10 Best Things To Do In Dhaka, Bangladesh - Updated 2024

Msah
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 5 min read
best things to do in dhaka

Dhaka is the capital of the country of Bangladesh and offers a host of attractions and activities for the discerning traveler. The country offers a fascinating display of Muslim architecture created by Mughal stalwarts like Shaista Khan and there are also modern developments like shopping malls and theme parks to complement the scenario of Muslim buildings beside cultural festivals to offer tourists a sense of local and Islamic culture.

With a wide range of activities to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down for you with the 10 best things to do in Dhaka here.

If you’re interested in learning more about Dhaka, check out our video featuring Kawsar, a tour guide for Dhaka, and Shayla, a travel influencer, as they discuss their favorite travel tips!


Tip from tour guide

Dhaka City Dhaka City Dhaka City

Also explore the rural areas about two hours from Dhaka. Take in views of lush rice paddies or ride a small boat through the calm waters.

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From transportation tips to medical essentials and everything in between, the Dhaka local guides share all the must-know information to help you plan your trip.

1. Aparajeyo Bangla

Faculty of Arts Area with Sculpture Aparajeyo Bangla - University of Dhaka - Dhaka 2015-05-31 2372-2391
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Biswarup Ganguly used under CC BY 3.0

Bangladesh was formerly a part of Pakistan and known as East Pakistan and got independence from the country to assert its own nationhood, language and identity. The Aparajeyo Bangla is a sculpture located on the campus of the popular Dhaka University that commemorates the liberation war of Bangladesh from Pakistan in 1971 and is an ideal tourist attraction for visitors interested in the history and wars of the country. The name means Unvanquished Bengal or that Bengal or Bangladesh cannot be defeated and conquered. The sculpture also offers an idea of the fine art of the country and a documentary film was shot based on this theme.

Aparajeyo Bangla

Address: Dhaka University, Nilkhet Rd, 1000 Dhaka, Dhaka District

Tip from tour guide

If you're interested in attending events, the city of Dhaka is always celebrating something, whether it’s Valentine’s Day or Pohela Boishakh. There are lots of concerts, programs, and more conducted on Dhaka University's campus. 

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2. Basundhara Mall

Bashundhara city
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ragib used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The mall shopping culture has come to third world countries like India and Thailand and Bangladesh being a close neighbor is no exception. Basundhara Mall is the largest shopping center in South Asia and offers a modern and vibrant shopping experience in a bid to spice up third world country urban environments. As typical of shopping malls, the Basundhara Mall also contains a CinePlex to showcase films from around the world and even the name of the shopping mall means something like the globe or the planet. Food outlets are also available along with stores selling a variety of items like electronics and paraphernalia all under one roof.

Basundhara Mall

Address: Bashundhara City Shopping Complex, 1215 Dhaka, Bangladesh

Website: Basundhara Mall

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3. Shishu Park

Croud-BD
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Talat 99 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This is a park for children located in the Shahbag area of Dhaka. It is the first amusement park for children in the country, like shopping malls for adults. The park is maintained by the Bangladesh tourism agency and offers entertainment for children. There are various rides available, typical of amusement parks, like merry go rounds and wheel train and wheel rides. The park does get a lot of visitors, particularly during the Eid celebrations, and the government plans to revamp the park to make it more attractive and user-friendly. The Bangladesh Air Force has also contributed a fighter jet to the park and the park is considered a profit making venture.

Shishu Park

Address: 1000, Shahbag Foot Over Bridge, Dhaka

Facebook: Shishu Park

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4. Sonargaon

Sonargaon (149)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Nasir Khan Saikat used under CC BY-SA 3.0

This is a ruined area near Dhaka and gives an idea of the Islamic culture and Islamic heritage of the country. Literally meaning the City or Village of Gold, the area offers travelers the chance to experience countryside near Dhaka and archaeology and adventure. There are mosques and also ruined gorgeous mansions like Raj baris or palatial buildings of rich rulers and owners. There is also a pond around the small village and an interesting museum of local folk art. The scattering of ruins and villages make this an ideal experience for ruin tourism similar to ancient forts and palaces in India.

Sonargaon

Website: Sonargaon

Tip from tour guide

Panam City Folk Art and Craft Museum Panam City Panam City Goaldi Mosque Goaldi Mosque
Sonargaon boasts Banglar Tajmahal, a scaled copy of the original Taj Mahal (a Mughal mausoleum located in Agra, India). It is one of the oldest capitals of Bengal, with magnificent ancient buildings and monuments, and home to a museum that captures and preserves the traditions and culture of the people of Bangladesh. The Folk Art Museum, or Folk Art and Crafts Museum is located on a picturesque 50-hectare (123.4-acre) piece of land featuring breathtaking landscapes, peaceful artificial lakes and ponds, and of course the structures that make up the Folk Art Museum complex. Note that the museum is closed on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Government holidays. You can also explore Panam City (Panam Nagar) to see the beautifully decorated buildings constructed around the end of the 18th century, and the Goaldi Mosque, which was built in 1519. Panam City was an ancient city, the archaeological ruins of which remain at Sonargaon. It is one of the earliest cities in Bangladesh that is still standing. The historic city includes several Mughal monuments— such as the Sonakanda River Fort, the Panch Pir Mazar Shrine, and Ibrahim's and Abdul Hamid's Mosque. British colonial architecture preserved in Sonargaon includes the Ananda Mohan Piddar House and other street-front houses. For travelers making their way along the 2,500 km long (1,600 mi) Grand Trunk Road from Peshawar in the Hindu Kush, Sonargaon marked the end of the line. If you wish to explore further, board a wooden boat (with an engine) to join the cruises on the Meghna River and check out the remote island villages of the widest river in Bangladesh.
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Dhaka Tour Guide

kawsar ahmed milon

Kawsar Ahmed Milon

I was a student of University of Dhaka. I was from the department of International Relations and also completed my post-graduation in Tourism and Hotel management. I have already guided more than 65 tourists from different countries. I am born and brought up in Dhaka. So I am familiar with this city since my birth. And I myself is a traveler and love to explore places. Though I haven't got that... Read more

Tours by Kawsar ahmed

5. Lalbagh Fort

Lalbagh Kella (Lalbagh Fort) AR 02327
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Arayhan2010 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The fort is a specimen of the Mughal or Muslim culture of the country, quite atmospheric with gardens, and offers peace and tranquility to escape the traffic and bustle of Dhaka city. The fort was constructed by the son of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and later by Shaista Khan and the fort even contains a mausoleum for the daughter of the architect called Pari Bibi. The fort also contains an auditorium and mosque beside a museum of Mughal era miniature paintings, coins, carpets and calligraphy. Besides swords and firearms, the fort also contains a bathhouse and bathing tank typical of Queen Baths in foreign countries.

Lalbagh Fort

Address: Lalbagh Rd, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Website: Lalbagh Fort

Tip from tour guide

Lalbagh Fort is one of the key tourist attractions of Dhaka City. This is an unfinished Mughal fort from the 17th century, the construction of which was started by a Mughal prince who was the governor of Dhaka at that time. But after he left, the construction was not finished by the next governor in charge because of a family tragedy. Nevertheless, the fort's massive size and the structures inside bring many local tourists to the fort every day. Located in the Lalbagh area in Old Dhaka and also known as Fort Aurangabad, it is the most popular and renowned fort and a great art signature of the Mughal Empire in Bangladesh. It is situated by the bank of the river Buriganga in rich red soil. For anyone visiting Bangladesh, Lalbagh Fort is one of the must-visit attractions. If you want to see the true face of Bangladesh, you must also check out the other attractions in Old Dhaka such as Dhaka University, Star Mosque, Armenian Church, Shankhari Bazar, and Ahsan Manzil Museum. Visit the shipyard in Dhaka too. One of my guests, who was from the UK, was surprised by the shipyard because it takes people back in time to 100 years ago in the UK.

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6. Liberation War Museum

Bangladesh Liberation War Museum
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user tayloranddayumi used under CC BY 2.0

The museum commemorates the liberation war of Bangladesh and independence of the country from Pakistan and can be quite graphic with skulls and bones typical of the war museum in Cambodia about ethnic genocide. Cultural events are also held at the museum beside the presence of a tea stall and book shop for the liberation history of the country. There are artifacts and exhibits and even contributions from foreign countries like Japan and America for preservation and upkeep of historical museums and share the cultural and political heritage of the country. The liberation war museum asserts the identity of Bangladesh as a unique Muslim country and not a part of Pakistan as East Pakistan.

Liberation War Museum

Address: 5 Segun Bagicha, 1000 Dhaka City, Dhaka

Website: Liberation War Museum

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7. Pink Palace

Ahsan Manjl Pink Palace Old Dhaka Bangladesh - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Hiroki Ogawa used under CC BY 3.0

This is an architectural wonder in the city of Dhaka and gives an idea of the lifestyle of the Nawabs or Muslim rulers of the city and country. The official residence of the Nawabs of the country, the palace was destroyed by a tornado but has been restored and is now a museum displaying photos, portraits and Islamic history of the country. British ruler Lord Curzon is also said to have stayed at the palace that occurs on the site of a former French factory. The palace has been constructed in the revivalist mode of architecture and is painted pink and designated as a national museum and popular tourist attraction of Dhaka city.

Pink Palace

Address: 2/3 Islampur Rd, Dhaka, Bangladesh

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8. Dhaka International Folk Fest

Bangladesh dotara
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Danielle G. used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Bangladesh is not just history and ruins, they also have a rich and vibrant culture as denoted by the popular folk music festival that occurs in the city along with other cultural festivals like the literature festival and the Bengal classical music festival. Folk music is a big tradition of Bengal region and prominent among the folk music here is the mystic music of the Bauls who derive their culture from the Sufi and liberated tradition and also popular among Hindu groups like in West Bengal. The folk music festival features not only artists from the country but also from the subcontinent like Baul singers Paban Das Baul and Parvathy Baul from West Bengal and Abida Parveen, singer of Sufi music from Pakistan.

Dhaka International Folk Fest

Website: Dhaka International Folk Fest

Tip from tour guide

If you'd like to see more cultural events apart from Dhaka International Folk Fest, you can find a lot of them at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. I think very soon, Dhaka will be famous for its cultural events. If you visit in the evening, you can always catch events at Dhaka University.

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9. Dhakeshwari Temple

Dhakeshwari Mandir by Nahid 02
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Nahid.rajbd used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This temple for Hindu Goddess Dhakeshwari or Durga popular for the Durga Puja in West Bengal has been declared a national monument in the country. The temple has assumed significance in the country after the destruction of a similar Kali temple in the city by the Pakistan army and now holds sociocultural activities like the popular Durga Puja of West Bengal.

Dhakeshwari Temple

Address: Dhakeshwari Road, 1211 Dhaka, Bangladesh

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10. Sat Gumbad Mosque

Sat Gumbad Mosque - Dhaka
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user View more used under CC BY 2.0

This is the finest specimen of Islamic culture and religion of the country and has been constructed by Mughal architect Shaista Khan with seven large round domes and is a wonderful and peaceful setting and a popular tourist attraction of Dhaka.

Sat Gumbad Mosque

Address: Bagerhat-Khulna Rd, 9300 Bagerhat

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Dhaka is not just about Islamic culture

Dhaka offers not just ruins and palaces, but there are also cultural activities like festivals and parks. It comes across as a more liberal Muslim city with strong foreign style music culture like the music of rock icon James and one can even attend his concerts here or abroad. There is also a park and shopping mall culture like in India where people hang out in parks and malls and one can also take part in these activities for a local experience.

Tip from tour guide

Lively Old Dhaka

 Lively Old Dhaka is known for historic buildings like the Mughal-era Lalbagh Fort, set amid green lawns, and Dhakeshwari Mandir, a 12th-century Hindu temple. Period furnishings are on display at the Ahsan Manzil Museum, a vast palace with a pink facade. Street vendors sell breads and sweets, while Shankhari Bazar is a popular spot to find bangles, spices, and textiles. River boat trips depart from the Sadarghat area.

If you're a solo woman traveler, you can explore all of Dhaka city by yourself. But be careful outside the city, such as in the Hill Tract area. Within the city, you can use Google Maps or ask the locals to guide you.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Msah is a writer from Calcutta, India and interested in exploring untrodden destinations and areas with an interest in activities, art and culture and nature space.

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1 Comments
Faisal .over 5 years ago

Hi Msah!

Hi Msah!
Nice Post on Dhaka and Bangladesh! You visited some of the well-known tourist spots in Dhaka. Let me add more other interesting places of Dhaka. Inside Dhaka University premises there are Doel Square, Shadhinota Shongram Statue Square, TSC Square, Curzon Hall, and Central Sahid Miner. In Old Dhaka there is famous street known as Chak bazar is famous for selling wholesale goods to street vendors, there is another place known as Babu Bazar bridge and Stunning Sadarghat for lot to see.There is a beautiful ornate desing mosque known as Star Mosque and an Armenian church near Babu bazar bridge you could visit.

Interested readers can find here a list of the 11 must visiting tourist attractions in Dhaka first time visitors should not miss: [link removed]

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