Flights from Zurich (ZRH) to Dhaka (DAC)

About Dhaka

Discover Dhaka

Why visit Dhaka?
Dhaka is a fast-growing metropolis where historic quarters, bustling waterways, and energetic street life sit beside modern towers and leafy enclaves. You will find a city that feels vivid and immediate, with open-air markets, rickshaws, and river ports shaping its everyday rhythm.

What to expect
The city stretches along the Buriganga and surrounding rivers, with busy districts such as Motijheel and Gulshan contrasting with the narrow lanes of Old Dhaka. Expect lively traffic, colourful shopfronts, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, alongside emerging cafés, galleries, and lakeside promenades.

Plan your trip
Dhaka is a gateway to Bangladesh, connecting you to tea estates, river deltas, and coastal gateways. Allow time to adjust to the pace, plan your movements by neighbourhood, and consider using Dhaka as a base before exploring other regions by domestic flight or road.

Top sights in Dhaka

Lalbagh Fort

Stroll through this Mughal-era riverside complex, known for its striking gateways, manicured gardens, and views over Old Dhaka.

Ahsan Manzil

Visit the restored pink palace on the Buriganga River to explore its grand halls and learn about Dhaka's former aristocratic life.

Sadarghat River Port

Watch ferries and wooden boats criss-cross the water at one of the region's busiest river terminals, especially atmospheric around sunset.

National Parliament House

Admire the bold modernist architecture of this landmark complex, set beside tranquil water features and open green spaces.

Curzon Hall

Walk around this red-brick architectural gem within the University of Dhaka campus, known for its arcades and leafy surroundings.

Hatirjheel Lake

Enjoy an evening stroll or boat ride along this illuminated urban lake, framed by walkways, bridges, and city views.

New Market

Browse a maze of stalls selling clothing, fabrics, books, and household goods, giving a snapshot of the city's everyday shopping culture.

Bangladesh National Museum

Discover galleries covering local art, archaeology, and cultural heritage, ideal for understanding the wider story of Bangladesh.

Experience Dhaka's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Rickshaws, taxis, and app-based rides are the most flexible ways to move between neighbourhoods in Dhaka, especially for shorter journeys. For longer trips, plan around major roads and allow extra time, using your hotel or local contacts to help arrange reliable transport.

Local life & culture
Dhaka's character is shaped by its riverfront, universities, and busy commercial districts, where roadside tea stalls and small shops keep streets lively from morning into late evening. You will notice a strong sense of community, with people often gathering in parks, campuses, and lakeside areas after work.

Where to unwind
Green spaces such as Ramna Park and the lakes around Gulshan and Banani offer a quieter side to the city, ideal for early-morning walks or a gentle evening stroll. Head to waterfront areas around Hatirjheel or the Buriganga at dusk for cooler temperatures and soft light over the water.

A taste of Dhaka

Street food & local specialties
Dhaka is known for richly spiced rice and meat dishes, snacks, and sweets, which you will find in simple eateries and busy roadside stalls. Neighbourhoods such as Old Dhaka are especially popular for sampling grilled items, biryani, and fresh snacks in a lively setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Across areas like Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi you will find cafés and restaurants serving local favourites alongside international flavours. Menus often encourage sharing, so you can try a variety of dishes in one sitting, from rice plates to grilled items and lighter bites.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, look for venues with views over Hatirjheel, Gulshan Lake, or the city skyline from upper floors. Many hotels and standalone restaurants offer refined takes on local cuisine, combining attentive service, comfortable interiors, and city outlooks for a relaxed evening.

Retail therapy in Dhaka

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Dhaka's modern shopping centres, such as those in Gulshan, Dhanmondi, and Uttara, bring together international brands, local boutiques, and casual dining. These air-conditioned malls double as social spaces, where you can browse, meet friends, and pause for coffee between shops.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller plazas remain the heart of Dhaka's shopping culture, especially in areas like New Market, Bashundhara, and parts of Old Dhaka. Here you can look for fabrics, ready-made clothing, leather goods, and handicrafts, often sold by small family-run businesses.

Evening retail scene
As the day cools, shopping areas and street-side stalls become livelier, with bright signage and extended opening hours in popular districts. Night-time is a comfortable moment to explore illuminated streets and malls, and local transport options make it straightforward to return to your hotel afterwards.

Best time to visit Dhaka

Shital season (cool, dry months; November to February, low season)
During the cool season, temperatures typically range from 15°C to 26°C (59°F to 79°F), with lower humidity and clearer skies. It is a comfortable time for walking city streets, exploring historic areas, and enjoying parks in the morning and evening.

Grishmo season (warm, pre-monsoon months; March to May, shoulder season)
The pre-monsoon period brings warmer weather, often between 24°C and 34°C (75°F to 93°F), and longer daylight hours. Short showers can appear, but they freshen the air, and you can plan sightseeing earlier in the day, then retreat to shaded cafés or malls in the afternoon.

Barsha season (rainy months; June to October, peak season)
The rainy season is warm and humid, with temperatures typically from 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F) and regular showers that keep the city landscape lush. This is a vivid time to see Dhaka's rivers and greenery, as long as you allow extra time for journeys and carry light rainwear.

Frequently Asked Questions