Rawalpindi is a city in the Majha region of Pakistan in Punjab province near Pakistan's capital city of Islamabad, in the province of Punjab. Rawalpindi is the fourth largest city in Pakistan after Karachi, Lahore and Faisalabad. According to the national census, it is the most educated city in Pakistan.

Pindi, as Rawalpindi is referred to by most travelers, is quite different from its twin sister Islamabad. Where Islamabad is modern and clean, Pindi is old and populated, and also a lot of fun.

Rawalpindi is also the military headquarters of the Pakistan Armed Forces and also served as the nation's capital whilst Islamabad was being constructed in the 1960s. The city is home to several industries and factories. Islamabad International Airport, formerly known as "Chaklala" airport, now known as "Benazir Bhutto International Airport" is actually in Rawalpindi; it serves the city along with the capital. The total area of the pindi is approximately 154 square kilometres (59 sq mi).

The bazaars of the old city offer exciting bargains. You can leisurely browse in the quaint old shops in Saddar bazaar, Moti bazaar, Raja bazaar and Kashmiri bazaar while Sarafa bazaar is famous for beaten gold and silver jewellery, brass and copper-ware.

Rawalpindi specializes in handicrafts such as inlaid sheesham and walnut furniture, Kashmiri silver, shawls and jackets, embroidered and woolen 'Kurtas' and household linen, Potohar Jooties and Chappals (slippers), cane baskets and furniture, walking sticks and hand-woven Kashmiri and Bokhara carpets. You can go shopping for these items at handicraft and carpet shops in Saddar bazaar, especially around Flashman’s Hotel and Rawalpindi Club building on the Mall. Jinnah Park is also a primary attraction due to its history and the newly opened Entertainment complex. Many tourists use the city as a stop before traveling towards the northern areas.