Half-day Old Dhaka History & Heritage Private Tour
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Dhaka is the capital city of Bangladesh, in southern Asia. Set beside the Buriganga River, it’s at the center of national government, trade and culture. The 17th-century old city was the Mughal capital of Bengal, and many palaces and mosques remain. American architect Louis Khan’s National Parliament House complex typifies the huge, fast-growing modern metropolis.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Wheelchair accessible
What To Expect
Curzon Hall
Curzon Hall is a striking early 20th-century brick landmark located in Shahbagh, within the University of Dhaka campus. Originally commissioned as a town hall, its foundation stone was laid by Lord Curzon in 1904 and the building was completed by 1908. Since 1921, the hall has housed the Faculty of Sciences. Its Indo-Saracenic architecture showcases a graceful fusion of Mughal and European styles—featuring domes, horse‑shoe and cusped arches, ornate turrets, deep eaves, and charming verandahs. Beyond its academic role, Curzon Hall played a pivotal part in Bangladesh’s history: it was a center for protest during the Bengali Language Movement (1948–56), where students condemned attempts to enforce Urdu as the sole state language. Surrounded by verdant lawns, a botanical garden, playing fields, and a historic pond, Curzon Hall offers a quiet and picturesque environment amid the bustling campus.
Shahid Minar
Shaheed Minar (Martyrs’ Monument) in Dhaka is a powerful national symbol honoring those who lost their lives during the Bengali Language Movement in February 1952. On those days, students and activists from Dhaka University and Dhaka Medical College were shot as they peacefully demanded Bengali be recognized as a state language. The current monument, standing about 14 meters tall, features soaring marble columns arranged in a semicircle—symbolizing a grieving mother with her fallen children—with a striking red sun disk behind. White stairways and railings give it a solemn, almost divine appearance, while inscribed iron‑letter poetry lines adorn the fences. Inside, marble floors and a large mural panel in the basement narrate the history of the movement.
Options
Without Entry Tickets and Fees
Not Included Entry Tickets : Entry Tickets and fees are not included. You have to pay in cash on site. Pickup included
With Entry Tickets and Fees
Included Entry Tickets: All entry tickets and fees are included, eliminating the hassle of having to keep local currency. Pickup included
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Entry fee of Lalbagh Fort
Entry fee of Ahasan Monzil
Airport Pickup or Drop-off
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
28 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Exploring Old Dhaka
ronniej555,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guide provided me with a great introduction to Dhaka and it's history and origins with his vast knowledge of the city. He took me to several important sites in Old Dhaka explaining the significance of each in some detail. He was happy to answer any questions I had about Dhaka. Also he was interested in where I came from and why I had chosen to visit Bangladesh. A worthwhile tour which I am happy to recommend.
Best
rivervillaresort,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful experience exploring Old Dhaka with Travel Mate. The guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and explained the history and culture of the area in a very engaging way. The tour was well organized and covered many beautiful heritage locations. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to experience the authentic beauty and history of Dhaka.
Great!
Oliver K,May 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great - thanks for early pick up and drop off at another location. Very flexible and felt very looked after throughout!
Amazing! Take this tour if you’re in Dhaka
Andrey K,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very fun and exciting tour. Trust me, you cannot do this on your own! We visited all the spots listed in the itinerary and then some! Shahadat knows so much about the history of each place, knows how to he you in and knows how to take a good photo.
Opt for a whole day tour instead
Rodrigo C,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00We really only visited two of the sights; the other ones we saw only from the outside and after it got dark. I think it's probably impossible to do this tour in half a day and the guide, although well intentioned, couldn't manage the time adequately in a city with Dhaka's traffic.
Old Dhaka
Chia L,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I booked the tour last minutes, however, everything was organized and planned well, on time pick up，my guide Shahadat is accommodating and explain the places well. I’ve learned the history of Bangladesh along this tour, would recommend if you have one day to spare in Dhaka.
Huge disappointment
Justyna D,Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Our tour was initially postponed by one hour and suddenly canceled 15 minutes before the start. We checked with our hotel concierge, and some places on the list were closed and shouldn’t be even proposed. This was a huge disappointment.
Had a great day
LarsSoholm,Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Visited lots of places in Old Dhaka. Such an amazing place with narrow streets and authentic buildings. Fantastic driver and guide who did everything to show the highlights of the Bangladeshi capital. I recommend this tour. Easy commucation, punctual pick up and great stops.
Excellent, comprehensive tour of all of Dhaka's gems!
39nabihai,Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shahadat Hossain was a great guide, very accommodating of our special requests to visit particular parts of Dhaka University, and always willing to lend a helping hand to carry fruits or other items we bought along the way. Really comprehensive tour that shows you all the gems of Dhaka.
Morning start
Sadia A,Sep 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00• Lalbagh Fort (1678, Mughal era): Incomplete fort started by Prince Azam, later used by the Nawabs of Bengal. Key sites inside: Pari Bibi’s tomb, mosque, Diwan-i-Aam. • Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace): Built in the 19th century as the residence of Nawab Abdul Ghani, symbol of aristocracy and politics of Old Dhaka.
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