landmark
Ahsan Manzil
This 19th-century Mughal-revival palace sits along the Buriganga. Visit before midday to avoid afternoon crowding at the river gates.
问问 Parley孟加拉国
Dhaka
A hyper-dense capital driven by river traffic and rickshaws.
introduction
Overview
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.
Arrival taxicabs
Taxi counters inside DAC charge flat rates. Ride-hailing apps like Uber pick up outside the main arrival exit.
Modernist landmark
Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban is recognized globally as Louis Kahn's modernist architectural masterpiece.
Metro transit shortcut
Dhaka MRT Line 6 connects Uttara to Motijheel, bypassing intense surface gridlock on north-south transit.
Dhaka
Liftarn · CC BY-SA 3.0
Old Dhaka — Dense historic alleyways, river ports, and centuries-old wholesale markets.
Tanima Nasrin · CC BY-SA 4.0
Gulshan — Diplomatic enclave with gated residences, upscale coffee shops, and security checkpoints.
Solomon The Magnifico · CC BY-SA 4.0
Banani — Commercial hub filled with local fashion boutiques, modern bakeries, and rooftop dining.
Bikrampur · CC0
Dhanmondi — Residential district centred on a lake, packed with universities, galleries, and cafes.
Jubair Bin Iqbal · CC BY-SA 3.0
Mutton Kacchi Biryani served with marinated potatoes at a traditional Dhaka diner.
Nahian · CC BY 4.0highlights
Highlights
landmark
Dhakeshwari Temple
State-owned Hindu temple founded in the 12th century. Visit early morning during morning prayers to see active worship.
问问 Parley
landmark
Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban
Louis Kahn's monumental concrete parliament surrounded by artificial lakes. View the exterior from Lake Road; interior needs a permit.
问问 Parley
landmark
Shankhari Bazaar
Historic narrow street of traditional shell-carvers in Old Dhaka. Walk early in the morning before commercial handcarts block the lane.
问问 Parley
landmark
Star Mosque
Mughal-style mosque decorated with blue star motifs and Chinese porcelain. Non-Muslims can view the interior outside prayer times.
问问 Parleyattractions
On the map
areas
Where life happens
Old Dhaka
Dense historic alleyways, river ports, and centuries-old wholesale markets.
Street foodHistoryRiver craft
取舍Severe noise, thick crowds, and impassable street traffic during midday.
附近Sadarghat launch terminal and Ahsan Manzil
问问 ParleyGulshan
Diplomatic enclave with gated residences, upscale coffee shops, and security checkpoints.
Fine diningSafetyHotels
取舍Higher dining prices and corporate streetscapes lacking historical character.
附近Gulshan Lake Park and international embassies
问问 ParleyBanani
Commercial hub filled with local fashion boutiques, modern bakeries, and rooftop dining.
ShoppingCafesNightlife
取舍Constant construction noise and limited public green spaces.
附近Banani Road 11 retail corridor
问问 ParleyDhanmondi
Residential district centred on a lake, packed with universities, galleries, and cafes.
Art galleriesLake walksStudent cafes
取舍Narrow residential avenues stall completely during school run hours.
附近Dhanmondi Lake and Rabindra Sarobar
问问 Parleyfood
Biryani cauldrons and Old Dhaka spices
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.
Mutton Kacchi Biryani served with marinated potatoes at a traditional Dhaka diner.
Nahian · CC BY 4.0- 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.
history
A short history
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.
- 1608
Mughal Capital
Subahdar Islam Khan designates Dhaka as the capital of Mughal Bengal, renaming it Jahangirnagar.
- 1757
East India Company Rule
British control shifts administrative power to Calcutta, diminishing Dhaka's textile trade.
- 1952
Language Movement
Student protests establish the Bengali Language Movement, setting the course for national self-determination.
- 1971
National Independence
The Bangladesh Liberation War ends, establishing Dhaka as the sovereign capital of Bangladesh.
where to stay
Where to stay
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的哪个街区适合我的行程?
transport
Getting around
Dhaka's transit system combines elevated rail with dense ground traffic. Surface travel times fluctuate unpredictably during peak work hours.
从Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC)出发
- Taxi45–90 minBDT 1,500–2,500
Prepaid desks inside the terminal prevent price disputes upon exit.
- Rideshare45–90 minBDT 800–1,500
Uber pickup takes place in the designated parking area outside arrivals.
- Train35 minBDT 60–120
Airport Railway Station sits across the highway via a pedestrian bridge.
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.
cost
What things cost
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.
seasonality
When to go
NOV – FEB
Cooler dry weather with daytime temperatures around 25°C. Best period for walking tours and river cruises.
人流
Heat
MAR – MAY
High heat and intense humidity ahead of the monsoon. Midday walking tours become uncomfortable.
人流
Heat
JUN – SEP
Heavy monsoon rains bring localized street flooding and major transit delays across low-lying districts.
人流
Heat
OCT
Transition month featuring clearing skies and moderating temperatures.
人流
Heat
practicalities
Good to know
- 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.