Dhaka Sightseeing: Forts, Palaces, Mosques
Travel advisory, as of October 2026. The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts (Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban), and the US warns against travel there. The UK describes terrorist attacks as very likely, and says hartals (strikes) and demonstrations can turn violent quickly, so avoid them and stay in on strike days. Bag snatching from motorbikes and CNG auto-rickshaws has risen since 2024. Read the FCDO advice and travel.state.gov before booking.
Dhaka’s main sights
The sights cluster in two areas: Old Dhaka on the Buriganga in the south, and the university quarter around Shahbagh. Start early, because roads are slowest from 08:00 to 11:00 and again from 17:00 to 21:00. Foreigners pay higher ticket prices than locals at the main sites, and online tickets add a 4% service charge.
Lalbagh Fort
Begun in 1678, Lalbagh Fort is the best-known Mughal building in Dhaka. The Tomb of Pari Bibi has white marble and tilework, the mosque has three domes, and the Diwan-i-Aam holds a small museum. Foreign entry is 200 BDT, paid in cash. It is open Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 to 17:00 with a short lunch break, on Monday only from 14:00 to 17:00, and it is closed on Sunday.
Ahsan Manzil
The Pink Palace beside the river was built in 1872 for the Nawab of Dhaka. Its large dome and riverside steps are the most photographed in the city, and inside are period rooms and photographs. Foreign entry is 500 BDT. It is open Saturday to Wednesday 10:30 to 16:30, on Friday from 15:00 to 19:00, and closed on Thursday.
Curzon Hall
This red-brick building at Dhaka University dates from 1904 and mixes European and Mughal arches and domes. The grounds are open and free to walk past. Metro Dhaka University station is the nearest stop.
Tara Masjid
The Star Mosque in Armanitola is known for its white walls covered in blue star patterns made from broken china tiles. The tiles belong to a renovation in 1926, and the original date of the building is debated. It is free to see from outside, but remove shoes to enter, dress modestly and avoid prayer times.
Dhakeshwari National Temple
The national Hindu temple has structures that are much later than its earliest references, which go back to the 12th century. It is free to visit. Be quiet and ask before photographing worshippers.
Baitul Mukarram
The national mosque, built in 1968, has a cube-shaped modern profile. Non-worshippers should dress modestly and avoid prayer times.
Shaheed Minar
The Central Shaheed Minar commemorates the students killed on 21 February 1952 while defending the Bengali language, a date now marked as International Mother Language Day. Remove your shoes before stepping onto the platform. It is a solemn place, so visit in a quiet, respectful way.
Getting around
Metro Line 6 runs from Uttara North to Motijheel. A single journey costs from 20 BDT up to 100 BDT, and stations at Shahbagh and Dhaka University save a lot of time. In Old Dhaka, use rickshaws for short hops and agree the fare before getting on, since there are no working meters. Ride-hailing with a checked driver and plate is safer at night.
Guides
A local guide helps with tickets and the lanes. Compare tours at Viator .
Read more: Dhaka attraction tours and Dhaka walking tours .