Flights from Tokyo (TYO) to Dhaka (DAC)

About Dhaka

Discover Dhaka

Why visit Dhaka?
Dhaka is a dynamic riverside city where history, craft, and modern life come together in a vivid daily rhythm. You will find busy streets, quiet lakeside corners, and a creative energy that runs through its markets, universities, and cultural venues.

What to expect
The city stretches from the historic lanes of Old Dhaka to newer planned districts with wide roads and lakes. Rickshaws, boats, and modern transport share the streets, while colourful streetfronts, textiles, and architecture tell stories of trade and craftsmanship.

Plan your trip
Dhaka is a practical base for exploring wider Bangladesh, with road, air, and river connections to major regional hubs. Plan time for both the central districts and nearby towns so you can experience the country’s green landscapes as well as its largest city.

Top sights in Dhaka

Lalbagh Fort

Explore this 17th-century Mughal complex with its gardens, gateways, and historic pavilions in the heart of the old city.

Ahsan Manzil

Visit the distinctive pink riverside palace that once housed local nobility and now displays period rooms and artefacts.

Sadarghat Riverfront

Watch boats and ferries come and go along the Buriganga River for a vivid glimpse of Dhaka’s daily life on the water.

National Parliament House Area

Walk around the striking modernist Parliament complex and surrounding lake, designed by architect Louis Kahn.

Hatirjheel Lake

Stroll or take a boat ride around this central lake, where bridges and walkways offer skyline and waterfront views.

New Market

Browse a maze of stalls selling clothing, books, and everyday items in one of Dhaka’s most established shopping areas.

Bangladesh National Museum

Discover galleries covering archaeology, fine arts, and cultural history from across the country.

Banani and Gulshan Lakeside

Enjoy cafés, walking paths, and relaxed waterfront views in some of Dhaka’s most popular modern neighbourhoods.

Experience Dhaka’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Move between key districts using rideshare services, taxis, or the expanding mass transit lines for longer journeys. For short hops, rickshaws and cycle rickshaws offer a close-up view of street life. Plan extra time for traffic and use lakeside paths to walk the final stretch.

Local life & culture
Old Dhaka’s winding lanes are lined with workshops, historic buildings, and small shops where you can see traditional crafts and trade in action. In newer areas such as Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi, parks, cafés, and galleries draw students, families, and professionals into lively, social spaces.

Where to unwind
Head to Ramna Park, Dhanmondi Lake, or Hatirjheel in the early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and softer light. These green and waterside areas are ideal for quiet walks, gentle boat rides, and a pause from the pace of the city.

A taste of Dhaka

Street food & local specialties
Dhaka’s food culture is centred on rich rice and curry meals, savoury snacks, and fragrant sweets. Around Old Dhaka, Dhanmondi, and popular roadside stalls, you can sample local favourites prepared fresh in front of you throughout the day and late into the evening.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In areas such as Gulshan, Banani, Uttara, and Dhanmondi, you will find restaurants offering everything from traditional Bangladeshi dishes to Asian and Western flavours. Many venues serve sharing plates and moderate portions, making it easy to try several dishes in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable setting, choose a restaurant with views over Gulshan or Banani Lake, or a rooftop venue in central districts. From higher floors you can look out over the city lights and waterways while enjoying a relaxed, unhurried meal.

Retail therapy in Dhaka

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern malls such as Bashundhara City and Jamuna Future Park bring international brands, local fashion labels, cinemas, and indoor entertainment under one roof. They offer a comfortable, climate-controlled way to shop, meet friends, and sample a variety of cafés and eateries.

Markets & local crafts
For textiles, handicrafts, and everyday bargains, explore New Market, Gausia, and nearby streets. You can also look for craft-focused outlets in Dhanmondi and Gulshan that highlight handwoven fabrics, woodwork, and design-led homeware from across Bangladesh.

Evening retail scene
As the day cools, shopping streets and mall façades light up, and many stores stay open into the evening. Night-time brings a lively atmosphere around popular markets and commercial roads, and local transport options make it straightforward to reach these areas after dark.

Best time to visit Dhaka

Shital winter season (November to February, shoulder season)
Dhaka’s cooler months bring average temperatures of around 19–24°C (66–75°F) with lower humidity and clearer skies. It is a pleasant time for walking tours, riverfront visits, and day trips, with comfortable evenings for outdoor dining and lakeside strolls.

Grishsho summer season (March to June, peak season)
Summer is warm and humid, with daytime temperatures often around 28–34°C (82–93°F). You can enjoy long daylight hours, vibrant city life, and colourful sunsets over the lakes and river, planning indoor breaks during the hottest mid-afternoon period.

Barsha monsoon season (July to October, low season)
The monsoon brings regular showers, lush greenery, and dramatic cloudscapes, with temperatures typically 27–31°C (81–88°F). It is a good time to appreciate the city’s connection to water, from rivers to lakes, while enjoying museums, malls, and cafés between rain spells.

Frequently Asked Questions