Discover Old Dhaka: Culture, River Life & Local Food
Explore the vibrant heart of Old Dhaka through its colorful streets, historic landmarks, beautiful mosques, traditional markets, rickshaws, and local neighborhoods. Visit the famous Pink Palace and experience the lively Sadarghat and Buriganga River, with a short boat ride when conditions allow. Taste authentic Bangladeshi street food and discover the local people, culture, and everyday life that make Old Dhaka truly special.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Any Hotel or Preferred Location in Dhaka
- I can pick you up directly from your hotel or any preferred location within Dhaka city. After booking, please share your hotel name, address, or preferred pickup location. I’ll meet you there at the agreed time and start the tour from your location.
Lalbagh Fort — 9:30 AM–10:30 AM
Visit Lalbagh Fort, one of Dhaka’s most beautiful Mughal-era landmarks. Explore the impressive fort complex, including the Tomb of Pari Bibi, the mosque, Diwan-i-Aam, gardens, water channels, and old Mughal structures. I will explain the stories behind the fort, its architecture, and how it was connected to Mughal Dhaka. You will also have time to walk around, take photos, and experience the atmosphere of Old Dhaka.
Armenian Church — 10:30 AM–11:30 AM
Visit the Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection in Armanitola, a historic site built in 1781. Explore its peaceful grounds, old tombstones, and unique architecture while learning about the Armenian community’s role in Old Dhaka’s trade and history.
Star Mosque — 11:30 AM–12:30 PM
Visit the Star Mosque (Tara Masjid) in Old Dhaka. Admire its star-shaped designs, decorative tiles, and elegant domes. I will briefly explain its unique architecture and famous star motifs. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this historic site.
Dhakeshwari Temple — 12:30 PM–1:00 PM
Visit Dhakeshwari Temple, the National Temple of Bangladesh and one of the oldest and most important Hindu temples in Dhaka. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Dhakeshwari, regarded as a form of Goddess Durga. Local tradition connects its origin to King Ballal Sen of the Sena dynasty, although the exact history of its early construction remains uncertain.
Traditional Bangladeshi Lunch — 1:00 PM–1:30 PM
Enjoy a delicious and authentic Bangladeshi lunch filled with rich flavors, wonderful aromas, and perfectly balanced spices. Experience the warmth and freshness of traditional home-style cooking and discover why Bangladeshi food is such a memorable part of the country’s culture. A perfect opportunity to taste Bangladesh like a local.
Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace) — 1:30 PM–2:30 PM
Explore Ahsan Manzil, famously known as the Pink Palace, beside the Buriganga River. Originally a garden house, it was later developed into the magnificent residence of the Nawabs of Dhaka. Built in the 19th century, the palace became an important center of the city’s social and political life. Today, it is a museum where you can explore the Nawab family’s lifestyle, historic collections, and beautiful architecture.
Sadarghat Port Area — 2:30 PM–3:00 PM
Explore the lively Sadarghat Port beside the Buriganga River, one of the busiest river gateways in Dhaka. See large passenger launches, traditional wooden boats, busy river traffic, passengers, local workers, and the movement of goods along the waterfront. Walk around the terminal and experience the energy of everyday life in Old Dhaka while discovering how rivers remain an important part of Bangladesh’s transportation and culture.
Sadarghat River Boat Ride — 3:00 PM–4:00 PM
Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Buriganga River from Sadarghat and experience Dhaka from a different perspective. Take in the river views, busy waterways, traditional boats, and riverside activities while learning about the local culture and everyday life of Dhaka. This is a great opportunity to experience the authentic rhythm of the city from the water.
Old Dhaka Street Food Explore — 4:00 PM–4:30 PM
Explore the vibrant street food culture of Old Dhaka as the streets come alive with tempting aromas, colorful food stalls, and local flavors. Taste authentic traditional snacks, discover the unique flavors of Old Dhaka, and experience the lively atmosphere of its historic streets. A short but unforgettable culinary experience that lets you enjoy Dhaka like a local.
Ending Point
At the end of the tour, I will drop you off at your preferred location in Dhaka, such as your hotel, accommodation, or another convenient location of your choice.
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
* Hotel or preferred location pickup and drop-off in Dhaka
* Private air-conditioned vehicle (Toyata Minivan )for comfortable transportation
* Fuel and toll fees
* Professional local tour guide
* Lunch with authentic Bangladeshi food
* All entrance fees included
* Drinking water
* Local boat ride on the Buriganga River
* Personal expenses and other individual purchases
* Street food and snacks purchased outside the included meals
* Any additional activities, services, or expenses not specifically mentioned in the tour inclusions
* Personal tips or gratuities, if applicable
Tour Important Information
* Comfortable shoes are recommended as the tour involves walking.
* Please dress respectfully when visiting mosques and temples.
* The boat ride depends on weather and river conditions.
* Please inform me in advance about any food allergies or dietary restrictions.
* Street food is included as part of the local experience.
* Pickup and drop-off are available from your preferred location in Dhaka.
* The itinerary may change slightly depending on weather, traffic, and site conditions.
### Important Note :
Please note that Lalbagh Fort is closed every Sunday and operates on a half-day schedule on Monday. It also has a short midday break on regular days and a longer break on Friday.
Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace) is closed every Thursday and operates on a half-day schedule on Friday, opening in the afternoon.
Opening hours may vary during government holidays, Ramadan, Eid, or special occasions. Please plan your tour accordingly.
Important message from the supplier
I’m generally available throughout the week and can be flexible with tour times depending on the traveler’s schedule. Advance notice is appreciated, and I will do my best to accommodate special requests.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Shadhin M.
Hello! I’m Shadhin, a passionate local tour guide who loves showing travelers the real Bangladesh — beyond the usual tourist spots. Explore the vibrant streets of Dhaka and Old Dhaka, taste authentic local food, meet friendly local people, and experience peaceful village life, beautiful rivers, traditional fishing, local fishermen’s lives, islands, and coastal communities. Enjoy boat journeys, discover how local people live and fish, and experience the simple beauty of rural Bangladesh. If you want to experience Bangladesh like a local and discover places many tourists never see, I’d love to be your local companion. Let’s explore the real Bangladesh together and create unforgettable memories!
$105/ per group
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