Dhaka Old City: Rickshaw Tour, Food Tasting & Sadarghat Boat

Rickshaws, flower markets, riverside palaces and old city flavors in Dhaka

You’ll squeeze through Old Dhaka’s tangled streets by rickshaw, taste spicy-sweet biryani from busy stalls, wander Mughal forts with local stories, and drift by the Pink Palace on a boat from Sadarghat Port. This tour isn’t polished—it’s real life in motion—and you’ll probably find yourself smiling at strangers or getting lost in temple bells.

What’s included

Your day covers all entry fees and taxes as you explore Old Dhaka by rickshaw with a local guide; you’ll sample street food along the way before ending with a boat ride from Sadarghat Port to see Ahsan Manzil up close.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old Dhaka's historic sites

• Visit Shahbagh flower market
• Tour Dhakeswari Temple
• Explore Lalbagh Fort
• See Bara Katra building
• Visit Armenian Church
• Visit Star Mosque
• Tour Ahsan Manzil palace
• Visit national mosque
• Boat ride to Ahsan Manzil

The Experience

The first thing I noticed was the sound—rickshaw bells and street vendors calling out over each other as we squeezed into the Shahbagh flower market. Our guide, Rahman, grinned at my wide eyes and handed me a marigold garland. The air smelled like jasmine and diesel, which sounds weird but somehow fits here. I tried to keep up as we ducked through narrow lanes toward Dhakeshwari Temple—Rahman pointed out a family lighting incense, their laughter mixing with temple bells. It felt both chaotic and sort of gentle at the same time.

Lalbagh Fort looked almost pink in the morning haze. We wandered its old courtyards while Rahman told us stories about Mughal emperors—he got distracted once by a kid flying a red kite over the wall. There’s something about seeing centuries-old stone next to plastic chairs and laundry lines that makes history feel less distant. Lunch was a blur of flavors: biryani wrapped in newspaper, something fried I couldn’t name (Rahman said “fuchka”—Li laughed when I tried to say it in Bengali). I still think about that spicy-sour bite.

After weaving past the Star Mosque’s blue tiles and pausing at the Armenian Church (the caretaker waved us in with a tired smile), we ended up at Sadarghat Port. The river was thick with boats—somehow none of them crashed. Our guide flagged down a wooden launch for us, and we floated past Ahsan Manzil—the Pink Palace—while kids on shore waved like they knew us. The sun hit the water just right for a minute there. It’s hard to explain but you’ll know if you see it.

Top questions

What landmarks are included on this Old Dhaka city tour?

The tour visits Shahbagh flower market, Dhakeshwari Temple, Lalbagh Fort, Bara Katra, Armenian Church, Star Mosque, Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace), and Sadarghat Port.

Is food included during the Old Dhaka city tour?

You’ll get to taste traditional Old Dhaka food from local stalls as part of the experience.

How do we get around during the tour?

You travel mainly by rickshaw through Old Dhaka’s streets and take a boat ride from Sadarghat Port to Ahsan Manzil.

Are entry fees included in this day trip?

Yes—all fees and taxes for attractions are included in your booking.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Is pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby for meeting up.

Is this Old Dhaka city tour LGBT friendly?

Yes—the guides specifically mention being LGBT friendly.