Things to do in  Dhaka

Dhaka’s Star Mosque (Tara Masjid in Bangla) is a beautiful early-19th-century mosque in the Old Dhaka neighborhood. As its name suggests, it’s adorned with ornate star mosaics. It’s an active site of worship but also a popular tourist attraction and a place of calm within the teeming city beyond its walls.

Built in the Indo-Saracenic style, which merges South Asian, Gothic, and Mughal architectural elements, the Ashan Manzil (Pink Palace) is one of Dhaka's most standout buildings. This 19th-century structure is fabulous to view from the outside, but it's worth heading inside to check out the royal ephemera showcased in some of its 23 rooms.

Built in the 12th century under the rule of King Ballal Sen, Dhakeshwari Temple is the city's best-known Hindu temple and is considered the country’s “national temple.” It houses an idol of the goddess Dhakeshwari, a form of the goddess Durga and Dhaka’s main Hindu deity.

Built in the 17th century, when Dhaka was part of the Mughal Empire, Lalbagh Fort (Fort Aurangabad) remains one of the city's top attractions. Many visitors come to see its perfectly symmetrical gardens or explore its interiors, parts of which have been converted into a history museum.

The Bangladeshi capital’s Armenian Church has stood since 1781, and it's one of Dhaka’s most historically significant religious landmarks. Reflective of the once-thriving Armenian community that relocated to the city in the 17th and 18th centuries, it offers a window into the city’s past, as well as a tranquil place to unwind.

Sadarghat is Dhaka’s port on the River Buriganga and one of the busiest river ports in the world. Hundreds of small and large vessels use the port daily, and tens of thousands of people pass through. Here, travelers can experience local Bangladeshi life in all its glory. Sadarghat is busy, chaotic, noisy, and very colorful.

In a city better known for its mosques and Mughal-era architecture, Dhaka’s National Parliament House (Jatiya Sangshad) is a masterpiece of contemporary architecture. Designed by American architect Louis Kahn, the governmental building makes unusual and interesting use of concrete and marble side-by-side. It’s a must-visit attraction in Dhaka and a fixture on many tour itineraries.

Historic Sonargaon contains some of the oldest buildings in Bangladesh and is a beautiful and atmospheric place to visit. Sonargaon was the ancient capital of Bengal, a historic kingdom now divided between India and Bangladesh. It was also home to Hindu merchants who fled in the mid-20th century. Archaeological sites, historic buildings, and cultural museums are spread around the city.