Dhaka is a lively, fast-growing city where historic quarters, waterways, and modern districts sit side by side. You experience intense energy, layered history, and warm local hospitality at every turn.
Discover Dhaka
Discover Dhaka
Why visit Dhaka?
What to expect
Expect busy streets, colourful rickshaws, and a constant buzz around the old city, riverside docks, and newer business districts. Daily life spills into the streets, creating a vivid, immersive atmosphere.
Plan your trip
Dhaka is a gateway to the riverine heart of Bangladesh and nearby cultural cities. Plan time to adjust to the pace, explore different neighbourhoods, and connect onwards to the country’s lush countryside and coastal areas.
Top sights in Dhaka
Lalbagh Fort
Stroll through this 17th-century Mughal fort complex, with its red-brick gateways, gardens, and views over the surrounding old city.
Ahsan Manzil
Visit the iconic pink riverside palace on the Buriganga River, once a grand residence and now a museum of the city’s past.
Sadarghat River Port
Watch passenger launches and small boats criss-cross the river at one of South Asia’s busiest river ports, best seen in early morning or late afternoon light.
National Parliament House
Admire the striking modernist architecture and serene lakes around this landmark complex, designed by architect Louis Kahn.
Old Dhaka streets
Wander narrow alleys lined with traditional shops, historic houses, and local workshops that reveal the city’s layered heritage.
Dhakeshwari Temple precinct
Explore the historic precinct around one of Dhaka’s key heritage sites, noted for its ornate architecture and tranquil courtyards.
Bangladesh National Museum
Discover art, archaeology, and cultural exhibits that trace the story of the region from ancient times to the present day.
Experience Dhaka’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use ride-hailing services or taxis for longer journeys between neighbourhoods, and hop on a cycle rickshaw in central areas for short, scenic rides. For the last mile, walking the final blocks lets you navigate narrow lanes and explore at your own pace.
Local life & culture
Life in Dhaka often plays out in the streets, from bustling markets to riverside ghats and lively university areas. You feel the city’s creativity in its bookshops, galleries, and street art, and in the easy conversations that start over tea stalls.
Where to unwind
Escape to Ramna Park or Hatirjheel for lakeside walks and greenery, especially in the cooler early morning or evening. Newer residential areas also offer quieter streets and small parks where you can pause between sightseeing.
A taste of Dhaka
Street food & local specialties
Try biryani, rich curries, and savoury snacks from local eateries and stalls in Old Dhaka and busy commercial areas. These neighbourhoods are known for deep, long-standing culinary traditions passed down through generations.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Head to Gulshan, Banani, or Dhanmondi for laid-back cafes and contemporary restaurants offering regional and international flavours. Menus often feature shareable portions, so you can sample several dishes in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
Seek out rooftop venues in Gulshan and other upscale districts for skyline views with your meal. Some riverside spots near Sadarghat also offer atmospheric settings as boats glide past at sunset.
Retail therapy in Dhaka
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Visit major shopping centres in Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi for international brands, local labels, and family-friendly entertainment spaces that double as social hangouts.
Markets & local crafts
Explore New Market, Bashundhara City’s smaller boutiques, and neighbourhood streets in Old Dhaka for textiles, handicrafts, and everyday essentials. These areas are ideal for finding locally made items and gifts.
Evening retail scene
After dark, many malls and busy shopping streets stay lively with lit-up storefronts and cafés. Short taxi or ride-hailing journeys make it easy to reach these districts and return to your hotel comfortably.
Best time to visit Dhaka
Cool and dry season (peak season): From November to February, Dhaka is generally pleasant, with average temperatures around 18–25°C (64–77°F) and lower humidity, making it comfortable for walking and sightseeing. Pre-monsoon and hot season (shoulder season): From March to May, temperatures rise to around 25–35°C (77–95°F), with higher humidity and occasional storms, but clearer skies between showers. Monsoon season (low season): From June to October, temperatures usually range from 26–32°C (79–90°F), with heavy rain, overcast skies, and occasional flooding, though the landscape turns lush and green.