Dhaka is a vibrant riverside metropolis where historic quarters, bustling bazaars, and modern districts sit side by side. You find an energetic, layered city that rewards curious travellers with rich culture and warm hospitality.
Discover Dhaka
Discover Dhaka
Why visit Dhaka?
What to expect
Expect lively streets, colourful rickshaws, and a constant sense of movement along the Buriganga River. Old Dhaka offers atmospheric lanes and heritage buildings, while newer areas feature business centres, galleries, and lakeside promenades.
Plan your trip
Dhaka is a natural starting point for exploring Bangladesh, from tea gardens and mangrove forests to riverside towns. Plan time for both the city and short trips beyond, using Dhaka as your main transport hub.
Top sights in Dhaka
Lalbagh Fort
Wander through this unfinished 17th-century Mughal fortress, with peaceful gardens and views over the surrounding old city.
Ahsan Manzil
Visit the pink riverside palace, once home to Dhaka's elite, now a museum offering insight into the city's past and river trade.
Sadarghat Riverfront
Head to the busy Sadarghat launch terminal to watch ferries, cargo boats, and wooden skiffs criss-cross the Buriganga River at sunset.
Old Dhaka's historic lanes
Explore narrow streets lined with fading mansions, workshops, and local shops, best discovered on foot or by rickshaw.
National Parliament House precinct
Admire the striking modernist architecture of the parliament complex and its surrounding lakes, especially atmospheric in the late afternoon.
Dhakeshwari area and nearby heritage sites
Combine a visit to historic temples and nearby old neighbourhoods to see how tradition and contemporary city life intertwine.
Hatirjheel Lake
Stroll or take a boat along this large urban lake, enjoying illuminated bridges and cooling breezes in the evening.
Experience Dhaka's everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use taxis, ride-hailing apps, and the growing metro system for longer journeys across Dhaka. For a different perspective, take a rickshaw ride through older neighbourhoods, then walk the final blocks to explore markets and side streets at your own pace.
Local life & culture
Life in Dhaka spills onto the streets, from riverside jetties to university campuses and neighbourhood parks. You see students, office workers, and families sharing tea stalls, bookshops, and cultural centres that host exhibitions, music, and film screenings.
Where to unwind
Seek calm at lakeside promenades such as Hatirjheel or the parks in Gulshan and Dhanmondi, especially in the cooler early morning or evening. Green spaces and quieter residential streets offer a softer side to the city after a busy day of sightseeing.
A taste of Dhaka
Street food & local specialties
Sample biryani, kebabs, and savoury snacks from long-running eateries in Old Dhaka and around Baily Road, where stalls and small shops serve recipes handed down through generations.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Head to Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi for casual cafés, bakeries, and modern restaurants tucked into malls and side streets, where varied menus make it easy to share and try several dishes in one sitting.
Signature & scenic dining
Look for rooftop restaurants and riverside venues that frame the skyline, busy roads, or waterways, turning dinner into a memorable view of Dhaka by night.
Retail therapy in Dhaka
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Visit large shopping centres in areas such as Gulshan and Dhanmondi for international brands, local fashion labels, and cinemas, where families and friends gather to shop, eat, and relax.
Markets & local crafts
Explore New Market, Bongo Bazar, and smaller neighbourhood markets to find textiles, everyday clothing, and handcrafted items, alongside stalls selling household goods and accessories.
Evening retail scene
As evening arrives, many malls and busy streets stay lively with illuminated shopfronts and food corners, while central areas remain easy to reach by taxi or ride-hailing services even after dark.
Best time to visit Dhaka
Cool and dry season (peak season): From November to February, Dhaka is generally dry and comfortable, with average temperatures around 18–25°C (64–77°F). This is the most popular time to explore the city on foot and enjoy outdoor areas. Pre-monsoon heat (shoulder season): From March to May, temperatures climb to around 28–34°C (82–93°F), with increasing humidity and occasional thunderstorms. Days can feel hot, but evenings are slightly cooler. Monsoon season (low season): From June to October, temperatures average 27–31°C (81–88°F) with frequent rain showers and higher humidity. Showers are often heavy but short, so you can still plan indoor sightseeing between downpours.