Top Places to Visit in Dhaka

A Curious Traveler’s Guide to Bangladesh’s Busiest City

If you’ve just landed in Bangladesh and stepped into Dhaka, chances are you’re already overwhelmed. With the chaotic traffic, street food aroma, bursts of rickshaw bells, and people absolutely everywhere, it’s easy to miss what makes this city weirdly lovable.

This isn’t your typical tourist town. It’s raw, intense, loud — but layered with history, flavor, and charm if you know where to look.

1. Lalbagh Fort – A Mughal Memory in a City That Doesn’t Slow Down

Let’s start with something old. Really old.

Lalbagh Fort, built in the 17th century, is smack in the middle of Old Dhaka. Despite Dhaka’s chaos, the fort grounds feel calm — almost meditative.

• You’ll see ancient gates, gardens, a mosque, and tombs

• The Mughal architecture is beautiful in an understated way

• Come in the late afternoon — the light is perfect for photos

Entry is cheap, even for foreigners. Just don’t expect detailed signage; explore it with curiosity.

2. Ahsan Manzil – The Pink Palace of the People

If Dhaka had a crown, this would be it.
Ahsan Manzil, known locally as the Pink Palace, is a massive riverside mansion that used to house the Nawabs of Dhaka.

• It’s bright pink. Like Barbie meets Bengal.

• The museum inside is dusty but charming — full of odd artifacts and chandeliers

• Walk around the yard and imagine boats once docking at the riverfront

Fun fact: The river Buriganga used to be clean. You’ll need imagination for that part.

3. Dhakeshwari Temple – The Spiritual Soul of the City

This is the national Hindu temple of Bangladesh — and you don’t need to be religious to appreciate it.

• Peaceful and very much in use

• Covered in marigolds and incense during festivals

• The architecture is modest, but the energy is sincere

Tip: Be respectful with your camera. This is an active place of worship.

4. New Market – Where Chaos Meets Charm

If you’re into local markets, New Market is your wonderland. It’s not shiny or modern, but it’s authentic Dhaka shopping:

• Clothes, books, jewelry, kitchenware — everything

• Bargaining is expected

• It’s also the best place to grab street food like fuchka or chotpoti

It’s crowded, sure. But if you want to people-watch or buy a ridiculously cheap shirt, this is it.

5. Nilkhet & Book Streets – Dhaka’s Unexpected Literary Corner

For book lovers, Nilkhet is magical. It’s rows and rows of secondhand books, exam prep guides, old magazines, even fake certificates (not kidding).

• You’ll find everything from Jane Austen to JavaScript

• Prices are crazy cheap

• There’s a quiet charm to the dust and narrow paths

Nearby: Dhaka University’s campus is beautiful for a stroll and often lively with student protests, music, or pop-up tea stalls.

6. Hatirjheel – The Urban Getaway

At night, Hatirjheel becomes Dhaka’s lakeside chill zone. It’s clean (relatively), well-lit, and full of locals walking, riding bikes, or just sitting.

• Rent a paddle boat or take a short boat ride

• The bridge lights change colors

• Great place for photos, especially around sunset

Avoid weekends if you want peace — it gets packed.

7. Star Mosque – The Hidden Gem of Islamic Art

You probably won’t find this in many guidebooks. Star Mosque is small, tucked away in Armanitola, and incredibly beautiful.

• It’s covered in mosaics and stars — hence the name

• Inside is peaceful, outside is pure Old Dhaka madness

• Friendly locals often welcome visitors (modest clothing advised)

Where to Eat in Dhaka?

Eating is half the Dhaka experience. If you skip the food, you’re doing it wrong.

• Kacchi Biryani: Try Haji’s (Old Dhaka) or Kacchi Bhai

• Street food: Fuchka, shingara, samosa — start small if you have a sensitive stomach

• Rickshaw Tea: Get one from any roadside tea stall (they’ll mix it with condensed milk and ginger)

• Western Options: North End Coffee, Dhaka Bistro, or the food courts at Gulshan/Bashundhara

Where to Stay?

Dhaka has everything — from guesthouses to high-end hotels.

Getting Around

Use Uber, Pathao, or local rickshaws.
Avoid buses unless you’re with a local.
Pro tip: Travel with offline Google Maps — it’ll save you.

Final Thoughts

Dhaka is not for the faint of heart. But if you lean into the chaos and let go of control, you’ll find a city that’s alive in every sense — historical, loud, spiritual, and deeply human.

Don’t treat Dhaka as a layover city. Give it a few days. Talk to strangers. Try weird food. Get lost in Old Dhaka.

You might be surprised at how much you like it.