Dhaka Old City: Markets, Sadarghat Port & Local Rickshaw Tour

Summary

Colorful Dhaka markets, riverside chaos and rickshaw rides

You’ll wake up with Dhaka’s markets as locals do, ride rickshaws through tangled Old City streets, taste bakarkhani on Hindu Street, step quietly into ancient mosques and churches, then cross the Buriganga River by boat as shipbuilders clang away nearby. If you want to feel Dhaka’s pulse instead of just seeing it from afar—this is how.

What’s the experience like?

We were already squinting at the morning light when our guide, Farhan, waved us into the swirl of Karan Bazar. There’s this sharp smell — a mix of cilantro, fish scales, and something sweet I couldn’t place. Vendors shouted over each other in Bangla while trains crawled by just inches from the stalls. I tried to snap a photo but nearly tripped on a basket of eggplants. Farhan just grinned and nudged me toward a flower seller with hands stained orange from marigolds. I’d never seen so many colors packed into one narrow lane.

After that, we squeezed onto a rickshaw — honestly, I thought we might tip over but the driver just laughed and kept pedaling through Old Dhaka’s tangle. We stopped for tea and bakarkhani on Hindu Street (the bread is flaky but somehow chewy too), watching women haggle for shell bangles. The Star Mosque was next — all glittering tiles under soft sunlight — where I fumbled with my scarf and an old man showed us how to tie it right. He didn’t speak much English but his smile said plenty.

I didn’t expect to feel so small standing inside the Armenian Church; it was quiet except for distant horns outside. Then Lalbagh Fort — families picnicking on the grass, kids chasing each other around Mughal arches. Later at Sadarghat Port, the air tasted like diesel and river mud. We crossed the Buriganga by boat, dodging ferries piled high with people and crates of chickens. The dockyard echoed with hammering metal — hundreds of men welding ships back to life. It was loud but somehow peaceful in its own way.

I still think about that moment on the water: city noise behind us, river breeze in my face, Farhan pointing out how Dhaka never really slows down. There’s no perfect way to see this place — you just have to jump in and let it carry you along.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Dhaka markets and heritage sites

• Visit Karan Bazar vegetable and fish markets
• Explore morning flower market
• See Curzon Hall building
• Tour Fort Lalbagh and gardens
• Visit Star Mosque with mosaic work
• Explore Armenian Church in old town
• Walk through Hindu street vendors and shops
• Visit Sadarghat water port on Buriganga River
• Take boat ride to Dhaka Dockyard shipyard

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Dhaka city tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are both included in your day trip.

What local transportation will we use during the tour?

You’ll travel by rickshaw, tuk-tuk, Uber cars, and cross the Buriganga River by boat.

Are entry fees to attractions like Lalbagh Fort covered?

The tour covers all entry fees as part of your booking.

Is lunch or food included during this day trip?

No full lunch is included but you’ll stop for tea and bakarkhani snacks along the way.

Can women enter mosques during this tour?

Yes, women can enter Star Mosque if they cover their head and wear long sleeves as per dress code.

How long does this Dhaka city tour last?

The experience lasts about a full day—timing depends on pace but usually 6-8 hours.

Is this private or group tour?

This is a private tour with your own guide throughout the day.

Are infants or children allowed on this trip?

The minimum age is 18 years; infants must sit on an adult's lap if joining.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Dhaka city, a private local guide who handles all logistics (and helps you navigate those wild markets), bottled water throughout the journey, entry fees for places like Lalbagh Fort and Star Mosque, plus stops for tea and local snacks before returning you safely at day’s end.