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Getting to Rawalpindi

Islamabad International Airport lies about 22 km in a straight line from the centre of Rawalpindi, and it handles domestic and international flights. Arrivals usually continue by road into the city; the airport sits west of the city, and the drive into Rawalpindi depends on traffic and the time of day, so it is worth leaving a margin before a first appointment or an onward booking.

Rawalpindi is well connected by road, rail and air, and from Islamabad it is a short drive south, with the two cities linked by several roads. For those heading north, Rawalpindi is a convenient overnight stop before the drive to Gilgit or Murree, and for a view of the city the Margalla Hills are a short drive north.

Around Rawalpindi

Rawalpindi is a dense, historic city in northern Punjab, sitting beside the capital and serving as a gateway to the hill country. The two cities run into each other, but Rawalpindi keeps a different pace: crowded bazaars, old havelis and a railway station from the colonial period. It is a city of about two million people, though the wider metropolitan area is larger, and it stands at an altitude of about 508 metres.

In Rawalpindi, Raja Bazaar and the lanes around it are packed with shops and stalls, and the architecture is a mix of old and new; the area is best explored on foot, early in the day when it is less crowded. Bagh Sardaran, another old garden, is a quiet spot in the centre. South of the centre, the cantonment area is greener and more spread out, with wide roads and colonial-era bungalows. The city has long been a military and administrative centre, and that history shows in its buildings and layout.

Around Rawalpindi, Islamabad was built from the 1960s to replace Karachi as Pakistan's capital. Saidpur is an old village at the foot of the Margalla Hills, now a quiet stop for gardens, old lanes and short walks, and the Margalla Hills rise directly north of Islamabad, a wooded ridge of trails, viewpoints and wildlife on the city's edge.

Rawalpindi through the year

In Rawalpindi, October and November are the best months to plan a stay, and January, February, March and December are also good. April, May and September are possible, while June, July and August fall in the off season. Winters are mild, with cool nights and occasional morning fog.

Places to stay in Rawalpindi: what to expect

Serviced apartments in Rawalpindi are a large group with a mix of simple, mid-range and unrated stays. Almost all list free Wi-Fi, car parking, a kitchen and air conditioning, which suits longer stays and self-catering. Many list family rooms, while some list breakfast, a 24-hour front desk, room service, a shuttle service or a garden, and a few list a restaurant, heating or a swimming pool.

Hotels in Rawalpindi form a large group, mostly simple to mid-range, with a few upscale options. Almost all list car parking and most list free Wi-Fi, which suits travellers arriving by car or checking in after a flight. Many list family rooms, a kitchen, air conditioning and a 24-hour front desk, so families and late arrivals have room to manoeuvre; some list a restaurant, breakfast or room service, a few list heating or a swimming pool, and some list a garden or a shuttle service.

Guest houses in Rawalpindi are also a large group, mostly simple to mid-range, with a few upscale options. Almost all list car parking and most list free Wi-Fi and air conditioning, and many list breakfast, family rooms, a kitchen, a 24-hour front desk and room service. A few list a restaurant, heating or a swimming pool, and some list a garden or a shuttle service. The mix of family rooms and breakfast makes them a practical choice for households travelling together.

Staying in Rawalpindi: questions