Dhaka is a vibrant riverside metropolis where historic quarters, bustling streets, and creative energy come together. You will find a city rich in stories, craftsmanship, and contrasts at every turn.
Discover Dhaka
Discover Dhaka
Why visit Dhaka?
What to expect
Expect lively traffic, colourful river life, and tightly packed neighbourhoods filled with rickshaws, shops, and workshops. Old Dhaka offers atmospheric lanes and heritage buildings, while newer districts bring modern malls and hotels.
Plan your trip
Dhaka is a natural starting point for exploring Bangladesh, from river journeys to greener regions. Plan extra time for traffic and transfers, and consider combining your stay with side trips to historic cities and tea-growing areas.
Top sights in Dhaka
Lalbagh Fort
Explore this incomplete 17th-century Mughal fort, with its red sandstone gates, gardens, and views over the surrounding old neighbourhoods.
Ahsan Manzil
Visit the former riverside palace of the Nawabs of Dhaka, a pastel-hued landmark offering a glimpse into the citys aristocratic past.
Sadarghat River Port
Watch ferries and riverboats come and go at this bustling dock, where the waterways reveal another side of urban life.
National Parliament House (Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban)
Admire the striking modernist complex designed by architect Louis Kahn, set beside serene lakes and open lawns.
Dhakeshwari National Temple Precinct
Wander the surrounding streets and courtyards near this important heritage site, where shrines and shops cluster together in a compact area.
Bangladesh National Museum
Discover galleries showcasing local art, archaeology, and cultural heritage to better understand the countrys long history.
New Market and Nilkhet area
Browse textiles, books, and everyday items across a maze of stalls, and feel the pulse of student and local life around you.
Experience Dhakas everyday rhythm
Getting around
For longer journeys, hire a car with driver or use ride-hailing apps to navigate Dhakas busy streets. For short hops, rickshaws and auto-rickshaws offer a close-up look at street life, while walking works best within compact neighbourhoods at quieter times of day.
Local life & culture
You will see open-front workshops, tailors, and street vendors sharing space with office towers and universities. Different districts each have their own tempo, from the dense alleys of Old Dhaka to more relaxed residential zones and lively student areas.
Where to unwind
Escape the traffic in lakeside parks and leafy university grounds, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. Some hotels and clubs offer pools and spa facilities, giving you a calm base after exploring the city.
A taste of Dhaka
Street food & local specialties
Sample biryani, savoury snacks, and sweet treats from long-standing eateries and stalls, especially in Old Dhaka and near busy markets. Ask locals for trusted spots and enjoy freshly prepared dishes served fast.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In neighbourhoods such as Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi, you will find cafes, family restaurants, and international options, many clustered in mixed-use buildings and malls. Menus often encourage sharing, so you can try several flavours in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
Look for rooftop restaurants and lounges in the newer districts for elevated views of the skyline and city lights. Some venues overlook lakes or major avenues, turning dinner into a relaxed vantage point over Dhakas constant movement.
Retail therapy in Dhaka
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres in areas like Bashundhara and Gulshan gather international brands, local labels, cinemas, and food courts under one roof. They are popular places to combine errands, dining, and meeting friends away from the heat.
Markets & local crafts
Seek out New Market, Banga Bazar, and nearby streets for textiles, clothing, and everyday goods alongside small craft stalls. You can find hand-embroidered fabrics, scarves, and decorative items that make meaningful souvenirs.
Evening retail scene
As the day cools, many commercial streets and mall facades light up, and shoppers linger over last-minute purchases and snacks. Short taxi rides or ride-hailing services make these areas easy to reach after dark.
Best time to visit Dhaka
Cool and dry months (November to February) are the peak season, with comfortable temperatures around 18–26°C (64–79°F) and lower humidity. March to May is a shoulder season, when days turn hotter at around 25–34°C (77–93°F) and occasional storms build up. June to October is typically the low season, bringing higher humidity, heavier rain, and temperatures near 27–32°C (81–90°F), though showers are often interspersed with sunny breaks.