Flights from Paris (CDG) to Dhaka (DAC)

About Dhaka

Dhaka, a city of energy and waterways

Dhaka is a city that moves to its own rhythm. From the moment you arrive, you feel the pulse of traffic, riverboats, and bustling markets, all set against a backdrop of historic architecture and growing modern districts. The city sits on the banks of the Buriganga River, and everyday life often centres around its busy shores.

As the capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka blends heritage and contemporary life. Restored mansions, lively river ports, and crowded bazaars share space with new business hubs and shopping centres. Whether you are visiting for family, business, or exploration, the city rewards you with memorable sights, warm hospitality, and a rich urban culture.

In the evenings, tea stalls, street food vendors, and lakeside promenades fill with people unwinding after the day. This is when Dhaka feels at its most social, with families, students, and professionals all making the most of its parks, cafés, and waterfront views.

Top sights in Dhaka

Lalbagh Fort

Explore this 17th-century Mughal complex with its lawns, gateways, and views over the surrounding old city streets.

Ahsan Manzil

Visit the iconic pink palace on the Buriganga River, once a grand residence and now a museum of Dhaka history.

Sadarghat River Port

Watch ferries, cargo boats, and small wooden vessels criss-cross the water at one of the busiest river terminals in the region.

Dhakeshwari Temple area

Wander the historic quarter around this landmark, taking in traditional architecture and local street life.

Hatirjheel Lake

Stroll or take a boat ride along this illuminated urban lake, a popular place for an evening walk and skyline views.

Experience Dhaka on the move

To understand Dhaka, spend time on its streets and waterways. A guided walking tour of Old Dhaka lets you navigate its narrow lanes, visit historic mansions, and learn how traders once moved goods through the city. Along the way, you can stop at traditional tea stalls and sweet shops that have served the neighbourhood for generations.

For a different perspective, take a short boat ride from Sadarghat River Port, where you can see cargo boats, passenger ferries, and small wooden launches all sharing the same busy channel. The riverbank is lined with warehouses, markets, and workshops, offering a vivid look at how the city is supplied and connected.

Elsewhere in the city, you can cycle or walk around newer districts such as Gulshan and Banani, where lakeside paths, cafés, and parks provide a calmer side of Dhaka. Many visitors also join guided food or photography tours, which help you explore lively markets and landmarks while learning more about local daily life.

A taste of Dhaka

Dhaka is a city where food is never far away, from early-morning snacks to late-night street stalls. You can sample fragrant rice dishes, rich meat curries, and river fish prepared with local spices, often served with fresh lime and crisp salads. Traditional bakeries offer savoury pastries and sweets that pair well with a glass of strong tea.

Street food is a highlight, with vendors preparing snacks to order on small griddles and woks. Popular choices include deep-fried treats, savoury pancakes, and spiced chickpea dishes, which you can enjoy while standing at a cart or sitting on simple stools by the roadside. In busier areas, you will find entire lanes dedicated to food, especially in the evenings.

Dhaka also has a growing restaurant and café scene, particularly in areas such as Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi. Here you can enjoy relaxed meals in modern settings, try regional specialities in family-run eateries, or stop for coffee and desserts in stylish cafés that stay open well into the evening.

Retail discoveries in Dhaka

Shopping in Dhaka ranges from traditional bazaars to modern malls, giving you plenty of ways to explore local style and craftsmanship. Old town markets are ideal for browsing textiles, everyday goods, and locally made items, as you weave between stalls stocked with colourful fabrics and household essentials.

If you are interested in textiles, visit fabric markets and boutiques where you can find handwoven materials, embroidered outfits, and ready-made garments. Many stores offer tailoring services, so you can have clothing adjusted or created to your measurements during your stay.

For a more contemporary experience, head to shopping centres in Gulshan, Banani, and other newer districts. These malls combine international brands with local labels, plus cafés and food courts for a break between shops. Smaller design stores and craft shops are also emerging across the city, offering homeware, jewellery, and accessories inspired by local traditions.

Best time to visit Dhaka

Cool and dry season (November to February, peak season). Average temperatures range from 15°C to 26°C (59°F to 79°F), with lower humidity and clearer skies. This is a comfortable time for walking tours, river outings, and exploring markets during the day and evening.

Pre-monsoon warm season (March to May, shoulder season). Temperatures typically sit between 23°C and 34°C (73°F to 93°F), with rising humidity and occasional showers. Longer daylight hours and bright skies make this a good period for indoor attractions, café hopping, and shorter outdoor excursions.

Monsoon season (June to October, low season). Temperatures average 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F), with frequent rain and lush green surroundings. Showers often come in bursts, leaving cooler moments in between, which are well suited to museum visits, leisurely meals, and exploring the city at a gentler pace.

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