Ahsan Manzil Dhaka 2026 | Everything You Need To Know + Ticket Price + History
Introduction
Whilst Lalbagh Fort tells us the Mughal story behind Dhaka. Ahsan Manzil has the Nawabi story behind it.
Ahsan Manzil is also known as the ‘Pink Palace’ as the whole building is pink. This was the home of the Nawabs of Dhaka during the 19th century. Today it is the most popular museum in Bangladesh. Inside you will find lots of royal furniture, clothing, weapons and pictures of the Nawab family.
Ahsan Manzil is located by the Buriganga River in Kumartuli Old Dhaka. If you love history and wanting to learn about the royal lifestyle then you should definitely visit this location. Here are all the details you need to know for 2026 including Ticket Price, timings, history and how to get there.
1. Where is Ahsan Manzil?
Division: Dhaka Division
District: Dhaka
Area: Kumartuli, Islampur, Old Dhaka
Address: Ahsan Manzil Museum, Kumartuli, Dhaka 1100
Distance from Lalbagh Fort: 2 KM
Distance from Sadarghat: 1.5 KM
The palace is located right next to the Buriganga River. You can see the river and boats from the veranda.
2. Brief History of Ahsan Manzil
Ahsan Manzil was built in 1859 by Nawab Khwaja Abdul Ghani. The palace was named after his son Khwaja Ahsanullah. There used to be a French trade house here and it was purchased by the Nawab. This became the palace.
The Nawab family lived in the palace for 100 years. In 1906 the first meeting of the Muslim League occurred here. In 1952 it was damaged during an earthquake. In 1992 the palace was turned into a museum by the Bangladesh Government. It is now under the Bangladesh National Museum.
There are a total of 31 rooms that are open to the public.
3. Ahsan Manzil Ticket Price 2026
The Ticket Price is extremely cheap.
Bangladeshi Citizen – 30 BDT
SAARC Country Citizen – 100 BDT
Foreigner – 500 BDT
Still Camera – 15 BDT
Video Camera – 100 BDT
Mobile – Free
Children under 5 years old can enter for free.
Tickets can be purchased at the main entrance.
4. Ahsan Manzil Timings 2026
Summer (April to September)
Saturday to Wednesday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Friday – 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Winter (October to March)
Saturday to Wednesday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Friday – 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Closed on Thursday and all Government Holidays.
Friday Prayer – Closed between 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM.
Tip: Try to visit during weekday mornings. There will be less people and you can take photos easily.
5. Top 7 Things to See at Ahsan Manzil Museum
1. Pink Palace with Green Dome
The best thing to see here is the outside of the palace. There is a huge Pink Palace with a green dome. At night lights are put up making it look like magic. This is the most popular photo spot in Dhaka.
2. Darbar Hall/Audience Hall
This was the area the Nawab would meet his guests. There is a huge chandelier, throne and mirrors. You can really feel like royalty.
3. Nawab’s Bedroom
This bedroom is huge with a mosquito net bed. There is an old wardrobe, dressing table and fan. See how the Nawabs lived 150 years ago.
4. Dining Room
This dining room has a long table that seats 40 people. The silver plates, glasses and cutlery are still there. They ate with 20 dishes per meal.
5. Library Room
This library has some old books, Quran and the Nawab’s personal diary. The room also has a musty smell.
6. Kitchen & Toilet
There is a huge kitchen from the British era. There is an oven, large cooking pot and water pipe. The toilet was very modern for that time.
7. Buriganga River Views
From the second floor veranda you can see the whole Buriganga River. The Nawab would sit here to watch the boats go by. This is a great spot for sunset photos.
6. How to Get to Ahsan Manzil from Dhaka
Gulistan: Take a bus to Sadarghat. Then take a rickshaw (40 BDT). Total time 30 mins.
Shahbag: Take a CNG (150-200 BDT). Time 30 mins (depending on traffic).
Airport: Take a Uber/Pathao (350-450 BDT). Time 1 hour – 1.5 hours.
Lalbagh Fort: Take a rickshaw (50 BDT). Time 10 mins.
Old Dhaka has small roads so you cannot take a CNG to the gates. You have to walk for 5 mins.
7. Best Time to Visit Ahsan Manzil
Best Month: November – February. Weather is cool and no rain.
Best Day: Saturday – Wednesday.
Best Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Perfect lighting for photos.
Avoid visiting on Friday and Government holidays. School children will be visiting in groups.
8. 8 Tips for Visiting Ahsan Manzil
Comfortable shoes – You will be walking on marble flooring.
Take a guide from the gate (200 BDT). They can tell you interesting stories about the Nawabs.
No eating inside. But you can eat outside.
Don’t touch anything. Security are tight.
Combine with Lalbagh Fort. It is close by. Visit Lalbagh first then Ahsan Manzil.
Visit at 4PM for Buriganga River views and sunset photos.
Cash only. No cards or bKash available at ticket booth.
Be cautious with your bag. Can be busy.
9. Eating Nearby Ahsan Manzil
Old Dhaka has amazing street food.
Islampur: Haji Biryani (200 BDT)
Chawkbazar: Boro Baper Polay Khay (Famous for Kacchi) (350 BDT)
Gate: Fuchka, Jhalmuri & Achar (20-40 BDT)
Cold Drink: 30 BDT
10. Ahsan Manzil vs Lalbagh Fort
Many tourists ask which one is better.
Lalbagh Fort – Built in 1678. Mughal style. Red brick. Army fortress. Story behind Pari Bibi.
Ahsan Manzil – Built in 1859. Nawabi style. Pink Palace. Royal home/Museum.
I recommend visiting both in one day. Start with Lalbagh Fort at 10AM. Finish at 12PM. Then visit Ahsan Manzil between 1PM to 3PM. Walk along the riverside.
11. Photography Tips
1: Front gate with whole palace.
2: Inside Darbar Hall with chandelier.
3: Veranda on riverside at sunset.
Wear white, pink or red clothing. It goes well with the pink wall.
No flash allowed inside the rooms.
Conclusion
Ahsan Manzil is a proud building in Dhaka 2026 showing how wealthy and stylish the Nawabs were. The pink building, river views and museum items make it unique.
Only 30 BDT for entry and you get 200 years of history. If you are in Dhaka I would allocate 2 hours to visit this amazing palace.
Plan to visit Ahsan Manzil Dhaka in Winter 2026.