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The City
The guide was updated:
Nowhere is the juxtaposition of the new and old of Pakistan better displayed than in Islamabad and its twin city of Rawalpindi — two distinct sides of the country as it is today. Islamabad is modern, sleek and classy, full of broad tree-lined avenues, square city blocks and suburban sprawl, expansive parks and green spaces, elegant government buildings and embassies, up-scale restaurants and of course the mighty Faisal Mosque overlooking it all. It has long been a popular travel destination among Pakistanis for its peaceful and quiet vibe and its beautiful greenery, and now international travellers are catching on.
In contrast, Rawalpindi (affectionately called 'Pindi') is much more a South Asian metropolis, with the exciting and sometimes hectic bustle of people, traffic, rickshaws and outdoor markets, what many would refer to as 'the real Pakistan'. It is a fascinating city in its own right, and though it may not boast as many famous attractions as its sister city, it has a special feel of intimacy that makes it unique in the eyes of visitors.
In contrast, Rawalpindi (affectionately called 'Pindi') is much more a South Asian metropolis, with the exciting and sometimes hectic bustle of people, traffic, rickshaws and outdoor markets, what many would refer to as 'the real Pakistan'. It is a fascinating city in its own right, and though it may not boast as many famous attractions as its sister city, it has a special feel of intimacy that makes it unique in the eyes of visitors.