Best places to visit in Dhaka
Dhaka is the capital of the 94 ranked largest country in the world. A small capital of a small country which land area is 94 square kilometer but it is a home 10–12 million people. These amount of resident make capital is one of the busiest and most populous capitals in the world. Dhaka seems like always running and no space for anything else. And for travel destinations, Dhaka is far behind but there are some places that people fond of. Those locations unquestionably become the best places to visit in Dhaka and every visitors should visit.
1. Lalbhag Fort
Lalbhag Fort is an incomplete fort which is completely amaze people. The incomplete work from the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s son now fascinate Dhaka’s people as an attractive structure. This attractive incomplete fort is set beside the bank of the river Buriganga. Lalbhag Fort has three major structures (the mosque, the tomb, and the Diwan-i-Aam). You can guess it now this incomplete fort has a rich history of Mughals. Who ever fond of history, this fort is mandatory for them to visit. Even structure like the fort don’t need any reason to visit, they carry the glance of past.
2. Ahsan Manzil
Another finest structure of the Mughals period which is also used as residence of Dhaka’s Nawab is located just beside the river Buriganga in the Kumartoli area and close to Lalbhag Fort. It is a two-storied palace also known as pink palace of Dhaka and presently this palace is utilized as a museum. But before that, it was the staying place of Dhaka’s Nawabs. Before that, the palace holds a big history of Mugal, how it became an Ahsan Manzil from just a garden house of Mughal Zamindar Sheikh Enayetullah. Just because this property stands beside the river, French traders buy it from the Mughals. But later Mughals buy it again. And today’s Dhaka started from here. How many things have happened around this one building, can be thought. Keep thinking but it would be more lovely if you come here and explore it.
3. Sadarghat River Port
The largest port in the capital. It is always crowded and busy but recently it slowly loss its crowed and busyness because of Padama Bridge. But still it is crowded and busy enough to allow tourist to Observe the vibrant activities on water in Dhaka. If you a photographer than this port can be a fine place to sharp your skills over vibrant activities.
Reminder: The river water is very polluted and its smell really bad. Not Ideal location for travel exploration but ideal to observe the vibrant activities side of my nation.
4. Gulshan
The luxurious and modern site of Dhaka, Gulshan is essentially the new Dhaka that has sprung up. The wealthiest people in Dhaka most likely reside in this region, which guarantees everything for a modern lifestyle and has a high standard of living. Unlike other areas of Dhaka, it has high-rise modern infrastructures, luxury residences, five star hotels, rooftop restuarents & bars, high-end amenities, good road with less traffic, and secure soothing surrounding. Because of high standard, it become home of numerous multinational corporations, banks, business centers, and diplomatic zone; hosts many embassies and high commissions, including those of the United States, United Kingdom, India, and others.
5. Hatirjheel
Hatirjheel is located at the center of capital and a very familiar place to the people especially for tranquility. A huge lake area which is covered with green and aesthetic setting around it surely can bring soothingness in one mind. It also provide space to freely roam a little bit. That is what city people need to recharge themselves. Back in 2009, Hatirjheel was just a slum area but now Hatirjheel is one of the most aesthetic sides in Dhaka. Back then this area was restructured to reduce traffic jams in Dhaka. Basically, it is a water body over which many bridges are made to reduce the traffic jams in Dhaka. But the reconstruction work turned out to be a great work of a master, Who made this area way more beautiful than ever before. In today’s time, you can also enjoy scenic boat riding there.
6. Bangladesh National Museum
The largest museum in the country, which is used for the collection, preservation, exhibition and research of historical, archaeological, artistic and natural history related exhibits of the country. I can’t think of a better place in Dhaka to learn about the history, tradition and culture of the Bengali nation. This museum was built long before Bangladesh became independent.
7. Liberation War Museum
Bangladesh got independence in 1971 through nine month bloody war where over 30 lakh Patriotic sacrifice their life. The passion, pain, courage, struggle, fighting sprit, patriotism, artifacts, photographs, documents and everything are keeping in the Liberation War Museum to let the every generation know how Bangladesh rose up and how bad a war can be. So, every people of my country should have visit the museum at least one time. And for the foreigners, it is the best place to visit in Dhaka to let their curiosity satisfied about the Liberation war.
8. National Parliament House
Parliament houses are such buildings that represent the political strength of nation. House like Parliament house around the world are also famous as modern fine architectures. Architect enthusiasts are always fascinated by those buildings. The parliament house of Bangladesh also known as Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban also not fail to fascinate enthusiasts as an modern architecture. Even it is the last major work of a architect legend the world ever has. And the legend is American architect Louis Kahn, he worked on the parliament house of Bangladesh design until his death. His name is enough to make that structure is one of the best places to visit in Dhaka.
9. Bangladesh National Zoo
As a national zoo of Bangladesh, it quite huge and representing 191 species of native and foreign wild animals. As a zoology student, I want the zoo to have a little bit more species for tourists. In the past, because of our greedy nature we force many species to vanished from our land. The zoo should have shown those species and make aware people that wild animals are wealth of country. Its a wish of mine but over all the zoo is one of the best places to visit in Dhaka.
10. National Botanical Garden
It is located just beside the National zoo of Bangladesh. There is no better place in Dhaka to satisfy your desire to see a green forest amidst the hustle and bustle of Dhaka. Over 1,000 different plant species set the garden to please and education purpose.
11. Baitul Mukarram Mosque
The capital of my nation is often called the city of mosques, probably there is at least one mosque in almost every street of capital. Mosques are believed the house of Allah, Muslims pray in mosques 5 times a day to get the pleasure of Allah. Therefore, mosques are built in a very beautiful way. Among all of the mosque of Dhaka, Baitul Mukarram Mosque is the most signature one for being the largest and the national mosque of Bangladesh. For prayers, it can upto hold 40000 muslims at a time and built structure is different from other mosque.
12. Dhakeshwari National Temple
Dhakeshawi temple is the most iconic temple in Dhaka for Hindu people as it is the biggest Hindu religious temple in the whole Bangladesh. The temple is regarded as the nation’s focal point for Hindu worship as a result. This temple also significant in historical interest, it is believed that this temple have been located here from 12th century. Though the original structure can’t make it to the entirety, the current complex you see here is the result of multiple times renovated and expanded. It’s historical and religious importance make it one of the best places to visit in Dhaka to enhance your exploration.
13. Armenian Church
A reminder of how affluent the capital was in the past is the Armenian Church, which was constructed in 1781 when Armenians arrived to conduct business here. The church is situated in a neighborhood called Armanitola, which literally translates to “the region of Armenian” for Armenians. Back then the Church work as religious and social center but now it means more like a tourist interest, beautiful example of colonial ecclesiastical architecture, Cemetery and Memorials. Oh, I really forgot to tell you that there is a graveyard along the church complex where more than 200 tombstones of Armenians who lived in Dhaka. I think this summary of Armenian Church is enough to make you curious over it.
14. Ramna Park
Ramna Park is the peaceful location in the Shahbagh area of Dhaka which is known for its cultural, educational, and political importance. If you want to spend there some time in lush green nature, away from the hustle and bustle of Dhaka, Ramna Park is a good stoppage. There is a scenic lake that has walkable path in both shore. That path is very photogenic.
15. Mawa ghat
Mawa ghat is’t part of the capital but you can consider, as people of Dhaka loved to go there. Loved to go there not for a travel destination but to eat Hilsa fish. Hilsha also known as Ilish is the nationa fish and terms of taste, it is one of the best fish in the world. And Banladeshi Hilsha has a good reputation all over the world. Here in mawa, people enjoy the fish as they wish. At evey the night, Mawa ghat is become busy to handleling visitors for that.
16. Panam Nagar
Just like Mawa Ghat, it is not located in the capital but located very close by. It is an archeology interest place. Not a place at all it’s a whole damn city which is standing here and witness many thing over centuries. Once this city plays an important role in buisness in East Asia, now become a ghost city of Bangladesh. It’s a must visit spot in Bangladesh and can be visit along with Dhaka trip.
Dhaka offer more places that you also can consider to explore in Dhaka trip:
1. Tara mosque
2. Khan Mohammad Masjid
3. Shaheed Minar
4. curzon hall
5. Shankhari Bazaar
6. Jamuna Future Park
7. Shaheed Minar
8. Dhanmondi lake
9. Baldha Garden
10. Bangabandhu Memorial Museum
11. Bangladesh Military Museum
12. Bangladesh Air Force Museum
13. Bangladesh National Martyrs Memorial
14. National Museum of Science And Technology
15. Bangladesh Shilpokola academy
For first time visitors
As a first time visitor, you should consider some of my advice to make your whole trip smooth.
1. Majority people of Dhaka are muslims, so my friend always try to dress modestly. It will be nice gesture of you and appreciation to our religion. Isn’t traveling means to adapt new things?
2. There are always you will find two type of people; good & bad, no matter where are you go. The same story goes with Dhaka and the dense populated crowed add more challenge. So, my friends always be careful and take good care of your belonging in the crowed. Normally Dhaka’s people love to host travelers and visitors but for a few bad people we sometimes fail.
3. Except winter, Dhaka’s weather is always hot and humid. Therefore, Dhaka’s weather is always a big challenge for travel. So my friend be prepared for that.
4. Sharp you bargain skill, it will be very useful in the streets of capital.
Frequently asked questions
1. Are you live in Dhaka?
Yes, since my birth I am living here.
2. What’s your best place in here?
I don’t know because I visit these places countless times but I really fond of Lal Bhag fort.
3. Best foods in Dhaka?
Fuchka, chotpoti, momo, Jhalmuri, Pitha, Halim, Sheekh Kebab with Luchi are quite famous foods in the streets of Dhaka. You should try biriani, khachi, morog polao, shorshe ilish, plain rice with ilish tail bhorta.
4. Best transportation?
The greatest way to get around the capital is via rickshaw, they are small, comfortable, and tradition. As well as they are one of the main reasons of heavy traffic.
5. Is Dhaka safe at night?
As a capital city of Nation, it should be safe at night. But the harsh reality is opposite, Dhaka is not safe for night exploration.
There is no point in finding happiness by struggling, happiness does not reside within yourself. And if you want to find happiness, take care of the people, animals and environment around you.