Old Dhaka is the most ancient part of Dhaka metropolitan area. Located on the banks of the Buriganga River, old Dhaka was built on 7th century. It was part of Buddhist kingdom of Kamarapura. It was the capital in 1608 as Jahangir Nagar, the capital of Mughal Bengal. While Dhaka city is in a constant cycle of modernization, Old Dhaka still holds its age old tradition and sense of community. It is the cultural soul of Dhaka and a foodie haven.
Old Dhaka has little of public transport infrastructure so rickshaw is your best option. Buses are used by locals but it can be bit tricky for a tourist. The the southern-western part of old Dhaka, the Sadarghat river terminal is situated which is a major harbor for river transport and can be a useful way of reaching Dhaka from other cities.
You can find cheap budget hotels in Old Dhaka. Though they will lack in luxury and comfort but you will be near all cultural, sightseeing and food scene. Hotel Al-Razzaque is a moderately priced hotel popular with Bangladeshi locals, it’s got decent clean rooms with attached bathrooms with squat toilets and a popular restaurant. It’s address is 29/1 North South Rd (Nazira Bazaar), Hotel Grameen. A big hotel on busy Nawabpur Rd, just south of Bangsal Rd. Telephone number: +880 2 956 1990.
You will find countless traditional restaurants throughout the main roads and trademark narrow alleyways. Bismillah Kabab, 104 Kazi Alauddin Rd (Next to Nazira bazaar) Hajjee Beryani (In Nazira Bazaar, close to Bango Bazaar). Old Dhaka is famous for it’s lines of biryani restaurants. Some of the more famous outfits are still in business and Hajjee Biryani is one of them. It revels in its eccentric reputation for opening only at certain times and only cooking a certain amount (well below demand). Hotel Star in Thatari bazaar which is near Shakhari bazaar makes fantastic biryani and goat leg roast, lacchi and faluda.
There are lots of historical sites in Old Dhaka. By exploring them you can know a bit about Bangladeshi culture and heritage. Ahsan Manzil, British Raj-era building that served as a residence for the Nawab of Dhaka. It lies on the banks of the Buriganga River, and is famous for it’s pink stonework. There are 31 rooms within, and the huge dome on top can be seen from miles around. It has recently been renovated into a museum with various displays concerning its history, with a beautiful garden accompanying the building. Another historical site is Lalbagh Fort, built in 1678 AD by Prince Mohammad Azam, son of Mughal emperor Aurangazeb. The fort was the scene of many bloody battles, including those during the Mughal era, a revolt against the British during the time of the Raj and protection for the revolutionary forces during the Bangladesh Liberation War. Monuments of the Lalbagh site include the Tomb of Pari Bibi, Lalbagh Mosque, the Audience Hall and the Hammam of Nawab Shaista Khan, which now houses a museum. Dhakeshwari Temple National Temple of Bangladesh, built in the 12th century. Sitara Mosque Built in the early 18th century, it has since been redecorated with hundreds of tiles with star patterns. Tourists are welcome to visit outside of prayer times.
Old Dhaka has vibrant market centers worth exploring. These include Shankhari Bazaar, Lakshmi Bazaar, Tanti Bazaar, Kumartuli, Patuatuli, Goal Nagar and Bania Nagar. The historic center is also the venue for many of the colorful festivals celebrated by Bangladeshis, with arguably the most famous being Poush Sankranti and the annual kite flying festival. A huge river port on the banks of the Buriganga River, catch a ride on a boat here and cruise along the river, soaking in the surrounding chaos and sites.