Rajshahi Division · Bangladesh
Rajshahi travel guide
Rajshahi is a city in Rajshahi Division, Bangladesh, home to about 448,000 people.
- Best months
- December to February
- Nearest airport
- RJH8 km · Shah Makhdum Airport
- Currency
- BDTBangladeshi taka
- Time zone
- Asia/Dhaka
- Language
- Bangla
About
About Rajshahi
Rajshahi is a metropolitan city and a major urban, administrative, commercial and educational centre of Bangladesh. It is also the administrative seat of the eponymous division and district.
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.
Wikipedia and Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
Things to do
What to see and do in Rajshahi
See
The Puthia Temple Complex is a group of notable old Hindu temples in Puthia Upazila, 32 km east of Rajshahi city, which has the largest number of historic temples in Bangladesh. The temples were built by the Hindu zamindar (landlord) rajas of the Puthia Raj family, well-known philanthropists of Rajshahi. Several of the temples are decorated with terracotta, and their architecture resembles the Jor Bangla style. Puthia Temple Complex is within a small area, so you can easily see the whole area on foot. You can also get around by rickshaw, and drivers can be hired for a few hours or even a full day.
- T Bandh
- Varendra Research Museum
- Shrine of Hazrat Shah Makhdum (Rh.)
- Shaheed A.H.M Qamaruzzaman Central Park and Zoo
- Shahid Zia Park
- Boro Kuthi
- Rajshahi University
- Ghoramara
- Kashia-Danga
- Santal Para
- Rajshahi Silk Fabrication
- Lalon Shah Mukto Moncho
Do
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.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
When to go
The best time to visit Rajshahi
The most comfortable months for a city stay in Rajshahi are December to February. April is the warmest month, with average highs of 37 °C; July is the wettest, with about 333 mm of rain.
Comfortable means average daytime high between 18 °C and 29 °C and under 80 mm of rain in the month. Averages for 1991–2020 over the surrounding area, a grid square about 50 km across, so a coast or a nearby mountain can make the town itself warmer or cooler. Data: CRU TS v4.10, Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia (Open Database License).
Getting there
Getting to Rajshahi: airports and arrival
The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Shah Makhdum Airport (RJH), about 8.0 km from the city centre in a straight line; Jessore Airport (JSR, 143 km) is also within reach.
Getting around
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.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
RJH · Shah Makhdum Airport
JSR · Jessore Airport
Local knowledge
Eating, drinking and staying safe in Rajshahi
Eat
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.
Stay safe
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.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
Questions
Rajshahi: questions travellers ask
When is the best time to visit Rajshahi?
The most comfortable months for a city stay in Rajshahi are December to February. April is the warmest month, with average highs of 37 °C; July is the wettest, with about 333 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Rajshahi?
The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Shah Makhdum Airport (RJH), about 8.0 km from the city centre in a straight line; Jessore Airport (JSR, 143 km) is also within reach.
What currency is used in Rajshahi?
Bangladeshi taka (BDT).
Nearby
Destinations near Rajshahi
Sources: city facts from Wikidata and Wikipedia; airports from OurAirports; climate from CRU TS v4.10 (University of East Anglia Climatic Research Unit), 1991–2020 monthly means, 0.5° grid; places to stay, guest scores and amenities from each operator's own public pages. How this guide is made.