In Bangladesh, the two Eids make up the largest form of national festivity enjoyed by people of all ages and all walks of life. This is also the time with the longest national holiday. As a result, Eid is also a time for families to enjoy each other’s company. To add to the festivities of the day, there are lots of beautiful places in and around Dhaka that one can explore with their family and children. Here’s a list of the best ones.

Best Places to Visit In and Around Dhaka on Eid-ul-Azha 2023

Lalbagh Fort

Built in the 17th Century, the Lalbagh Fort is a monumental architectural beauty, and a testament to the Mughal brilliance. The fort was commissioned by Prince Mohammad Azam, son of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

Today the fort remains as an homage to the rich cultural heritage of the region. There is a large open garden kept intact in its original design. The site also houses the mausoleum of Pari Bibi, daughter of Shaista Khan, the then Subedar of Bengal.

Read more: These are the top 25 hotels in Asia, according to Tripadvisor

The fort is open every day, except for Sundays, from 10 am to 5 pm. The Lalbagh Fort remains closed on Eid day, but it will be open from the second day of Eid.

Ahsan Manzil

Widely dubbed as the “Pink Palace,” Ahsan Manzil situated in Islampur, Dhaka is another exquisite architectural marvel in the city. While the Lalbagh Fort is a testament to the Mughals, Ahsan Manzil stands tall as a remnant of the Nawabs of Dhaka.

The palace was built in the early 1900s, incorporating both European and Mughal styles of architecture. The palace is also noted to be the first home to have electricity in Dhaka back in the day.

The visiting hours of Ahsan Manzil are the same as Lalbagh Fort. It also remains closed on Eid day and will open from the second day of Eid.

Read more: Island Paradise: The Bahamas Travel Guide

National Parliament

The National Parliament of Bangladesh is the symbol of democracy of the country. With its unique architecture and spacious design, the Parliament is one of the top attractions of Dhaka.

The National Parliament was designed by the renowned architect Louis Kahn and completed in 1982. The iconic structure crisscrossed with geometric shapes mixes heritage with modern design elements.

These are the countries you can visit visa-free with a Bangladeshi passport in 2023

Of the 9 complexes, the main House and the adjoining complexes are off-limits to the public. However, the spacious North complex, Crescent Lake, and Chandrima Udyan are open to the public. The South Plaza also serves as an Eid congregation zone.

Read more: These are the countries you can visit visa-free with a Bangladeshi passport in 2023

The Parliament will remain open after the Eid congregation to visitors till 4 pm. And it will operate on a regular schedule from the second day of Eid.

Liberation War Museum

The Liberation War Museum provides the most comprehensive insight into Bangladesh’s struggle for independence in 1971. It chronicles the heroic tales of the nation’s brave sons and daughters who laid down their lives for the liberation of the motherland. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, and personal accounts that document the country's history during that turbulent period.

The visiting hours of the Liberation War Museum are from 10 am to 6 pm except for Sundays and government holidays. The place will also remain closed on Eid day with the regular schedule starting from the second day of Eid.

National Museum of Bangladesh

The National Museum of Bangladesh is located in Shahbagh. It is the largest museum in the country which covers 2500 years of the history of this region. There are distinct sections ranging from archaeological exhibits, Bangladeshi art, traditional crafts, and ethnographic sections. From relics to contemporary artwork, the National Museum is the most comprehensive hub of Bangladesh’s cultural tapestry.

Most Popular Cox’s Bazar Beaches Considering Scenic Beauty and Recreation

The National Museum is open every day, except for Sundays, from 10 an to 5 pm. It will be open during usual hours from the second day of Eid.

Read more: What to see in Vietnam: Amazing places and exciting things to do

Hatirjheel

Previously Hatirjheel used to be a sewage canal stretching from the Begunbari end to the south of Gulshan. After a massive plan to restore the canal under the leadership of the Bangladesh Army, the canal today stands as a popular recreation spot for Dhaka dwellers.

The lakefront promenade has been designed with sitting arrangements along the banks. There are open food courts and recreational activity zones which make it a thriving area in the holidays.

Read more: Cambodia Travel Guide: Best Places to See and Amazing Things to Do

Hatirjheel is open every day of the week for visitors. But the best time to visit during Eid day would be the afternoons as the place truly comes to life then.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Novo Theatre

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Novo Theatre is located in Tejgaon which is the country’s first planetarium with state-of-the-art technologies. The place is popular among Dhaka dwellers as a hub of knowledge and entertainment. The theatre hosts captivating and educational shows on topics ranging from astronomy and astrophysics to technology and the natural world. The visual displays and immersive experience will surely transport anyone to distant galaxies.

The Novo Theatre will remain closed on Eid day but will resume the usual schedule from the second day.

Read more: Most Popular Cox’s Bazar Beaches Considering Scenic Beauty and Recreation

Ramna Park

Situated right beside Dhaka University Campus, Ramna Park is one of the largest public parks in Bangladesh. Encompassing an area of around 68 acres, Ramna Park is a forested recreational area at the heart of Dhaka.

Every morning, the park is abounded with joggers and nature enthusiasts coming to catch the morning fresh air. The park dates its history back to the Mughal era at around 1600 AD. Since then the place went through several changes to be what it is today.

Ramna Park remains closed from 12 pm to 3 pm every day post Covid-19 pandemic. People can visit the park from 3 pm to 8 pm and 5 am to 12 pm.

Bangabandhu Military Museum

Bangabandhu Military Museum was first inaugurated as an Army Museum back in 1987. Since then there have been several renovation projects with the latest one being a complete overhaul and modernization of the existing Military Museum and the Toshakhana Jadughor.

The museum opened to public on January 6, 2022 after the inauguration by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Read more: Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations in Europe

The newly built complex incorporates modern technology in showcasing the history of the armed forces of Bangladesh. Each floor is dedicated to each of the service branches namely Army, Air, and Navy Forces.

The Bangabandhu Military Museum will stay closed on Eid day. It will resume its usual operation from the second day of Eid.

Zinda Park

Zinda Park is not your average park. Situated at the end of the 300 feet road near Narayanganj, Zinda Park is a community village developed as rural growth and development project. The gated community is like an eco-park complete with its residents, local essentials, and a school.

The park, in every essence, is like a picturesque village just two hours away from Dhaka. Many people come here to experience the calm and serene natural environment and taste the local village delicacies. Every year, Zinda Park holds Eid Festival Week to celebrate the holidays. The park is open every day with the entry fee being Tk 150 for the Eid Festival Week. The entry fee is Tk 100 on regular days.

Read more: Essential Travel Gadgets to Make Your Tour Safe and Comfortable

Dhaka University Campus

Speaking of open spaces in the city, the Dhaka University campus is another picturesque location to explore. The area largely encompasses different buildings sprawled across the 600-acre area. Though many students do not approve of the university ground being treated as a public getaway spot, in a city crisscrossed with concrete, the open space is like a breath of fresh air.

Visitors can explore the architectural beauty of Curzon Hall and the Arts Faculty building. The campus also features beautiful gardens and tranquil ponds, providing a peaceful atmosphere for students and visitors alike. Every corner of the university is a testament to the academic excellence and its intricate relationship to all the major historical events of the nation.

There is no time requirement to enter Dhaka University premises. But the afternoons are the best time to visit the university.

Read more: 10 Affordable Travel Destinations Abroad for Eid Holidaymakers

Final Words

Dhaka, even with its unplanned and rapid urbanization, still has some amazing places for social outings on Eid and other ccassions or weekends. While most of these places are free to access, others will require a nominal fee to experience the location.

While most of the establishments remain closed on Eid day, visitors can still take advantage of the public spaces as all of them will remain open according to their operating time.

Read more: Can You Travel Abroad Without Buying US Dollars?