Star Mosque travel guide

History and background

Mirza Golam Pir built the mosque in the 18th century. In the early 20th century Ali Jan Bepari decorated the whole mosque with star patterns in pieces of Japanese and English china (chinitikri), giving it the name 'Tara Masjid' (Star Mosque).

How to get to Star Mosque

At Armanitola in Old Dhaka; a short rickshaw ride from Ahsan Manzil.

Where to stay

• Pan Pacific Sonargaon and InterContinental Dhaka (luxury)
• Plenty of mid-range hotels in Gulshan-Banani, Paltan and Farmgate (৳2,000–6,000)

What to eat

Old Dhaka kacchi biryani, Haji's biryani, bakarkhani, borhani, Nanna Mia's morog polao

Good to know

• Dress modestly; women should ideally cover their heads
• Visitor entry is limited during prayers

More places to visit in Dhaka district

• Lalbagh Fort — An unfinished fort begun in 1678 under the Mughal subahdar Prince Azam Shah. Inside are Pari Bibi's tomb, an audience hall and a mosque.
• Ahsan Manzil — The pink palace of the Nawabs of Dhaka on the Buriganga, now a museum. You can see furniture and pictures from the Nawabs' time.
• National Parliament House — World-famous modern architecture designed by Louis Kahn. The lake around it and Chandrima Udyan are lovely for an afternoon stroll.
• Hatirjheel — A lake, bridges and walkways in the middle of the city. Evening lights and water taxis are popular.
• National Museum — The country's largest museum; huge collections of archaeology, history, the Liberation War and folk art.
• Dhakeshwari Temple — Dhaka's oldest temple and the national temple, thought to be linked to the city's name.
• Armenian Church — The Armenians' church, built in 1781, witness to Old Dhaka's multi-ethnic history.
• Liberation War Museum — A modern museum of documents, photos and relics of the 1971 Liberation War.

Location on the map