Are you going to South Asia and more particularly to Bangladesh? Here is our list of essential things to do to visit Dhaka!
Capital, largest city and economic, cultural and political center of Bangladesh, Dacca is one of the 15 largest cities of the world (13th row), vast agglomeration sheltering 17 million people. Bangladesh, one of the countries with the highest population density in the world, has 160 million inhabitants on a territory equivalent to a quarter of mainland France (143,998 km²). And it is a country often shunned by tourists, who favor India , Myanmar and Thailand .
Founded in the 10th century and capital of Bengal from 1608 to 1704, Dacca covers 306.38 km² (3 times the size of Paris), and has been the country's capital since the secession from East Pakistan in 1971. The city is located on the left bank of the Buriganga River, an arm of the Dhaleswari River.
You don't know what to do in Dhaka? The city is full of activities to do and must-see sites to visit Dhaka. Here is our non-exhaustive list of things to see in Dhaka.
1. The bazaars of the old town
Often described as chaotic and overcrowded, the city of Dacca is a giant anthill in the open air: walking in the streets of the historic center allows you to take the measure: traffic jams of rikshaws and tuk-tuks, it traffics even on foot because there are people absolutely everywhere. If you are agoraphobic, don't go to Dhaka. In the old town, bazaars are a must: you will find a "happy brothel" where small stalls of clothing, jewelry, fruit and vegetable stalls, bracelets and other colorful souvenirs are mixed.
2. The fort of Lalbagh
The fort of Lalbagh is a Mughal fort dating from the 17th century (1678) and located in the old town. Built under the impulse of Prince Muhammad Aza, it was never finished. Fort Lalbagh is surrounded by an area of 7 hectares, with a mosque, the mausoleum of Para Bibi and the remains of an old wall. Archaeologists have discovered on the site 26 or 27 ruins of buildings that used to supply water to gardens and fountains. The fort also served as a prison.
3. Le zoo national du Bangladesh
What to do in Dhaka? The city is often shunned by travelers, who deplore a small amount of things to do in Dhaka. However, here is a must to do to visit Dacca: the national zoo of Bangladesh . Located in Mirpur (an area of Dhaka), the zoo is home to many endemic and non-native animals, with a total of 2,150 animals from 134 different species. You can see cheetahs, rhinos, black bears, various monkeys, Bengal tigers, crocodiles, snakes, countless birds, etc. Founded in 1974, this 75 hectare zoo attracts over 10,000 visitors a day and nearly 4 million people a year.
Also Read: 10 Vacation Destinations to Visit in Bangladesh
4. The National Museum of Bangladesh
Do a museum to visit Dhaka? If there was only one to do, we would retain the national museum : open to the public in 1913, it houses exhibitions dedicated to history, world civilizations, archeology, ethnology, contemporary and classical arts. Many Hindu and Buddhist sculptures in stone and wood, metal or gold can be seen in 44 rooms. The museum exhibits works and objects ranging from Prehistory to modern art. Discover, among other things, the works of Zainul Abedin , which represent and commemorate the misery and famine that hit Bangladesh after its independence.
5. Le Palais Ahsan Manzil
Nicknamed the “Pink Palace” for the color of its walls, Ahsan Manzil was the residential palace of a wealthy Nawab family from Dhaka. Built between 1859 and 1872 on the banks of the Buriganga river, it is today a national museum. You no longer know what to do in Dhaka? Go through this palace, which is one of the city's must-sees.
6. Dhakeshwari Temple
Do you want to visit Dhaka and its historical treasures? The Dhakeshwari Temple is a Hindu building built in the 12th century. State-owned, it is the most important Hindu center in the country since the destruction, in 1971, of the Ramna Kali Mandir temple.
7. Bangladeshi cuisine
How to come visit Dacca without tasting its culinary charms? It is often said that food in Asia is delicious: it is not just a myth. The Bengali dishes are fine, tasty and inexpensive: don't miss the unmissable “ tehari dhakai yathirai ”, a spicy dish made with rice and beef. Also taste the curries! The dishes include multiple spices, eggs, potatoes, tomatoes and eggplant. Dal - a lentil-like legume - is the second most consumed food after rice in Bangladesh! The main dishes are pabda (stromateidae), rui (rohu), pangash (catfish pangas), chitol (fish knife ocellated), magur (frog catfish), bhetki (barramundi) and tilapia.
8. The Armenian Church of Dhaka
You don't know what to do after breaking your stomach in restaurants and bazaars? Visit the Armenian church , classified as a national heritage of Bangladesh! Of orthodox Christian obedience, it is located in the district of Armanitola, in the old city. Built in 1781, the building demonstrates the strong Armenian presence in the region between the 17th and 18th centuries. The Armenian community having fled the city, the church is today less a place of worship than a museum.
9. Hussaini Road
Originally built in the 17th century under the Mughal empire, the Hussaini Dalan was the home of the imam of the Shiite community of Dhaka: it was the place where the majlis (sort of legislative assembly) and musharram gatherings took place (first month of the Muslim calendar, one of the four sacred months of Islam). Damaged by the earthquake of 1897, the building was renovated and is today topped with a flat roof, dominating a mixture of Mongolian and British architecture. At night, the lights of Dacca illuminate the façades and draw its shadow in the adjoining body of water.
10. Ramna Park
Just east of the University of Dhaka, is a green setting with its namesake lake where you may want to go to relax and escape the constant bustle of the city center: Ramna Park , with Shikha Chirantony , the monument on which the eternal flame flutters, and which symbolizes the immortality of the Bangladeshi nation. Several thousand people go there every day. So, to find a deserted place, we will pass! However, you can go for a stroll there early in the morning or at the end of the afternoon and take a stroll amidst various species of trees, it will always be better than taking in the oil from the great boulevards!
How to get to Dhaka?
How to come to visit Dacca? Dhaka Airport is located 17 kilometers from the city, but there is no direct flight between Bangladesh and France: you will therefore have to make a stopover in the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, India or Singapore. . Please note that the security checks in Dhaka are very strict. Whatever your departure city, think about taking a look at our partner's siteSkyscanner which will allow you to get a flight at the best price.
Where to stay in Dhaka
Ramna, Banani, Old Dacca or Babu Bazaar are ideas for neighborhoods where to stay in Dacca . Ramna is a rather populated area of expatriates, very popular and therefore quite expensive. Banani is an upscale neighborhood while Babu Bazaar, more popular, allows you to immerse yourself in Bangladeshi society and sleep in Dhaka like the locals. Of the hotel offer listed on thisCompare hotels from couch-surfing to rental platforms, Dhaka has a wide spectrum in terms of accommodation: all you have to do is choose according to your budget!