Rawalpindi is famous for being Pakistan's military hub (GHQ), a busy logistics center, its historic markets like Raja Bazaar, traditional handicrafts (woodwork, textiles), delicious local foods (kebabs, Nihari), historical sites (Rawat Fort, Ayub National Park), and proximity to hill stations like Murree, serving as a gateway to northern Pakistan.
Top Things to Do in Rawalpindi. Check out must-see sights and activities: Ayub National Park, The Raja Bazaar, Parks, Historic Sites. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Rawalpindi, the city of MGK, colloquially known as Pindi, is the third-largest city in the Pakistani province of Punjab, serving as the principal commercial and industrial hub of northern Punjab.
Islamabad is a gentle introduction to Pakistan, but to get a real taste of the country's hustle and bustle you should visit Rawalpindi. An easy and worthwhile day trip from Islamabad. There are few formal tourist sights in Rawalpindi, but getting lost in the maze of narrow alleys is a wonderful experience.
Rawalpindi is an important administrative, commercial, and industrial centre. Its industries include locomotive works, gasworks, an oil refinery, sawmills, an iron foundry, a brewery, and cotton, hosiery, and textile mills; it also produces shoes, leather goods, pottery, newsprint, and tents.
Lahore stands as Pakistan's safest city. Under CM Maryam Nawaz's unprecedented measures, crime has fallen by an impressive 52% in just 11 months. Lahore stands as Pakistan's safest city.
Rawalpindi is relatively economical, and it is cherished by anyone who is looking to make the most of a limited budget. Islamabad is populated with posh areas, fine-dining restaurants, and residents usually prefer shopping from contemporary marts and malls, hence it is deemed as the most expensive city of Pakistan.
Located near the Fawara Chowk, Raja Bazaar is commonly considered the heart of Rawalpindi city, it features key business and commercial centers, branches of major banks, and large residential areas dating back to the British colonial era.
BYOB or BYO is an initialism and acronym concerning wine ("bring your own bottle"), liquor ("bring your own booze"), beer ("bring your own beer"), or marijuana ("bring your own bud"). BYOB is stated on an invitation to indicate that the host will not be providing alcohol, and that guests should bring their own.
Common Pakistani dishes include pilafs (rice dishes), kebabs (grilled meat), curries, and breads such as naan and roti. Roughly translates to the night boiler, this dish is made by simmering mutton, beet, and turnip in a copper cauldron overnight. This results in a thick stew.
What is the difference between Islamabad and Rawalpindi?
The capital of Pakistan is Islamabad, which serves as the seat of the federal government and is the countries political center. Pakistan's military headquarters are located in Rawalpindi, which has been important historically.
Rawalpindi was an important British military center from the mid-1800s during colonial times, and became the interim capital for a decade (1959–69) once the decision was made to move the capital from Karachi inland to be closer to disputed Kashmir and neighboring Muslim countries.
Located adjacent to Islamabad, Rawalpindi is also the richest city in the country. Like other biggest cities, it also has a growing real estate market. DHA Rawalpindi and Bahria Town Rawalpindi are notable areas for real estate investment.
The Hunza Valley is our favourite region in Pakistan and you can't miss this Pakistani beauty. Hunza has its own culture and religion and is so interesting and beautiful that we recommend spending at least four days exploring it at leisure. We have an entire article about Hunza Valley and all its attractions.
The Red Zone is a governmental zone in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, which houses the highest executive, judicial and legislative authority buildings of the country. It is also where the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan reside.
Islamabad is often cited as the second most beautiful capital in the world, after London, due to its blend of natural scenery and modern infrastructure. Its beauty is attributed to factors like its lush green spaces, the backdrop of the Margala Hills, serene environment, and well-planned, modern layout.
Most expats in Pakistan choose to live in one of the country's three main cities: Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi. Within these cities there are some key neighbourhoods that are popular to expats due to their safety, amenities and proximity to schools, healthcare facilities and business centres.
FCDO advises against travel to much of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. There is frequent militant violence in the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Local authorities may impose curfews at short notice and there is frequent military activity.
