Flights from Beijing (BJS) to Dhaka (DAC)

About Dhaka

Discover Dhaka

Why visit Dhaka?
Dhaka is a dynamic riverside metropolis where history, craft traditions, and a fast-growing modern cityscape sit side by side. You will find busy streets, colourful rickshaws, and vibrant neighbourhoods that offer an immersive introduction to everyday life in Bangladesh.

What to expect
The city centres on the Buriganga River, with Old Dhaka offering winding lanes, historic architecture, and bustling docks, while newer districts feature wider roads, lakeside promenades, and contemporary malls. Expect a lively pace, warm hospitality, and many chances to see local artisans and traders at work.

Plan your trip
Dhaka works well as both a standalone city break and a starting point for exploring other regions of Bangladesh, from river landscapes to tea-growing hills. With good domestic connections, it can anchor a wider itinerary while giving you time to experience the energy of one of South Asia's major capitals.

Top sights in Dhaka

Lalbagh Fort

Walk through this 17th-century Mughal complex and enjoy its gateways, gardens, and views across Old Dhaka.

Ahsan Manzil

Visit the pink former residence of local nobility, now a museum overlooking the bustling Sadarghat riverfront.

Sadarghat Launch Terminal

Watch river life unfold as boats and ferries arrive and depart in one of the city’s busiest waterfront areas.

National Parliament House Area

See striking modern architecture and walk around the surrounding lakes and green spaces in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

New Market

Browse a maze of stalls selling clothing, books, household items, and everyday essentials in a classic city bazaar.

Hatirjheel Lake

Stroll along illuminated walkways and bridges around this urban lake, popular for evening walks and city views.

Ramna Park

Take a break from the busy streets in this large central park with tree-shaded paths and open lawns.

Dhaka University Area

Explore leafy streets, campus buildings, and cultural venues in one of the city’s most historic academic districts.

Experience Dhaka’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Cycle rickshaws, taxis, and app-based ride services are common ways to move between neighbourhoods, especially for short hops. For longer journeys, you can combine car travel with new expressways and key arterial roads. In busy areas, walking the final few blocks is often the quickest way to arrive.

Local life & culture
Dhaka’s streets are full of activity, from small workshops and fabric stalls to bookshops and roadside tea stands. Each district has its own character, with Old Dhaka feeling compact and historic, and northern areas more spacious and modern. Spending time in local parks and university quarters offers a relaxed glimpse of daily life.

Where to unwind
Green spaces, lakes, and riverside walkways give you room to pause between sightseeing. Parks in central districts are ideal for early-morning and late-afternoon walks, when temperatures are more comfortable. In the evening, lakeside promenades and quieter residential streets become pleasant places to stretch your legs and enjoy the skyline.

A taste of Dhaka

Street food & local specialties
In Dhaka, you will find snack stalls and traditional eateries serving fragrant rice dishes, grilled meats, and savoury fried treats. Old Dhaka is known for long-established kitchens and small lanes lined with vendors, where you can try time-honoured recipes that locals have enjoyed for generations.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Across newer districts, casual restaurants and cafés are clustered in commercial streets and shopping centres, offering both local flavours and international favourites. Many venues encourage sharing plates, so you can order several small dishes to sample a wider range of tastes with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, seek out dining rooms in upper floors of towers or hotels that look out over lakes or city lights. Some venues near major roads and waterfronts offer picture-window views, letting you enjoy the skyline and passing traffic while you dine in a comfortable, unhurried setting.

Retail therapy in Dhaka

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Dhaka’s modern malls bring together international labels, local fashion, and a wide choice of cafés and restaurants under one roof. They are popular places to meet friends, shop for clothing and electronics, and escape the heat or rain in a comfortable, air-conditioned environment.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and commercial streets are where you will find textiles, ready-made garments, and everyday household items. Busy areas in Old Dhaka and long-established shopping districts are good for browsing local products, while certain neighbourhoods are known for fabric shops and small tailoring businesses.

Evening retail scene
Many markets, smaller malls, and roadside stalls stay active into the evening, with bright lights and a lively atmosphere. You can combine an early dinner with browsing nearby shops or stalls as the city cools down. Local transport and rideshare services make these areas straightforward to reach after dark.

Best time to visit Dhaka

Shitkal (cool and dry season, November to February, shoulder season)
During Shitkal, Dhaka enjoys pleasantly mild weather, with average temperatures around 18–25°C (64–77°F). The air is drier and skies are often clearer, making it comfortable for walking tours, shopping trips, and exploring both Old Dhaka and the city’s parks.

Grishmakal (hot season, March to June, peak season)
Grishmakal brings warmer conditions, with average temperatures typically between 28–34°C (82–93°F). Days can feel hot and humid, but this period offers long daylight hours, energetic street life, and the chance to enjoy cooler evenings by lakes, riversides, and open-air cafés.

Barshakal (monsoon season, July to October, low season)
Barshakal is characterised by regular rain showers and lush greenery, with average temperatures around 27–31°C (81–88°F). Short bursts of rain are often followed by fresh, washed skies, creating atmospheric views along the rivers and in city parks for those who do not mind packing an umbrella.

Frequently Asked Questions