Rajshahi

Rajshahi is the capital of Rajshahi Division in Bangladesh. The city is near many ancient capitals of Bengal, notably Lakhnoiti (or Lokhnaboti), and Pundra. Rajshahi is famous for trade in many exotic items, including pure silk, mangoes and lychees. Attractive silk products are cheaper in Rajshahi than anywhere else in the country, with the city often referred to as the 'silk city'. There are also a number ancient mosques, shrines and temples in and around Rajshahi.

Rajshahi is the capital of Rajshahi District and Division in northwestern Bangladesh. The Rajshahi municipality was established in 1876, one of the first in Bangladesh. It has a population of 1.6 million people (2022). One of the major rivers of the Indian subcontinent, the Padma, runs along the southern end of the city.

The city is home to many educational institutions, leading to a large student population and the nickname of "education city". The city of Rajshahi was declared as the happiest city in the world by the World Happiness Survey in 2006.

Rajshahi has a humid subtropical and tropical climate, with its coldest month being below 18°C (64°F). The climate of Rajshahi is generally marked with monsoons, high temperatures, considerable humidity, and moderate rainfall. During summer (April to July), daytime temperatures frequently exceed 36°C to 40°C (97°F to 104°F). The minimum temperature recorded in January is about 7 to 16 °C (45 to 61 °F). The highest rainfall is observed during the months of monsoon. The annual rainfall in the district is about 1,448 millimeters (57.0 in).

• 24.43694488.6163891 Shah Makhdum Airport (RJH  ^IATA), Nowhata. It is the primary airport of the city. Several airlines have flights from Dhaka.  (updated Apr 2023)

It takes approximately 5 hours by road to reach Rajshahi from the capital, Dhaka. A number of bus services are available from Dhaka via Natore, some with air-conditioning. Bus services to other major districts are also available from the bus terminal.

Bus services include National Travels, Desh Travels, Grameen Travels. Bus fare: non-AC Tk 730, AC Tk 1100/1300.

There are a number of luxurious intercity services between Dhaka and Rajshahi each day. The main ones are the Padma Express, the Silk City Express and the Dhumketue Express.

• Silk City Express - Dhaka to Rajshahi at 2:40PM and from Rajshahi to Dhaka at 7:35AM.
• Padma Express - Dhaka to Rajshahi at 10:45PM and from Rajshahi to Dhaka at 4PM.
• Dhumketue Express - departs Dhaka at 6AM, reaching Rajshahi at noon, and departs Rajshahi at 11:20PM, reaching Dhaka at 4:50AM.
• Banalata Express - The fasted and only break-free train of this route. Departs Dhaka at 01:30 PM reaching Rajshahi around 06:30 PM, and departs Rajshahi at 07:00 AM, reaching Dhaka around 01:30 AM.

The Silk City Express does not operate Sundays, the Padma Express has no service on Tuesdays, Banalata Express on Friday, and the Dhumketue Express does not run Mondays.

The major station for long-distance trains is 24.37495688.6085842 Rajshahi Railway Station, located north of the city centre.

The journey from Dhaka is 261 km, taking approximately 5 hours, depending on traffic. You must cross the famous Jamuna Bridge to reach the city.

Local transport in Rajshahi city primarily relies on auto-rickshaws, which are affordable and readily available throughout the city. They serve as a convenient mode of transportation, with reasonable fares. Usually the minimum rickshaw (2-seater) fare within the city is 20 taka and the maximum is 80 taka. Additionally, tempos, small buses operating on fixed routes, offer another option for getting around the city. Buses are less common and often overcrowded but can be useful for longer journeys. Private car services are available but tend to be more expensive.

Rajshahi boasts relatively well-maintained and extensive sidewalks compared to many other cities in Bangladesh. Most of its roads feature adequate footpaths, though they may be narrower in comparison.

• 24.36171188.5699081 T Bandh. A lovely sight of one of the largest rivers in South Asia. During the Monsoon season, the water level rises, along with its beauty.  
• 24.36717188.5924662 Varendra Research Museum. Established in 1910, the museum is dedicated to ancient history and culture. It is recognised as the oldest museum in the country. It has a rich collection of artefacts, relating to Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim heritage. Some of these date back to the 16th century. It is maintained by the University, located in the heart of town. Free.  (updated Aug 2016)
• Shrine of Hazrat Shah Makhdum(Rh.). A Majar (shrine) was established to mark the resting place of Hazrat Shah Makhdum in 1635 CE. He was the first preacher of Islam in the region. Legend has it that he arrived by riding down the Padma on 2 crocodiles. To preserve this myth, some crocodiles are kept in the pond next to the shrine. 
• 24.36686188.5704713 Central Park and Zoo. The park is a wide area with lush green trees and grass. The zoo houses a variety of different animal species. It is located by the bank of river Padma.  (updated Aug 2016)
• Shahid Zia Park. An amusement park for pleasure. It has mono rail, bumping cars and many other exciting things for amusement. It is under the Rajshahi City Corporation. 
• 24.3620388.598054 Boro Kuthi (next to Padma Botanic Garden). Historic preserved Dutch building on Padma River waterfront.  
• 24.364588.59585 Rajshahi University (University of Rajshahi). You must see this well-planned beautiful green campus before leaving Rajshahi. It is within a few kilometres from the city centre and easily accessible.  
• Ghoramara. The oldest part of Rajshahi City, consisting most of oldest (70-100 year old) buildings. 
• Kashia-Danga (west side of Rajshahi). From this area massive mango tree garden area of Rajshahi starts. Anyone can have a glimpse of famous mango tree of Rajshahi from this area. The area is at the west part of the city, near to Rajshahi court railway station. 
• Santal Para. In the Mahish-Bathan Area. Some Santal tribes people lives here. Anyone can have a look to their tribal life. 
• Rajshahi Silk Fabrication (3.5 km from the center of the city.). Rajshahi silk is the name given to the silk products produced in Rajshahi. It is famous because it is a high quality fabric used for clothing, especially for saris. Along with factories, merchandise outlets are also available there. 

• 24.36334188.5891036 Lalon Shah Mukto Moncho (Mukto Moncho). Park and amphitheater on the banks of Padma River  (updated Aug 2024)
• 24.36188988.5992537 Padma Garden. Garden on the banks of Padma River  (updated Aug 2024)
• 24.36884388.5719368 Novotheatre, Beside Rajshahi Zoo, ☏ +880 2588852395, novotheatrerajshahi@gmail.com. 10AM-5PM. Country's second-largest planetarium and a modern center for science education and entertainment. ৳30, 50 & 100.  (updated Aug 2026)

For more detail, see Rajshahi District article.

• Bagha Mosque. A historical mosque situated in Bagha of Rajshahi. There is a picture of this mosque in one side of Tk 50 note. 
• Puthia Palace. Situated a little far away from the city. It's an ancient palace which attracts all to visit. 

The Padma River is a major river in Bangladesh and a popular spot for boating. You can take a boat ride on the river and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding countryside. The best time to go boating is during the dry season, from November to April. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes that you don't mind getting wet. Safety standards on local wooden boats (nauka) vary. Ensure the boat is not overloaded and check if life jackets are available before setting off. If you are taking a boat ride on the Padma River, be sure to bargain for a good price.

Look for both traditional and western style clothes at Rajshahi stores.

• 24.3653788.600021 Shaheb Bazaar. A raucous street scene of commerce.  (updated May 2022)
• 24.3648988.598162 RDA Market. On the south side of Shaheb Bazaar, this is the largest market in Rajshahi, full of vendors selling clothes, food, cosmetics, etc.  (updated May 2022)
• 24.372488.602373 New Market. A bit more shopping mall-like, but another large market with both hawkers and higher-end vendors.  (updated May 2022)
• 24.36462288.6029664 Kumarpara Mor, Shaheb Bazar Rd (5 minutes walking distance from zero point). At this point you will find some renowned brand shops like Arong, Le reve, Richman etc.  (updated Aug 2026)

Rajshahi’s culinary scene revolves around rich North Bengal specialties. During summer (May–July), the city transforms into the mango capital of Bangladesh, with local varieties like Khirsapat, Langra, gopalvog, and Amrapali dominating street markets and dessert menus.

Kalai Ruti

A signature Rajshahi flatbread made from black gram (mashkalai) flour and rice flour. Cooked on a clay stove, it is hot, dense, and traditionally served with mashed green chilies (morich bhorta), eggplant relish (begun bhorta), or slow-cooked spicy duck meat (hash-er mangsho).

Beef kala bhuna

The beef kala bhuna here is another local favorite, typically served with steamed rice. The most popular spot for it is at the eateries near the Nawhata Bridge in Paba Upazila, around 10 KM from Rajshai Railgate. While they used to prepare it only on market days, the huge demand means they serve it daily now. You can also get it every day at two hotels in Katakhali. Over at the City Haat, rice hotels serve kala bhuna on the regular market days, Sundays and Wednesdays. Besides these specific spots, several restaurants around the city offer it on their menus as well.

Signature local sweets

Roshkodombom is Rajshahi's iconic signature sweet. It features a soft rasgulla center wrapped in a layer of sweetened khir (reduced milk solids) and coated with tiny, crunchy sugar beads, mimicking the round Kadam flower. Another signature sweet is Komlavog. Made from fresh chana and it is notably larger than a standard rasgulla. It is actually orange-flavored evolution of the classical rasgulla or rajbhog.

Some renowned sweet shops are listed below.

• Nabarup Mistanno Bhandar, Shaheb Bazar. Famous for producing varieties of sweetmeats. 
• Rajshahi Mishtanno Bhandar. Rajshahi's one of the oldest sweetmeat shops, has several outlets all over the city. 
• Ranar Sweet (Ranar mistir dokan), CNB more. Famous for serving hot, fresh sweets straight out of the cooking vessel every evening. ৳ 50–200. 
• Shamim Sweets (Ranar mistir dokan), Shaheb Bazar (near zero point). Famous for serving crisp, piping-hot jilapi. 

Some nice restaurants and fast food places are available in the city. Most of them are located in Ranibajar and Mohila College Road.

• Nanking Chinese Restaurant, Monibazar (near C&B mor). Oldest Chinese restaurant in the city. 
• Party Point, Shalbagan, ☏ +880 1711346484.  
• Chili's Chinese Restaurant, Shaheb Bazar.  
• Helium, Ranibazar, ☏ +8809639203131, contact@helium.com.bd. Offers a diverse menu featuring fast food, continental, and Asian fusion cuisine (updated Aug 2026)
• Kabab House, Ranibazar, ☏ +880 1757-997880, kababhouserajshahi@gmail.com. Noon-11PM. Offered multi-cuisine. It offered good Bangladeshi cuisine as well, though the price is comparatively higher than other restaurants in the city. (updated Aug 2026)
• 24.36330588.5897421 Nongor Restaurant (beside Lalon Shah Mukto Moncho), ☏ +880 1847-553030. 11AM-10PM. Offers indoor, outdoor, and rooftop seating with views of the Padma River. The venue serves a variety of local, continental, and fast food items, making it a favorite spot for evening hangouts and family dining.  (updated Aug 2026)

• Rajshahi Parjatan Bar, Rajshahi Parjatan Motel. Offers a variety of drinks, including local and branded liquors. (updated Aug 2026)

• 24.36738888.6007881 Royal Raj Hotel & Condominium (রয়েল রাজ হোটেল এন্ড কন্ডোমিনিয়াম), 26/27 Ganakapara (Rani Bazar Mor), ☏ +880 1321231755, admin@royalrajbd.com.  (updated Apr 2023)
• 24.36872488.5792062 Grand River View Hotel (গ্র্যান্ড রিভার ভিউ হোটেল), Kajihata, ☏ +880 1877 766966, reservation@grandriverviewbd.com. Pool, gym, laundry service, beauty services, restaurant, cineplex.  (updated Oct 2022)
• 24.37771988.624593 Chez Razzak Suites (চেজ রাজ্জাক সার্ভিস), Road#02, Padma Housing Estate, ☏ +880 721-761729, fax: +880 721-761774, info@chezrazzakservice.com. Two-star business class guest house suites in beautiful residential area at Rajshahi hub. $45-65.  (updated Dec 2020)
• 24.36803288.5729114 Rajshahi Parjatan Motel (পর্যটন মোটেল, বাংলাদেশ পর্যটন কর্পোরেশন), Abdul Majid Road, Rajpara, ☏ +880 721775237, +880 1558143636, +880 1991139394, motelrajshahi@gmail.com. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. Facilities include a complementary breakfast, Wifi zone, restaurant, laundry service, room service, ISD/NWD telephone, hot and cold water supply, all rooms with TV with satellite/telephone private balcony, outside catering service, free car parking, first aid, and safe deposit box in reception. ৳2500-7500.  
• 24.36551388.6012495 Hotel Nice International (হোটেল নাইস ইন্টারন্যাশনাল), Shaheb Bazar, ☏ +880 1740 133933, hotel.nice@yahoo.com.  
• 24.36702288.6004326 Hotel Mukta International, Batar Mor, Ganakpara, Shaheb Bazar, ☏ +880 1711-302322, fax: +880 721-774440, contact@hotelmukta.com.bd. Tk 1200.  
• 24.37150388.5819577 Hotel Century, Luxmipur, ☏ +880 721-775063. This is one of the nice hotels in Rajshahi. Price is cheap here with air-conditioned rooms and parking.  
• 24.37852188.622158 Jatra Flagship Rajshahi City Center (যাত্রা ফ্লাগশিপ রাজশাহী সিটি সেন্টার), Padma Residential Area, ☏ +880 130 9552872, reservation@jatra.com.  (updated Oct 2022)
• 24.36963888.5729479 Hotel X, ☏ +880 2 9840 726, info@hotelxhospitality.com.  (updated Nov 2024)

Rajshahi is generally one of the safest and most relaxed major urban centers in Bangladesh. It has significantly lower rates of violent crime compared to Dhaka or Chittagong. However, visitors should remain mindful of basic safety and local customs.

Petty theft can happen in crowded commercial hubs such as Shaheb Bazar, RDA Market, and around the main railway station or bus terminals. Keep valuables secure and avoid displaying large sums of cash.

The city is relatively calm after dark, but it is best to avoid dimly lit alleys or deserted stretches along the Padma River embankment late at night, especially after 10/11PM.

Rajshahi is generally welcoming to solo female travelers, though you will likely attract curious looks. Dressing modestly (covering shoulders and knees) helps minimize unwanted attention and shows respect for local social norms.

Though Rajshahi is one of the cleanest cities in Bangladesh, travelers should take standard health precautions.

Make sure to drink plenty of water or fluids (not coffee, alcohol or strong tea) to avoid dehydration. Try to always carry a water bottle with you to avoid dehydration caused by sweating during the summer months. Never drink tap water directly. Bottled water or filtered drinking water is recommended.

Wear long sleeves and trousers, apply a DEET-based repellent on exposed skin, and sleep under a mosquito net if your accommodation does not have air conditioning or window screens.

Almost all the mobile operators have 4G internet service all over the city. Most of the hotels and reputed restaurants give free WiFi facilities. Be sure to ask employees for the password in case it's protected.

• 24.37812788.5968991 India (Assistant High Commission of India), Plot No. 316, Road No 1, Padma Abasik Area, Bhodra, Rajshahi, ☏ +880-247861212, ahc.rajshahi@mea.gov.in.  (updated Aug 2026)

• Natore - Borders the district in the east, just beside Rajshahi City.
• Gaud - a historical centre with important mosques, which extends into the Gour (West Bengal) region of India
• Puthia - A temple town located 23 km away. Best explored on a day trip