Flights from London (LON) to Dhaka (DAC)

About Dhaka

Discover Dhaka, Bangladesh's vibrant capital

Dhaka is a city of movement, colour, and contrasts, where rickshaws share the streets with modern cafés and riverside parks. As the capital of Bangladesh, it blends historic neighbourhoods, busy markets, and contemporary business districts into a dynamic urban landscape that feels energetic from morning to late evening.

Beside the Buriganga River, you will find old quarters with narrow lanes, heritage buildings, and bustling river terminals where boats come and go throughout the day. In newer areas such as Gulshan and Banani, tree-lined streets, shopping plazas, and lakeside walks offer a different pace. Whether you are visiting for business, family, or exploration, Dhaka rewards you with its layered history and welcoming atmosphere.

The city is also a gateway to the wider country, with day trips and onward journeys to greener regions, archaeological sites, and river landscapes. Yet even if you stay within Dhaka, its museums, parks, and dining scene give you plenty of ways to experience modern Bangladeshi life up close.

Top sights in Dhaka

Lalbagh Fort

Explore this 17th-century Mughal riverside complex, known for its imposing gateways, gardens, and historic architecture in the heart of Old Dhaka.

Ahsan Manzil

Visit the striking pink riverside palace, now a museum, to learn about Dhaka's past as a trading and administrative hub.

Sadarghat Riverfront

Head to the bustling Sadarghat launch terminal to see wooden boats and passenger ferries criss-crossing the Buriganga River at all hours.

National Parliament Complex

Admire the bold modernist design of the Parliament building and its surrounding lakes and open spaces, created by architect Louis Kahn.

Hatirjheel Lake

Stroll or take a short boat ride around Hatirjheel, a landscaped lake development with bridges, viewpoints, and night-time city views.

Experience Dhaka's energy up close

To experience Dhaka, start with a walk or rickshaw ride through Old Dhaka. The narrow lanes around Chawkbazar and Shankhari Bazar reveal historic façades, traditional workshops, and shopfronts stacked high with textiles, spices, and daily essentials. A guided walking or rickshaw tour can help you navigate the area comfortably and understand the stories behind the neighbourhoods.

For a gentler change of pace, spend time by the water. An early-morning or late-afternoon boat ride on the Buriganga River lets you watch cargo vessels, passenger launches, and small wooden craft move between jetties. In the newer parts of the city, Hatirjheel and Gulshan Lake offer calmer waterside paths where you can walk, jog, or simply sit and take in the skyline.

Culture lovers can visit the National Museum to see collections that highlight the region's art, archaeology, and traditional crafts. You can also look out for galleries and cultural centres that host exhibitions, performances, and design fairs, showcasing Dhaka's growing creative and fashion scenes.

A taste of Dhaka

Dhaka's dining scene centres on bold flavours, shared plates, and hearty meals. Classic Bengali dishes such as fish curries, rice, and lentil preparations are widely available, alongside snacks like singara and chotpoti served at casual eateries and street-side stalls. In Old Dhaka, long-running restaurants are known for their aromatic biryanis and grills, especially in the evenings.

In neighbourhoods like Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi, you will find a mix of cafés, bakeries, and contemporary restaurants serving both local and international menus. Many spots focus on tea and coffee culture, with relaxed settings ideal for meeting friends or colleagues. Desserts such as mishti and other sweets are often part of family visits and celebrations, and are widely available in dedicated sweet shops.

Dhaka also caters to a younger, cosmopolitan crowd with rooftop venues and modern bistros where you can try updated versions of familiar dishes. From simple roadside snacks to multi-course meals, there are options for every kind of appetite and occasion.

Retail discoveries in Dhaka

Shopping in Dhaka ranges from traditional bazaars to modern malls. New Market and nearby streets are popular for textiles, everyday clothing, and accessories, with lively bargaining and a wide choice of fabrics. In Old Dhaka, you can browse narrow lanes lined with small shops selling everything from metalwork to household goods.

In areas like Gulshan, Banani, and Uttara, multi-storey malls and boutiques present a more contemporary experience, with local fashion labels, jewellery, and home décor. These neighbourhoods are good places to find tailored outfits, ready-to-wear lines using regional fabrics, and design-forward lifestyle stores.

If you are looking for gifts to take home, consider items that reflect local craftsmanship, such as handwoven textiles, embroidered pieces, or artisanal home accessories. Do remember to leave space in your checked baggage, and check customs guidelines at your destination before purchasing certain goods.

Best time to visit Dhaka

Cool and dry season (November to February, peak season): During these months, Dhaka is typically comfortable, with average temperatures around 19°C to 26°C (66°F to 79°F). Skies are often clear and humidity lower, making it a pleasant time for walking tours, riverfront visits, and exploring the city throughout the day.

Pre-monsoon warm season (March to May, shoulder season): Temperatures rise to around 25°C to 34°C (77°F to 93°F), with higher humidity and occasional showers. This season brings longer daylight hours and a more intense atmosphere, ideal if you enjoy vibrant street life and do not mind planning indoor breaks during the warmest part of the afternoon.

Monsoon season (June to October, low season): Dhaka experiences frequent rainfall, with average temperatures of about 27°C to 31°C (81°F to 88°F). Showers can be brief or heavy, but they also cool the air and lend a lush, green feel to parks and lakes. With thoughtful planning, you can still enjoy museums, shopping, and dining while experiencing the city in a different light.

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