I admit—Dhaka might just be the most chaotic city I’ve ever visited. But beyond the dizzying pace of the capital, Bangladesh is an underrated destination. I absolutely loved my time in the countryside of northern Bangladesh, and the country even boasts the world’s longest natural sand beach! That said, if you’re planning a trip to Bangladesh, odds are you’ll pass through Dhaka. So here’s how I spent my days in the buzzing capital—and why it’s worth sticking around.
1. Spotting the Portraits of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
One of the first things you’ll notice upon landing in Bangladesh is the near-omnipresence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s portrait. Known as the “Father of the Nation,” Mujib played a central role in the country’s independence and became its first president and prime minister. I spotted my first mural of him right outside the airport—and then proceeded to see another one every few hours (seriously). From statues to murals to street art, his image is everywhere. It’s like a city-wide scavenger hunt—and a visual crash course in Bangladeshi history.
2. Visiting Ahsan Manzil
Ahsan Manzil—arguably the most iconic site in Dhaka—is a must-visit. This bubblegum-pink palace was once the residence of the Nawab of Dhaka and now functions as a museum. Inside, you can stroll through grand rooms adorned with period furniture, portraits, and intricate decor. Outside, you’ll marvel at the blend of Mughal and European architecture. The palace grounds offer a rare pocket of serenity in the chaos of Old Dhaka, making it a perfect spot to catch your breath.
3. Sailing on the Buriganga River
The banks of the Buriganga River are chaos in its purest form—a hub of traders, cargo, and color. The most memorable part? Thousands (and I mean thousands) of watermelons being unloaded for wholesale. I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s probably the cheapest place to buy a watermelon in the world. And for under a dollar, I took a roundtrip boat ride on the river. Just don’t touch the water—it’s so polluted it’s black. But if you’re interested in real-life scenes of urban hustle, this place is fascinating.
4. Riding a Bicycle Rickshaw
I’m no stranger to three-wheeled auto-rickshaws, but Bangladesh surprised me with its abundance of bicycle rickshaws. They’re not just for tourists—they’re the everyday mode of transport in Dhaka. While the rides would’ve been a lot more pleasant if not for the city’s apocalyptic air pollution, I still appreciated the experience. They’re cheap, nimble, and great for weaving through narrow streets or dodging the gridlocked traffic. At least once, hop in one for the vibes.
5. Enjoying the Amazing Street Food
Sorry, India—but the best pani puri I’ve ever had was at a random street stall in Dhaka. I was in Bangladesh during Ramadan, and when the sun set, the streets lit up with energy and food. From incredible chai (seriously, look at the photo!) to smoothies and a local tea infused with orange zest, my taste buds were in heaven. And the best part? I didn’t get sick once—zero stomach issues. I know street food can be risky, but I’d absolutely take the chance again.
6. Visiting the Daffodil Gardens
This was a hidden gem I stumbled upon thanks to a local recommendation. I ended up at a daffodil field probably listed on typical “things to do in Dhaka” guides. Everyone there was a local taking pictures, and it reminded me of how magical unplanned discoveries can be. I wish I could tell you exactly where it was, but someone had to explain it to my rickshaw driver in Bengali. That said, show a local a photo and I’m sure they’ll help you find it.
7. Admiring the Star Mosque
Second only to Ahsan Manzil in popularity is the beautiful Star Mosque (Tara Masjid). Covered entirely in mosaic tiles on both the exterior and interior, the domes of the mosque sparkle with intricate blue stars. There’s even a star-shaped fountain for ablution. It’s serene and stunning, and absolutely worth visiting. Just be mindful to avoid prayer times.
8. Riding the “New” Metro
For the plot—you have to try the Dhaka Metro. When I entered one of the stations, I had major déjà vu. The setup reminded me of taking the metro in Tokyo. Turns out, Japan actually helped build the metro! It’s spotlessly clean, impressively organized, and runs above ground, offering panoramic views of the city. It’s a relaxing break from Dhaka’s traffic jams—and even if you don’t have a destination in mind, it’s a fun way to explore new neighborhoods.
9. Watching the Independence Day Lights
I happened to be in Dhaka on Independence Day (March 26), and the city came alive with color. Buildings across downtown were lit in brilliant red and green in honor of the Bangladeshi flag. I spent the evening riding around aimlessly just to admire the light displays. From government offices to hotels, they went all out. It was surprisingly moving to see the effort to make the city so beautifully lit up for just a single day.
Final Thoughts…
My hopes weren’t high when I landed at Dhaka as I was mostly looking forward to escaping to the countryside. But, I ended up having way more fun than I expected. Yes, it’s chaotic—and that’s saying a lot considering I was visiting during Ramadan, which locals told me was a “calm” time (lol). But where else are you going to bounce from the world’s largest watermelon wholesale market to a 19th-century palace next to a Japanese-style metro station?
Dhaka is also the gateway to some truly stunning day trips—my favorite being Panam Nagar. So even if you’re just passing through, take a day or two to explore. And if nothing else, do it for the people: Bangladeshis are some of the kindest and most hospitable folks I’ve met—chaos and all.
