Flights from London (LON) to Dhaka (DAC)

About Dhaka

Discover Dhaka

Why visit Dhaka?
Dhaka is a bustling riverside metropolis where historic quarters, waterfront life, and contemporary business districts sit side by side. You will find a lively, energetic city filled with colour, movement, and a warm welcome from locals going about their day.

What to expect
The city stretches along the Buriganga and surrounding waterways, with Old Dhaka offering narrow streets, traditional architecture, and busy riverside terminals, while newer districts feature wider roads, lakeside promenades, and modern towers. The constant flow of rickshaws, ferries, and buses creates a distinctly urban rhythm.

Plan your trip
Dhaka is a practical entry point for exploring wider Bangladesh, from tea estates and river towns to coastal areas. With a growing hotel scene, business facilities, and domestic connections, it works well as both a standalone city break and a gateway to the country.

Top sights in Dhaka

Lalbagh Fort

Explore this 17th-century riverside complex, known for its imposing walls, gardens, and views over the surrounding old city.

Ahsan Manzil

Visit the distinctive pink palace on the banks of the Buriganga River and learn about Dhaka's history in its on-site museum.

Sadarghat River Terminal

Watch ferries and boats criss-cross the busy riverfront and experience one of Dhaka's most dynamic public spaces.

National Parliament House Area

See the striking modernist architecture of the parliament complex and stroll around the surrounding green spaces and lakes.

Curzon Hall

Walk through this historic red-brick academic building, admired for its blend of local and colonial-era architectural details.

Hatirjheel Lake

Enjoy waterfront pathways, bridges, and night lighting around this urban lake, a popular spot for evening walks and photos.

New Market

Browse a maze of small shops and stalls selling clothing, accessories, and everyday items in a classic Dhaka shopping area.

Experience Dhaka's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Rickshaws and ride-hailing cars are among the most flexible ways to move within central Dhaka, especially for shorter hops between neighbourhoods. For longer journeys, you can combine them with buses or rail, and walking the last few minutes often reveals interesting side streets and local life.

Local life & culture
Dhaka's energy is most visible in its markets, university areas, and riverside districts, where people shop, study, and socialise throughout the day. You will see busy commercial streets, quieter residential lanes, and a growing number of cultural venues that host exhibitions, performances, and community events.

Where to unwind
Lakeside promenades and urban parks provide welcome breathing space from the traffic, particularly around areas such as Dhanmondi and Hatirjheel. Early mornings and evenings tend to be more relaxed, when cooler air and softer light make it pleasant to sit on a bench, stroll, or simply watch the city settle.

A taste of Dhaka

Street food & local specialties
Dhaka is known for hearty rice-based meals, flavourful curries, and snacks sold from small stalls and hole-in-the-wall eateries. Old Dhaka in particular is popular for long-established family outlets, where you can try local favourites alongside fresh breads and sweets.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In newer districts such as Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi, you will find cafés, bakeries, and restaurants serving both regional and international flavours. Many menus are designed for sharing, so you can sample a mix of small plates, grilled items, and classic rice and curry combinations in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
Rooftop venues and higher-floor restaurants in business districts often provide cityscape views, especially atmospheric around sunset and after dark. Some riverfront areas also have simple eateries and tea stalls overlooking the water, offering a relaxed setting to pause and watch boats pass by.

Retail therapy in Dhaka

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Dhaka's modern shopping centres bring together international brands, local labels, cinemas, and dining under one roof. Popular complexes in areas such as Gulshan and Dhanmondi are as much social spaces as retail hubs, making it easy to combine shopping with a meal or a film.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller centres, including New Market and nearby commercial streets, are good places to look for fabrics, clothing, and household goods. You can also find boutiques that highlight local textiles and handcrafted items, often tucked into side streets or upper floors of mixed-use buildings.

Evening retail scene
After sunset, many shopping streets, malls, and market areas stay lively, with illuminated storefronts and steady foot traffic. Busy junctions and lakeside districts can be particularly atmospheric in the evening, and local transport options, including rickshaws and ride-hailing cars, make these areas straightforward to reach.

Best time to visit Dhaka

Shitag-কাল winter (cool dry season, November to February, shoulder season)
During the cool season, temperatures in Dhaka usually range from about 15°C to 26°C (59°F to 79°F), with lower humidity and clearer skies. It is a comfortable time for walking tours, riverside strolls, and exploring busy markets during the day and evening.

Grishsho-কাল summer (pre-monsoon, March to May, peak season)
The pre-monsoon months bring warmer weather, often between 25°C and 34°C (77°F to 93°F), with rising humidity and occasional showers. In this period, indoor attractions, malls, and lakeside evenings can be particularly enjoyable, offering a balance between city energy and cooler breaks.

Borsha-কাল monsoon (rainy season, June to October, low season)
Monsoon season typically sees temperatures of around 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F), with frequent rainfall that refreshes the city and surrounding countryside. Showers are often interspersed with bright spells, and this is a rewarding time to experience Dhaka's greener parks and atmospheric riverfront views.

Frequently Asked Questions