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.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
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).
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.
1 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. 2 Varendra Research Museum (Varendra Museum), Hatem Khan, ☏ +880 194 25 46 70, vrm1910.ru@gmail.com. 10AM-05:00PM (Apr-Oct), 10AM-04:30PM (Nov-Mar), Friday to Wednesday.. 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. ৳20 (Bangladeshi), ৳200 (Foreign).
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.
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). Kalai roti is sold at many places around the city.
Rajshahi Parjatan Bar, Rajshahi Parjatan Motel. Offers a variety of drinks, including local and branded liquors. (updated Aug 2026)
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.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Nov, Rajshahi typically sees ~29°C daytime highs and 1 rainy days.
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