Dhaka is a fast-paced riverside city where history, textiles, and a lively street scene come together. You experience layers of old and new side by side, from historic quarters to modern districts.
Discover Dhaka
Discover Dhaka
Why visit Dhaka?
What to expect
You can expect busy streets, colourful rickshaws, and bustling river jetties, alongside leafy university areas and business hubs. It is an intense, energetic city best enjoyed at a relaxed, curious pace.
Plan your trip
Dhaka is a natural gateway to wider Bangladesh, from tea gardens to river towns. Plan extra time in the city at the start or end of your journey to explore its historic sights and vibrant neighbourhoods.
Top sights in Dhaka
Lalbagh Fort
Stroll through this Mughal-era riverside fort complex, with its gardens, gateways, and views that offer a quiet pause from the city streets.
Ahsan Manzil
Visit the pink former palace of local rulers on the Buriganga River, now a museum telling the story of Dhaka's past elites and river trade.
Dhakeshwari Temple area
Wander the historic neighbourhood around this landmark, where narrow lanes, shrines, and small shops reflect the citys longstanding traditions.
Sadarghat Riverfront
Head to the busy docks to watch passenger launches and cargo boats arrive and depart, giving you a vivid sense of daily life along the Buriganga.
Old Dhaka streets
Explore the winding lanes of Old Dhaka, lined with historic houses, trading shops, and craft workshops that reveal the citys layered history.
National Parliament House (Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban)
View the striking modernist complex designed by Louis Kahn, set amid lakes and green spaces that contrast with the city bustle.
National Museum and Shahbagh area
Spend time among exhibits on art, archaeology, and culture, then walk the surrounding university and park district popular with locals.
Experience Dhakas everyday rhythm
Getting around
For longer distances, use ride-hailing cars or taxis to move between districts, and try a rickshaw ride for short hops through narrow streets. Many central areas are best explored on foot, so allow time for traffic and plan extra time for your last leg back to your hotel.
Local life & culture
You feel Dhakas energy in its markets, riverfront, and university zones, where students, traders, and families all share the same streets. Workshops, bookstalls, and small galleries offer glimpses into the citys creative and intellectual life.
Where to unwind
Escape to the greener parts of the city, such as lakeside promenades and park areas in Gulshan and Dhanmondi, which are pleasant in the early morning or late afternoon. These calm spots are ideal for a walk, a boat ride, or simply watching the city slow down.
A taste of Dhaka
Street food & local specialties
Sample fragrant biryani, rice and curry sets, and savoury snacks from stalls in Old Dhaka and busy market streets, where vendors serve freshly cooked favourites throughout the day.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In areas like Gulshan, Banani, and Dhanmondi, you find cafes and restaurants offering Bangladeshi dishes alongside regional and international flavours, with menus designed so you can share and try several small plates in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
Look for rooftop restaurants or higher-floor venues in the newer districts for views over the city lights while you dine, or choose a spot with large windows facing lakes or parks for a calmer atmosphere.
Retail therapy in Dhaka
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls around Gulshan, Bashundhara, and other central districts bring together fashion, homeware, and entertainment, and they double as popular meeting places for friends and families.
Markets & local crafts
Explore traditional markets and shop-lined streets in Old Dhaka, New Market, or Gulshan areas for hand-embroidered textiles, clothing, and handicrafts that showcase local skills.
Evening retail scene
As the day cools, many shopping streets and malls stay lively into the evening, with bright lights, food stalls, and steady crowds, and taxis or ride-hailing services make it simple to reach these areas and return to your hotel.
Best time to visit Dhaka
Cool and dry months from November to February are the peak season, with average temperatures around 20–25°C (68–77°F), making sightseeing more comfortable. March to May and October form the shoulder season, with warmer weather around 25–32°C (77–90°F) and some humidity. June to September is the low season, when monsoon rains arrive and temperatures hover around 28–32°C (82–90°F), bringing heavier showers but also greener landscapes.