Exploring Everything Peshawar Has To Offer As A New Traveller

My name is Sidra and I’m a Pakistani-Canadian blogger at Sidra & Co. To start off by giving you a little background about myself, I was actually born In Peshawar – but live in Toronto. I’m an economist, a blogger and an entrepreneur. I also have two adorable sons that keep me more than busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

A few months ago I went to Pakistan for my brothers wedding, and thought it was the perfect opportunity to explore a little bit as well. I couldn’t pass up the chance to see more of my country! As much as I could, anyway, amidst the craziness of the wedding.

In my experience, whenever I tell people that I am from Peshawar, they usually know very little about the city. That’s why I thought it would be great to share some of my photographs from the trip with you! I want people to see Peshawar through my eyes, and share a few of the special memories I associate with the place, and will cherish forever.

Peshawar is the capital city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province in Pakistan. With over 4 million residents, it is the 6th biggest city in the country.  The people are incredibly hospitable, the food is beyond amazing, and the culture is so rich. It’s been influenced by a multitude of people over the centuries, and today stands a symbol of a multilayered heritage.

 Some Of My Favourite Places In This Beautiful City

1. Islamia College Peshawar

Founded in 1913, this is one of the oldest institutes for education in Pakistan. The architecture of the building and the grounds are absolutely breath taking!

2. Sethi Mohallah

 This is a neighbourhood of seven mansions located in Old Peshawar. The Sethi house that we visited was built in 1884, mostly of wood, by – you guessed it – the Sethi family. The intricate details in the wood and mesmerising art work on the ceilings are unquestionably stunning. 

3. Mahabbat Khan Mosque

This beautiful mosque was built in 1630 and named after the Mughal Governor of Peshawar, Nawab Mahabat Khan bin Ali Mardan Khan. I fell in love with the floral frescos on the white marble.

4. Ghanta Ghar

This clock tower was built in the year 1900 for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. I can’t even find the right words describe this area – they’ll all fall short. The old architecture, the character, the hustle and bustle. There’s a distinct old world charm and that make this place worth a visit! 

5. Namak Mandi and Jalil Kebab

You can’t go all the way to Peshawar without trying their authentic tikkas and chapli kebab – check out these two places and you won’t be disappointed!