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Chittagong

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At a glance

Country
Bangladesh
Region
Chittagong Division
Population
3 million
Best time to go
November to February
Main airport
Chittagong Shah Amanat International (CGP)
Coordinates
22.36°N, 91.78°E

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Overview

Chittagong, officially Chattogram, is Bangladesh's second city and its main seaport, spread across low green hills where the Karnaphuli river meets the Bay of Bengal. It has been a trading port for centuries, visited by Arab, Portuguese and British merchants.

It is busier than it is beautiful, but it has a distinct food culture and character. It is also the gateway to the Chittagong Hill Tracts and Cox's Bazar.

Things to see

  • Patenga Beach
    Photo: Moheen Reeyad, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Patenga Beach

    A sea beach near the river mouth, where locals gather at sunset to watch ships waiting offshore.

  • Foy's Lake
    Photo: Ctg4Rahat, CC0

    Foy's Lake

    A hill-ringed artificial lake on the edge of the city, with boating and an amusement park.

    Tickets and tours
  • Ethnological Museum
    Photo: Moheen Reeyad, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Ethnological Museum

    A small museum on the cultures of Bangladesh's many ethnic groups, especially those of the hill tracts.

    Tickets and tours
  • Chittagong War Cemetery
    Photo: Noor foysal kaium, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Chittagong War Cemetery

    A peaceful, beautifully kept Commonwealth cemetery for soldiers of the Second World War Burma campaign.

Things to do

  • Boat on the Karnaphuli
    Photo: Ganiarachchi, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Boat on the Karnaphuli

    Hire a small boat at the riverside to see the working port, fishing boats and shipyards.

  • Try mezban
    Photo: abdullah2ice, CC BY 2.0

    Try mezban

    A rich, spicy beef curry traditionally served at Chittagonian feasts, now found in local restaurants.

  • Day trip to Kaptai Lake
    Photo: Josephite 25, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Day trip to Kaptai Lake

    A vast reservoir among forested hills near Rangamati, explored by boat.

  • Hike to Chandranath Temple
    Photo: Kazi Md. Jahirul Islam, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Hike to Chandranath Temple

    A steep climb up a hill at Sitakunda to a hilltop Hindu temple with views to the sea.

Where to stay

Getting around

CNG auto-rickshaws, ride-hailing apps and cycle rickshaws are the usual options. Traffic can be heavy.

The airport is near the river mouth in Patenga, around 30 to 60 minutes by car to the centre.

When to go

November to February is dry, sunny and mild. Summer is hot and humid, and the monsoon from June to October brings heavy rain.

Plan your trip to Chittagong

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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

More city guides for Bangladesh

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