Frere Hall
Frere Hall is buzzing with young men bunking school, models on shoots, newlyweds taking their wedding photographs and us winding our way through living history. We explore the vast expanse of the centre of activity in old Karachi, the gardens and atmosphere speak volumes of a grand past life. Sadequain’s mural only adds to the sense of connection to the city, with its hidden meanings slowly revealing the depth of his work, and the great library on the ground floor with the smell of old books and newspapers is nothing short of exhilarating.
The Truck-Art Wall
IAMSTERDAM, I<3NYC and now I<3KARACHI! A quick stop at the sign makes the perfect photo-op, branding Karachi in the art that is intrinsically Pakistani and has become famous the world over. The entire wall stretches over a kilometre, depicting positive and colourful expressions of life in Karachi, from buildings, to donkey cart races and more. If you’re feeling dull, come by the wall, it is sure to brighten up your day.
Tit Bit Bookstore
One of the oldest bookstores in the city, Tit Bit has been a favourite haunt for many years. From the girl’s who’ve studied at St Joseph’s Convent down the street to Harry Potter fans, comic book collectors or your neighbourhood aunty looking for a new cookbook, Tit Bit has something for everyone. The best bit about Tit Bit is that you can get your favourite books for a fraction of the cost compared to anywhere else in Karachi. And if you’re in the store long enough Salim bhai might just hand you a book you like free of cost!
Pakistan Chowk
Restored and brought back to life, Pakistan Chowk resides in a bustling area of the city. It has the best food, is the only place one comes to for wedding card printing and is the ideal location to relax at under the shade of an old peepal tree. While we admire the intricate architecture of the surrounding buildings, painters capture passing Victorian carriages in watercolour paintings.
Amma’s Paan Shop
Paan from PIDC has been famous for generations. Having paan it from here is almost a rite of passage for Karachiites. Amma’s Paan Shop is known because of the entrepreneurial trendsetter who started it, the mother, grandmother and great grandmother of its present owners. The men proudly display their paan stained smiles while gesturing to an old picture of ‘amma’ herself, who watches over the entire paan making process. And the paan is as delicious as it is colourful!
Cantt Station
One of the oldest railway stations in the region, Cantt Station is undergoing restoration to bring it back to its former glory. A baithak designed by Pursukoon Karachi, a small museum by the Citizen’s Archive and of course, the hustle and bustle of trains leaving and passengers waving goodbye gives the entire situation an almost Hogwarts Express feel. An old locomotive parked at the very front of the premises gives one a glimpse into the glorious past of the North Western Railways.
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