Bangladesh · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in Bangladesh
These are the places worth your time in Bangladesh, from Old Dhaka's Mughal monuments and biryani houses to Sylhet's swamp forest, Sreemangal's tea gardens, the beaches of Cox's Bazar, the Sundarbans mangroves and the ancient ruins of the north. Classics sit beside quiet corners few travellers find, so every kind of visitor discovers something to love.
Places to Visit in Dhaka
Arts and Culture
- Lalbagh Fort (Lalbagh, Old Dhaka)
An unfinished seventeenth century Mughal fort with gardens, a mosque and the tomb of Pari Bibi. - Ahsan Manzil (Kumartoli, Old Dhaka)
The pink riverside palace of the Nawabs of Dhaka, now a museum of the city's grand past. - Star Mosque (Armanitola, Old Dhaka)
A small mosque covered inside and out in mosaics of blue stars and Japanese and English tiles. - Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection (Armanitola, Old Dhaka)
A quiet eighteenth century church and graveyard left by Dhaka's old Armenian merchant community. - Dhakeshwari National Temple (Lalbagh, Old Dhaka)
The national Hindu temple of Bangladesh, at its most joyful during Durga Puja. - Bangladesh National Museum (Shahbag)
The best introduction to the country, from terracotta and sculpture to the Liberation War. - Liberation War Museum (Agargaon)
A moving account of the 1971 war of independence told through objects, photographs and testimony. - National Parliament House (Sher-e-Bangla Nagar)
Louis Kahn's monumental concrete parliament, one of the great buildings of the twentieth century. - Curzon Hall (Dhaka University)
A red brick blend of Mughal and European styles at the heart of the university campus. - Central Shaheed Minar (Dhaka University)
The memorial to the 1952 Language Movement martyrs, carpeted with flowers every 21 February. - Rose Garden Palace (Tikatuli, Old Dhaka)
A pastel nineteenth century mansion with a fountain garden, often used as a film set. - Hussaini Dalan (Old Dhaka)
A Mughal era Shia imambara that becomes the centre of the city's Ashura procession. - Baitul Mukarram National Mosque (Paltan)
The national mosque, modelled on the Kaaba, surrounded by busy markets. - Bengal Shilpalay (Dhanmondi)
A calm gallery and cultural space with contemporary Bangladeshi art, music and a good café. - Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (Segunbagicha)
The national arts academy with galleries, theatre and dance performances most weeks. - Folk Arts and Crafts Museum (Sonargaon)
A museum of rural crafts set in an old zamindar palace with lakes and gardens.
Things to Do
- Sadarghat river terminal (Sadarghat, Old Dhaka)
Hire a small wooden boat and drift among ferries, launches and cargo boats on the busy Buriganga. - Shankhari Bazar (Old Dhaka)
A narrow lane of conch shell carvers, idol makers and tall slim houses that feels centuries old. - Panam Nagar (Sonargaon)
A ghostly street of crumbling merchant mansions from the old capital of Sonargaon, an easy day trip.
Nature and Outdoors
- Hatirjheel (Hatirjheel)
A lakeside loop with bridges, water taxis and evening light shows where all of Dhaka comes to stroll. - Dhanmondi Lake (Dhanmondi)
Shady paths, cafés and boating on a long lake in one of the city's greenest neighbourhoods. - National Botanical Garden (Mirpur)
Wide lawns, a lake and old trees, a rare large green space in a crowded city. - Ramna Park (Ramna)
The city's historic park, home of the dawn Pohela Boishakh songs under the banyan tree.
Shopping and Markets
- Aarong (Gulshan)
The country's best known craft store, with jamdani, nakshi kantha, leather and home goods. - New Market (Azimpur)
A sprawling old market for fabric, shoes, books and kitchenware at local prices. - Karwan Bazar (Karwan Bazar)
The capital's wholesale market, a whirl of fish, vegetables and porters before dawn. - Bashundhara City (Panthapath)
A huge mall with food courts, a cinema and air conditioning when you need a break from the heat. - Shahbag flower market (Shahbag)
Stalls of marigolds and roses that glow at night, busiest before holidays and weddings.
Restaurants
- Haji Biryani (Nazira Bazar, Old Dhaka)
The Old Dhaka institution for mutton kacchi style biryani cooked with mustard oil since the 1930s. - Nirob Hotel (Nazira Bazar, Old Dhaka)
A busy canteen famous for bhorta mashes, brain curry and rice served fast. - Star Kabab and Restaurant (Dhanmondi)
A local favourite for kebabs, naan, kacchi and Bengali breakfasts at any hour. - Fakruddin Biryani (Dhaka)
The wedding caterer whose kacchi biryani became a city wide craving. - Beauty Lassi and Faluda (Johnson Road, Old Dhaka)
A tiny old shop for thick lassi and faluda after a hot morning in Old Dhaka. - Chawkbazar iftar market (Chawkbazar, Old Dhaka)
During Ramadan the lanes fill with kebabs, sweets and the famous boro baper polay khay.
Cafés
- North End Coffee Roasters (Gulshan)
Freshly roasted coffee, good baking and a calm space for laptops and catching up.
Bars and Nightlife
- Hatirjheel evening water taxi (Hatirjheel)
Ride the lake by night as the bridges light up, a nightlife favourite for families.
Events
- Pohela Boishakh (Ramna and Dhaka University)
Bengali New Year in mid April, with dawn songs, a colourful procession and white and red clothes everywhere. - Amar Ekushey Book Fair (Bangla Academy and Suhrawardy Udyan)
A month long February book fair that is one of the largest literary gatherings in South Asia. - Durga Puja at Dhakeshwari (Lalbagh, Old Dhaka)
Autumn pandals, drums and lights fill Old Dhaka during the great Hindu festival.
Stays
- Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka (Karwan Bazar)
A long established central hotel with pool and restaurants, handy for most of the city. - InterContinental Dhaka (Shahbag)
A restored landmark hotel near Ramna Park and the museums. - Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden (Cantonment)
Gardens and a big pool close to the airport, easy for arrivals and departures. - The Westin Dhaka (Gulshan)
A dependable international hotel in the diplomatic and café district.
Places to Visit in Sylhet
Arts and Culture
- Shrine of Hazrat Shah Jalal (Dargah Gate)
The country's most visited Sufi shrine, with sacred catfish ponds and crowds of pilgrims. - Shrine of Hazrat Shah Paran (Khadim Nagar)
A hilltop shrine of Shah Jalal's nephew, quieter and full of devotion.
Nature and Outdoors
- Ratargul Swamp Forest (Gowainghat)
Glide by small boat between flooded trees in the country's best known freshwater swamp forest. - Jaflong (Gowainghat)
Stone collectors, river beaches and views of the Meghalaya hills on the Piyain River. - Bholaganj Sada Pathor (Companiganj)
Clear water flowing over white stones at the foot of the hills, a favourite family outing. - Lalakhal (Jaintiapur)
A turquoise river winding past tea gardens, best seen from a boat in winter. - Bisnakandi (Gowainghat)
A remote meeting of hills, waterfalls and stony streams near the border, best after the monsoon. - Tanguar Haor (Sunamganj)
A vast wetland of migratory birds where you can stay overnight on a houseboat. - Malnicherra Tea Estate (Airport Road)
The oldest commercial tea garden in the subcontinent, a short ride from the city.
Things to Do
- Keane Bridge and Surma riverside (Surma River)
The old steel bridge and the clock tower beside it are the classic Sylhet evening stroll.
Restaurants
- Panshi Restaurant (Zindabazar)
A buzzing Bengali canteen with dozens of curries, bhortas and fish dishes. - Pach Bhai Restaurant (Zindabazar)
Rice, curries and Sylheti shatkora beef at honest local prices.
Shopping and Markets
- Zindabazar shopping area (Zindabazar)
Sylhet's main shopping street for clothes, saris, sweets and gifts.
Stays
- Nazimgarh Resort (Khadimnagar)
Hillside cottages among forest and tea, a peaceful base just outside the city. - Rose View Hotel (Shahjalal Uposhohor)
A long running city hotel with a pool, popular with visiting diaspora families.
Events
- Shah Jalal Urs (Dargah Gate)
The annual remembrance at the shrine draws pilgrims from across the country.
Places to Visit in Sreemangal
Cafés
- Nilkantha Tea Cabin (Ramnagar)
Home of the famous layered tea, poured in bands of colour into one glass.
Nature and Outdoors
- Lawachara National Park (Kamalganj Road)
Rainforest trails with hoolock gibbons, langurs and birdlife, plus the railway line from Around the World in 80 Days. - Baikka Beel (Hail Haor)
A wetland sanctuary with a watchtower over waterlilies and winter migratory birds. - Madhabpur Lake (Kamalganj)
A lake ringed by tea covered hills, lovely for a quiet walk and photos. - Hum Hum Waterfall (Rajkandi forest)
A muddy jungle trek to a hidden waterfall, best with a local guide after the rains. - Madhabkunda Waterfall (Barlekha, Moulvibazar)
One of the tallest waterfalls in Bangladesh, an easy walk from the road.
Things to Do
- Tea garden walk (Sreemangal)
Wander the rolling estates in early morning to see pluckers at work.
Arts and Culture
- Bangladesh Tea Research Institute (Sreemangal)
The national tea research station with tidy gardens and a nursery of tea plants.
Stays
- Grand Sultan Tea Resort and Golf (Radhanagar)
A large resort among the tea hills with pools, golf and family activities.
Places to Visit in Cox's Bazar
Nature and Outdoors
- Cox's Bazar Beach (Laboni, Sugandha and Kolatoli)
One of the longest natural sea beaches in the world, famous for sunsets and evening crowds. - Inani Beach (Ukhia)
A quieter stretch with coral stones and clear water south of town. - Himchari National Park (Himchari)
Hill forest, a seasonal waterfall and a view point over the beach.
Things to Do
- Marine Drive (Cox's Bazar to Teknaf road)
A coastal road between hills and sea, perfect for a ride to Inani and Himchari.
Arts and Culture
- Ramu Buddhist monasteries (Ramu)
Old Buddhist temples and a giant reclining Buddha in a peaceful village. - Adinath Temple (Maheshkhali Island)
A hilltop Shiva temple reached by a short speedboat trip across the channel.
Shopping and Markets
- Burmese Market (Cox's Bazar town)
Rakhine run shops for pickles, sandals, wooden crafts and cloth.
Restaurants
- Poushee Restaurant (Kolatoli)
Bengali seafood and rice meals in a long running local favourite. - Jhawbon Restaurant (Cox's Bazar town)
Fresh fish curries, bhorta and dal near the beach at local prices. - Beachside fish fry stalls (Sugandha Beach)
Choose your fish, crab or lobster from evening stalls and have it fried on the spot.
Stays
- Sayeman Beach Resort (Kolatoli)
A sea facing hotel with a rooftop pool overlooking the beach. - Mermaid Beach Resort (Pechar Dwip)
Eco style bungalows on a quiet beach south of town along the Marine Drive. - Royal Tulip Sea Pearl Beach Resort (Inani)
A big resort with pools and water play, good for families. - Long Beach Hotel (Kolatoli)
A central hotel a short walk from the beach.
Places to Visit in Khulna
Nature and Outdoors
- Sundarbans National Park (Bagerhat, Khulna and Satkhira)
The largest mangrove forest on earth and home of the Bengal tiger, explored by boat. - Karamjal Wildlife Centre (Mongla)
A short boardwalk into the mangroves with deer, monkeys and a crocodile breeding centre. - Kotka (Sundarbans)
A remote ranger station where spotted deer graze and tiger tracks appear on the beach.
Arts and Culture
- Sixty Dome Mosque (Bagerhat)
The great fifteenth century mosque of Khan Jahan Ali, heart of a UNESCO listed mosque city. - Shrine of Khan Jahan Ali (Bagerhat)
A domed tomb beside a pond of revered crocodiles, part of the Bagerhat mosque city. - Shat Gambuj area mosques walk (Bagerhat)
Walk between Singair, Bibi Begni and Chunakhola mosques scattered among ponds and palms.
Restaurants
- Chuknagar chui jhal (Chuknagar, Dumuria)
Beef or mutton cooked with chui jhal, the fiery local vine, at the famous roadside eateries.
Things to Do
- Rupsha River ferry ride (Rupsha ghat)
A simple crossing that shows the busy life of the southern rivers.
Places to Visit in Rajshahi
Arts and Culture
- Varendra Research Museum (Rajshahi city)
The oldest museum in Bangladesh, rich in Pala sculpture and terracotta. - Somapura Mahavihara at Paharpur (Naogaon)
The vast ruins of an eighth century Buddhist monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. - Puthia Temple Complex (Puthia)
Ornate terracotta Hindu temples and a palace set around tranquil ponds. - Mahasthangarh (Bogura)
The oldest archaeological site in Bangladesh, an ancient walled city dating back over two thousand years. - Bagha Mosque (Bagha)
A sixteenth century mosque with superb terracotta panels beside a large pond. - Choto Sona Mosque (Shibganj, Chapainawabganj)
The small golden mosque of the old capital of Gaur, carved in stone. - Natore Rajbari (Natore)
The grand palace of the Natore zamindars in a park of ponds and trees.
Nature and Outdoors
- Padma riverbank promenade (Rajshahi city)
Watch the sun set over the Padma from the riverside walk at T Badh.
Restaurants
- Kalai ruti stalls (Rajshahi city)
The local flatbread of lentil flour served hot with chilli and mashed eggplant. - Bogura mishti doi (Bogura)
The sweet baked yoghurt Bogura is known for across the country.
Shopping and Markets
- Rajshahi silk shops (Sopura)
Buy the famous Rajshahi silk straight from the factories and showrooms.
Events
- Mango season (Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj)
From late May the orchards and markets overflow with some of the best mangoes in South Asia.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Baldha Garden (Wari, Old Dhaka, Dhaka)
A small, century old botanical garden with rare plants hidden behind walls in Wari. - Jatra Biroti (Banani, Dhaka)
A colourful shop and café of Bangladeshi design, from rickshaw art to handmade gifts. - Kasturi Restaurant (Gulshan, Dhaka)
Classic Bengali dishes such as bhuna khichuri and ilish in a comfortable setting. - Bengal Café at Shilpalay (Dhanmondi, Dhaka)
Tea and light food in a garden courtyard beside the galleries. - Pan Pacific Sonargaon bar (Karwan Bazar, Dhaka)
One of the licensed hotel bars where foreign guests can order a drink in calm surroundings. - Dhaka Lit Fest (Bangla Academy, Dhaka)
An international literature festival with talks in English and Bangla, usually held in winter. - Jamdani weaving villages (Rupganj, Dhaka)
Watch weavers make the fine UNESCO listed jamdani muslin on hand looms. - Osmani Museum (Nayasarak, Sylhet)
The family home of General Osmani, commander of the 1971 liberation forces. - Woondaal Restaurant (Zindabazar, Sylhet)
A popular spot for Bengali, Chinese and Indian dishes favoured by visiting families. - Grand Sylhet Hotel and Resort (Airport Road, Sylhet)
A large resort hotel with pools and play areas near the airport. - Monipuri weaving villages (Kamalganj, Sreemangal)
Visit the Manipuri community known for its handloom shawls and classical dance. - Nishorgo Eco Cottage (Radhanagar, Sreemangal)
Simple cottages in a garden near Lawachara, good for birders and walkers. - Panshi Restaurant Sreemangal (Sreemangal town, Sreemangal)
Hearty rice and curry meals, the reliable lunch stop in town. - Radiant Fish World (Kolatoli, Cox's Bazar)
A walk through aquarium of Bay of Bengal sea life that children love. - Mermaid Café (Kolatoli beach, Cox's Bazar)
A relaxed beachside café with lanterns, seafood and sea breezes. - Sonadia Island (Maheshkhali, Cox's Bazar)
A remote island of dunes and mangroves where shorebirds gather in winter. - Saint Martin's Island (Bay of Bengal, Cox's Bazar)
The country's only coral island, with access limited by season and visitor caps. - Dakshindihi Rabindranath Tagore house (Phultala, Khulna)
The family home of Rabindranath Tagore's wife, a small museum in the countryside. - Tiger Garden International Hotel (Khulna city, Khulna)
A dependable city hotel used by many Sundarbans travellers. - Hotel Castle Salam (Khulna city, Khulna)
A long running central hotel, handy before an early boat departure. - Parjatan Motel Rajshahi (Abdul Majid Road, Rajshahi)
A simple, government run hotel near the river.