Flights from Amsterdam (AMS) to Dhaka (DAC)

About Dhaka

Discover Dhaka

Why visit Dhaka?
Dhaka is a dynamic megacity where rivers, rickshaws, and modern towers meet. You will find a place filled with energy, colour, and a constant sense of movement, from heritage quarters to fast-growing business districts.

What to expect
The city stretches along the Buriganga and other waterways, with busy streets lined by textile shops, street vendors, and old mansions. Different neighbourhoods offer distinct atmospheres, from historic Old Dhaka to planned areas such as Gulshan and Uttara.

Plan your trip
Dhaka is an engaging gateway to the rest of Bangladesh, whether you continue to the tea gardens of Sylhet, riverine towns, or coastal regions. Plan time for traffic and travel distances, and use the city as a base to explore surrounding cultural and natural highlights.

Top sights in Dhaka

Lalbagh Fort

Explore this unfinished 17th-century Mughal fort complex, with red-brick walls, gardens, and historic structures overlooking the old city.

Ahsan Manzil

Visit the distinctive pink palace on the Buriganga River, once a noble residence and now a museum showcasing the city’s past.

Sadarghat Riverfront

Experience the bustle of Dhaka’s main river terminal, where ferries, cargo boats, and small craft create a dramatic waterside scene.

National Parliament House Area

View the striking modernist architecture of the parliament complex and stroll around the surrounding lakes and open spaces.

Old Dhaka Streets

Wander through narrow lanes filled with traditional shops, historic buildings, and lively local life at almost any hour of the day.

Hatirjheel Lake

Walk or drive along the lakeside bridges and promenades, especially in the evening when the area is attractively lit.

Curzon Hall and Dhaka University Area

Explore leafy university grounds and notable colonial-era architecture in one of the city’s most characterful academic districts.

New Market

Browse a wide range of everyday goods, clothing, and accessories in one of Dhaka’s classic shopping areas.

Experience Dhaka’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Rickshaws, ride-hailing cars, and buses are the main ways to move through Dhaka’s busy streets, with a growing metro system easing some journeys. Plan extra time for traffic, and consider combining public transport with short walks for the final stretch to your destination.

Local life & culture
You will notice a strong sense of community across neighbourhoods, from street-side tea stalls to family-run businesses and student areas. Traditional crafts, bookshops, and textile markets sit alongside newer cafés and offices, giving the city a layered and lived-in feel.

Where to unwind
Parks, lakesides, and quieter residential districts offer welcome breathing space from the city’s activity. Early morning and late afternoon are ideal times for a walk, when temperatures are milder and you can see residents enjoying outdoor spaces.

A taste of Dhaka

Street food & local specialties
Dhaka’s streets and casual eateries serve flavourful rice dishes, grilled items, and rich curries, often enjoyed with fresh breads. Older neighbourhoods are known for long-standing eateries where recipes have been handed down through generations.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping districts and newer residential areas feature a mix of local and international restaurants, bakeries, and cafés. Menus range from hearty traditional meals to lighter, contemporary dishes, allowing you to sample different flavours across the day.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special meal, you can choose venues in upper floors of city buildings or by the water for broad urban views. Some restaurants focus on carefully prepared regional cuisine in refined settings, creating a relaxed atmosphere for an unhurried dinner.

Retail therapy in Dhaka

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Dhaka’s modern malls bring together international brands, local labels, cinemas, and food courts under one roof. They are popular meeting places, offering air-conditioned comfort and a wide range of shops for clothing, electronics, and everyday items.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and specific streets are known for textiles, clothing, and handicrafts produced around the country. Areas with long histories in trade give you a look at both contemporary products and longstanding craft traditions.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, many commercial streets and malls remain lively, with bright shopfronts and plenty of places to pause for a drink or snack. Main districts are well connected by public and private transport, making it straightforward to explore a few areas in one night.

Best time to visit Dhaka

Shital winter season (November to February, low season)
During winter, Dhaka is pleasantly mild, with average temperatures around 19–24°C (66–75°F) and lower humidity. Cooler mornings and evenings make this a comfortable time for walking tours, riverside visits, and exploring busy neighbourhoods without intense heat.

Grishsho summer season (March to June, shoulder season)
Summer is warm and humid, with typical temperatures of 28–34°C (82–93°F). Longer daylight hours and clear mornings are ideal for early sightseeing, while afternoons lend themselves to indoor attractions, shopping, and relaxed meals in air-conditioned spaces.

Barsha monsoon season (July to October, peak season)
The monsoon brings regular showers and lush greenery, with temperatures generally around 27–31°C (81–88°F). Rainfall often comes in bursts, leaving cooler periods in between, and river scenery becomes especially atmospheric during this time.

Frequently Asked Questions