Dhaka is a megacity. This city is very populous compared to its area. Dhaka by day is noisy and jam-packed. During the day, you will not find much charm. However, Dhaka at night is completely different. You will experience a noise-free, less populated, and calm city with no traffic jams. I have experienced roaming Dhaka at night.
Best Time to Walk Out
To see the beauty of Dhaka, you should walk out late at night (around 11 pm). At that time, Dhaka becomes a noise-free city. Working people return home, and there is little to no transport on the road.
I usually start my journey in the evening. At that time, Dhaka city begins to empty out. Offices are closed for the day, but crowds increase at shopping malls and restaurants. Thus, this time is not ideal for appreciating Dhaka’s beauty.
Transport You Can Use
Riding a rickshaw is the best way to explore Dhaka. Using a car is also good for traveling from one place to another quickly, but it is not suitable for roaming Dhaka at night. Walking is not ideal either. With a rickshaw, you can view the sights of Dhaka city and observe what is happening around you. You will not miss anything. I explored Dhaka by rickshaw and walking.
Places You Can Visit at Night
Dhaka University (DU) Area: Dhaka University is the largest public university in Bangladesh. TSC (Teacher-Student Center) is the heart of DU. It is crowded and noisy during the day, but in the evening, it changes character. When you visit the TSC area, you will see students and others chatting over tea. Some people play guitar and sing, while others relax on the student hostel field. Don’t miss trying fuchka and tea in the Dhaka University area.
Dhanmondi Lake: Dhanmondi Lake becomes very crowded in the evening but empties out at night. Rabindra Sarobar is the best place in Dhanmondi Lake.
Hatir Jheel: Hatir Jheel is the most beautiful site in modern Dhaka. The real beauty of Hatir Jheel is revealed at night. You can visit this area by car or rickshaw. The trees beside the road and the lights are most fascinating. There are many sitting places to enjoy the beauty, and there are three bridges from which you can view the scenery.
National Parliament Area: The area is very secure, but you can’t stay there after evening. However, you can visit beside the National Parliament to see the colorful lights highlighting the architectural beauty of the parliament.
Your Residential Area: Your residential area will look more fascinating if you are a nature lover. I enjoy watching the night sights of my living place. I usually take a rickshaw or walk.
Poor People’s Lives in Dhaka: While roaming Dhaka at night, you will see the lives of poor people. Those without a place to live sleep on the footpaths of Dhaka under the open sky, which is very distressing. I felt sad seeing this.
The Food You Can Try
Fuchka and Chotpoti at the Roadside: Fuchka and Chotpoti are very popular food items in Bangladesh. However, you must be careful when buying from roadside vendors due to hygiene issues.
Tea from Tong Shops: Tong shops are built beside the road with tin or steel. They are not cafes or coffee shops. Drinking tea from a tong is special, especially Rong (colorless) tea. Some tong shops offer special teas like ada (ginger) tea, morich (peppercorn) tea, and lemon tea. I found a tong shop in Shanir Akhra where more than 10 types of tea are sold.
Pitha: Vapa Pitha is a cake made from rice and molasses, typically enjoyed in the winter. You can also taste Chitai Pitha (made from rice) with various types of Vorta.
Mostakim Chap: Beef chap from Mostakim’s shop is very popular in Dhaka city. Don’t miss it. I went to try it, and it was very tasty, but I couldn’t find the original Mostakim shop because everyone claims to be the original.
Special Tea at Dhaka Cantonment Railway Station: At Dhaka Cantonment Railway Station, there is a tong shop offering different types of tea. Almond tea is one of them, and I tasted it. It was fantastic!
Cautions You Need
Be careful when roaming at night because hijackers and fraudsters may target you. If you have hygiene concerns, check the preparation process before eating fuchka and chotpoti. If you are a foreigner, you should take a guide with you. Some wealthy people drive cars at high speeds, which can cause accidents.
In conclusion, I can say that Dhaka at night is so beautiful you can’t imagine.
