Top things to do in Dhaka – Discover the atmospheric and bustling capital of Bangladesh

Its literal meaning is the Village of Gold; this ruined area near Dhaka is a good place to discover the Islamic culture and heritage of Bangladesh. There are many mosques, abandoned mansions, and palaces of noblemen and rulers. A pond surrounds this village and there is a local museum of folk art to further explore. There are many hotels in Dhaka and you can even find accommodation around this area Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka is a good option for a stay away from the city centre.

Lalbagh Fort is a prime example of Mughal culture in the city. The quiet garden surrounding the Palace has a pleasant atmosphere and the perfect place to relax away from the bustle of the city. The structure was built by a son of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and later worked on by Shaista Khan. Other sites worth visiting are the mausoleum, a hall, and a mosque with a museum full of Mughal era artefacts.

This architectural spectacle was the Nawab’s official residence and was once heavily damaged by a tornado. It is now renovated to house an interesting museum. The museum contains portraits and pictures of events important to the Islamic history of the country.

Folk music plays a big part in the Bengalese region, and prominent folk music featured in the festival is the mystical music of the Bauls. They originate from Sufism and is popular in the Hindu dominated West Bengal as well. The folk music festival brings musicians from all over the region, Baul singers such as Parvathy Baul and Paban Das Baul from West Bengal and Abida Praveen from Pakistan.

A fine example of Muslim architecture with seven large domes featured on the structure. It is constructed by Mughal architect Shasita Khan. This peaceful setting is a popular attraction for many tourists.

Shopping culture in Dhaka has expanded recently, with this mall being the largest in South Asia. It is a modern and urban structure and allows a shopping experience comparable to major shopping hubs in the region such as Thailand or Malaysia. The mall has many international brands, movie theatres, and food courts.

This building named after Lord Curzon Viceroy of India is a historic building. It was within these walls the movement for the recognition of Bengali as the official language of the county originated. A series of riots were organised within the premises which ultimately resulted in a victory in 1956. It currently serves as the Faculty of Science at the University of Dhaka and is an interesting blend of European and Mughal architecture. One of the most beautiful buildings in the city is free to access for visitors.