One-Day Itinerary for Old Dhaka

Old Dhaka (Puran Dhaka) is a maze of history, heritage, and flavor. With its Mughal forts, Nawabi palaces, colorful bazaars, and world-famous cuisine, spending a full day here is like traveling through centuries of culture.

If you have just one day to explore Old Dhaka, here’s a perfect itinerary to experience its landmarks, lifestyle, and food trails.

Morning: History and Architecture

8:00 AM – Breakfast with Bakarkhani and Tea

Start your day with Bakarkhani bread (a crispy Old Dhaka specialty) and sweet tea from a local street vendor near Chawk Bazaar.

9:00 AM – Lalbagh Fort

Head to Lalbagh Fort, the iconic 17th-century Mughal complex. Explore its gardens, mosque, and the tomb of Pari Bibi.

10:30 AM – Star Mosque & Armenian Church

Walk through narrow alleys to visit:

• Star Mosque (Tara Masjid): Famous for its mosaic stars.
• Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection: A peaceful colonial-era landmark.

Midday: Palaces and the Buriganga River

12:00 PM – Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace)

Visit Ahsan Manzil, the former Nawab’s residence turned museum. Admire the royal lifestyle of 19th-century Dhaka while enjoying views of the Buriganga River.

1:30 PM – Lunch at Haji’s Biriyani

Time for a legendary meal at Haji’s Biriyani, one of Dhaka’s oldest and most iconic biriyani houses. Tender mutton, fragrant rice, and rich spices make this a must-try.

Afternoon: Markets and Culture

3:00 PM – Sadarghat River Port

Visit Sadarghat, one of South Asia’s busiest river ports. Watch ferries, cargo boats, and passengers in organized chaos. A short boat ride on the Buriganga River gives you a unique perspective of Old Dhaka.

4:30 PM – Shankhari Bazaar & Dhakeshwari Temple

• Shankhari Bazaar: Explore colorful Hindu homes, traditional jewelry shops, and narrow historic alleys.
• Dhakeshwari Temple: The national temple of Bangladesh, and a spiritual landmark in Dhaka.

Evening: Food and Festivities

6:00 PM – Street Food Tour at Chawk Bazaar

As the sun sets, dive into Old Dhaka’s food paradise:

• Kebabs sizzling on charcoal grills.
• Spicy haleem and chicken roast.
• Sweet lacchi from Beauty Lacchi shop.

7:30 PM – Explore Islampur Market

Visit Islampur Road, a textile hub famous for fabrics, sarees, and traditional clothing. Perfect for souvenir shopping.

8:30 PM – Dinner with Traditional Dishes

Wrap up your evening with more Old Dhaka delicacies like kacchi biriyani, kebabs, bakarkhani, and sweets at a local restaurant.

Seasonal Bonus: Shakrain Festival (January)

If you visit in January, don’t miss Shakrain (Kite Festival). From Old Dhaka rooftops, you’ll see colorful kites, fireworks, and celebrations lighting up the sky.

A day in Old Dhaka is a journey through Mughal grandeur, Nawabi heritage, buzzing bazaars, and unforgettable food. From Lalbagh Fort to Chawk Bazaar’s food trail, Old Dhaka is chaotic, vibrant, and full of life — a true cultural adventure.