Dhaka Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Dhaka

Dhaka’s highlights are concentrated in two very different worlds: the historic lanes of Old Dhaka along the river and the planned districts to the north.

• Lalbagh Fort — Explore this unfinished 17th-century Mughal fort complex with its mosque, gardens and the tomb of Pari Bibi.
• Ahsan Manzil — Visit the striking pink palace on the Buriganga riverbank, once the residence of the Nawabs of Dhaka and now a museum.
• Sadarghat — Experience one of the busiest river ports in the world, with ferries, wooden boats and non-stop activity; a short boat ride offers memorable views.
• National Parliament House — Admire Louis Kahn’s monumental concrete and brick masterpiece, one of the landmarks of 20th-century architecture, best viewed from the surrounding grounds.
• Star Mosque — See this beautiful mosque in Old Dhaka, decorated with star motifs and colourful mosaic tiles.
• Dhakeshwari Temple — Visit the city’s most important Hindu temple, from which Dhaka is said to take its name.
• Bangladesh National Museum — Discover the country’s history, art, natural heritage and the story of the 1971 Liberation War.

Best time to visit Dhaka

The best time to visit Dhaka is during the dry, cooler months from November to February. Days are warm and mostly sunny, evenings are pleasantly cool and humidity is at its lowest, making it the most comfortable time for walking tours and river trips.

From March to May the weather becomes very hot and humid, with occasional thunderstorms. The monsoon season, roughly June to October, brings heavy rain, waterlogged streets and slower traffic, though the countryside becomes lush and green. The Bay of Bengal can also experience cyclones, mainly in the pre- and post-monsoon periods.

Notable events include Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year on 14 April, celebrated with colourful processions and music; International Mother Language Day on 21 February; and Victory Day on 16 December. During the two Eid festivals, whose dates move each year, many residents travel to their home villages and the city becomes much quieter.

Getting from the airport

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is located in Kurmitola in the north of the city, around 15 to 20 km from central areas such as Motijheel and a short drive from Gulshan, Banani and Uttara.

• Taxis and pre-booked cars — Official taxi counters and car services are available in the arrivals area. Journeys to Gulshan or Banani usually take 20 to 45 minutes, and to central or Old Dhaka 45 to 90 minutes or more, depending on traffic.
• Ride-hailing apps — Widely used across Dhaka, with pick-ups from designated points near the terminal.
• Hotel transfers — Many hotels provide airport pick-ups, a convenient choice for first-time visitors and late-night arrivals.
• Train — Airport railway station, across the main road from the terminal, has services towards Kamalapur station in the centre, a budget option for travellers with light luggage.

Dhaka’s traffic is among the heaviest in the region, so allow generous time when travelling to the airport, especially on weekday afternoons.

Where to stay

Most international visitors stay in the northern districts, which are closer to the airport, embassies and business offices, and have the widest choice of hotels, restaurants and cafes.

• Gulshan — The main diplomatic and upmarket district, with international hotels, restaurants and shopping; ideal for business travellers.
• Banani — Next to Gulshan, lively and slightly more relaxed, with plenty of cafes, restaurants and mid-range to upscale stays.
• Baridhara — Quiet, leafy and secure-feeling embassy area, suited to those who prefer a calm base.
• Uttara — Close to the airport and well connected by the metro rail, convenient for short stays and early departures.
• Dhanmondi — A central residential area around a scenic lake, with cafes and cultural venues, good for exploring the museums and Old Dhaka.

Travel tips

• Getting around — Ride-hailing cars are the most comfortable option. The metro rail links Uttara with central Dhaka and avoids road traffic. Cycle rickshaws and CNG auto-rickshaws are ideal for short hops; agree the fare first.
• Payment — Cards are accepted in larger hotels, malls and upmarket restaurants, but carry taka in cash for rickshaws, markets and street food. ATMs are common in the main districts.
• Tipping — Not always expected, but around 5 to 10% in restaurants and small tips for drivers, guides and porters are appreciated.
• Etiquette — Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and remove shoes when entering mosques and temples. Use your right hand for eating and passing items, and ask before photographing people.
• Health and safety — Drink bottled or filtered water, use mosquito repellent and stay hydrated. Keep valuables secure in crowds, follow local news and your government’s travel advice, and allow flexibility for traffic delays.
• Entry requirements — Rules vary by nationality. Check before you travel.