Dhaka

Dhaka moves at the speed of its dense traffic networks. MRT Line 6 offers elevated transit above gridlocked arterial roads. Old Dhaka anchors the south along the Buriganga River, while north Dhaka holds diplomatic enclaves and modern dining.

Dhaka's culinary identity revolves around slow-cooked goat biryani and spiced Mughal specialties. In Old Dhaka, kitchens seal copper pots with dough to trap steam over wood fires. Sweetshops along the narrow lanes specialize in sweet curd and fried pastries.

• Cash at traditional eateries

  Historic restaurants in Nazira Bazaar do not process credit cards. Carry small-denomination Taka bills for food purchases.

• Bottled water only

  Municipal tap water in Dhaka is unpasteurized. Drink bottled mineral water and avoid ice cubes at street stands.

Dhaka grew from a provincial trading hub into the capital of Mughal Bengal in the 17th century. European trade, British colonial rule, and the 1971 Liberation War shaped its modern urban identity.

1. 1608

   Mughal Capital

   Subahdar Islam Khan designates Dhaka as the capital of Mughal Bengal, renaming it Jahangirnagar.

2. 1757

   East India Company Rule

   British control shifts administrative power to Calcutta, diminishing Dhaka's textile trade.

3. 1952

   Language Movement

   Student protests establish the Bengali Language Movement, setting the course for national self-determination.

4. 1971

   National Independence

   The Bangladesh Liberation War ends, establishing Dhaka as the sovereign capital of Bangladesh.

Choose your accommodation based on traffic tolerance and daily transit routes. Staying north in Gulshan shields you from road noise but increases commute times to historic southern sights. Downtown locations offer river access but heavy evening street gridlock.

• Business travellersGulshan — Offers international hotel chains, embassy proximity, and high security.
• Shoppers and dinersBanani — Puts boutique fashion shops and rooftop dining within walking distance.
• Culture seekersDhanmondi — Provides lake walks, art galleries, and reasonable access to Old Dhaka.
• Budget explorersOld Dhaka — Keeps you beside the river launch terminals and historic street markets.

Dhaka's transit system combines elevated rail with dense ground traffic. Surface travel times fluctuate unpredictably during peak work hours.

• The elevated metro line runs north-south between Uttara and Motijheel, bypassing street traffic completely.

• Cycle rickshaws do not use meters. Agree on the fare with the driver before climbing aboard.

• Tap-and-go Rapid Pass cards work on MRT Line 6 and eliminate ticket counter queues at metro stations.

• Road traffic stalls near major mosques between 12:30 and 14:30 every Friday afternoon.

Bangladesh uses the Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). Cash remains necessary for street food, rickshaws, and traditional retail markets.

• Plate of Kacchi Biryani: BDT 250–450

  Standard single portion at an Old Dhaka biryani establishment.

• Short rickshaw ride: BDT 40–100

  Covers a distance of one to two kilometres within a single neighbourhood.

• Single Metro journey: BDT 20–100

  Distance-based fare on MRT Line 6.

• Mid-range dinner for two: BDT 1,800–3,500

  Three-course dinner at a casual restaurant in Banani or Gulshan.

• Dress conservatively

  Cover shoulders and knees in public places. Women should keep a scarf ready when visiting religious sites.

• Friday business hours

  Friday is the official weekend day. Museums and commercial offices close or open late after afternoon prayers.

• ATM availability

  International card-compatible ATMs operate reliably in Gulshan, Banani, and airport arrival halls.

• Air quality levels

  Winter months bring elevated particulate pollution. Consider wearing an N95 mask during prolonged outdoor walks.

• Mosquito precautions

  Dengue risk exists year-round. Apply insect repellent when walking near lakes and river banks in the evening.