Rawalpindi

Visiting Rawalpindi

What Rawalpindi is like

Rawalpindi is a city of about two million people, though the wider metropolitan area is larger. It sits on the Potohar plateau at around 508 metres, where the land begins to rise towards the Margalla Hills. Summers are hot, with temperatures often above 35°C in June, and the monsoon brings rain from July to September. Winters are mild, with cool nights and occasional morning fog.

The city is divided by the railway line and the main roads. The old core, around Raja Bazaar, is dense and congested, with narrow streets and a mix of residential and commercial buildings. South of the centre, the cantonment area is greener and more spread out, with wide roads and colonial-era bungalows.

Rawalpindi has long been a military and administrative centre, and that history shows in its buildings and layout. It is not a tourist city in the polished sense, but it is a real one, and it rewards a day of walking and looking.

Climate and seasons

The best time to visit is from October to March, when days are mild and dry. April and May heat up quickly. The monsoon, from July to September, brings heavy rain and humidity. Winter mornings can be foggy, which may delay flights and trains.

What to see in Rawalpindi

The old bazaar area is the main sight. Raja Bazaar and the lanes around it are packed with shops and stalls, and the architecture is a mix of old and new. Some havelis and colonial buildings survive, though many are in poor condition. The area is best explored on foot, early in the day when it is less crowded.

The Rawalpindi Railway Station is worth a look for its colonial architecture and clock tower. Nearby, Liaquat Bagh is a public garden with lawns and a monument. Bagh Sardaran, another old garden, is a quiet spot in the centre. Ayub National Park, on the city's edge, has a lake and gardens and is popular with families.

For a view of the city, the Margalla Hills are a short drive north. The road to Murree climbs into the hills and offers viewpoints. Within Rawalpindi, the streets around the bazaar and the cantonment show two very different sides of the city.

A day or two there

A full day in Rawalpindi can start with a morning walk through Raja Bazaar, when the shops are opening and the streets are relatively calm. From there, walk to the railway station to see the old building. Have lunch at a local restaurant in the bazaar area, then take a taxi to Liaquat Bagh or Bagh Sardaran for a quieter afternoon.

On a second day, visit Ayub National Park in the morning, then drive up Murree Road towards the hills. The Margalla Hills are close, and the viewpoint at Daman-e-Koh is a short detour. In the evening, return to the city for dinner. For those heading north, Rawalpindi is a convenient overnight stop before the drive to Gilgit or Murree.

Getting around

Taxis and rickshaws are the main way to get around. Ride-hailing apps operate in the city. The roads are busy, and traffic can be slow during peak hours. For the old bazaar, walking is often faster than driving.

Getting there and around

Rawalpindi is well connected by road, rail and air. The Islamabad International Airport is about 30 km west of the city centre, with domestic and international flights. The Rawalpindi railway station is on the main line, with trains to Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar. Buses and vans run from several terminals to cities across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

From Islamabad, Rawalpindi is a short drive south, with the two cities linked by several roads. The journey from the capital takes around 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Within Rawalpindi, taxis, rickshaws and local buses are available, but the old city is best explored on foot.

Practical notes

Rawalpindi is generally a safe city for travellers, but take the usual precautions in crowded bazaars. Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings. The summer heat can be intense, so carry water and avoid the midday sun. During the monsoon, some streets may flood.

Some areas near Rawalpindi, particularly towards the Line of Control in Azad Kashmir and parts of the border districts, may require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or have travel advisories. Rules change, so check current official advice before travelling to these areas. For Rawalpindi itself, no special permit is needed.

Accommodation is available across the city, from budget guest houses to larger hotels. Book ahead during peak seasons. The city is a useful base for exploring the Potohar plateau and the hill stations of Murree and Nathia Gali.

Money and communications

ATMs and banks are widely available. Mobile coverage is good. Internet access is common in hotels and cafes.

Frequently asked questions