Flights from Seattle (SEA) to Dhaka (DAC)

About Dhaka

Discover Dhaka

Why visit Dhaka?
Dhaka is a lively, fast-growing city where historic quarters, busy waterways, and modern neighbourhoods sit side by side. You will find layers of history, colourful streets, and a creative spirit that gives the city its distinctive character.

What to expect
Expect streets filled with rickshaws, vibrant riverfronts, and a mix of old and new architecture. Districts such as Old Dhaka, Motijheel, and Gulshan each show a different side of the city, from centuries-old lanes to commercial centres and leafy residential areas.

Plan your trip
Dhaka is a rewarding base for exploring the culture and riverscapes of Bangladesh. With growing transport links and a wide range of accommodation, you can easily combine time in the capital with journeys to tea estates, river ports, and smaller regional cities.

Top sights in Dhaka

Lalbagh Fort

Explore this Mughal-era complex with its gardens, gateways, and impressive red-brick structures overlooking the old city.

Ahsan Manzil

Visit the iconic pink palace on the banks of the Buriganga River, once a grand residence and now a museum of local history.

Sadarghat Riverfront

Experience Dhaka’s bustling river port, where ferries, boats, and people converge in one of the city’s most atmospheric areas.

National Parliament House Area

See the striking modernist architecture of the parliament complex and enjoy the surrounding open spaces and lakes.

Curzon Hall

Admire this historic red building within the University of Dhaka campus, known for its impressive arches and tranquil grounds.

New Market

Browse a maze of stalls selling clothing, books, and everyday items in one of the city’s classic shopping districts.

Gulshan and Banani Lakeside

Stroll along the lakeside walkways in these upscale neighbourhoods, lined with cafés, eateries, and contemporary galleries.

Experience Dhaka’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Rickshaws, taxis, and app-based rides are common ways to move through Dhaka’s busy streets, especially for short distances. For longer journeys, you can use the growing metro system or hire a car with driver, then walk the final blocks to take in the neighbourhood atmosphere.

Local life & culture
Dhaka’s pace is energetic, with markets, workshops, and riverside jetties full of activity throughout the day. University districts, art galleries, and cultural centres host regular exhibitions and performances, giving you a chance to see how contemporary creativity blends with long-standing traditions.

Where to unwind
Green spaces such as parks around Dhanmondi Lake or the grounds near the National Parliament House offer a calmer side of the city. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal times for a lakeside walk, a quiet bench, or a simple boat ride away from the busiest roads.

A taste of Dhaka

Street food & local specialties
You will find local snacks and specialities at street stalls in Old Dhaka, around New Market, and near busy intersections. These areas are known for simple eateries and roadside vendors where residents gather for quick bites throughout the day.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Neighbourhoods such as Dhanmondi, Gulshan, and Banani offer many cafés and casual restaurants, often grouped along main roads and around lakes. Menus typically include local favourites alongside international options, with portions that make it easy to share and try a range of dishes.

Signature & scenic dining
For a more elevated evening, head to high-rise restaurants in Gulshan or Banani, where you can enjoy city views with your meal. There are also venues by the lakes that provide a relaxed setting, combining outdoor seating with the lights of Dhaka reflecting on the water.

Retail therapy in Dhaka

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres in areas such as Gulshan, Dhanmondi, and Uttara bring international brands and local labels together under one roof. These complexes often include cafés and entertainment, so they double as convenient places to meet friends or take a break from the heat.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets remain an essential part of Dhaka’s retail life, with New Market, Baitul Mukarram Market, and Bashundhara City’s inner sections known for clothing and textiles. Smaller neighbourhood streets are home to tailors, craft shops, and independent boutiques where you can look for distinctive pieces.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, many shopping streets stay open late, with bright shopfronts and steady crowds. Malls in districts like Gulshan and Dhanmondi are lively after dark, and you can combine browsing with a café stop, using local transport or app-based rides to move between areas comfortably.

Best time to visit Dhaka

Shitol season (cool and dry, November to February, shoulder season)
During the cooler months, average temperatures range from about 15°C to 26°C (59°F to 79°F). Skies are generally clearer and humidity is lower, creating comfortable conditions for walking tours, riverfront visits, and exploring the city’s outdoor spaces.

Grishmo season (pre-monsoon heat, March to May, peak season)
This is the warmest part of the year, with average temperatures around 25°C to 34°C (77°F to 93°F). Days are hot, but longer daylight hours are ideal for planning excursions and enjoying Dhaka’s parks and lakes in the early morning or evening.

Borsha season (monsoon, June to October, low season)
Monsoon brings regular rain showers and lush greenery, with temperatures around 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F). Showers often come in bursts, leaving fresh, cooler intervals, and you can experience the city’s river life and dramatic skies during this atmospheric time of year.

Frequently Asked Questions