Dhaka Sightseeing Guide: Mughal Forts to Mosques
Travel advisory, checked October 2026. British FCDO advice is against all but essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts (Rangamati, Khagrachari, Bandarban), and the US government warns against travel there too. UK advice calls terrorist attacks very likely and says hartals and demonstrations can become violent quickly. Avoid them and remain indoors during strikes. Motorbike bag snatching has increased since 2024. Check the UK FCDO page and the US advisory before you book.
Where to look first
Dhaka’s historic sights fall into two zones. In the south, Old Dhaka sits on the Buriganga River and holds a Mughal fort, a Nawab palace and old mosques. To the north, the Dhaka University area has colonial-era buildings and a language-movement memorial. The roads between them are slow, so go early and use Metro Line 6 (20 to 100 BDT a ride) to reach Shahbagh and Dhaka University.
Lalbagh Fort
Construction began in 1678 and the fort remains one of the best Mughal monuments in the city. Inside are the Tomb of Pari Bibi, a three-domed mosque and the Diwan-i-Aam hall with a small museum. A foreign ticket costs 200 BDT, cash at the booth. Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 to 17:00 with a lunch break, Monday 14:00 to 17:00 only, Sunday closed.
Ahsan Manzil
Built in 1872 beside the river for the Nawabs of Dhaka, this pink palace has a large dome and steps down to the water. Foreigners pay 500 BDT. The palace opens Saturday to Wednesday 10:30 to 16:30 and Friday 15:00 to 19:00. Thursday is closed.
Curzon Hall
Dhaka University’s Curzon Hall, finished in 1904, is a red-brick building with arches and small domes. You can walk around the grounds without paying. Get off at Dhaka University Metro station.
Tara Masjid
Armanitola’s Star Mosque is covered in blue star patterns formed from pieces of imported china, added in 1926. The origin of the building itself is disputed between 1711 and a later date, so do not rely on a single age. Entry is free outside prayer. Take off shoes and cover shoulders and knees.
Dhakeshwari Temple and Baitul Mukarram
The Dhakeshwari National Temple is the country’s national Hindu temple. Its earliest records date from the 12th century, though the buildings are far more recent. Baitul Mukarram, the national mosque, was built in 1968 and has a cube-like modern design. At both, dress modestly, ask before taking photographs of worshippers, and visit outside prayer and festival crowds.
Central Shaheed Minar
This monument at Dhaka University honours the students killed on 21 February 1952 in the Bengali language movement. Visitors take off their shoes before stepping onto the platform. It is a solemn place for quiet respect, and 21 February brings huge crowds.
Tips
Foreign ticket prices are higher than local ones at most sites, and the online systems add a 4% fee. Rickshaws are unmetered, so set the price before getting in. After dark, use Uber or Pathao instead of hailing a street CNG. Winter air quality is often among the worst of any city, so consider a mask from November to February.
Hiring a guide
To compare guided city tours, browse GetYourGuide .
Read more on this site: the museum and attraction guide , then the walking routes .