Dhaka is a dense, energetic city where history, riverside life, and modern commerce meet. You will find heritage quarters, bustling waterways, and a creative urban spirit side by side.
Discover Dhaka
Discover Dhaka
Why visit Dhaka?
What to expect
Expect lively streets, colourful rickshaws, and a constant sense of movement. From Old Dhaka alleys to newer business districts, each area has a distinct pace and character.
Plan your trip
Use Dhaka as your base to explore riverside towns, archaeological sites, and the wider Bengal region. Allow time in the city at the start or end of journeys deeper into Bangladesh.
Top sights in Dhaka
Lalbagh Fort
Stroll through this 17th century Mughal fort complex, with its pink-tinged walls, landscaped gardens, and views over the old city.
Ahsan Manzil
Visit the riverside palace museum, once a grand residence, to see period rooms and look out over the busy Buriganga River.
Sadarghat River Port
Watch ferries and wooden boats weave through the water, offering a vivid glimpse of Dhaka daily life along the river.
National Parliament House (Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban)
Admire the striking modernist architecture and serene lakeside lawns designed by architect Louis Kahn in the citys administrative area.
Dhakeshwari Temple area
Walk the surrounding streets to see layers of old neighbourhood life, crafts, and traditional shops clustered around this historic complex.
New Market and Nilkhet area
Explore a maze of stalls selling clothing, books, and everyday goods, and experience the energy of one of Dhakas busiest commercial districts.
Ramna Park and Suhrawardy Udyan
Take a gentle walk or join locals exercising in these central green spaces, a welcome contrast to the surrounding traffic and towers.
Experience Dhakas everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use rideshare cars or taxis for longer journeys, and hop on cycle rickshaws for short trips through narrow streets. Plan extra time for traffic, and walk the final stretch in busy areas like Old Dhaka.
Local life & culture
Discover neighbourhoods where street-side stalls, bookshops, and small workshops sit beside modern high-rises. Evenings often centre on parks, tea stalls, and lakeside promenades where friends and families gather.
Where to unwind
Head to lakeside areas and parks in the early morning or late afternoon, when the light softens and temperatures ease. Many hotels also offer pools and spas for a quiet break from the city buzz.
A taste of Dhaka
Street food & local specialties
Try biryani, rich rice and meat dishes, and savoury snacks from long-standing eateries and street vendors in Old Dhaka and around bustling markets.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Explore newer districts with cafes and restaurants serving local, Indian subcontinent, and international flavours, often in malls and mixed-use complexes that make it easy to sample a few dishes in one outing.
Signature & scenic dining
Choose rooftop restaurants and higher-floor venues in business districts for city views, or pick riverside spots to watch boats drift past while you dine.
Retail therapy in Dhaka
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Dhaka shopping centres gather international brands, local labels, food courts, and entertainment under one roof, offering a convenient way to combine errands with relaxed browsing.
Markets & local crafts
Look for textiles, hand-embroidered fabrics, and handicrafts in busy markets and streets around New Market, Gulshan, and Dhanmondi, where small shops and stalls sit side by side.
Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated storefronts, late-opening malls, and lively streets around key commercial areas attract crowds. Taxis and rideshare services make these neighbourhoods easy to reach and return from at night.
Best time to visit Dhaka
Cool and dry season (November to February, peak season): Expect comfortable weather with average temperatures around 20–25°C (68–77°F), clearer skies, and lower humidity, ideal for sightseeing and walking tours. Pre-monsoon and hot season (March to May, shoulder season): Temperatures often rise to 28–34°C (82–93°F) with increasing humidity and occasional storms; plan indoor breaks and stay hydrated while exploring. Monsoon season (June to October, low season): Average temperatures sit near 27–31°C (81–88°F) with frequent rain, short downpours, and higher humidity, so allow extra time for journeys and pack light rain protection.