Dhaka is a vibrant riverside capital where history, culture, and daily life spill out onto bustling streets and waterways. You will find layered architecture, lively neighbourhoods, and a dynamic urban energy.
Discover Dhaka
Discover Dhaka
Why visit Dhaka?
What to expect
Expect busy roads, colourful rickshaws, and friendly locals, with quiet moments in leafy university grounds and along the Buriganga River. Old Dhaka contrasts with modern districts filled with offices, galleries, and lakeside walks.
Plan your trip
Dhaka works well as both a standalone city break and a starting point for exploring rivers, heritage towns, and tea regions across Bangladesh. Plan extra time for traffic and to fully experience different neighbourhoods.
Top sights in Dhaka
Lalbagh Fort
Walk through this 17th-century Mughal complex, with its gardens, gateways, and tranquil courtyards set against the buzz of Old Dhaka.
Ahsan Manzil
Visit the pink riverside palace, once home to Dhaka nobility, and explore its grand halls and exhibits overlooking the Buriganga River.
National Parliament House
See the striking modernist architecture and surrounding lake and parkland of this landmark complex, best viewed in the soft light of late afternoon.
Sadarghat Riverfront
Head to the busy river terminal to watch ferries and boats come and go, capturing the pulse of Dhaka’s river life from the waterfront.
Dhaka University and Ramna Park
Stroll through the leafy university campus and nearby Ramna Park, where locals walk, jog, and relax among trees and lakes.
New Market and surrounding bazaars
Browse clothing, books, and everyday goods in this lively shopping area, with narrow lanes and stalls full of local life.
Hatirjheel Lake
Spend an evening by the illuminated lakeside walkways and bridges, enjoying city views and a cooler breeze on the water.
Experience Dhaka’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use ride-hailing cars or authorised taxis for longer journeys, and try a colourful cycle rickshaw for short hops and a closer look at street life. For the last mile, walk where pavements allow and allow extra time for traffic.
Local life & culture
You will see students, office workers, artisans, and traders sharing narrow streets and teashops, especially in Old Dhaka and around the university area. Public squares, lakesides, and parks fill with families and friends in the evenings and on weekends.
Where to unwind
Seek calm in Ramna Park, Hatirjheel Lake, or the gardens around historic sites, where mornings and late afternoons are cooler and quieter. Hotel pools and spas across the city offer peaceful breaks from the urban rush.
A taste of Dhaka
Street food & local specialties
Try biryani, rich curries, and savoury snacks from long-standing eateries in Old Dhaka, as well as sweet treats from traditional confectioners scattered across central neighbourhoods.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In newer districts you will find cafés, bakeries, and restaurants serving Bangladeshi favourites alongside international dishes, often in malls or compact blocks where you can sample several flavours in one visit.
Signature & scenic dining
Look for rooftops and upper-floor restaurants with views over lakes or city lights, where you can enjoy a slow meal and watch Dhaka’s skyline glow after dark.
Retail therapy in Dhaka
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres in newer parts of Dhaka bring together international brands, local labels, cinemas, and food courts, making them convenient places to shop and meet friends.
Markets & local crafts
Explore traditional bazaars and smaller boutiques for textiles, handicrafts, and everyday goods, especially in areas around New Market, Old Dhaka streets, and growing residential districts.
Evening retail scene
As the sun sets, malls and busy shopping streets stay lively with illuminated shopfronts and families browsing. Taxis and ride-hailing services make these areas easy to reach and return from at night.
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 considered the most pleasant time for sightseeing and outdoor walks. Pre-monsoon and early monsoon (shoulder season): From March to June, temperatures rise to around 28–34°C (82–93°F), or higher on some days, with increasing humidity and occasional thunderstorms. The city is busier in the evenings when it is slightly cooler. Monsoon and late monsoon (low season): From July to October, expect frequent rain, short heavy showers, and temperatures of about 26–32°C (79–90°F). Travel remains possible, but you should allow extra time for traffic and carry light rain protection.