Flights from Sydney (SYD) to Dhaka (DAC)

About Dhaka

Discover Dhaka

Why visit Dhaka?
Dhaka is a vibrant megacity where rickshaws, river boats, and modern towers share the same skyline. You can expect a city full of colour, energy, and everyday stories, from the historic riverfront to buzzing new business districts.

What to expect
The city is known for its busy streets, textile markets, and rapidly growing urban neighbourhoods. Old Dhaka offers narrow lanes and historic architecture, while areas such as Gulshan and Banani feel more open and contemporary, with cafés, parks, and lakeside promenades.

Plan your trip
Dhaka is an ideal starting point for exploring Bangladesh, whether you head to river landscapes, tea estates, or coastal regions. With good domestic links and a growing hospitality scene, you can use the capital as your base before venturing into the country’s quieter corners.

Top sights in Dhaka

Lalbagh Fort

Explore this Mughal-era complex with gardens, gateways, and historic buildings set above the Buriganga River.

Ahsan Manzil

Visit the restored pink palace on the riverfront, once a symbol of elite life in old Dhaka and now a city landmark.

Sadarghat River Port

Watch ferries and cargo boats criss-cross the Buriganga River, offering a vivid glimpse of Dhaka’s daily movement.

National Parliament House

Admire the striking modernist architecture and lakeside setting of this iconic complex designed by Louis Kahn.

Bangladesh National Museum

Discover exhibits on the country’s art, archaeology, and cultural heritage across several thoughtfully curated floors.

New Market

Browse a maze of stalls selling clothing, textiles, books, and household items in one of Dhaka’s classic shopping areas.

Ramna Park

Stroll tree-lined paths and lakeside walkways in this central green space, popular for morning and evening walks.

Hatirjheel Lake

Enjoy city views from bridges and promenades around this urban lake, especially atmospheric after sunset when it is illuminated.

Experience Dhaka’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Rickshaws, taxis, and ride-hailing services are the most flexible ways to move between districts, especially for shorter distances. For longer journeys, the growing metro system and main arterial roads connect key neighbourhoods, while walking is best kept to short stretches in quieter areas.

Local life & culture
Dhaka’s rhythm is fast-paced, with neighbourhoods organised around small shops, cafés, and street corners where people gather. Old Dhaka feels dense and traditional, while newer areas like Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi blend residential streets with offices, galleries, and modern leisure spaces.

Where to unwind
City lakes and parks offer welcome pockets of calm amid the traffic. Ramna Park and Suhrawardy Udyan are ideal for early-morning or late-afternoon walks, while Hatirjheel and Dhanmondi Lake provide pleasant waterside paths and benches where you can pause and watch the city go by.

A taste of Dhaka

Street food & local specialties
Dhaka’s food culture is lively, with stalls and small eateries serving biryani, rich curries, and a variety of snacks and sweets. Old Dhaka is especially known for traditional flavours, where long-standing family-run kitchens are part of the city’s culinary identity.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In areas like Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi, you will find contemporary cafés, bakeries, and restaurants offering both local and international menus. Many venues are clustered around main roads and lakefronts, making it easy to try several places in one outing and share dishes with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, choose a restaurant with views over Hatirjheel, Dhanmondi Lake, or the city skyline from an upper floor. Hotel dining rooms and selected rooftop venues provide calmer settings, where you can enjoy attentive service and a broader menu in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Retail therapy in Dhaka

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Dhaka’s shopping malls bring together fashion, electronics, and lifestyle stores under one roof, often with food courts and family facilities. In neighbourhoods like Gulshan and Dhanmondi, you will find modern complexes that mix international brands with local labels and services.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller plazas are good places to look for textiles, clothing, and homeware. New Market, Gausia, and parts of Old Dhaka are known for dense clusters of stalls and shops, where you can browse everything from everyday wear to tailored outfits and handcrafted pieces.

Evening retail scene
After dark, busy streets and shopping districts stay lively, with illuminated shopfronts and late-opening stores. Some markets and malls remain open into the evening, making it convenient to combine shopping with dinner. Major retail areas are well served by taxis and ride-hailing services, helping you return to your hotel easily.

Best time to visit Dhaka

Winter season (cool and dry, peak season)
From November to February, Dhaka enjoys cooler, drier weather, with average temperatures around 18–25°C (64–77°F). Clear skies, lower humidity, and comfortable evenings make this a popular time for sightseeing, walking in parks, and exploring older neighbourhoods.

Pre-monsoon season (warm and breezy, shoulder season)
March to May is warm to hot, with average temperatures between 25–33°C (77–91°F). Occasional thunderstorms bring dramatic skies and short bursts of rain. This season offers long daylight hours and a lively city feel, especially in the evenings when temperatures ease.

Monsoon season (lush and rainy, low season)
From June to October, Dhaka becomes greener as regular rain showers arrive, with temperatures typically around 27–32°C (81–90°F). Showers are often intense but brief, leaving cooler air behind. It is a good time to experience the city’s softer light, quieter parks, and refreshed landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions