Weekend in Rajshahi

The main river ghat of Rajshahi, where locals gather for boat rides, evening strolls, and street food. Watch the ferry boats and the sunset over the wide Padma.

Tip: Buy a bag of roasted chickpeas from the vendors along the ghat for 5 BDT. Come just before sunset to see the river turn gold.

An 18th-century Dutch trading post beside the Padma River, now a two-storey brick building with a small museum inside. The river views from the terrace are excellent.

Tip: Climb the narrow staircase to the rooftop for the best panorama of the river at sunset. The museum is sometimes locked — ask the caretaker nearby.

One of the oldest museums in Bangladesh, housing an extensive collection of ancient sculptures, coins, inscriptions, and terracotta artefacts from the region's Hindu and Buddhist past.

Tip: Go early on a weekday to avoid school groups. Ask the curator about the 9th-century copperplate grants kept in the back room.

A cluster of 9th-century Hindu temples arranged around a large pond, including the elaborate Govinda Temple with its terracotta panels and the massive Shiva Temple.

Tip: Take a rickshaw from Rajshahi city for about 150 BDT round-trip. The caretaker at the main temple will unlock the gates if you ask politely.

A large city park with a small zoo, lake, and walking paths. The zoo has deer, monkeys, and various birds. Entry fee is 10 BDT for adults.

Tip: Bring bread to feed the fish in the lake. The best time is late afternoon when the light filters through the old banyan trees.