Flights from Christchurch (CHC) to Dhaka (DAC)

About Dhaka

Discover Dhaka

Why visit Dhaka?
Dhaka is a fast-moving riverside metropolis where historic quarters sit beside expanding modern districts. You will find colourful streets, bustling waterways, and a warm, welcoming energy that gives every visit a vivid sense of place.

What to expect
The city is filled with rickshaws, river launches, and lively markets, creating a constant sense of motion. Old Dhaka, newer business areas, and green university districts each offer a different atmosphere, from narrow lanes and historic buildings to broad avenues and lakeside promenades.

Plan your trip
Dhaka is an engaging destination in its own right and a starting point for exploring Bangladesh, from riverine landscapes to coastal regions. With its growing infrastructure and extensive domestic connections, it works well as a base for onward journeys throughout the country.

Top sights in Dhaka

Lalbagh Fort

Explore this historic riverside complex, with its gardens, gateways, and impressive Mughal-era architecture in the heart of Old Dhaka.

Ahsan Manzil

Visit the distinctive pink riverside palace, once the home of local nobility and now a museum offering insight into Dhaka's past.

Sadarghat Riverfront

Experience the busy Buriganga River terminal, where passenger launches, small boats, and traders create a striking waterfront scene.

Curzon Hall and university area

Stroll through this academic quarter with its red-brick buildings, leafy grounds, and a calmer pace than the central streets.

National Parliament complex

Admire the striking modernist architecture of the parliament building and its surrounding lake and open spaces from designated viewing areas.

New Market area

Browse a long-established shopping district where narrow lanes and covered sections sell clothing, textiles, and everyday goods.

Hatirjheel Lake

Walk or drive around this urban lake development in the evening to enjoy illuminated bridges, water views, and a cooler breeze.

Shankhari Bazaar

Wander one of the oldest quarters of the city, with narrow streets, historic facades, and dense rows of traditional shops.

Experience Dhaka's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Rickshaws, taxis, and app-based rides are common ways to move between districts, with newer expressways helping you cross the city more quickly. For a different perspective, short boat rides on the Buriganga offer a glimpse of river life. For short hops, walking within individual neighbourhoods can be rewarding.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Dhaka spills into the streets, from busy marketplaces to tea stalls where people gather to talk. Traditional crafts, bookshops, and small workshops sit beside modern shopping centres and offices, creating an energetic mix of old and new ways of living.

Where to unwind
Parks, lakes, and university campuses offer useful breathing spaces from the city bustle. Areas around Hatirjheel and Ramna Park are pleasant for gentle walks, especially in the early morning or after sunset when temperatures ease and the city feels more relaxed.

A taste of Dhaka

Street food & local specialties
Dhaka is known for flavourful rice and meat dishes, fresh breads, and a wide variety of sweets. Older districts are dotted with long-running eateries and stalls where you can try local favourites alongside freshly brewed tea.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In newer neighbourhoods and shopping centres, you will find cafés and restaurants serving both local and international cuisines. Food courts make it easy to sample different dishes in one stop, with portions that encourage trying a variety of flavours with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
Around lakes and in higher floors of modern buildings, some restaurants offer city views to accompany your meal. These settings can be a memorable way to experience Dhaka's skyline, especially in the evening when the city lights come on.

Retail therapy in Dhaka

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Dhaka has a growing number of multi-storey shopping centres where you will find international labels, local brands, and entertainment under one roof. These air-conditioned complexes are convenient stops for clothing, accessories, and household items.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and older commercial streets remain important places to shop for textiles, clothing, and everyday goods. Districts such as New Market, Banga Bazar, and certain parts of Old Dhaka are known for busy lanes packed with stalls and small shops.

Evening retail scene
As the day cools, many commercial streets and shopping centres stay active into the evening, with illuminated storefronts and steady crowds. Night-time browsing can be a comfortable way to experience local life, and common forms of transport make it straightforward to reach major retail areas.

Best time to visit Dhaka

Cool dry season (winter) – November to February, peak season
During the cool dry months, Dhaka often sees temperatures around 18–25°C (64–77°F) with lower humidity. Clearer skies, comfortable evenings, and reduced rainfall make this a popular time for outdoor exploring and walking through historic quarters.

Pre-monsoon and monsoon – March to September, shoulder season
From March to September, temperatures frequently range between 26–32°C (79–90°F) with higher humidity, and showers become more common. The landscape is lush and green, and brief downpours are typically followed by bright spells that can be refreshing.

Post-monsoon transition – October, low season
October usually brings a gradual easing of rainfall, with average temperatures around 25–30°C (77–86°F). The city starts to feel fresher while remaining warm, and visitor numbers are often lower, which can mean quieter attractions and more relaxed sightseeing.

Frequently Asked Questions