Dhaka is a bustling riverside capital where historic quarters, busy waterways, and modern city life meet. You can explore layered history, vibrant crafts, and a warm, energetic street atmosphere.
Discover Dhaka
Discover Dhaka
Why visit Dhaka?
What to expect
Expect lively traffic, colourful rickshaws, and dense neighbourhoods where markets and roadside stalls spill onto the streets. The city mixes colonial architecture, lakeside parks, and fast-growing business districts.
Plan your trip
Dhaka works well as both a standalone city break and a gateway to Bangladesh, from river delta towns to tea-growing hills. Allow time for traffic, and base yourself near the areas you plan to explore.
Top sights in Dhaka
Lalbagh Fort
Stroll through this Mughal-era fortress complex, with elegant gateways, gardens, and unfinished palaces offering a calm contrast to the surrounding city.
Ahsan Manzil
Visit the pink riverside palace on the Buriganga River to see grand interiors, historic exhibits, and views over busy boat traffic.
Old Dhaka and Sadarghat
Wander Old Dhaka´s narrow lanes, then head to Sadarghat River Port to watch ferries, cargo boats, and small craft constantly arriving and departing.
National Parliament House
Admire the striking modernist architecture of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, set beside serene lakes and green spaces.
Dhakeshwari National Temple area
Explore the historic precinct around one of the city´s oldest temples, and experience the surrounding markets and street vendors.
Hatirjheel Lake
Walk or take a boat ride around this urban lake, enjoying city views, bridges lit up at night, and a refreshing breeze.
Bangladesh National Museum
Browse galleries that trace the region´s archaeology, art, and cultural heritage, from ancient artefacts to contemporary works.
New Market and nearby book streets
Experience one of Dhaka´s busiest commercial areas, where clothes, shoes, and stationery stalls sit beside bookshops and printing outlets.
Experience Dhaka´s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Move between key districts by car or ride-hailing app, allowing extra time for traffic at peak hours. For short hops, cycle rickshaws give a close-up view of street life, while walking works well within compact neighbourhoods and lakeside promenades.
Local life & culture
Dhaka´s culture plays out in crowded bazaars, riverfronts, and teeming university areas where bookstalls, tea stands, and street sellers cluster together. You will notice a strong tradition of textiles, handicrafts, and an active arts scene in galleries and cultural centres.
Where to unwind
Escape the bustle in green pockets such as Ramna Park or around Dhanmondi Lake, best enjoyed in the early morning or late afternoon when the air feels cooler. Evening strolls along Hatirjheel´s walkways offer an easy way to unwind with skyline reflections on the water.
A taste of Dhaka
Street food & local specialties
Sample local snacks like savoury chaat, kebabs, and sweet curd in busy quarters such as Old Dhaka and around university areas, where street stalls and small eateries sit side by side.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Head to districts like Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi for cafes and restaurants serving Bangladeshi favourites, regional Asian flavours, and Western-style comfort food, with portions that make it easy to share and try several dishes.
Signature & scenic dining
Look for rooftop restaurants in Gulshan or along major avenues that offer skyline views, or choose venues near lakes and rivers where you can dine while watching city lights shimmer on the water.
Retail therapy in Dhaka
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Explore multi-storey malls such as those in Gulshan, Dhanmondi, and Uttara, where international brands, local boutiques, cinemas, and food courts turn shopping into an all-day outing.
Markets & local crafts
Visit New Market, Baitul Mukarram Market, and smaller Gulshan boutiques to find textiles, hand-embroidered fabrics, and locally made crafts that reflect Bangladesh´s strong tradition of weaving and design.
Evening retail scene
Many malls and busy streets stay lively into the evening, with illuminated shopfronts and late-opening stores in areas like Gulshan and Dhanmondi, all easily reached by taxi or ride-hailing services.
Best time to visit Dhaka
Cool and dry season (peak season): From November to February, Dhaka is generally dry and more comfortable, with average temperatures around 19–25°C (66–77°F) and lower humidity, making it ideal for sightseeing. Pre-monsoon heat (shoulder season): From March to May, temperatures climb to around 28–35°C (82–95°F) with rising humidity and occasional storms, but mornings and evenings remain good for exploring. Monsoon season (low season): From June to October, expect heavy showers, high humidity, and temperatures around 26–32°C (79–90°F); travel is quieter, and you should allow extra time for movement around the city.