism Portal.
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Emergency Contact Numbers


  • Hospitals:
    • Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS): +92 51 9261170-9 (G-8, 2 km away)
    • Shifa International Hospital: +92 51 8464646 (H-8, 4 km away)
  • Ambulances:
    • Edhi Ambulance Service: 115
    • Rescue 1122: 1122 (Islamabad Capital Territory)
  • Police Station:
    • Margalla Police Station (nearest to F-8): +92 51 9261166
    • Emergency Police Helpline: 15 Note: Verify contact numbers before visiting, as they may change.

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Location on Google Map

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Youtube Video