Flights from Europe to Dhaka (DAC)

Discover Dhaka

Discover Dhaka

Why visit Dhaka?
Dhaka is a fast-growing riverside metropolis where historic quarters, waterways, and creative energy meet. You will find lively streets, layered history, and a welcoming, human scale beneath the bustle.
What to expect
In Old Dhaka, narrow alleys, river piers, and fading palaces sit beside busy bazaars and ferries on the Buriganga River. Newer districts offer broader roads, lakeside promenades, and a growing cultural and business scene.
Plan your trip
Dhaka works well as both a standalone city break and a gateway to wider Bangladesh, including tea country, river landscapes, and heritage towns. Plan time in the city at the start or end of your journey to get a sense of the country, its stories, and its pace of life.

Top sights in Dhaka

Lalbagh Fort

Explore this unfinished Mughal riverside fort complex with gardens, gateways, and historic tombs offering a calm contrast to the surrounding city.

Ahsan Manzil

Visit the distinctive pink palace on the Buriganga River, once a grand residence and now a museum telling the story of Dhaka's elite families.

Sadarghat River Port

Watch country boats and river steamers weave across the Buriganga, especially atmospheric in the soft light of early morning or late afternoon.

Old Dhaka walking streets

Wander through narrow lanes lined with traditional shops, historic houses, and small workshops that reveal Dhaka's trading past.

National Parliament House area

Admire the striking modernist architecture of the parliament complex from the surrounding neighbourhood and lakeside paths.

Hatirjheel Lake

Stroll or take a short boat ride along this urban lake, where bridges and promenades offer open views and a cooler breeze in the evenings.

Dhaka's modern galleries

Drop into small contemporary art spaces and cultural centres that showcase local artists, photography, and design.

Experience Dhaka's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Rickshaws, ride-hailing cars, and the developing metro system are the easiest ways to move between neighbourhoods in Dhaka. For short hops within Old Dhaka, walking and cycle rickshaws let you experience the city at street level.
Local life & culture
Dhaka's everyday life plays out in tea stalls, river ghats, and small roadside shops that spill gently into the streets. Different districts each carry a distinct character, from the trading energy of Old Dhaka to the more residential feel of new suburbs.
Where to unwind
Green pockets, lakesides, and quieter backstreets offer space to pause between busy explorations. Early mornings and evenings, when the light softens and the heat eases, are the most pleasant times to walk, sit by the water, or watch the city wind down.

A taste of Dhaka

Street food & local specialties
Dhaka is known for flavourful rice dishes, grilled meats, and snacks sold from small stalls and family-run eateries. Areas around Old Dhaka are rich in traditional flavours, where generations have refined the same recipes.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Across the city you will find relaxed cafes, bakeries, and contemporary restaurants serving both local and international dishes. Many sit inside or beside commercial buildings, where menus are varied and portions are ideal for sharing and sampling.
Signature & scenic dining
For a different view, look for higher-floor venues that overlook busy streets, lakes, or river stretches. Dining with a vantage point lets you taste Dhaka's cuisine while watching the city lights and traffic patterns below.

Retail therapy in Dhaka

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Dhaka's modern shopping centres bring together fashion, electronics, and everyday essentials under one roof. These hubs often include cinemas and food courts, making them easy places to combine errands, meals, and meeting friends.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller shopping streets are the best places to look for textiles, handcrafted pieces, and local brands. Neighbourhoods known for fabrics, jewellery, and household goods reward unhurried browsing and conversation with shopkeepers.
Evening retail scene
Many markets and shopping districts feel most alive in the early evening, when the heat eases and illuminated shopfronts draw in local crowds. Main roads and busy hubs are usually well connected by rickshaw and car, making it straightforward to return to your hotel after dark.

Best time to visit Dhaka

Peak season: November to February is the coolest and most comfortable period, with average temperatures around 20–25°C (68–77°F) and lower humidity, ideal for walking and sightseeing.
Shoulder season: March to May sees warmer weather, with temperatures often between 28–34°C (82–93°F), and increasing humidity before the monsoon arrives.
Low season: June to October is the monsoon period, with frequent rain, higher humidity, and temperatures around 27–32°C (81–90°F), though greenery is at its most vibrant.

Frequently Asked Questions