Rawalpindi
Discover Rawalpindi
Rawalpindi is a city of 2.1 million people (2017) in Pakistan. It is a bustling town strategically located between the Punjab and Azad Kashmir. It has a strong colonial influence and possesses a large military cantonment with the headquarters of the Pakistan Army. It is the sister city of Islamabad, essentially its older sister. To locals, it is simply known as "Pindi". For the visitor Pindi offers a slice of real Pakistan (in contrast to Islamabad) - however there are few tourist attractions of note in the city. Satellite Town, Capital City, New Metro City, & Bahria Town, wealthy suburbs to the south of Pindi, offer a couple of attractions that warrant an excursion.
What to Experience in Rawalpindi
Taste of Rawalpindi...
A visit to Rawalpindi makes a pleasant change from Islamabad's restaurant scene. As you might expect Pindi offers some excellent places for top-notch Pakistani food, and offers better value than you find in Islamabad. You'll almost certainly be the only non-Pakistani customer, and you can expect the staff to go out of their way to be hospitable. In Pakistan there is a big fascination with these large fast-food chains, particularly "Pizza Hut", "McDonalds", "KFC", and "Subway". As a tourist, it is recommended to try the local food, as these fast food chains do not live up to their hype, although they are cleaner establishments than local restaurants. They are also quite overpriced, with combo meals costing around Rs 300 compared with Rs 7 you could expect to pay for a naan bread at the local market. Eating in these chains is more of a statement of status in Pakistan than anything else, and you will notice that there is usually quite a fashion parade in many of these establishments. In Rawalpindi, do as the pindites do! Grab a bag of the most yummy and juicy local sweet called "jalebee" from Gratto on Murree road, the luxuriously garnished icecream from "Chaman" at saddar, the famous 'samosas' from 'karim hotel', 'fresh from the pan' halwa poori from satelitown and 'rabri' (milky drink) from 'nirala' in saddar. Alcohol in Pakistan is forbidden but you can find drinks at many modern hotels like Pearl Continental (PC), Shalimar Hotel and Flashman Hotel.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsIslamabad International Airport (ISB) has daily flights from various international and local destinations. It is accessible via GT Road, Motorway M2 at Pind Ranjah, and is a 30-minute drive from Saddar area. Rawalpindi has its own central railway station, with regular services to many destinations within Pakistan. Rawalpindi has extensive road networks, linking it directly to various major cities such as Lahore, Peshawar and Taxila to the north. Apart from that Rawalpindi has a complete structure of travelling around in the city through local buses. However, this is not a recommended mode of transport to tourists. Taxis are cheap, and you'll be looking at around Rs300-400 or so for a trip from Ghakar Plaza to the outer sectors of Islamabad, so travel within Rawalpindi will be around Rs100-250 per trip - very affordable for a foreign tourist. Make sure you agree the price before getting into the taxi. Skyways, Daewoo travels are one of the nicer long-haul operators....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Rawalpindi is a large sprawling city - however the centre, focused on Raja Bazaar is walkable - but easy to get lost, so a GPS or compass isn't a bad idea. To get from one part of town to another (e.g. Raja Bazaar to Saddar) it's best to hop in a taxi. Buses are an option for going up or down Murree Road, but working out how to get a bus to more far flung parts will require some Urdu. A trip to Bahria Town is best done in your own car or a taxi (and armed with a map). Along with this, you can also explore the adjoining areas including Mandra, Gujjar Khan, Sohawa, which are also very friendly and modern-minded. Rawalpindi is not blessed with an extensive architectural history. However the city is an interesting place to wander, especially if you are based in Islamabad and are looking for some hustle and bustle. There are various things you can do in Rawalpindi. A few of them are: Saddar Bazar is the most versatile, modern and easily approachable market place of Rawalpindi.
Where to Stay
Rawalpindi has one 5-star hotel called the Pearl Continental but often known by its acronym PC. Other that this you can go to Hotel Shalimar and others. Flashman's Hotel, The Mall, ☏ +92 51 9272013, +92 51 9272004, info@tourism.gov.pk. Government-run, centrally located, and apparently named after Harry Flashman, the anti-hero in the novels by George Macdonald Fraser. RS 5000 and up. Pearl Continental, The Mall, NH 5, ☏ +92 51 111 505 505. Features outdoor pool and steakhouse. Lit up in green twinkle lights sometimes. RS 5000 and up. Rawalpindi is not necessarily as safe as its sister, Islamabad. Islamabad has higher foreign tourist traffic, and thus has become accustomed to it, however foreign tourists are somewhat rare in Rawalpindi. Pakistan on the whole is not recommended to lone young female travellers, however Pindi is relatively safe for larger groups of females, or mixed gender paired-travellers.
Money & Budget
Saddar Bazar is the most versatile, modern and easily approachable market place of Rawalpindi. Its connected to Mall Road on one side, City to the other, and Railway station on the 3rd side. Saddar Bazar has certain good looking plazas, banks, fun houses for children and has a few recreational parks for children and elderly Gakkahr Plaza is one of the most renowned shopping markets in Saddar Rawalpindi. You can buy leather jackets, trousers, all sorts of garments, kameez salwar, khussas, sandals and all gents garments from Gakkahr Plaza. In 2008, Gakhar Plaza was completely gutted down by a huge fire. Close to Gakkahr plaza, you will find Jabbar Tailors which is one of the oldest tailors in Rawalpindi. Mostly busy with military uniform stitching.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Rawalpindi is not necessarily as safe as its sister, Islamabad. Islamabad has higher foreign tourist traffic, and thus has become accustomed to it, however foreign tourists are somewhat rare in Rawalpindi. Pakistan on the whole is not recommended to lone young female travellers, however Pindi is relatively safe for larger groups of females, or mixed gender paired-travellers. For female travellers, it is highly recommended to purchase a shawl upon arrival in Pakistan (even better to bring one over on your flight, for airport arrival purposes). It is not necessary or expected for you to wear this on your head at all times, however to avoid unwanted attention, and gain local respect, cover your chest with this shawl (i.e. drape it across your neck). Also wear a long shirt/top, that covers your backside region - this again, will draw away unwanted attention.
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Rawalpindi
Murree Road
Bhong Masjid
a group of motorcyclists driving down a road
RAWALPINDI, Pakistan - December 13: A health worker administers polio vaccine to a child during an anti-polio drive in Rawalpindi on December 13, 2021. Photo by Raja Imran
this place is in pkaistan
Chocolate Cake
Chocolate Cake
just how beautiful ceilings are
a little boy getting his teeth brushed by an adult
red flower on brown tree branch during daytime
Murree Road
Bhong Masjid
a group of motorcyclists driving down a road