Dhaka Walking Routes: Old Town and Campus
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 do not walk on strike days. Street crime has risen since 2024, including bag snatching by motorbike. Read the FCDO advice and travel.state.gov before booking.
Walking in Dhaka
Dhaka is not an easy walking city. Pavements are broken or blocked by stalls, traffic is constant, and crossing a main road takes patience. Walking works in small, defined areas, so pick one area and cover it on foot, then take a rickshaw or the Metro between areas. Go in the morning, carry little, keep your phone away from the road edge and carry small notes for rickshaw fares.
Old Dhaka lanes
Old Dhaka’s best walking is in the lanes around Shankhari Bazaar, Tantibazar and Nazira Bazaar. Shankhari Bazaar is a narrow street of brick shophouses where Hindu artisans cut and carve conch-shell bangles by hand. Shops sell incense, garlands and small shrines. Ask before taking photos of people at work. Allow an hour and expect to step aside for rickshaws.
Chawkbazar
Chawkbazar is a dense market of spices, dried chilies, perfume oils (ittar) and brass. Chawkbazar Shahi Mosque, dating from 1676, is at the end of the market. Go in the morning, when the lanes are busy but not at their worst, and keep bags in front of you.
Armanitola and Tara Masjid
The Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection (1781) has a quiet churchyard with old gravestones, and the caretaker opens the gate when you ring the bell. Entry is free. Close by, the Tara Masjid is covered in blue star patterns made from china tiles added in a 1926 renovation. Remove shoes at the mosque, dress modestly and avoid prayer times.
A food walk
A short route through Nazira Bazaar can end at Haji Biryani, founded in 1939, for mutton kacchi biryani. The main branch is on Kazi Alauddin Road, and fake “Hajir Biriyani” lookalikes exist, so read the signboard. Nanna Biryani is another well-known biryani place. A plate of biryani generally costs a few hundred taka. Eat freshly cooked, hot food, drink only sealed bottled water and avoid raw salads and street drinks, since stomach infections are common. After the 2024 fire at an upper-floor Bailey Road restaurant that killed 46 people, choose ground-level places with clear exits.
Dhaka University campus walk
The campus is one of the calmer places to walk in the city. Start at Dhaka University Metro station, and look at the 1904 red-brick Curzon Hall, then walk through the leafy grounds. The Central Shaheed Minar stands beside Dhaka Medical College on the edge of campus and commemorates the language movement martyrs of 21 February 1952. Remove your shoes before stepping onto it and keep the visit quiet. Do not go on or near 21 February unless you are prepared for very large, barefoot crowds.
Hatirjheel promenade
If you want a flat, pedestrian-only stretch, the promenade and lit bridges at Hatirjheel are a place to walk in daylight.
Taking a guided walk
A local guide makes a first walk easier and can handle rickshaw prices. Compare small-group options at GetYourGuide .
Read more: Dhaka sightseeing and Dhaka group activities .