Bangladesh

Dhaka

Dhaka pulses with rickshaws, rivers and relentless energy.

Local time: UTC+6
Population: 22.4M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$

Affordable

Food$$$$$About $10 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $26 a night for two
Transport$$$$$About $1.6 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇧🇩 BDT =

Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

DACHazrat Shahjalal International AirportMain gateway, about 4 km north of the centre.

How	Cost	Time
BusCity centre	Tk 30-50	40-60 min
Cheapest but crowded; check locally for routes.
CNG auto-rickshawGulshan or Banani	Tk 200-300	20-40 min
Agree fare before boarding.
TaxiCity centre	Tk 400-700	30-60 min
Traffic can double the time.
Uber / PathaoCity centre	Tk 350-600	30-60 min
App fare avoids haggling.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Dhaka

Getting around

The MRT Line 6 metro for cross-city trips; ride apps or CNG auto-rickshaws for the rest.

Metro ★MRT Line 6 runs Uttara to Motijheel. Cheap and fast; a good way to skip traffic.
BusCity buses are crowded, noisy and signed only in Bengali. Hard for first-time visitors.
Taxi / ride apps ★Uber and Pathao work in Dhaka. CNG auto-rickshaws are cheapest for longer rides; meters are rarely used, so agree the fare.
Rental carDriving yourself is not recommended; traffic is chaotic. Hire a car with a driver instead.
WalkingOften fastest for short hops; watch pollution and traffic.
RickshawCycle rickshaws are quick for short hops. Agree the fare first.
FerryFerries and rocket steamers leave from Sadarghat river port.

Recommended stay★ 1 night (2 days)

One night suits you: Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil, Sadarghat and the old city fit one focused day, with no need for a second night.

Best for

CultureOld Dhaka lanes, rickshaw art and river life.
FoodBiryani, kebabs and street sweets all day.
HistoryMughal forts, mosques and the 1971 story.

Weather by month

24°13°Jan🌧 1d

27°16°Feb🌧 2d

31°20°Mar🌧 7d

33°24°Apr🌧 13d

33°25°May🌧 21d

32°26°Jun🌧 26d

31°26°Jul🌧 28d

31°26°Aug🌧 28d

32°26°Sep🌧 25d

31°24°Oct🌧 16d

29°19°Nov🌧 2d

25°15°Dec🌧 2d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Tropical monsoon climate: a cool dry winter, a hot sticky spring, and a long, very wet summer.

Best time: November to FebruaryDry, mild days around 24–29°C and cooler evenings. Ideal for walking and the old city.
Hot season: March to MayHighs reach 33°C with rising humidity. Go out early and rest indoors at midday.
Monsoon: June to SeptemberRain on 25–28 days a month. Expect flooded streets and traffic delays; carry an umbrella.
Humid most of the yearLows stay near 24–26°C in the wet months. Light, breathable clothes help.
Pack for rain in summerA compact umbrella and quick-dry shoes are useful from May to October.
What to packLight cotton clothes, a hat and sunscreen; a light layer for December–January evenings; modest dress for mosques.

Landmarks 18

Must-see · 5

1
Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban
Louis Kahn's monumental parliament complex is Dhaka's defining modern landmark and one of the most striking buildings in South Asia. It is a working government site, so access to the interior is limited; view it from the surrounding grounds and check locally whether visitor entry is open before you go.
2
Lalbagh Fort
A 17th-century Mughal fort complex with gardens, a mosque and the tomb of Pari Bibi, and the most atmospheric historic site in the old city. Go in the cooler morning hours and dress modestly, as it is a heritage and religious-adjacent site.
3
Ahsan Manzil
The pink riverside palace of the Nawabs is Dhaka's most photographed heritage building, now a museum of period rooms. It sits near Sadarghat, so combine it with a walk along the Buriganga; mornings are cooler and less crowded.
4
Shaheed Minar
The iconic monument to the language movement martyrs and a symbol of Bengali identity, central to any understanding of the city. It is an open public memorial, free to visit; go early morning or evening and dress respectfully.
5
Dhakeshwari Temple
Dhaka's principal Hindu temple and an important site of worship in the old city. Remove shoes before entering, dress modestly, and avoid photographing worshippers without permission.

Cultural

Palace 2

Christian 1

Garden 1

Ancient Site 1

Modern Architecture 1

Market 1

Hindu 1

Castle 1

Modern History 2

Old Town 2

Park 1

Harbor 1

Activities

Amusement Park 2

Food 1

Plans

Dhaka rewards visitors who embrace its chaos, from Mughal lanes to buzzing river ports. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

How long?

What do you enjoy most?

Day trip · Culture

One full day of Old Dhaka lanes, river life and rickshaw art, with a biriyani dinner.

Tickets & tours: ≈ BDT 400
Taxis: ≈ BDT 1,054

Day 1

Old Dhaka heritage morning

Tickets ≈ BDT 200 pp · taxis ≈ BDT 282

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

08:00–11:00 · ≈ BDT 1,500–4,000 per person with a guide

Old Dhaka heritage walk

Book ahead. Start early before the heat and traffic.

Open Morning starts; book ahead
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ BDT 81
2

11:15–12:45 · ≈ BDT 200 for foreign visitors; check on the day

Lalbagh Fort Landmark quest

Closed Sunday and Monday. Check on the day.

Open Tue–Sat roughly 10:00–17:00 · closed Sunday and Monday
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ BDT 88
3

13:00–14:00 · ≈ BDT 250–600 per plate

Old Dhaka biriyani dinner

Lunch. Old Dhaka biriyani is heavy, so go easy if you have more walking planned.

Open Lunch and dinner; busy in the evening
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ BDT 113
4

14:30–15:30 · ≈ BDT 300–1,000 per boat, negotiate first

Buriganga river boat ride

Short boat ride in daylight only. Agree the price first.

Open Daylight hours; avoid after dark

Day 2

Palaces, mosques and rickshaws

Tickets ≈ BDT 200 pp · taxis ≈ BDT 771

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

15:45–17:00 · ≈ BDT 200 for foreign visitors; check on the day

Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace) Landmark quest

Closed Friday. Last entry is usually before closing time.

Open Sat–Thu roughly 10:30–17:30 · closed Friday
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ BDT 93
2

17:15–17:35 · Free · donations welcome

Star Mosque (Tara Masjid)

Outside prayer times. Dress modestly.

Open Outside prayer times; check on the day
Taxi · 568 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ BDT 60
3

17:45–18:15 · ≈ BDT 100–300 per short ride, agree first

Cycle-rickshaw ride through Old Dhaka

Late afternoon light. Agree the fare before you start.

Open Daylight hours
Taxi · 15 km · ≈ 1 h 5 min · ≈ BDT 619
4

19:00–20:00 · ≈ BDT 400–900 per dish depending on restaurant

Ilish Macher Paturi (mustard hilsa in banana leaf) Landmark quest

Dinner. Hilsa is best June to September.

Open Lunch and dinner at most Bengali restaurants

Day trip · Food

A day built around Dhaka eating: market breakfast, biriyani, hilsa and sweets.

Tickets & tours: ≈ BDT 0
Taxis: ≈ BDT 521

Day 1

Market breakfast to Old Dhaka dinner

Tickets ≈ BDT 0 pp · taxis ≈ BDT 387

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

07:30–08:30 · Free to enter · pay per item

Kawran Bazar food market

Busiest early. Go with an empty stomach and small notes.

Open Busiest early morning to midday
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ BDT 139
2

10:00–11:30 · Free to enter · pay per item

Dhaka New Market Landmark quest

Closed some days, check on the day. Good for sweets and snacks.

Open Roughly 10:00–20:00 · closed some days, check on the day
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ BDT 135
3

13:00–14:00 · ≈ BDT 250–600 per plate

Old Dhaka biriyani dinner

Lunch. Expect queues at the famous places.

Open Lunch and dinner; busy in the evening
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ BDT 113
4

14:30–15:30 · ≈ BDT 300–1,000 per boat, negotiate first

Buriganga river boat ride

Walk off lunch on the water. Daylight only.

Open Daylight hours; avoid after dark

Day 2

Cafés and a hilsa dinner

Tickets ≈ BDT 0 pp · taxis ≈ BDT 134

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

16:00–17:30 · Free to walk · cafés pay per item

Banani neighbourhood walk and cafés

Cafés and small shops. Good break from the crowds.

Open Daytime into evening
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ BDT 134
2

19:00–20:00 · ≈ BDT 400–900 per dish depending on restaurant

Ilish Macher Paturi (mustard hilsa in banana leaf) Landmark quest

Dinner. Mustard hilsa is a Dhaka classic; check the day's fish and price.

Open Lunch and dinner at most Bengali restaurants

Day trip · History

Mughal forts and mosques in the morning, the 1971 story in the afternoon.

Tickets & tours: ≈ BDT 400
Taxis: ≈ BDT 2,067

Day 1

Mughal Old Dhaka

Tickets ≈ BDT 400 pp · taxis ≈ BDT 296

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:30–11:00 · ≈ BDT 200 for foreign visitors; check on the day

Lalbagh Fort Landmark quest

Closed Sunday and Monday. Go early for cooler air.

Open Tue–Sat roughly 10:00–17:00 · closed Sunday and Monday
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ BDT 143
2

11:30–12:45 · ≈ BDT 200 for foreign visitors; check on the day

Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace) Landmark quest

Closed Friday. Pink Palace on the river.

Open Sat–Thu roughly 10:30–17:30 · closed Friday
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ BDT 93
3

13:00–13:20 · Free · donations welcome

Star Mosque (Tara Masjid)

Outside prayer times. Small but beautiful tilework.

Open Outside prayer times; check on the day
Taxi · 657 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ BDT 60
4

13:30–14:30 · ≈ BDT 250–600 per plate

Old Dhaka biriyani dinner

Lunch nearby in Old Dhaka.

Open Lunch and dinner; busy in the evening

Day 2

1971 and the river

Tickets ≈ BDT 0 pp · taxis ≈ BDT 1,771

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

15:00–15:30 · Free

Shaheed Minar Landmark quest

Open daily in daylight. A quiet, moving memorial.

Open Open daily, daylight hours
Taxi · 1192 m · ≈ 10 min · ≈ BDT 68
2

15:45–16:15 · Free · donations welcome

Dhakeshwari Temple Landmark quest

Open daily roughly 06:00–20:00. Remove shoes before entering.

Open Open daily, roughly 06:00–20:00
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 18 min · ≈ BDT 152
3

16:30–17:30 · ≈ BDT 300–1,000 per boat, negotiate first

Buriganga river boat ride

Late afternoon boat ride. Avoid after dark.

Open Daylight hours; avoid after dark
Taxi · 38 km · ≈ 2 h 38 min · ≈ BDT 1,552
4

18:00–18:45 · Free

National Martyrs' Memorial (Jatiyo Smriti Soudho) Landmark quest

Open daily in daylight, so go before sunset. It is outside the city centre; allow travel time.

Open Open daily, daylight hours

1 night · Culture ★ Recommended length

Old Dhaka in one day: rickshaws, river life and Mughal lanes, with a calm morning after.

Tickets & tours: ≈ BDT 400
Taxis: ≈ BDT 636

Day 1

Old Dhaka lanes and river

Tickets ≈ BDT 400 pp · taxis ≈ BDT 342

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

08:00–11:00 · ≈ BDT 1,500–4,000 per person with a guide

Old Dhaka heritage walk

Book ahead. Start early while it is cool and quiet.

Open Morning starts; book ahead
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ BDT 81
2

11:15–12:45 · ≈ BDT 200 for foreign visitors; check on the day

Lalbagh Fort Landmark quest

Closed Sunday and Monday. Check on the day.

Open Tue–Sat roughly 10:00–17:00 · closed Sunday and Monday
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ BDT 88
3

13:15–14:15 · ≈ BDT 250–600 per plate

Old Dhaka biriyani dinner

Lunch. Old Dhaka biriyani is heavy, so go easy at dinner.

Open Lunch and dinner; busy in the evening
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ BDT 113
4

15:00–16:00 · ≈ BDT 300–1,000 per boat, negotiate first

Buriganga river boat ride

Short boat ride. Daylight only, avoid after dark.

Open Daylight hours; avoid after dark
Taxi · 177 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ BDT 60
5

16:30–17:45 · ≈ BDT 200 for foreign visitors; check on the day

Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace) Landmark quest

Closed Friday. Last entry is earlier than closing, so arrive by mid-afternoon.

Open Sat–Thu roughly 10:30–17:30 · closed Friday

Day 2

Monuments and a slow finish

Tickets ≈ BDT 0 pp · taxis ≈ BDT 293

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:00–09:30 · Free

Shaheed Minar Landmark quest

Open daily in daylight. A short, moving stop.

Open Open daily, daylight hours
Taxi · 1192 m · ≈ 10 min · ≈ BDT 68
2

10:00–10:30 · Free · donations welcome

Dhakeshwari Temple Landmark quest

Open daily. Remove shoes before entering.

Open Open daily, roughly 06:00–20:00
Taxi · 1440 m · ≈ 11 min · ≈ BDT 78
3

11:00–11:20 · Free · donations welcome

Star Mosque (Tara Masjid)

Outside prayer times only. Dress modestly.

Open Outside prayer times; check on the day
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 18 min · ≈ BDT 148
4

12:00–13:30 · Free to enter · pay per item

Dhaka New Market Landmark quest

Closed some days, check on the day. Good for gifts and snacks.

Open Roughly 10:00–20:00 · closed some days, check on the day

1 night · Food ★ Recommended length

Eat your way through Old Dhaka, then a café afternoon in Banani.

Tickets & tours: ≈ BDT 0
Taxis: ≈ BDT 2,169

Day 1

Market mornings and Old Dhaka classics

Tickets ≈ BDT 0 pp · taxis ≈ BDT 1,616

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

07:30–08:30 · Free to enter · pay per item

Kawran Bazar food market

Busiest early to midday. Go now for the freshest produce and snacks.

Open Busiest early morning to midday
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 27 min · ≈ BDT 238
2

09:30–12:30 · ≈ BDT 1,500–4,000 per person with a guide

Old Dhaka heritage walk

Book ahead. Ask your guide for sweet shops and kebab stalls.

Open Morning starts; book ahead
Taxi · 15 km · ≈ 1 h 4 min · ≈ BDT 612
3

13:00–14:00 · ≈ BDT 400–900 per dish depending on restaurant

Ilish Macher Paturi (mustard hilsa in banana leaf) Landmark quest

Lunch. Hilsa is best June to September; ask what is fresh.

Open Lunch and dinner at most Bengali restaurants
Taxi · 16 km · ≈ 1 h 8 min · ≈ BDT 652
4

15:00–16:00 · ≈ BDT 300–1,000 per boat, negotiate first

Buriganga river boat ride

Walk off lunch on the water. Daylight hours only.

Open Daylight hours; avoid after dark
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ BDT 113
5

19:30–20:30 · ≈ BDT 250–600 per plate

Old Dhaka biriyani dinner

Dinner. Busy in the evening, so arrive early or expect a wait.

Open Lunch and dinner; busy in the evening

Day 2

Cafés and a mall

Tickets ≈ BDT 0 pp · taxis ≈ BDT 553

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

11:00–12:30 · Free to walk · cafés pay per item

Banani neighbourhood walk and cafés

Cafés and small shops. Good for a slow brunch.

Open Daytime into evening
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 33 min · ≈ BDT 298
2

14:00–16:00 · Free to enter · pay per item

Bashundhara City shopping mall

Roughly 10:00–20:00, check on the day. Food court upstairs.

Open Roughly 10:00–20:00 · check on the day
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 28 min · ≈ BDT 255
3

17:00–18:00 · Free

Gulshan Lake walk

Sunset walk. Paths are lit in the evening.

Open Daylight hours; lit paths in the evening

1 night · History ★ Recommended length

Mughal Dhaka and the 1971 story in one packed day.

Tickets & tours: ≈ BDT 400
Taxis: ≈ BDT 3,292

Day 1

Forts, palaces and the river

Tickets ≈ BDT 400 pp · taxis ≈ BDT 427

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:00–10:30 · ≈ BDT 200 for foreign visitors; check on the day

Lalbagh Fort Landmark quest

Closed Sunday and Monday. Early is cooler.

Open Tue–Sat roughly 10:00–17:00 · closed Sunday and Monday
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ BDT 143
2

11:00–12:15 · ≈ BDT 200 for foreign visitors; check on the day

Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace) Landmark quest

Closed Friday. The museum inside tells the city's trading history.

Open Sat–Thu roughly 10:30–17:30 · closed Friday
Taxi · 177 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ BDT 60
3

13:00–14:00 · ≈ BDT 300–1,000 per boat, negotiate first

Buriganga river boat ride

Boat ride past the old riverfront. Daylight only.

Open Daylight hours; avoid after dark
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ BDT 113
4

14:15–15:15 · ≈ BDT 250–600 per plate

Old Dhaka biriyani dinner

Late lunch in Old Dhaka.

Open Lunch and dinner; busy in the evening
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ BDT 111
5

16:00–16:30 · Free · small donation appreciated

Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection Landmark quest

Often closed, check on the day. A quiet survivor of old Dhaka.

Open Often closed; check on the day

Day 2

1971 and the parliament

Tickets ≈ BDT 0 pp · taxis ≈ BDT 2,864

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:00–09:30 · Free

Shaheed Minar Landmark quest

Open daily in daylight. The language movement memorial.

Open Open daily, daylight hours
Taxi · 35 km · ≈ 2 h 25 min · ≈ BDT 1,421
2

10:30–11:15 · Free

National Martyrs' Memorial (Jatiyo Smriti Soudho) Landmark quest

Open daily in daylight. Allow extra time for the taxi out.

Open Open daily, daylight hours
Taxi · 29 km · ≈ 2 h 2 min · ≈ BDT 1,186
3

13:00–14:00 · Free, but entry needs advance permission

Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban (National Parliament House) Landmark quest

Visitor access by prior arrangement only, check on the day. Bring ID.

Open Visitor access by prior arrangement only; check on the day
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 29 min · ≈ BDT 258
4

16:30–17:30 · Free

Gulshan Lake walk

Easy sunset walk to end the day.

Open Daylight hours; lit paths in the evening

2 nights · Culture

First-timers who want Old Dhaka's lanes, river and rickshaw life at an easy pace.

Tickets & tours: ≈ BDT 400
Taxis: ≈ BDT 985

Day 1

Old Dhaka lanes and the river

Tickets ≈ BDT 200 pp · taxis ≈ BDT 356

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

08:00–11:00 · ≈ BDT 1,500–4,000 per person with a guide

Old Dhaka heritage walk

Book ahead. Start early while it is cool and quiet.

Open Morning starts; book ahead
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ BDT 81
2

11:15–12:45 · ≈ BDT 200 for foreign visitors; check on the day

Lalbagh Fort Landmark quest

Closed Sunday and Monday. Check the day before.

Open Tue–Sat roughly 10:00–17:00 · closed Sunday and Monday
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ BDT 88
3

13:00–14:00 · ≈ BDT 250–600 per plate

Old Dhaka biriyani dinner

Lunch. Old Dhaka biriyani spots get busy at midday.

Open Lunch and dinner; busy in the evening
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ BDT 113
4

15:00–16:00 · ≈ BDT 300–1,000 per boat, negotiate first

Buriganga river boat ride

Short boat ride in daylight only. Agree the price first.

Open Daylight hours; avoid after dark
Taxi · 1346 m · ≈ 10 min · ≈ BDT 74
5

16:15–16:45 · ≈ BDT 100–300 per short ride, agree first

Cycle-rickshaw ride through Old Dhaka

A slow loop through the lanes before dark.

Open Daylight hours

Day 2

Palaces, temples and markets

Tickets ≈ BDT 200 pp · taxis ≈ BDT 629

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

10:30–11:45 · ≈ BDT 200 for foreign visitors; check on the day

Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace) Landmark quest

Closed Friday. Late morning is calmest.

Open Sat–Thu roughly 10:30–17:30 · closed Friday
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ BDT 93
2

12:00–12:20 · Free · donations welcome

Star Mosque (Tara Masjid)

Visit outside prayer times. Dress modestly.

Open Outside prayer times; check on the day
Taxi · 1440 m · ≈ 11 min · ≈ BDT 78
3

12:45–13:15 · Free · donations welcome

Dhakeshwari Temple Landmark quest

Open daily. Remove shoes before entering.

Open Open daily, roughly 06:00–20:00
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ BDT 95
4

14:00–15:30 · Free to enter · pay per item

Dhaka New Market Landmark quest

Afternoon browse and a snack. Some days closed, check on the day.

Open Roughly 10:00–20:00 · closed some days, check on the day
Taxi · 9 km · ≈ 39 min · ≈ BDT 364
5

17:30–18:30 · Free

Gulshan Lake walk

Sunset walk. Taxi from Old Dhaka takes a while in traffic.

Open Daylight hours; lit paths in the evening

2 nights · Food

Eaters who want biriyani, hilsa and market food, with a little sightseeing between meals.

Tickets & tours: ≈ BDT 0
Taxis: ≈ BDT 1,642

Day 1

Market morning, Old Dhaka evening

Tickets ≈ BDT 0 pp · taxis ≈ BDT 1,030

1

07:00–08:00 · Free to enter · pay per item

Kawran Bazar food market

Go early when the market is busiest and freshest.

Open Busiest early morning to midday
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 32 min · ≈ BDT 294
2

11:00–12:30 · Free to walk · cafés pay per item

Banani neighbourhood walk and cafés

Cafés and shops. Good for a late breakfast.

Open Daytime into evening
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ BDT 134
3

13:30–14:30 · ≈ BDT 400–900 per dish depending on restaurant

Ilish Macher Paturi (mustard hilsa in banana leaf) Landmark quest

Lunch. Hilsa is best June to September.

Open Lunch and dinner at most Bengali restaurants
Taxi · 13 km · ≈ 57 min · ≈ BDT 542
4

15:30–16:00 · Free

Shaheed Minar Landmark quest

Short stop in daylight hours.

Open Open daily, daylight hours
Taxi · 971 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ BDT 60
5

19:30–20:30 · ≈ BDT 250–600 per plate

Old Dhaka biriyani dinner

Dinner in Old Dhaka. Expect a queue at peak times.

Open Lunch and dinner; busy in the evening

Day 2

Sweets, river and a mall

Tickets ≈ BDT 0 pp · taxis ≈ BDT 612

1

08:30–09:30 · ≈ BDT 300–1,000 per boat, negotiate first

Buriganga river boat ride

Early boat ride, then breakfast nearby.

Open Daylight hours; avoid after dark
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 25 min · ≈ BDT 224
2

10:30–12:00 · Free to enter · pay per item

Dhaka New Market Landmark quest

Snack stalls and shopping. Check opening days.

Open Roughly 10:00–20:00 · closed some days, check on the day
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ BDT 133
3

14:00–16:00 · Free to enter · pay per item

Bashundhara City shopping mall

Food court lunch and a cool break indoors.

Open Roughly 10:00–20:00 · check on the day
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 28 min · ≈ BDT 255
4

17:30–18:30 · Free

Gulshan Lake walk

Sunset walk before dinner nearby.

Open Daylight hours; lit paths in the evening

2 nights · History

Visitors here for Mughal Dhaka and the 1971 story, with time for the memorials.

Tickets & tours: ≈ BDT 400
Taxis: ≈ BDT 4,794

Day 1

Mughal Old Dhaka

Tickets ≈ BDT 400 pp · taxis ≈ BDT 515

1

09:00–10:30 · ≈ BDT 200 for foreign visitors; check on the day

Lalbagh Fort Landmark quest

Closed Sunday and Monday. Early morning is coolest.

Open Tue–Sat roughly 10:00–17:00 · closed Sunday and Monday
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ BDT 143
2

11:00–12:15 · ≈ BDT 200 for foreign visitors; check on the day

Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace) Landmark quest

Closed Friday. Late morning works well.

Open Sat–Thu roughly 10:30–17:30 · closed Friday
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ BDT 112
3

13:00–14:00 · ≈ BDT 250–600 per plate

Old Dhaka biriyani dinner

Lunch break.

Open Lunch and dinner; busy in the evening
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ BDT 111
4

14:30–15:00 · Free · small donation appreciated

Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection Landmark quest

Often closed. Check on the day before you go.

Open Often closed; check on the day
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 18 min · ≈ BDT 149
5

15:30–16:00 · Free

Shaheed Minar Landmark quest

Daylight hours only.

Open Open daily, daylight hours

Day 2

1971 and beyond the city

Tickets ≈ BDT 0 pp · taxis ≈ BDT 4,279

1

09:00–09:45 · Free

National Martyrs' Memorial (Jatiyo Smriti Soudho) Landmark quest

Outside the city centre. Allow travel time by car.

Open Open daily, daylight hours
Taxi · 64 km · ≈ 4 h 20 min · ≈ BDT 2,567
2

11:30–13:30 · Small entry fee; check on the day

Panam City Landmark quest

Daylight hours. Best in the cool months, Nov to Feb.

Open Daylight hours; check on the day
Taxi · 36 km · ≈ 2 h 28 min · ≈ BDT 1,454
3

15:00–16:00 · Free, but entry needs advance permission

Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban (National Parliament House) Landmark quest

Visitor access by prior arrangement only. Check on the day.

Open Visitor access by prior arrangement only; check on the day
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 29 min · ≈ BDT 258
4

17:30–18:30 · Free

Gulshan Lake walk

Evening walk near your hotel.

Open Daylight hours; lit paths in the evening

Swap in instead

Add a morning at Ahsan Manzil and the Sadarghat riverfront, then a short boat ride on the Buriganga.
Day trip to Sonargaon folk-art museum and Panam City, roughly 1–2 hours by road; check traffic before you go.
Spend an afternoon at the Liberation War Museum and the National Museum for the 1971 history.

Getting around

MRT Line 6 metro runs Uttara to Motijheel; cheap and fast.
City buses are crowded, noisy and signed only in Bengali.
Cycle rickshaws are quick for short hops; agree the fare first.
CNG auto-rickshaws are cheapest for longer rides; meters rarely used.
Uber and Pathao ride apps work in Dhaka.
Driving yourself is not recommended; traffic is chaotic.
Walking is often fastest; watch pollution and traffic.
Ferries and rocket steamers leave from Sadarghat river port.

Where to stay

Gulshan · ≈ BDT 6,000–18,000 a night
Quiet, green and full of good restaurants and cafés. Easy for ride apps and the airport road.
Banani · ≈ BDT 5,000–15,000 a night
Next to Gulshan, with malls, bakeries and many mid-range hotels. Calmer than the old city.
Motijheel · ≈ BDT 2,500–8,000 a night
The business heart and a stop on the MRT Line 6 metro. Good value and central for the new city.
Old Dhaka · ≈ BDT 2,000–7,000 a night
Steps from Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil and the food streets. Lively and loud; basic rooms for less.

Food & drink

Start with kacchi biryani, Dhaka's signature rice dish. Old Dhaka spots are famous; go early for lunch.
Try kebabs and borhani, a salty yogurt drink that cools the spice. Cheap and filling.
Street sweets: roshogolla, sandesh and mishti doi. Buy from busy shops with high turnover.
Old Dhaka food walks along Nazira Bazar and Chawkbazar are best in the evening; go with a local guide.
Drink only bottled or filtered water. Skip ice and raw salads at street stalls if your stomach is new to the city.

Tips

Dhaka is the rickshaw capital of the world; taking a ride is a chaotic but essential experience
Traffic gridlock is extreme, so plan ample travel time and use the Metro Rail whenever possible
Drink only sealed bottled water and be cautious with street food to avoid stomach illnesses
Dress modestly to respect local cultural and religious norms
Visit Ahsan Manzil (The Pink Palace) and Lalbagh Fort for a glimpse of Mughal and colonial history

Sources for prices and hours

Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

Tours & activities

GetYourGuideTours & activities KlookTours & activities

Souvenirs

Jamdani Scarf

BDT 2500–70001 piece · estimate

A fine muslin-like scarf woven in Bangladesh. Jamdani weaving is a traditional craft of the Dhaka region.

Where: Aarong, Dhanmondi or Tejgaon

Prices vary a lot between machine-woven and hand-woven pieces, so check how it was made before you pay.

Nakshi Kantha Embroidery

BDT 800–25001 small pouch or mat · estimate

A traditional Bangladeshi embroidery made with running stitches on layered cloth. It is a classic folk craft of the country.

Where: Aarong, Dhanmondi

Choose a small pouch or mat if you want an easy item to carry home.

Jute Bag

BDT 500–25001 bag · estimate

A sturdy bag made from jute, a fiber Bangladesh is known for. It is a practical everyday souvenir.

Where: Aarong

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Cost of a day

Exchange rate

Getting in

Getting around

Weather by month

Climate

Landmarks 18

Must-see · 5

Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban

Lalbagh Fort

Ahsan Manzil

Shaheed Minar

Dhakeshwari Temple

Cultural

Palace 2

Christian 1

Garden 1

Ancient Site 1

Modern Architecture 1

Market 1

Hindu 1

Castle 1

Modern History 2

Old Town 2

Park 1

Harbor 1

Activities

Amusement Park 2

Food 1

Plans

Old Dhaka heritage walk

Lalbagh Fort Landmark quest

Old Dhaka biriyani dinner

Buriganga river boat ride

Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace) Landmark quest

Star Mosque (Tara Masjid)

Cycle-rickshaw ride through Old Dhaka

Ilish Macher Paturi (mustard hilsa in banana leaf) Landmark quest

Kawran Bazar food market

Dhaka New Market Landmark quest

Old Dhaka biriyani dinner

Buriganga river boat ride

Banani neighbourhood walk and cafés

Ilish Macher Paturi (mustard hilsa in banana leaf) Landmark quest

Lalbagh Fort Landmark quest

Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace) Landmark quest

Star Mosque (Tara Masjid)

Old Dhaka biriyani dinner

Shaheed Minar Landmark quest

Dhakeshwari Temple Landmark quest

Buriganga river boat ride

National Martyrs' Memorial (Jatiyo Smriti Soudho) Landmark quest

Old Dhaka heritage walk

Lalbagh Fort Landmark quest

Old Dhaka biriyani dinner

Buriganga river boat ride

Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace) Landmark quest

Shaheed Minar Landmark quest

Dhakeshwari Temple Landmark quest

Star Mosque (Tara Masjid)

Dhaka New Market Landmark quest

Kawran Bazar food market

Old Dhaka heritage walk

Ilish Macher Paturi (mustard hilsa in banana leaf) Landmark quest

Buriganga river boat ride

Old Dhaka biriyani dinner

Banani neighbourhood walk and cafés

Bashundhara City shopping mall

Gulshan Lake walk

Lalbagh Fort Landmark quest

Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace) Landmark quest

Buriganga river boat ride

Old Dhaka biriyani dinner

Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection Landmark quest

Shaheed Minar Landmark quest

National Martyrs' Memorial (Jatiyo Smriti Soudho) Landmark quest

Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban (National Parliament House) Landmark quest

Gulshan Lake walk

Old Dhaka heritage walk

Lalbagh Fort Landmark quest