The city has many pagodas worth visiting. Of its many pagodas, the ancient Shwemawdaw is the most venerable. Said to contain two hairs of Gautama Buddha, it is of Mon origin and was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1930, but restoration was completed in 1954. The Shwethalyaung, a colossal reclining statue of Buddha (181 feet [55 m] long), is to the west of the modern town and is reputedly one of the most lifelike of all the reclining Buddha figures. The town is famous for this giant sleeping Buddha. The Mahazedi, Shwegugale, and Kyaikpien are other notable pagodas.

Visitors and devotees throng to the Shwemawdaw Pagoda Festival which is usually held in the month of April.

For people who wish to have a glimpse of the traditional way of Myanmar life, Bago is an ideal place to visit. People are seen going about their business in a simple and peaceful way - unspoiled by the urbanity of metropolitan life.