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Half Day Trip to Old Dhaka
$40 tour starting at
Half day trip to Old Dhaka is a very brief introduction to the life and culture of old Dhaka. Half day old Dhaka trip is the only option for travelers who have a few hours to explore old Dhaka.
It often happens that many businesses and transit travelers have some lazy hours before or after a meeting, workshop, or between flights. This trip can be the best use of time and provide an outstanding experience. As local experts, we know our city very well and can give you the best. Just give us a call; we can always work out some plans anywhere in this city according to your convenience. A solo traveler can make a motorcycle trip to Old Dhaka.
Dhaka, the city of life, has an exciting history and a rich cultural heritage. Dhaka city still has a name for its exotic cuisine; old Dhaka holds the treasures of ever-loving Dhakaiya foods. Royal Bengal Tours welcomes you to explore this chaotic town and earn a unique and unforgettable memory.
The National Parliament building visit is a unique experience for general tourists as well as for architects around the world. Bangladesh has an enormous body of architecture from different periods. You will learn about the rich history and heritage of old Dhaka from your knowledgeable guide and taste some of the delicious local cuisines along the way. This is a great way to experience the charm and allure of old Dhaka in a short time.
Our half-day Old Dhaka tour offers a flexible itinerary, allowing you to choose a morning or afternoon departure. While we may not have time to visit all the major attractions, our expert guides will lead you through the city’s vibrant backstreets, immersing you in its rich culture and history.
Please take a pick from either of the plans below:
Standard travel plan: Chaos, Bazar, Local life and culture of Dhaka
This tour will include an exciting walk to Kawran Bazar, established by the Marwari trader Karwan Singh. It is a bustling hub for traders selling vegetables, fruits, fish, household items, building materials, and so much more. Stroll through the historic Dhaka University campus, renowned for its role in Bangladesh’s political movements. Continue walking through Biriyani Street, bicycle streets, typical residential areas, carpenter streets, and Hindu streets. During this walk, you will meet and greet a lot of friendly locals and maybe visit their inner house. Meeting the local craftsmen and artisans is a unique and interesting part of the trip. If we are allowed by the time, to continue to walk to the Sadarghat riverfront; we may take a short country boat ride before heading home.
An alternative Plan: Walk less and see more
We may start from Gulshan by boat on Hatirjheel Lake to the last stop. The known city gives you a different perspective looking from the water. We will meet our driver at the last boat station and drive to the Parliament building to view it from outside and take pictures of the adorable architecture of world-famous architects Louis I Kahn and Muzharul Islam. Continue to drive through the former diplomatic zone’s greenery, lake, and residential area. You will pass by a lot of beautiful modern architecture; you may visit one. Slowly drive through the most famous shopping area of the city; flea markets, street vendors, and pedestrians make the whole area into a canvas with moving bright colors on it. Take a 5-minute walk through historic Nilkhet second-hand bookstores. There is no way to explain how storekeepers organize books and charms of dozens of tiny alleys, one must see. Continue driving towards Lalbagh Fort—the breathing space of Old Dhaka, built by the Mughals. After a guided trip at the Fort, your guide will offer you a short rickshaw ride through old Dhaka. You will meet your driver at Curzon Hall of the University of Dhaka and drive back home.
These are just some ideas, our knowledge remains exclusive to any specific demands of photographers, researchers, filmmakers or anyone with special interests. We are always eager to learn a new thing from a collaboration.
Lalbagh Fort is closed on Sunday and on Monday opens at 2 PM.
Pink Palace is closed on Thursday and on Friday opens at 3 PM.
The Museum of Independence is closed on Thursday and on Friday opens at 3 PM.
- Trip price:
- $ 40
Starts from
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Group Size Per-person price in USD Or in BDT 1 PAX $120.00 13,750.00 2 PAX $75.00 9400.00 4 PAX $55.00 7000.00 6+ PAX $45.00 5,500.00 +15% VAT and 2% charges will be applicable while paying by credit card.
- Reserved vehicle and driver
- A knowledgeable English-speaking guide
- All entrance fees and necessary permits
- Bottled water, soft drinks, tea seasonal fruits and old Dhaka special snacks
- All rickshaw and boat rides
Personal expenses, meals, gratuities, and any activity not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
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Destination
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Departure
This tour starts from your residence/hotel or from any agreed points anywhere in Dhaka city. -
Departure Time
We are very flexible with the starting time of this trip. Pickup time would actually depend on the location of your hotel/residence. Last departure time would actually depends on what you want to explore in this trip, museums are closed by 5PM. We should latest start by 3:30 PM is you would like to visit a museum. -
Dress Code
Casual, comfortable athletic clothing, closed shoes, hat. Warm jacket during the winter (November to February). Raincoat/ umbrella during the rainy season (May to August). Full sleeves are always necessary while visiting any religious place, mosque, temple, church or a trip during Ramadan.
From Our Gallery
Let's give you a walk through our playground
These are some images of highlights, but not the all you will experience. There are many things that can not be photograph.
Tour Location
In this old Dhaka half day trip you will first visit Kawran Bazar, the university of Dhaka and walk through the back streets of old Dhaka, and if time permits a short boat trip on Burigonga River.
Kristian B | Sofia, Bulgaria
Old Dhaka with an expert guide
Feb 2018 • Solo
I have contacted Royal Bengal Tours for an organized half day photography tour of old Dhaka. I had the chance to be the only candidate for this day a bit out of season, and I benefited from the whole availability of Jewel, whose name is not by chance. This guy loves his city, knows everything about it, speaks excellent English and has the rare talent to understand the type of person he has in front. He discussed in advance all his proposals for the itinerary and he shaped for me the perfect tour for stunning images of the colorful reality of this devastating city. Strongly recommended!
Noortje B Utrecht | The Netherlands
Good time
Oct 2018 • Couples
We had a morning tour to Old Dhaka with Munna, who was very knowledgeable, friendly and spoke very good English. He took us on a rowing boat across the river and we saw the way ships are being renewed which was impressive. We also saw some of the other highlights. We felt the price was quite high for a half day tour considering local prices, however we had a good time. Munna took good care of us. Thanks!
Novice Trekker | Xanthi, Greece
Wonderful City Tour
Oct 2018 • Solo
With a long layover in Dhaka, the morning of my arrival, I called Bengal City Tours. Jewel, the owner, went above and beyond the call of duty, arranging everything for me at the last minute. Rocky, my tour guide, met me at the airport, and he and the driver Zolil took me on a fascinating tour of the city. Rocky was very knowledgable and speaks 100% perfect English. Thank you Jewel!
Eileen1606 | Edinburgh, UK
Fantastic Half Day Tour
Nov 2018 • Solo
I had a fantastic personal half day tour of Dhaka arranged when I had a long stopover between flights. Jewel put together an itinerary to show me the best bits of Dhaka and ‘Me-too’ was an enthusiastic and informative guide on the day. I was well looked after throughout the tour and would thoroughly recommend Royal Bengal Tours to anyone visiting Dhaka.
Lawrence K | Seattle, WA
Wonderful Half Day Tour of Old Dhaka with Mithu!
Dec 2018 • Solo
I called Jewel at Royal Bengal Tours in Dhaka and he immediately arranged for a custom half-day tour of Old Dhaka for me with a car, driver, and fantastic tour guide named Mithu, who spoke beautiful English and was a well informed and expert guide. He took me where I wanted to go, suggested additional interesting stops, explained everything in a great, easy going style. Not too much talk, not too little. Perfect. When he learned of my particular interest in aquarium fish, he took me to visit a series of aquarium shops. He was very attuned to my preferences and was responsive and supportive. He even followed up with additional info by email. A true professional.
Vanessa P
Brilliant half-day intro to Old Dhaka!
Jan 2020 • Friends
I can’t say enough good about our tour guide Jewel. He was so organized and kind and knowledgable about every detail (and welcomed aaaall our questions). He even fit us in at the last minute. We learned SO much and got a (literal) delicious taste of the market. You’ll tour through places you never could find on your own. Lots of walking and be prepared for many different smells! Great option if you can’t fit in a full-day experience. You haven’t really seen Dhaka until you do this tour! Thank you Royal Bengal Tours! You made my visit!