Flights from Cebu (CEB) to Dhaka (DAC)

About Dhaka

Discover Dhaka

Why visit Dhaka?
Dhaka is a fast-growing metropolis where river life, historic quarters, and modern towers sit side by side. You will find energetic streets, colourful rickshaws, and a creative spirit that makes the city feel intense yet rewarding for curious travellers.

What to expect
The city is centred around the Buriganga River, with the Old Dhaka area offering atmospheric lanes, heritage buildings, and bustling river terminals. Newer neighbourhoods such as Gulshan and Banani bring contemporary cafés, lakeside paths, and a more relaxed pace just a short drive away.

Plan your trip
Dhaka is a practical gateway to exploring the wider countryside, tea estates, and river landscapes of Bangladesh. Give yourself time to adjust to the city’s rhythm, and use it as a base before venturing to coastal districts, archaeological sites, and serene rural regions.

Top sights in Dhaka

Lalbagh Fort

Explore this unfinished 17th-century Mughal complex with its red-brick walls, gardens, and views over the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Ahsan Manzil

Visit the restored pink palace on the banks of the Buriganga River and learn about the lifestyle of Dhaka’s former elite.

Sadarghat River Port

Experience the energy of Dhaka’s main river terminal, where passenger launches, small boats, and vendors crowd the busy waterfront.

National Parliament House

Admire the striking modernist architecture of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, set beside a tranquil lake and landscaped grounds.

Old Dhaka Streets

Wander through narrow alleys lined with historic buildings, small workshops, and lively local shops in the historic heart of the city.

Bangladesh National Museum

Discover collections that trace the art, culture, and natural history of Bangladesh across several floors of exhibits.

Hatirjheel Lake

Stroll or take a boat along this central lake, popular for its bridges, evening lights, and skyline views.

New Market

Browse a maze of stalls selling clothing, textiles, books, and everyday items in one of Dhaka’s busiest shopping areas.

Experience Dhaka’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Cycle rickshaws, taxis, and app-based rides are common ways to move between neighbourhoods, especially for shorter distances. For longer journeys, use main roads and allow extra time for traffic. Walking short stretches within each district gives you a closer look at local life.

Local life & culture
Dhaka’s rhythm is shaped by its street-side tea stalls, small workshops, and constant movement along main roads and riverbanks. Each neighbourhood has a distinct character, from the trading lanes of Old Dhaka to the lakeside residential areas of Gulshan and Dhanmondi, where many residents gather in the evenings.

Where to unwind
Lakeside promenades around Dhanmondi Lake and Hatirjheel offer welcome green and blue spaces in the city. Early mornings and late afternoons are usually the most pleasant times to stroll, people-watch, or sit on a bench and take in the skyline reflections on the water.

A taste of Dhaka

Street food & local specialties
Dhaka’s food stalls and small eateries serve fragrant rice dishes, grilled meats, and a wide range of savoury snacks and sweets. Areas like Old Dhaka and Mohammadpur are known for busy evening food streets where you can sample local flavours in a lively setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In newer areas such as Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi, you will find cafés and restaurants offering both Bangladeshi favourites and international cuisine. Many menus are designed for sharing, so you can try several dishes in one sitting, from rice and curries to lighter snacks.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, choose a restaurant overlooking a lake or set on a rooftop with city views. Some venues near Hatirjheel and Dhanmondi Lake offer pleasant outlooks, especially at sunset, adding a scenic backdrop to your dining experience.

Retail therapy in Dhaka

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Dhaka’s modern malls combine international brands, local labels, and family-friendly facilities under one roof. Shopping centres in Gulshan and Dhanmondi double as social spaces, with food courts and cafés where you can rest between browsing.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller shopping streets are ideal for finding textiles, clothing, and household items. Areas such as New Market, Chandni Chowk, and Bashundhara City’s smaller shops are popular with locals seeking variety and everyday value.

Evening retail scene
Many malls and markets remain active into the evening, with illuminated storefronts and busy walkways. Night-time brings a cooler atmosphere and a relaxed pace for browsing. Public transport and taxis make it straightforward to reach main shopping districts and return to your hotel afterwards.

Best time to visit Dhaka

Shitol season (cool, dry months; November to February, shoulder season)
During the cooler season, temperatures typically range from 15–26°C (59–79°F), with lower humidity and clearer skies. This is a comfortable time for walking tours, lakeside strolls, and exploring the busy streets and riverfront by day and evening.

Grishsho season (hot, pre-monsoon months; March to May, peak season)
The pre-monsoon months are warm and humid, with temperatures often around 25–34°C (77–93°F). Afternoon heat encourages slower sightseeing, while mornings and evenings are ideal for exploring markets, parks, and riverside areas in a vibrant urban atmosphere.

Borsha season (monsoon months; June to October, low season)
The monsoon brings frequent showers and lush greenery, with temperatures around 26–32°C (79–90°F). Rain tends to arrive in bursts, leaving calm periods in between. This season can be rewarding for experiencing Dhaka’s daily life with fewer crowds at major attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions