Flights from Jakarta (CGK) to Dhaka (DAC)

About Dhaka

Discover Dhaka

Why visit Dhaka?
Dhaka is a dynamic riverfront city where historic quarters, waterways, and lively streets come together in a vivid urban experience. You will find a destination that rewards slow exploration, from atmospheric old lanes to modern districts by the water.

What to expect
The city stretches along the Buriganga and surrounding rivers, with contrasting neighbourhoods of heritage buildings, busy commercial streets, and new residential areas. Traffic is energetic, yet you will also notice pockets of greenery, lakeside promenades, and university precincts that give Dhaka its distinctive rhythm.

Plan your trip
Dhaka works well as both a standalone city break and a starting point for exploring wider Bangladesh, including riverine landscapes and tea-growing regions. With growing transport links and a developing hospitality scene, it offers more options each year for business and leisure travellers.

Top sights in Dhaka

Lalbagh Fort

Explore this 17th-century Mughal riverside complex, known for its gateways, gardens, and views over the old city.

Ahsan Manzil

Visit the iconic pink palace on the banks of the Buriganga River, now a museum showcasing Dhaka’s urban heritage.

Sadarghat Riverfront

Experience the bustling river terminal where passenger boats, cargo vessels, and small craft create a constantly moving waterscape.

Curzon Hall Area

Wander around this historic university quarter, noted for its red-brick architecture and leafy academic atmosphere.

Hatirjheel Lake

Stroll or take a boat ride around this modern lakefront development, framed by bridges and illuminated at night.

National Parliament Complex

View the striking modernist architecture of the parliament building and its expansive landscaped grounds from designated public areas.

New Market and surroundings

Browse a maze of stalls and nearby streets where everyday shopping, clothing, and household items fill the lively alleys.

Experience Dhaka’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Rickshaws, taxis, and app-based rides are the most flexible ways to move between neighbourhoods, especially for shorter journeys. For longer trips, consider using newer arterial roads and main corridors to save time, then continue on foot to explore specific areas.

Local life & culture
Street life in Dhaka is active from early morning, with markets, roadside stalls, and small workshops opening onto the pavement. University districts, creative spaces, and lakeside promenades provide a glimpse of daily routines, from students heading to class to families enjoying an evening walk.

Where to unwind
Parks, lakes, and riverside stretches offer welcome pauses from the urban pace, particularly around Hatirjheel and other landscaped zones. Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be the most pleasant times to enjoy open spaces, when the light softens and the temperature eases.

A taste of Dhaka

Street food & local specialties
Dhaka’s streets are lined with small eateries and stalls serving fragrant rice dishes, grilled specialities, and sweet treats. Older neighbourhoods and busy commercial streets are especially known for compact shops where recipes are passed down through generations.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In newer districts and within major malls, you will find food courts and cafés combining local favourites with international choices. Portions are often generous yet reasonably sized, making it easy to share and sample several dishes with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, look for restaurants offering elevated views over lakes, river channels, or the city skyline. Dining by the water or high above the streets adds an atmospheric backdrop to your meal, especially around sunset and into the evening.

Retail therapy in Dhaka

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Dhaka’s major malls gather international brands, local boutiques, and entertainment under one roof, creating convenient stops for shopping and dining. These centres also serve as popular meeting points, combining cinemas, cafés, and family-friendly facilities.

Markets & local crafts
Away from the larger complexes, traditional markets and smaller commercial streets are where you can look for textiles, everyday clothing, and handcrafted items. Areas around New Market, Dhanmondi, and Gulshan each offer their own mix of stalls and independent shops.

Evening retail scene
As the day cools, illuminated storefronts and roadside stalls keep many districts lively well into the evening. Night-time browsing in busier neighbourhoods adds a different perspective on the city, with public transport and road links helping you return to your hotel comfortably.

Best time to visit Dhaka

Winter season (cool and dry, November to February, shoulder season)
During winter, Dhaka enjoys comfortable temperatures of around 18–26°C (64–79°F), lower humidity, and clearer skies. It is an inviting time for sightseeing, walking through historic districts, and taking river or lakefront strolls in mild conditions.

Pre-monsoon summer (warm and breezy, March to May, peak season)
The pre-monsoon months bring warmer days, typically 25–34°C (77–93°F), with occasional showers and refreshing breezes. This is a lively travel period, ideal if you enjoy longer daylight hours for exploring markets, parks, and cultural venues.

Monsoon season (rain-washed days, June to October, low season)
Monsoon in Dhaka features frequent rain showers, with temperatures around 26–32°C (79–90°F) and lush green surroundings. The atmosphere can be vibrant and dramatic, and indoor attractions, cafés, and malls offer comfortable options when the rain is heaviest.

Frequently Asked Questions