Dhaka is a vibrant riverside capital where history, handicrafts, and busy streets meet modern development. You will find a city full of colour, energy, and warm hospitality.
Discover Dhaka
Discover Dhaka
Why visit Dhaka?
What to expect
Expect lively traffic, bustling markets, and a dense urban landscape threaded by the Buriganga River and lakes. Historic quarters, evolving business districts, and green pockets each offer a different side of the city.
Plan your trip
Dhaka works well as both a standalone city break and a starting point for exploring Bangladesh, from riverine countryside to tea estates. Allow time for traffic and factor in extra hours for airport transfers and day trips.
Top sights in Dhaka
Lalbagh Fort
Step into this unfinished Mughal-era fort complex to wander through gardens, mosques, and historic halls in the heart of Old Dhaka.
Ahsan Manzil
Visit the restored pink palace on the Buriganga riverfront, once the residence of local nobility and now a museum of Dhaka’s past.
Sadarghat Riverfront
Watch ferries and river launches come and go at this busy terminal, or take a short boat ride to see Dhaka’s skyline from the water.
National Parliament House
Admire the striking modern architecture of the parliament complex and its surrounding lake and park, designed as a bold civic landmark.
Curzon Hall and Dhaka University area
Stroll around this historic academic district, where red-brick buildings and leafy avenues reflect Dhaka’s intellectual life.
Hatirjheel Lake
Walk or take a boat ride along this urban lake development, popular in the evening for its bridges, views, and cool breeze.
New Market and surrounding bazaars
Explore local textiles, books, and everyday goods in a maze of stalls, and experience Dhaka’s market culture up close.
Experience Dhaka’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use ride-hailing cars or taxis for most journeys, and the growing metro network where available for predictable travel times. Rickshaws are ideal for short hops in busy areas, but allow extra time for traffic and always confirm your destination clearly.
Local life & culture
Dhaka’s life spills onto the streets, from students gathering on campuses to artisans working in small workshops and traders calling out in markets. Each neighbourhood has its own pace, with Old Dhaka feeling intense and historic, and newer northern districts more spacious and business-focused.
Where to unwind
Head to lakeside promenades such as Hatirjheel or parks in the Gulshan and Banani areas for an evening walk and fresher air. Early mornings and just before sunset are the calmest times to enjoy outdoor spaces away from the midday heat.
A taste of Dhaka
Street food & local specialties
Try biryani, hot snacks, and sweets from long-standing eateries and street stalls in Old Dhaka and traditional neighbourhoods. Popular areas come alive in the evenings when locals gather for quick bites and tea.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In districts such as Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi, you will find casual restaurants, cafés, and rooftop spots serving local and international flavours. Many menus feature smaller plates that make it easy to sample a range of dishes with friends.
Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, look for venues with city or lake views, including rooftop restaurants or riverside settings. Dining later in the evening often brings cooler temperatures and a relaxed atmosphere above the busy streets.
Retail therapy in Dhaka
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls around Gulshan, Dhanmondi, and Mirpur offer international brands, local fashion, and entertainment under one roof. They are popular meeting points where you can shop, dine, and escape the heat.
Markets & local crafts
Seek out textiles, hand-embroidered pieces, and handicrafts at markets and boutiques in areas such as New Market, Elephant Road, and Gulshan. These neighbourhoods are good places to find gifts that reflect local design traditions.
Evening retail scene
Many malls and shopping streets stay lively into the evening, with illuminated storefronts and cafés staying open late. Short taxi or ride-hailing trips make it straightforward to reach these areas after dark.
Best time to visit Dhaka
Cool and dry season (peak season): From November to February, Dhaka is relatively dry with comfortable temperatures around 18–25°C (64–77°F) and lower humidity, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor walks.
Pre-monsoon and monsoon (shoulder season): From March to September, temperatures often range from 25–33°C (77–91°F), with higher humidity and heavy showers, especially from June to September; rain can be intense but often falls in bursts.
Post-monsoon transition (low season): October can feel warm and humid at 24–31°C (75–88°F), with some remaining showers and fewer visitors as the city shifts towards the cooler months.