Rawalpindi walking tour & city guide
Islamabad's bustling old twin city.
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Rawalpindi, right next to Islamabad, is an old garrison city full of busy bazaars, colorful trucks and some of the best street food in northern Pakistan.
The bazaars
Raja Bazaar is the chaotic heart of the old city, with lanes for cloth, spices, jewelry and household goods. Saddar, the cantonment market, has colonial-era buildings.
Food
Rawalpindi is known for its food streets, where you can try chapli kebabs, nihari and sweet lassi.
Good to know
Rawalpindi is the headquarters of Pakistan's army and was the temporary capital before Islamabad was built. Its bazaars are a maze of specialist streets, from Moti Bazaar for women's clothing to Sarafa Bazaar for gold. Mornings are calmer for walking, while evenings are the time for food. The Metro Bus links Rawalpindi's Saddar with the center of Islamabad in about 45 minutes. Dress modestly and expect crowds; the energy of the old city is part of the experience.
Top sights in Rawalpindi
- 1
Raja Bazaar
The old city market.
- 2
Saddar
A colonial-era market.
- 3
Liaquat Bagh
A historic park.
- 4
Ayub National Park
A large green park.
- 5
Pothohar old houses
Historic havelis.
Food markets & where to eat in Rawalpindi
Saddar food street
Kebabs and sweets.
Raja Bazaar
Street snacks.
Commercial Market
A food hub in Satellite Town.
Food to try in Rawalpindi
Chapli kebab
A spiced minced meat patty.
Nihari
Slow-cooked beef stew.
Lassi
A yogurt drink.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Rawalpindi
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in RawalpindiCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Rawalpindi.
- eSIM for PakistanStay online from the moment you land.
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