Flights from Brussels (BRU) to Dhaka (DAC)

About Dhaka

Discover Dhaka

Why visit Dhaka?
Dhaka is a dynamic riverside metropolis where rickshaws, waterways, and modern towers meet historic quarters and bustling bazaars. You will find an energetic city that rewards curiosity, with colourful streets, creative communities, and a warm welcome.

What to expect
The city centres on Old Dhaka, where narrow lanes lead to historic mansions, riverside ghats, and busy markets, while newer districts like Gulshan and Banani offer wide roads, parks, and contemporary lifestyle hubs. Expect lively traffic, rich culture, and an atmosphere that feels ever in motion.

Plan your trip
Dhaka works well as both a standalone city break and a gateway to the wider country, including river cruises and lush countryside. Many travellers pair time in the capital with journeys to other regions, using its transport links and services as a practical starting point for exploring more of Bangladesh.

Top sights in Dhaka

Lalbagh Fort

Explore this historic riverside complex with its gardens, gateways, and striking Mughal-era architecture.

Ahsan Manzil

Visit the former riverside palace, now a museum, to see grand interiors and views over the Buriganga River.

Old Dhaka waterfront

Stroll along the busy riverfront to watch ferries, cargo boats, and local life unfold at a lively pace.

National Parliament House

Admire the bold modernist design of this landmark complex, surrounded by water features and open green space.

Dhaka University area

Walk through leafy campuses and cultural institutions that anchor much of the city’s intellectual and artistic life.

New Market

Browse a maze of stalls selling clothing, books, textiles, and everyday items in a classic city bazaar setting.

Gulshan Lakeside

Enjoy an evening walk by the water, where locals gather, jog, and relax in a more tranquil part of the city.

Bangladesh National Museum

Learn about the region’s history, art, and natural heritage through extensive, well-curated galleries.

Experience Dhaka’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Cycle rickshaws, taxis, and ride-hailing services are the most flexible ways to move through Dhaka’s busy streets. For longer journeys, city buses and private cars are widely used. For short distances, walking within neighbourhoods like Gulshan and Dhanmondi can be pleasant, especially in the early evening.

Local life & culture
Dhaka’s daily life unfolds on the streets, from teashops and bookstalls to riverside jetties and campus greens. Neighbourhoods each have their own character, with Old Dhaka feeling compact and traditional, and newer areas more spacious and modern. You will notice a strong sense of community, with social life centred on family, friends, and local hangouts.

Where to unwind
Green corners and lakeside paths offer welcome pauses from the city’s energy. Ramna Park and nearby open spaces around key institutions are popular for morning walks, jogging, and relaxed meetups. In the late afternoon and early evening, lakeside areas and small parks become cooler, calmer places to enjoy the breeze and watch the city wind down.

A taste of Dhaka

Street food & local specialties
You will find fragrant rice dishes, grills, snacks, and sweets at street stalls, small eateries, and busy food lanes across the city. Old Dhaka is especially known for long-standing kitchens and family-run spots where traditional flavours and recipes are served in a lively setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In areas such as Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi, relaxed cafés and restaurants offer everything from regional favourites to global comfort food. Many menus are designed for sharing, so you can sample several dishes in one meal and return to explore new flavours on another day.

Signature & scenic dining
For a different perspective, consider dining in venues with views over lakes, rooftops, or city streets. Certain hotels and standalone restaurants offer more refined settings, where attentive service, carefully prepared menus, and thoughtful interiors turn your meal into a memorable part of your Dhaka stay.

Retail therapy in Dhaka

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Dhaka’s modern shopping centres gather international brands, local labels, and entertainment under one roof. In neighbourhoods like Gulshan and Dhanmondi, multi-storey complexes combine fashion, electronics, and food courts, making them convenient places to shop and meet friends in a comfortable, climate-controlled setting.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller arcades are ideal for discovering textiles, clothing, and everyday items. Areas such as New Market, Baitul Mukarram, and parts of Old Dhaka offer a dense mix of shops and stalls, where you can look for hand-finished fabrics, accessories, and household goods.

Evening retail scene
As the day cools, many streets and shopping districts become busier, with illuminated façades and late-opening stores. Popular neighbourhoods draw both residents and visitors for evening browsing and dining. Public transport, taxis, and ride-hailing services make it straightforward to reach these areas and return to your accommodation after dark.

Best time to visit Dhaka

Pleasant winter season (November to February, shoulder season)
During these months, Dhaka enjoys cooler, drier weather, with average temperatures around 19–25°C (66–77°F). Skies are often clear, making it an easy time for sightseeing, walking around markets, and enjoying parks and outdoor events.

Pre-monsoon and hot season (March to May, peak season)
The city becomes warmer and more humid, with average temperatures typically 25–32°C (77–90°F). Days can feel intense, but this is also a lively time, with long daylight hours and plenty of activity across the city’s neighbourhoods and cultural venues.

Monsoon period (June to October, low season)
Monsoon brings regular rain showers and lush greenery, with average temperatures around 26–30°C (79–86°F). Showers are often brief, leaving cooler air behind, and you can enjoy the city’s indoor attractions, museums, cafés, and markets between spells of rain.

Frequently Asked Questions