The historic Portuguese settlement along the Karnaphuli River, dating from the 16th century. The lanes are still narrow, the buildings low and weathered, and some of the old Catholic Bengali families still live in houses here. The area is now mixed with newer Muslim residential blocks but retains a distinct character.
A wander through Firingi Bazar at dusk gives the strongest sense of Chittagong's long history as a multi-faith port. Combine with a walk along the Sadarghat waterfront and a visit to the Holy Rosary Cathedral.