Dhaka is a buzzing riverside metropolis where historic quarters, busy waterways, and modern towers sit side by side. You find energy, colour, and character in every street, from the old town to new business districts.
Discover Dhaka
Discover Dhaka
Why visit Dhaka?
What to expect
Expect lively traffic, a fast pace, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Rickshaws, ferries, and street stalls fill the city with movement, while leafy neighbourhoods and lakeside promenades offer quieter moments.
Plan your trip
Dhaka is a natural starting point for exploring wider Bangladesh, from river deltas to tea gardens. Base yourself in central districts for easier journeys around the city and day trips beyond.
Top sights in Dhaka
Lalbagh Fort
Explore this 17th century Mughal complex, with its red sandstone walls, manicured gardens, and river views offering a calm contrast to the city outside.
Ahsan Manzil
Visit the iconic pink palace on the Buriganga River, once a noble residence and now a museum showcasing the citys historical lifestyle and artefacts.
Sadarghat Riverfront
Head to the bustling river terminal to watch ferries, cargo boats, and wooden launches weaving across the water, especially atmospheric in the late afternoon light.
Dhaka University area
Stroll around the campus and nearby parks, where leafy avenues, monuments, and bookstalls give a glimpse into the citys academic and artistic life.
National Parliament House
Admire this striking modernist complex from the outside, set beside a large lake and open grounds that are popular with local walkers and families.
Old Dhaka lanes
Wander through narrow alleys lined with historic buildings, small workshops, and traditional shops, best explored with a guide or on a walking tour.
Hatirjheel Lake
Enjoy an evening walk or boat ride around this illuminated lake development, with bridges and viewpoints that frame wide city panoramas.
Experience Dhakas everyday rhythm
Getting around
Combine ride hailing cars or taxis for longer journeys with rickshaws for short hops through busy streets. For a different perspective, try a short ferry ride on the river, and allow extra travel time during rush hours.
Local life & culture
You see everyday Dhaka in its teeming markets, university quarters, and riverfront, where people gather to talk, trade, and relax. Art galleries, bookshops, and cultural centres showcase a strong literary and artistic tradition.
Where to unwind
Parks, lakeside promenades, and the grounds around major landmarks offer fresh air and space to pause. Early mornings and evenings are the most pleasant times to walk, when temperatures are softer and the city slows down a little.
A taste of Dhaka
Street food & local specialties
Seek out biryani, hearty rice and lentil dishes, and snacks such as fritters and savoury chaat in Old Dhaka and busy market streets, where stalls stay active from morning until late.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In newer districts and malls you find cafes and restaurants serving local favourites alongside international flavours, with menus designed for sharing so you can sample several dishes in one sitting.
Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, choose a rooftop venue or riverside restaurant that looks out over the city lights or waterways, turning dinner into a relaxed viewing point on Dhakas skyline.
Retail therapy in Dhaka
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres bring together international brands, local fashion labels, electronics, and family entertainment, making them popular places to browse, meet friends, and escape the heat.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller shopping streets are good for textiles, clothing, and handcrafted items, with several central districts known for fabric, jewellery, and everyday household goods.
Evening retail scene
As the sun sets, many streets and bazaars stay lively with lit shopfronts and late open stalls, and short taxi or rickshaw rides make it easy to reach these areas from most central hotels.
Best time to visit Dhaka
Cool and dry season (peak season): From November to February, days are mild and comfortable, around 20–25°C (68–77°F), with lower humidity and clearer skies, ideal for outdoor sightseeing. Pre-monsoon and monsoon (shoulder season): From March to June, temperatures rise to 28–34°C (82–93°F) with higher humidity, and from June to early September you can expect heavier showers and occasional storms, but rain often falls in bursts. Late monsoon and post-monsoon (low season): From September to October, conditions start to ease, with temperatures around 26–32°C (79–90°F) and a mix of sun and scattered showers, making it quieter but still warm and humid.