Flights from Surabaya (SUB) to Dhaka (DAC)

About Dhaka

Discover Dhaka

Why visit Dhaka?
Dhaka is a dynamic riverside city where rickshaws share the streets with modern towers, and historic quarters sit beside busy commercial districts. You will find an energetic atmosphere, bustling waterways, and a constant sense of movement that makes every visit memorable.

What to expect
The city stretches along the Buriganga and other rivers, with neighbourhoods that range from the historic Old Dhaka to emerging business hubs and university areas. Expect lively streets, colourful transport, and a mix of heritage architecture, lakeside parks, and modern shopping complexes.

Plan your trip
Dhaka is a practical base for exploring Bangladesh, with road, rail, and domestic air links to major regional centres and scenic rural landscapes. Whether you come for business, study, or to see more of the country, the city offers a convenient starting point for onward journeys.

Top sights in Dhaka

Lalbagh Fort

Explore this 17th‑century riverside complex, where red sandstone walls, gateways, and gardens offer a calm contrast to the surrounding city.

Ahsan Manzil

Visit the pink former palace on the Buriganga River, now a museum showcasing period rooms and artefacts from Dhaka's past.

Sadarghat Riverfront

Head to the busy river terminal to watch ferries and boats come and go, giving you a vivid sense of Dhaka's life on the water.

Old Dhaka streets

Wander through narrow lanes lined with traditional shopfronts, hidden courtyards, and historic buildings full of local character.

National Parliament Complex

See the striking modernist architecture and surrounding lakes of this landmark civic precinct, often admired for its bold geometric design.

Hatirjheel Lake

Stroll or take a short boat ride around this central lake area, popular in the evenings for its bridges, lights, and open views of the city skyline.

Ramna Park

Relax among tall trees and walking paths in this central park, a popular spot for morning walks and quiet breaks from city traffic.

National Museum

Discover galleries that trace the region's history, art, and cultural heritage, offering useful context for your time in Bangladesh.

Experience Dhaka's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Dhaka is best navigated with a mix of app-based cars, taxis, and short rickshaw rides for local streets. For longer journeys, plan extra time for traffic and consider water transport on certain routes. Walking works well within individual neighbourhoods and around parks and lakes.

Local life & culture
The city moves quickly, with street vendors, students, and office workers all sharing the same busy spaces. Each district has its own feel, from the commercial energy of newer business areas to the layered history of riverside quarters. You will often see families and friends gathering in parks and on promenades.

Where to unwind
Green spaces like Ramna Park and Hatirjheel offer fresh air, shaded benches, and lakeside paths where you can pause between meetings or sightseeing. Evenings are a pleasant time for a stroll, when temperatures ease and city lights reflect on the water. Many hotels also offer pools and spas for quieter downtime.

A taste of Dhaka

Street food & local specialties
Dhaka's streets and local eateries are full of aromatic rice dishes, grilled snacks, and sweet treats. Older neighbourhoods are known for long-established stalls and cafes, where generations of residents return for familiar flavours and quick, filling meals.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and newer business districts bring together casual restaurants, bakeries, and international options, ideal when you want variety in one place. Generous portions make it easy to share, so you can try several dishes with colleagues, friends, or family in a single meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, look for rooftop venues and hotel restaurants that frame the city lights and waterways from above. Some riverfront areas also offer views of boats and bridges, creating a distinctive backdrop for a relaxed dinner or quiet drink.

Retail therapy in Dhaka

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Dhaka's major malls bring together international labels, local fashion, electronics, and family entertainment under one roof. These centres often include cinemas and large food courts, making them convenient places to combine errands, dining, and leisure time.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller shopping streets are ideal for discovering local textiles, clothing, and homeware. Districts known for fabric and tailoring are popular with visitors seeking custom pieces, while other neighbourhoods specialise in everyday goods and household items.

Evening retail scene
After dark, many shopping streets and mall facades are brightly lit, and some markets stay active into the evening. This creates a lively atmosphere for a post-dinner stroll and some last-minute browsing, with public transport and car services helping you move between areas comfortably.

Best time to visit Dhaka

Shital seasonal winter (November to February, low season)
During the cooler months, average temperatures range from about 15°C to 26°C (59°F to 79°F), with lower humidity and generally clearer skies. It is a comfortable time for walking city streets, visiting parks, and taking river rides in milder conditions.

Grishsho dry summer (March to June, shoulder season)
Summer in Dhaka is warm to hot, with temperatures usually between 25°C and 34°C (77°F to 93°F). Days are bright and energetic, and longer daylight hours give you more time to explore markets, museums, and indoor attractions while planning outdoor activities for mornings and evenings.

Barsha monsoon season (July to October, peak season)
Monsoon brings regular rainfall and lush greenery, with temperatures around 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F). Showers are often intense but short, leaving fresh air and reflections on the city streets, and it is a scenic time to experience riverside views and the country’s vibrant, rain-washed landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions