Dhaka is a vibrant, fast-paced city where historic quarters, riverside life, and modern towers sit side by side. You will find energetic streets, colourful rickshaws, and a warm, welcoming spirit.
Discover Dhaka
Discover Dhaka
Why visit Dhaka?
What to expect
Expect busy roads, lively markets, and densely packed neighbourhoods, balanced by tranquil mosques, lakeside parks, and the wide Buriganga River. The city rewards you with rich history, bold flavours, and constant movement.
Plan your trip
Dhaka is a natural starting point for exploring Bangladesh, from tea gardens and river deltas to heritage towns. Allow time for traffic and short hops by air or road if you plan to explore beyond the capital.
Top sights in Dhaka
Lalbagh Fort
Stroll through this unfinished Mughal-era fort complex, with peaceful gardens and historic gateways sitting amid the bustle of Old Dhaka.
Ahsan Manzil
Visit the restored pink palace on the banks of the Buriganga River, once the residence of Dhaka’s elite and now a museum of city history.
Sadarghat Riverfront
Head to the river port to see ferries and cargo boats criss-cross the water, and take a short boat ride for striking views of Dhaka’s skyline and riverside life.
National Parliament House (Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban)
Admire this iconic modernist building designed by Louis Kahn, set beside a lake and parkland that feel calm compared with the surrounding city.
Hatirjheel Lake
Walk or take a boat ride around this large urban lake, with bridges, viewpoints, and night-time lights reflecting off the water.
Curzon Hall
Explore the red-brick architecture and leafy grounds of this historic university building, a quiet pocket amid central Dhaka.
New Market
Browse a maze of stalls selling clothing, books, fabrics, and everyday goods in one of the city’s most popular traditional shopping areas.
Gulshan and Banani districts
Spend time in these modern neighbourhoods, where you will find lakeside paths, cafés, and boutiques in a more relaxed setting.
Experience Dhaka’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
For longer journeys, use ride-hailing cars or taxis to move between districts such as Gulshan, Dhanmondi, and Old Dhaka. For a different perspective, try a short rickshaw ride on quieter streets, then walk the final stretch through lanes and local markets.
Local life & culture
You will feel Dhaka’s energy in its roadside tea stalls, bookshops, riverside ghats, and campus areas where people gather to talk and relax. Historic quarters and modern business districts sit close together, giving you a mix of heritage, arts, and contemporary city life.
Where to unwind
Escape the traffic at Ramna Park or around Dhanmondi and Gulshan lakes, ideal for early-morning or late-afternoon walks. As the heat eases in the evening, head to lakeside promenades or quieter neighbourhood streets to enjoy a softer side of the city.
A taste of Dhaka
Street food & local specialties
Sample biryani, rich rice and meat dishes, and snacks like chotpoti and fuchka in Old Dhaka or around bustling local markets. These neighbourhoods are known for bold flavours and long-standing eateries.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi you will find cafés, bakeries, and restaurants serving Bangladeshi, South Asian, and international flavours. Portions are often generous, so sharing lets you taste a wider range of dishes with friends or family.
Signature & scenic dining
Look for rooftop restaurants in Gulshan, Banani, and along Hatirjheel, where you can dine with city or lakeside views, especially atmospheric after sunset when the lights of Dhaka glow around you.
Retail therapy in Dhaka
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Visit large malls such as Bashundhara City and Jamuna Future Park for international brands, local labels, cinemas, and family entertainment, all in air-conditioned comfort.
Markets & local crafts
Explore New Market, Chandni Chowk, and Aarong outlets for textiles, handicrafts, and traditional clothing, where you can pick up handwoven fabrics, gifts, and souvenirs.
Evening retail scene
As evening falls, malls, lakeside promenades, and shopping streets around Gulshan and Dhanmondi fill with locals meeting for errands and treats. Reliable taxis and ride-hailing services make it easy to reach these areas after dark.
Best time to visit Dhaka
Cool and dry months (November to February, peak season) bring average temperatures of around 18–25°C (64–77°F), with lower humidity and more comfortable sightseeing. The pre-monsoon hot season (March to May, shoulder season) is warmer at about 25–34°C (77–93°F), with rising humidity and occasional storms. The monsoon period (June to October, low season) sees frequent rain, high humidity, and temperatures near 26–32°C (79–90°F), but also greener landscapes and quieter visitor numbers.