Dhaka , Bangladesh

Dhaka City Tour Like Locals

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(8 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Set out to explore Dhaka City like a local, journeying through the narrow, winding lanes of Old Dhaka by rickshaw and taking a rowboat ride along the Buriganga River to witness the dramatic ship-breaking yard. Once installed as the capital of Bengal by the Mughals in the 17th century, Dhaka was among the wealthiest and most prosperous cities in the region.
Your experienced guide will lead you through the vibrant, colorful, and lively streets of the city. Highlights of the tour include a walk through the chaotic Kawran Bazar, visits to the Dhaka Flower Market, Dhaka University, and the Dhakeshwari Hindu Temple. You'll also explore the 17th-century Mughal Lalbagh Fort, the Pink Palace (Ahsan Manzil), historic Shankhari Bazar, the bustling river port of Sadarghat, the beautifully tiled Star Mosque, and the serene Armenian Church.

Available options

Tour Duration

Duration: 8 hours: 6-8 Hour's <br/>Pickup included

What's included

Hotel Pick up & Drop-off

Bottled water

Entry/Admission Star Mosque

Entry/Admission Dhaka City

Private Tour

Trip Advisor Experiences brokerage fee

Entry/Admission Armenian Church

Professional English speaking guide

Entry/ Admission Curzon Hall

What you'll see

Kawranbazar
Stop for 30 minutes explore chaotic Kawran Bazar-the largest market of Dhaka filled with bustling vegetable, fruits and fish shops with lots of action by an exciting walk.

Shahbag Flower Market
Stop for 20 minutes, stroll around Shahbag- the biggest flower market of Dhaka.

Curzon Hall
Stop for 20 minutes, Walk through the Curzon Hall, an architectural master piece of European-Mughal style erected in 1904.

Lalbag Fort
Stop for 30 minutes; visit the historical lalbagh fort, 17th centuries unfinished Mughal fort, construction began by prince Azam the son Emperor Augrangazeb.

Star Mosque
Stop for 20 minutes, visit the tara mosque built by Mughal landlord Mirza Gulam Pir in 1711.

Armenian Church
Stop for 20 minutes, visit the church built by Armenian settlers in 1781.

Ship breaking Yard
Stop for 30 minutes, Hundreds of workers in the yard breakdown old ships, repairing and building new ships.

Pink Palace
Stop for 30 minutes; visit Pink Palace, also known as Ahsan Manjil.

Shankhari Bazar
Stop for 30 minutes, Walk through this oldest street and photogenic part where you meet artisans whose ancestors came here 400 years ago.

What's not included

Lunch

Gratuities

Air-conditioned vehicle

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Dhaka

Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, is a vibrant city where ancient history meets modern dynamism. Known for its rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, and iconic landmarks, Dhaka offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. The city is a melting pot of diverse experiences, from exploring historic sites to indulging in flavorful street food.

Top Attractions

Lalbagh Fort

Lalbagh Fort is a 17th-century Mughal fort complex that offers a glimpse into Dhaka's rich history. The fort features beautiful architecture, gardens, and museums.

Historical 2-3 hours BDT 20 (USD 0.25)

Ahsan Manzil

Ahsan Manzil, also known as the Pink Palace, is a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. It served as the residence of the Nawabs of Dhaka and now houses a museum.

Historical 1-2 hours BDT 20 (USD 0.25)

Bangladesh National Museum

The Bangladesh National Museum is the largest museum in Bangladesh, showcasing a vast collection of artifacts, art, and historical items.

Museum 2-3 hours BDT 20 (USD 0.25)

Dhakeshwari Temple

Dhakeshwari Temple is one of the most important Hindu temples in Bangladesh, dedicated to the goddess Dhakeshwari. It is a significant cultural and religious site.

Religious 1 hour Free

Ramna Park

Ramna Park is a large urban park in the heart of Dhaka, offering a green oasis amidst the bustling city. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Park 1-2 hours Free

Star Mosque

The Star Mosque, or Tara Masjid, is a beautiful mosque known for its unique star-shaped tile work. It is a prime example of Mughal and colonial architecture.

Religious 30 minutes Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Panta Bhat

Fermented rice served with fried hilsha fish, pickles, and various side dishes. It is a traditional dish often enjoyed during the Bengali New Year.

Lunch Contains fish, gluten-free

Rice

A traditional Bangladeshi dish made with rice, fish, and various side dishes. It is a staple food and a must-try for any visitor.

Lunch Contains fish, gluten-free

Hilsha Fish Curry

A flavorful curry made with hilsha fish, a popular fish in Bangladesh. It is often served with rice and is a staple dish in Bangladeshi cuisine.

Lunch Contains fish, gluten-free

Kachchi Biryani

A traditional Bangladeshi biryani made with partially cooked rice, meat, and spices. It is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is a must-try for any visitor.

Lunch Contains meat, gluten-free

Popular Activities

Boat rides on the Buriganga River Exploring historical sites Visiting parks and gardens Enjoying traditional tea at local cafes Visiting museums and historical landmarks Exploring local markets and neighborhoods Visiting during the winter festival of Eid Experiencing the vibrant street food culture

Best Time to Visit

November to February

The best time to visit Dhaka is during the winter months when the weather is pleasant and cool. This period is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Bengali
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Bangladeshi Taka (BDT)

Time Zone

GMT+6

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Dhaka is a bustling city with a mix of modern and traditional elements. While it offers a rich cultural experience, travelers should be aware of common safety issues such as traffic congestion, pickpocketing, and scams.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable taxi services and agree on the fare before starting the journey.
• Keep valuables secure and be cautious in crowded areas.
• Be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.

Getting there

By air

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Kamalapur Railway Station, Dhaka Railway Station

By bus

Mohakhali Bus Terminal, Sadharghat Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Dhaka has a vast network of buses, including government-run and private services. Buses are the most common mode of public transport but can be crowded and chaotic.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Pathao, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Dhaka Gulshan Banani Uttara

Day trips

Sonargaon

25 km from Dhaka • Half day to full day

Sonargaon is an ancient city known for its rich history and cultural heritage. It is home to the Folk Art Museum and the ruins of the ancient palace of the Mughal governor, Isa Khan.

Savar

30 km from Dhaka • Half day to full day

Savar is home to the National Martyrs' Memorial, a significant monument dedicated to the martyrs of the Bangladesh Liberation War. It is a place of remembrance and reflection.

Manikganj

50 km from Dhaka • Full day

Manikganj is a district known for its natural beauty and rural landscapes. It is home to the Manikganj Boat Ghats, where visitors can enjoy boat rides and experience the scenic beauty of the area.

Festivals

Eid al-Fitr • Varies by year (end of Ramadan) Pohela Boishakh • 14th April Durga Puja • Varies by year (September/October)

Pro tips

Use app-based transport services like Pathao or Uber for better reliability and pricing.
Carry small change for street vendors and small shops.
Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites.
Be cautious in crowded areas and keep valuables secure.
Try traditional street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience.