Photograph Lal Haveli's red brick in Moti Bazaar

On international and PSL match days Stadium Road between 9th Avenue and Double Road is closed in both directions, with extra diversions when teams move, which can strand a taxi far from the gate. Leave early, use public transport where possible and follow Rawalpindi City Traffic Police updates for the day's plan. In…

On Sundays a tourist safari train leaves Rawalpindi Railway Station for Golra and Attock Khurd, run by Pakistan Railways with a private operator. Stops include the railway museum at Golra, a look at the Attock Bridge and boating on the Indus. Confirm that the service is running and book through the operator, since it…

In heavy monsoon spells Nullah Leh rises fast and roads across Rawalpindi flood, including Murree Road and Kutchery Chowk in August 2026, leaving traffic at a standstill for hours. Check Met Office and district alerts before leaving your hotel, keep bazaar days flexible in July and August and stay clear of the nullah…

Murree is the classic hill escape from Rawalpindi, but in snow police require tyre chains and warn against driving after dark because of black ice. Check the weather and traffic updates before leaving, fill the fuel tank and never park on main roads or slopes. If you cannot fit chains or hire a vehicle suited to snow…

Lake View Park sits on the edge of Rawal Lake across the city line in Islamabad, with paddle boating, fishing, walking trails and play areas. It is an easy green break from the bazaars. Go on a weekday, since weekends and school holidays get crowded, and ask the park about opening hours before you travel. Local food…

Moti Bazaar is an old market of well over a thousand shops inside the Raja Bazaar district, with a red-brick haveli from 1883 at its heart. It is busy every day and the lanes are a maze. Go on a weekday morning, walk in rather than drive, and ask shopkeepers for the next lane. Carry small notes and keep your bag in…

The Arts Council on Stadium Road is where Rawalpindi's painters show their work. A 2026 exhibition of senior local artists covered landscapes, cultural heritage and social themes in both traditional and modern styles. Exhibitions change through the year, so check what is on before you go. Visit in daylight and combine…

Taxila Museum, a short drive from Rawalpindi, shows mostly Gandharan Buddhist sculpture, plus coins and inscriptions dug from the ancient city around it. Start here for context, then walk to the Bhir Mound ruins, which sit close by. Guides can be arranged through the museum, which makes the stones much easier to read…