Dhaka is the vibrant capital of Bangladesh, offering foreign visitors a rich history, culture and vibrant street life. From ancient Mughal fortresses to modern architectural wonders, the city is dotted with many attractions, both large and small, that satisfy a wide variety of interests.
Best Way to Get Attractions Effortlessly for International Tourists
For convenience, security and pricing transparency, ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Pathao are highly recommended. In these apps, you can choose between cars and auto rickshaws (CNG). For walking through the narrow streets of Old Dhaka, bicycle rickshaws are an indispensable & iconic option. Renting a car with a driver for the whole day is also a great option for sightseeing.
Historical and architectural attractions
Lalbagh Fort
- Location: Lalbagh, Old Dhaka.
How to get there: The fort is located deep in the historic but crowded Old Dhaka. The most efficient way to get there is to use the services of a ride-sharing company or take a CNG to the nearest major intersection & then hire a bicycle rickshaw for a final short trip through the narrow streets.
Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace)
- Location: Located on the banks of the Buriganga River in Kumartoli, Old Dhaka.
How to get there: Use the car rental service or take a CNG boat to Sadarghat embankment. From here, you can walk to Ahsan Manzil in just a few minutes or take a pleasant bike rickshaw ride.
National Parliament Building (Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban)
- Location: Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, a modern & well-planned area of Dhaka.
How to get there: This architectural marvel is easily accessible by car, Uber/Pathao or CNG from any part of the city.
Curzon Hall
- Location: On the campus of Dhaka University, in Shahbag district.
How to get there: The central location of the hotel makes it easy to get to it by any means of transport. It is within walking distance of the Bangladesh National Museum.
Star Mosque (Tara Masjid)
- Location: Armanitola, Old Dhaka.
How to get there: The mosque is located in a busy part of Old Dhaka, and it is best to get to it by CNG or bicycle rickshaw, which easily navigate the local streets.
Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque
- Location: Atgah, very close to Lalbagh Fort in Old Dhaka.
How to get there: It is most convenient to visit this mosque together with Lalbagh Fort. They are within walking distance of each other or by bicycle rickshaw.
Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection of Christ
- Location: Armanitola, Old Dhaka.
How to get there: This historic church is best reached by CNG or bicycle rickshaw from the main road in the Armanitola area.
Dakeshwari National Temple
- Location: Dakeshwari Road, Old Dhaka.
How to get there: This is a well-known attraction, you can use car rental services or take a CNG to the area. The temple is a short walk from the main road.
Baitul Mukarram National Mosque
- Location: Paltan, in the central part of Dhaka.
How to get there: Due to its central location, it is very easy to reach by car, using public transport or CNG services.
The Shahid Minar Minaret is located in the city center.
- Location: Located opposite Dhaka Medical College, near the Dhaka University campus.
How to get there: The hotel is located in city center & is easily accessible. It is within walking distance of Curzon Hall and other university buildings.
Husseini Dalan
- Location: In the historical part of Old Dhaka, near Nazimuddin Road.
How to get there: The most convenient way to get there is by gas-powered fuel or by bicycle rickshaw.
Bara Katra
- Location: On the north bank of the Buriganga River, south of Chavkbazar in Old Dhaka.
How to get there: It's best to take CNG to the lively Chavkbazar district, & then take a bicycle rickshaw to cover the last part of the way.
Satmasjid (mosque with seven domes)
- Location: Mohammadpur, near the Buriganga River.
How to get there: Since the mosque is located in a slightly more remote part of the city, the most convenient way to get there is to use car rental services or rent a car.
Goaldi Mosque
- Location: Sonargaon, in Narayanganj district (this is a day trip from Dhaka).
How to get there: To visit Sonargaon, it is best to rent a car for the whole day. The trip from Dhaka will take about 1-1.5 hours. This will also allow you to visit Panam Nagar and the Folk Art Museum nearby.
Museums and galleries
Bangladesh National Museum
- Location: Shahbag, near Ramna Park.
How to get there: The museum's convenient location in Shahbag makes it easy to reach it by any type of transport, including taxis, CNG and public buses.
Museum of the War of Liberation
- Location: Agargaon, Dhaka.
How to get there: The Ahsan Manzil Museum is located in a modern area with good transport links and is easily accessible by car or public transport.
Ahsan Manzil Museum
- Location: Located in the Ahsan Manzila Palace in Old Dhaka.
How to get there: Follow the same directions as to the Ahsan Manzil Palace.
Shilpakala Academy
- Location: Segunbagicha, near Ramna Park.
How to get there: This central location is easily accessible by public transport or CNG.
Bengali Fight, Batigar, Upside Down Gallery, BD
- Location: These are small independent establishments. Bengal Boi & Upside Down Gallery are located in Lalmatia, while Batighar is located in the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro building in Bangla Motor.
How to get there: The easiest way to find them is to use an amusement ride sharing service with a specific destination.
Sonargaon Folk Art Museum
- Location: Sonargaon, Narayanganj District (day trip from Dhaka).
How to get there: Rent a car for a day trip to Sonargaon. The museum is the central attraction of the historic district.
Parks, lakes and nature
Hatirjhil
- Location: A large modern lakeside project connecting several districts such as Gulshan, Tejgaon, Rampura & Badda.
How to get there: Use car-sharing services or take CNG to one of the main entry points. Then you can explore the surrounding area on foot, take a special bus service, or take a scenic water taxi ride on the lake.
Ramna Park
- Location: A large green area in the very center of the city, in Shahbag.
How to get there: Dhanmondi Lake is very easy to reach from any part of the city, using the services of a ride-sharing company or CNG.
Dhanmondi Lake
- Location: In the center of Dhanmondi residential area.
How to get there: This place is easily accessible by public transport or CNG, as it is a well-known local landmark.
Bangladesh National Botanical Garden and Bangladesh National Zoo
- Location: Both are located next to each other in Mirpur.
How to get there: Since Mirpur is located at a considerable distance from the main tourist areas such as Gulshan or Old Dhaka, it is most convenient to use car rental services or rent a car. You can easily visit both attractions in one trip.
Markets and local attractions
Sadarghat Embankment
- Location: The main river port in the southern part of Old Dhaka.
How to get there: Use CNG or ride-sharing services. Upon arrival, be prepared for heavy traffic and a busy, chaotic atmosphere. From here you can rent a boat for a guided tour of the river.
Kawran Bazaar
- Location: A large shopping district & one of the largest wholesale markets in the city.
How to get there: The hotel is located in the city center, it is easy to reach. To best experience the energy of the market, come to it very early (around 5-6 a.m.).
Dhaka Shipyards.
- Location: On the banks of the Buriganga River, near Sadarghat district.
How to get there: The best way to see the shipyards is to hire a small wooden boat in Sadarghat for an hour-long river tour.
Shahari Bazaar (Hindu Street)
- Location: A historic narrow alley in Old Dhaka.
How to get there: Use the car rental service or fill up with CNG to the beginning of the street, and then walk through its lively atmosphere.
A new market
- Location: A large, well-known shopping complex located near the Dhaka University campus.
How to get: This is a well-known landmark, & it is easily accessible by any means of transport. Be prepared for crowds, especially in the evenings.
Entertainment and recreation
Shishu Park
- Location: It is located in the Shahbag district, next to the National Museum.
How to get there: Due to its central location, it is very easy to reach.
Fantasy Kingdom
- Location: Ashulia, Savar, on the outskirts of Dhaka.
How to get there: It's best to rent a car for the day because of the distance and traffic jams. The trip from the city center can take 1-2 hours.
Jamuna Park of the Future and Bashundhara City Shopping Complex
- Location: The Park of the future Jamuna is located in the Kuril Islands, and the city of Bashundhara is in Pantapat.
How to get there: Both of them are large & well-known shopping malls. You can take a ride on public transport or CNG directly to their entrances.
Day trips and surroundings
Panam Nagar City
- Location: Sonargaon, Narayanganj district.
How to get there: The most convenient way is to rent a car for a day trip from Dhaka. This will allow you to combine visits to the Sonargaon Folk Art Museum & the Goaldi Mosque.
Jatiyo Smriti Soudho (National Martyr's Monument)
- Location: Savar, outside of Dhaka.
How to get there: Hiring a private car or using a ride-sharing service is the most practical way to travel to Savar. It can be visited along with a trip to Fantasy Kingdom, which is in the same general area.
Visit www,aimspots.com to leaarn more.
