Dhaka/Central

Central Dhaka is a district of Dhaka. It includes Motijheel, the centre of finance and business, the University of Dhaka, a historic area with a number of museums, and Tejgaon-Dhanmondi, home to large shopping malls, markets and a variety of eateries.

Get in

See

Motijheel

Baitul Mukarram Mosque

Greek Memorial, TSC Complex, Dhaka University

Curzon Hall, Dhaka University campus

Aparajeyo Bangla Statue

The Shaheed Minar Monument

Grave of Kazi Nazrul Islam

Ramna Park and Lake

Fountain inside the Museum of Independence

Ramna Kali Mandir

Eternal Flame, Suhrawardi Uddyan, Dhaka

Mausoleum of Three Leaders

Dargah of Shahbaz Khan

Mughal Eidgah, Dhanmondi

National Assembly of Bangladesh

• 🌍 Baitul Mukarram Mosque. The national mosque of Bangladesh. It was built in 1968, and is the 10th largest mosque in the world. 
• 🌍 Dhammarajika Bouddha Maha Vihar (Kamalapur Buddhist Monastery), Atisha Dipankar Sarak, Kamalapur, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. A Buddhist temple and monastery established in 1960, with a number of other facilities on site. There are various mosaics, murals, statues and artefacts at the monastery. 
• 🌍 Banga Bhaban (বঙ্গভবন, House of Bengal). Official residence of the President. This grand palace of the British India era is only visible from the outside. 

Dhaka University Campus

• 🌍 National Museum, Shahbag Rd, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Apr-Sep: Sa-W 10:30-17:30, F 14:30-19:30; Oct-Mar: Sa-W 09:30-16:30, F 14:30-19:30; Ramadan: Sa-W 09:30-15:30. Contains a large number of interesting collections, including sculptures and paintings from the Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim periods. Next door is a popular public library. Foreigners: Tk 75, locals and SAARC citizens: Tk 10, disabled persons: free. 
• 🌍 Liberation War Museum, 5 Segun Bagicha, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Apr-Oct: 10AM-6PM; Nov-Mar: 10AM-5PM. Closed Sundays.. Contains rare archival photographs and items used by the freedom fighters during the nine month Liberation War of 1971. 
• 🌍 Musa Khan Mosque, University of Dhaka. Located west of Shahidullah Hall at Dhaka University, this historical mosque was built to honour the former ruler of the region. The inscriptions on the mosque seem to state that it was built in 1484 CE, but was repaired heavily in 1700 CE. 
• 🌍 Greek Memorial (Teacher Student Centre (TSC), Dhaka University). A memorial of the Greeks of Dhaka built somewhere in the early 1900s. (updated Jul 2015)

Buildings

• 🌍 Old High Court Building, Kazi Nazrul Islam Ave, Ramna, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. It was built as the residence of the British Governor, it illustrates a happy blend of European and Mughal architecture. Now houses the Supreme Court. 
• 🌍 Curzon Hall, University of Dhaka, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. An architecturally beautiful building named after Lord Curzon. Once intended as a town hall, it now houses the Science Faculty of the University of Dhaka. 

Monuments

• 🌍 Aparajeya Bangla (Unvanquished Bengal), University of Dhaka, in front of the Faculty of Arts. A statue dedicated to those who died in the 1971 Liberation War. Designed by sculptor Abdullah Khaled it is built of reinforced concrete and reaches a height of 11 feet. It was inaugurated on 16 December 1979. The sculpture consists of three humans with the central figure of a farmer carrying a gun on his shoulder and a grenade in one hand. On the left is a women carrying a first aid box and on the right is a bare-bodied young man carrying a gun. The statue represents the general public of Bangladesh, who fought for the 1971 Liberation War.  
• 🌍 Central Shaheed Minar, In front of the Dhaka Medical College, University of Dhaka. A symbol of Bengali nationalism. This monument was built to commemorate the martyrs of the historic language movement of 1952. Thousands of people with floral wreaths and bouquets gather on 21 February annually, paying respect to the departed in a solemn atmosphere. The date was designated by the UN as International Mother Language Day due to the event. Celebrations begin at midnight.  
• 🌍 National Poet's Graveyard, University of Dhaka. Revolutionary poet Kazi Nazrul Islam died on the 29 August 1976 and was buried here.  

Parks

• 🌍 Suhrawardi Uddyan (Ramna Racecourse), Suhrawardi Uddan Rd. A race course of the British times, it has been converted into a park. It was the place where independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Raman delivered a historic oath of independence speech before the 1971 War, and where the Pakistani army surrendered a few months later. The Shadhinota Stambha monument, a 50-m-high tower of light composed of stacked glass panel, has been erected here. The Museum of Independence, an underground museum of Bangladesh independence, is below the tower. Suhrawardi Uddyan also houses the eternal flame to mark its significance. 
• 🌍 Ramna Green (Ramna Park), Ramna, Dhaka (Near the Sheraton Hotel). A vast stretch of green surrounded by a serpentine lake. 

Suhrawardi Uddyan

• 🌍 Museum of Independence, Suhrawardy Uddyan. At the spot where Sheikh Mujibur Raman delivered a historic oath of independence speech before the 1971 War, and where the Pakistani army surrendered a few months later. The museum consists of a 50-m-high glass tower of light. The museum is underground and is centered round a fountain of falling water. The museum houses a large collection of photos of Bangladesh's War of Independence. It was inaugurated on 25 March 2015, the 45th anniversary of Bangladeshi independence. 
• 🌍 Eternal Flame (শিখা চিরন্তন), Northern end of Suhrawardy Uddyan. The eternal flame was inaugurated by Prime Minister Sheik Hasina on 7 Mrach 1997. The flame burns eternally at the Northern end of Suhrawardi Uddyan, beneath the Bangladesh National flag. 
• 🌍 Mausoleum of Three Leaders (তিন নেতার মাজার), Southwestern corner of Suhrawardy Uddyan. Eternal resting place of great national leaders, Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Haque, Hossain Shahid Suhrawardy and Khaja Nazimuddin. All the three men served as Prime Minister of Bengal in British India. 
• 🌍 Shahbaz Khan Mosque and Dargah, Suhrawardy Uddyan, behind Mausoleum of Three Leaders. This mosque and tomb, constructed in 1679 by Haji khwaja Shahbaz, a rich merchant of Dhaka. 
• 🌍 Ramna Kali Mandir, Suhrawardy Uddyan. A thousand-year-old temple, dedicated to the goddess Kali. The temple was vandalized during the Pakistan war of 1971 and later reconstructed. (updated Jul 2015)

Tejgaon-Dhanmondi

• 🌍 Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (National Parliament), Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Open normal office hours. Designed by the famous American architect, Louis I. Kahn, it is renowned as a modern architectural wonder of the region. The Parliament is surrounded by gardens that form a peaceful getaway from the chaos of the city. The building is also surrounded by heavy security. Foreigners have to fill out a form and provide passport photocopies to visit the building. No cameras or phones allowed inside. Tk 500 for advanced bookings, Tk 600 for on arrival visits. 
• 🌍 Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, Road #32, Dhanmondi, Dhaka. Th-Tu 10:00-18:00. Former residence of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. It has been transformed into a museum and contains a rare collection of personal effects and photographs of his life and times. He was assassinated in 1975 along with most of his family members. 
• 🌍 National Museum of Science and Technology, Agargaon, Sher-E-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. W-M 09:00-17:00. A museum and modern learning centre displaying the latest scientific discoveries. Each weekend, a starwatching evening is held for Tk 10. Tk 5. 
• 🌍 Holy Rosary Church (Tejgaon Portuguese Church), Holycross College Rd, ☎ [phone]. An old Portuguese-influenced church built in 1677. The façade was recently repainted into heavy Indian-style colours. A large, new building has been built next door to allow a larger congregation.  
• 🌍 Saat Masjid (Seven-domed Mosque) (Dhanmondi). A mosque built during the 15th century; it is characterised by its seven white domes that peek upwards from the structure.  
• 🌍 Dhanmondi Eidgah. Built in 1640 the Dhanmondi Eidgah, is the oldest surviving Mughal monument in Dhaka. It was used for Eid prayers for both Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Zoha. The Eidgah consists of an open courtyard measuring 45 m by 40 m, and is surrounded by a 5-m-high wall. Entrance is through a arched gateway in the East. The Western wall contains an arched semi octagonal Miharba.  
• 🌍 Novo Theatre (Planetarium) (Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Novo Theatre), Bijoy Sharani, Tejgaon, ☎ [phone]. Th-Tu; closed W. Shows start F 10:00 to 18:30; other days 10:30 to 16:30. a planetarium located on Bijoy Sarani Avenue of Tejgaon area in Dhaka. Built on 5.46 acres of land, its spaces range in size from its 21-metre dome, seating 275 people; to three-metre inflatable and portable domes where people sit on the floor. The Planetarium dome simulates Earth and its cool blue sky. This dome-shaped theatre was built with the latest equipment, enabling visitors to soar into space as well as experience the thrills of an interplanetary journey in a three-dimensional environment. The curved ceiling represents the sky and shows moving images of planets and stars through projection onto a large-screen dome at an angle of 120 degrees. This planetarium features three kinds of exhibits. They Journey to Infinity presents a celestial show of stars, planets and other heavenly bodies in virtual reality. The Ei Amader Bangladesh features Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's 7 March lecture, while the Grand Canyon describes North America's settlement clan, Garikhad, which existed in the Grand Canyon 4000 years ago. The planetarium also has a 30-seat Space Ride Simulator. Tk 50 for Planetarium; Tk 20 for Space Ride Simulator. (updated Feb 2017)

Do

• 🌍 Institute of Arts and Crafts (Charukola Institute), University of Dhaka, Shahbag, ☎ [phone] (ext 8570 or 8571), e-mail: [e-mail]. Houses a representative collection of folk-art, modern art and paintings by numerous artists of Bangladesh. 

Buy

University

• Banga (or Bango) Bazar, is a block west of the Gulistan bus station on Kamruzzaman Sharani Street at the edge of Old Dhaka. For shopaholics this is probably a paradise but for others it can be a nightmare. There are thousands of small stalls intersected by narrow walkways which are often jammed with people. The quality varies widely but the prices can be very cheap after hard bargaining, such as US$1 for a T-shirt, US$3 for blue jeans and US$5 for jackets. However, this is not a market for the brand-conscious.

Tejgaon-Dhanmondi

• Bashundhara City on Pantha Path just west of the Pan Pacific Hotel. This multi-storey shopping complex with small shops over 10 floors.
• New Market on Mirpur Road in Dhanmondi, just west of Dhaka University. This is the largest market in the city and it has more class, more room and more choice. Prices may be a little higher because the stall rents are more expensive than elsewhere in the city. As well as clothing, there is leather, linen, jewellery household goods, CDs and DVDs. It is normally closed on Tuesdays.

Eat

University

• 🌍 New Café Jheel, 18/1 Topkhana Road (Opposite the National Press Club), ☎ [phone]. Serves good local dishes for the budget traveler. Expect to pay Tk 150-200 for a 3 course meal. Although you can possibly get lunch/dinner for as low as Tk 60. 
• Jharna Grill, In Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, ☎ [phone]. The top restaurant in the hotel serves very good seafood. Expect to pay Tk 3,000 for a 3-course meal with drinks. The hotel has other good restaurants too. 

Tejgaon-Dhanmondi

• Star Kabab- Opposite of Abahani Club playground and on Shat Maszid Road. Famous for its beef and mutton kebab.
• Star Hotel & Restaurant-At Dhanmondi Road 2. Also famous for its kebab and biriani.
• Jeni Kabab An old and famous kebab restaurant.
• Kozmo Lounge A very cozy place at Dhanmondi 4/A. The cafe sometimes arrange quality musical performances.
• Mama Halim, ☎ [phone]. New Circular Road 2nd Floor, (opposite Aarong) Moghbazaar. Sells: biryani, kebabs, cakes, ice cream, biscuits, fruit and also gifts. 
• Coopers- Kalabagan. Very famous for cakes and fast food.
• Red Tomato-Dhanmondi Road-27. A medium quality old Chinese restaurant which serves Chinese and Thai food.
• VOOT- An upscale restaurant with a haunted theme (VOOT-meaning ghost in Bengali), high quality food, next to the well known Rifles Square Market .
• 🌍 Xindian Restaurant, Road No 16 (old 27), 1209 Dhaka, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. High-end Chinese restaurant (updated Aug 2015)
• 🌍 BBQ Tonight, Road No 16 (old 27), 1209 Dhaka. Kebab and Mughlai food. Mouth watering and unbelievably tasty. (updated Aug 2015)
• 🌍 Cafe Mango, Kala Bagan. The ambiance is fantastic. (updated Aug 2015)

Drink

Sleep

Budget

• Hotel Motijheel, 28/i Toyenbee circular Road (Near Dainik Banglar mor). Tk 300-600. 
• 🌍 White House Hotel, 155, Shanti Nagar (Near Siddheswari Circle.). In a central location and rooms have air-con, TVs and internet connection with a decent speed 

Mid-range

• 🌍 Ambrosia Guest House, ☎ [phone], [phone]. In Dhanmondi Residential Area. Tk 2,876 per night, with breakfast and free broadband Internet connection from the rooms. 
• 🌍 Grand Azad Hotel, 55 Purana Paltan, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 500 metres from the main city and some of the main tourist attractions. Modern hotel with facilities including a gym, lounge, restaurant, snooker room and an on site beauty salon. Prices from US$37-106.. 

Splurge

• 🌍 Hotel Orchard Plaza, 71 Nayapaltan Rd, Motijheel, ☎ [phone]. Built in 2003. Rooms are equipped with complimentary Internet, and it's comfortable and clean with super friendly staff. The restaurant on the 11th floor is also good and has broad city views. US$70-150, but immediate 30% discounts are offered. 
• 🌍 Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka, 107 Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. For a long time was considered one of the top hotels in the city. In room internet access is available and works well. The hotel also has a swimming pool to enjoy. A room on the Pacific floor (7/8) will cost US$290 including breakfast. These rooms are a good choice since laundry and wired internet access are included in the price, plus a free bar in the Pacific lounge from 18:00-20:00. There are good restaurants and service is excellent throughout the hotel. 

Connect

Motijheel