Dhaka is a vibrant riverside metropolis where history, craft, and modern city life meet on busy streets and quiet courtyards. You experience a city of colour, character, and constant movement.
Discover Dhaka
Discover Dhaka
Why visit Dhaka?
What to expect
You can expect lively traffic, bustling river ports, and historic quarters filled with old architecture alongside contemporary shopping and business districts. Dhaka rewards unhurried exploration with warm local hospitality.
Plan your trip
Use Dhaka as a base to explore Bangladesh, from tea gardens and mangrove forests to charming river towns. Allow time for traffic and distances across the city when planning your days.
Top sights in Dhaka
Lalbagh Fort
Stroll through this 17th century Mughal complex, with its gardens, gateways, and historic halls offering a calm contrast to the city outside.
Ahsan Manzil
Visit the restored pink palace on the Buriganga River to see grand interiors and learn about the citys history as a trading and cultural hub.
Sadarghat River Port
Head to the riverfront to watch ferries, cargo boats, and launches arrive and depart in a scene of constant activity, especially at sunset.
Old Dhaka streets
Wander narrow lanes lined with traditional shops, workshops, and historic buildings that reveal Dhakas layered past and everyday life.
National Parliament Complex
See the striking modernist Parliament building and surrounding lawns, an architectural landmark designed with bold lines and reflective water features.
Bangladesh National Museum
Explore galleries showcasing archaeology, textiles, art, and cultural heritage from across Bangladesh in a single, accessible space.
Ramna Park and Suhrawardy Udyan
Walk or jog among lakes and trees in these central green spaces, popular for fresh air, meetups, and an easy break from traffic.
Experience Dhakas everyday rhythm
Getting around
Move between key areas by car, ride-hailing apps, or taxi, allowing generous time for traffic. For shorter hops, rickshaws give a close-up view of street life, while walking is best within specific districts such as Gulshan or Dhanmondi.
Local life & culture
Dhaka pulses with street vendors, workshops, and neighbourhood markets where crafts, textiles, and daily essentials are traded. Cultural centres, galleries, and performance venues host music, art, and theatre that showcase contemporary Bangladeshi creativity.
Where to unwind
Visit lakeside promenades in Gulshan or Dhanmondi for an evening walk and a quieter atmosphere. Early mornings in parks and along calmer streets offer cooler air and a gentle introduction to the city.
A taste of Dhaka
Street food & local specialties
Seek out bustling local areas for biryani, snacks, and sweet treats, where small eateries and stalls serve dishes that locals enjoy every day.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Neighbourhoods such as Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi offer cafes, bakeries, and restaurants with regional and international flavours, making it easy to try several small plates or share dishes with friends.
Signature & scenic dining
Choose rooftop venues or restaurants near lakes and rivers for city views and cooler breezes, ideal for a relaxed dinner after a day in busy streets.
Retail therapy in Dhaka
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres around Gulshan, Mirpur Road, and other central areas bring together international brands, local boutiques, cinemas, and family-friendly hangouts under one roof.
Markets & local crafts
Browse traditional markets and smaller plazas for textiles, hand-embroidered fabrics, and local designer pieces, especially around New Market, Dhanmondi, and Gulshan.
Evening retail scene
Malls and shopping streets stay lively into the evening, with illuminated storefronts and plenty of places to pause for a drink or snack, and local transport or ride-hailing apps make it easy to reach these areas.
Best time to visit Dhaka
Cool and dry season (peak season): From November to February, temperatures typically range from 15°C to 26°C (59°F to 79°F), with lower humidity and clearer skies that are ideal for sightseeing and walking. Pre-monsoon and early monsoon (shoulder season): From March to June, temperatures climb to around 25°C to 34°C (77°F to 93°F), with higher humidity and occasional storms; days can feel hot, but evenings may be more comfortable. Monsoon season (low season): From July to October, temperatures usually sit between 26°C and 32°C (79°F to 90°F), with frequent rain and occasional heavy downpours, so you may need flexible plans and waterproof layers.