Things To Do
in Dhaka
Dhaka is the bustling capital of Bangladesh, a densely populated megacity where rickshaws, riverboats and crowded markets form the pulse of daily life. The city mixes centuries-old Mughal monuments and narrow lanes of Old Dhaka with modern business districts, upscale malls and new metro lines. Food is central to Dhaka’s identity — street stalls, tea stalls and family restaurants serve intense, fragrant Bengali flavors.
Visitors will find energy, warmth and sensory overload: traffic and crowds are constant, but the city rewards curiosity with history, food and vibrant street life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Wake early to wander the narrow streets of Old Dhaka as the city comes alive with vendors setting up their stalls. Sample traditional paratha and fried eggs from a local eatery for a hearty breakfast. Photograph the colonial-era facades and historic mosques bathed in gentle morning light.
Cross the Buriganga River by launch boat and explore the bustling Spice Market with its vibrant piles of turmeric, cumin, and chilies. Enjoy a riverside fish curry lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the waterway. Chat with merchants about centuries-old dyeing and printing techniques.
Return to the heart of Old Dhaka and lose yourself in the lively Bakarkhan market stalls selling sweets and savories. Take a rickshaw ride through narrow lanes adorned with twinkling lights. Listen to street musicians and try rosh and chanar doi from roadside vendors.
Arrive at the Mughal-era Lalbagh Fort before the crowds to admire its red sandstone ramparts and sprawling gardens. Join a guided tour to learn about 17th-century court life and architectural innovations. Capture the early morning glow on the river-facing walls and watch local families enjoy picnics on the lawns.
Visit the on-site museum to view royal artifacts, weaponry, and ancient manuscripts. Have lunch at a nearby traditional restaurant serving biryani and kebab platters. Wander through the adjacent Hussaini Dalan to see its striking black-and-white façade and historic courtyard.
Watch the fort’s silhouette at dusk as lanterns are lit along the garden paths. Savor street-side snacks like jhalmuri and roasted chickpeas sold by local vendors. Reflect on the day’s discoveries while enjoying a cup of sweet milky tea.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Street meal / local restaurant | $1-3 |
| 🍽️Mid-range restaurant meal (per person) | $4-12 |
| 🚕Short taxi/ride-hailing trip | $2-8 |
| 🚌Local bus / rickshaw | $0.10-0.50 |
| 🏨3-star hotel (per night) | $30-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural history, architecture and museums
- Vibrant street food and culinary traditions
- Friendly locals and strong hospitality
- Affordable travel costs and diverse dining options
- Heavy traffic congestion and air pollution
- Crowds and sensory overload for some travelers
- Monsoon-related flooding and travel delays
- Limited green/hiking spaces inside the city
- "Nomoshkar (নমস্কার)" - Hello / respectful greeting
- "Dhonnobad (ধন্যবাদ)" - Thank you
- "Koto daam? (কতো দাম?)" - How much does this cost?
- "Kothay? (কোথায়?)" - Where is...?
- "Doya kore (দয়া করে)" - Please
- "Bhalo achhi (ভালো আছি)" - I am fine
Places to Visit in Dhaka
Visit one of these nice places.
17th-century Mughal fort with gardens and waterways — good for architectural detail and historical context photos.
Riverside former palace with striking pink facade and museum interiors; great for framed architectural shots.
Chaotic river port with colorful boats and busy life — excellent for street photography and candid portraits of river commerce.
Small mosque covered with star-shaped motifs and glass mosaics — beautiful close-up details and interior shots when allowed.
Historic university grounds with colonial and modern architecture, shady trees and the expressive 1971 Liberation War sculpture.
Urban lake and waterfront with bridges and skyline reflections — best at sunrise or sunset for cityscape photos.
Rooftop views over a sea of corrugated roofs, laundry lines and narrow alleys — iconic for capturing everyday life.
Food in Dhaka
Dhaka Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich layered rice and marinated mutton dish cooked with spices and potatoes; best tried in Old Dhaka or at well-known biryani shops.
Must-Try!
Fresh river hilsa fish served fried, steamed, or with mustard sauce — a seasonal specialty prized by locals.
Savory spiced rice and lentil dish often cooked with meat or served as a comforting meal during festivals and rainy days.
Hollow fried dough filled with spiced tamarind water and mashed potato — Dhaka’s take on a popular street snack.
Sweetmeats such as roshogolla, sandesh and chomchom sold at traditional sweet shops across the city.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Busy river port area where you can sample riverside snacks, fresh fish stalls and watch boat life — try fried fish and simple tea stalls.
Historic market streets offering traditional snacks, sweets and Muslim festival foods; great for biryani, kebabs and mishti.
Upscale neighborhoods with a mix of street stalls, bakery chains and international cafes; good when you want clean, modern street-style eats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, especially in conservative areas and when visiting religious sites; women may prefer to cover shoulders and legs, and carry a scarf for mosque visits.
A nod or 'Nomoshkar' is common; handshakes are acceptable with men, but many local women prefer not to shake hands — follow the lead of the other person.
Remove shoes before entering mosques and some homes; be respectful during prayer times and avoid loud behavior in sacred spaces.
Use the right hand for giving/receiving food or money; the left hand is considered unclean in cultural practice.
Bargaining is expected in street markets and with rickshaw drivers; do so politely and with a smile.
Safety
Tipping in Dhaka
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: 5–10% at restaurants if service charge is not included, small tips or rounding up for drivers and hotel staff; tip rickshaw drivers a small amount or round fare.
Cash (Bangladeshi taka) is king for street food, markets and small vendors. Cards are accepted at upscale hotels, restaurants and malls. Mobile wallets (bKash, Nagad) and bank apps are widely used locally; international mobile payments are expanding but not universal.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and increasingly humid; temperatures frequently exceed 30–35°C (86–95°F) with strong sun — stay hydrated, plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Heavy rains, high humidity and intermittent flooding in low-lying areas; travel can be slower, and some attractions may be waterlogged — carry rain gear and allow extra travel time.
Cooler, drier and most comfortable time to visit with daytime temperatures in the 15–25°C (59–77°F) range — ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Dhaka at Night
Hiking in Dhaka
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
About 40–60 km from Dhaka, offers forested trails, picnic spots and gentle hikes suitable for a half- or full-day nature escape.
Hilly forest area with trails, waterfalls and viewpoints; requires a longer drive or short domestic flight to Chattogram, popular for weekend trekking.
A few hours by road or a short flight to Sylhet — rolling tea estates and mossy trails around Lawachara National Park offer excellent hiking and nature walks.
Scenic waterfall with short hiking paths and forested surroundings; good for a combined sightseeing and gentle trekking day trip from Sylhet.
Airports
How to reach Dhaka by plane.
Dhaka’s main international airport located north of the city; connected to the city by taxis, ride-hailing apps and airport shuttles—allow substantial time for traffic when traveling to/from the airport.
Primary airport for Chattogram (Chittagong), about 6–8 hours by road or a short domestic flight from Dhaka; used for travel to the southeastern hill and beach regions.
Serves Sylhet region (tea gardens and hill areas); reachable by short domestic flight from Dhaka and convenient for onward travel to natural attractions in the northeast.
Regional airport in the southwest used for domestic flights; convenient for travel toward Khulna and the Sundarbans region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority population group in Dhaka, forming the central cultural, linguistic and religious identity of the city.
Significant minority community with active cultural and religious presence and festivals in the city.
Large numbers of people from rural Bangladesh move to Dhaka for work; they contribute to the city’s labor force and diverse neighborhood identities.
International residents, NGO staff and diplomats concentrated in neighborhoods like Gulshan and Banani, contributing to cosmopolitan services and dining.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
By far the most popular sport — local matches and enthusiastic street games are everywhere; international matches draw large crowds and fervent support.
Widely played and followed, especially at the grassroots level and during club competitions.
Traditional South Asian contact sport with strong local interest and participation.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Dhaka.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available (dal, vegetable curries, fried lentils, egg dishes) but many restaurants default to meat; specify 'shak shobji' (vegetables) and confirm no fish/meat in gravies.
Possible but trickier — request no ghee (clarify), no dairy in sweets, and ensure fish/shrimp paste is not used in sauces; stick to simple vegetable dishes and dal.
Rice is central so many dishes are naturally gluten-free, but watch out for batters, breads and cross-contamination at street stalls; ask about flour in snacks.
Most food is halal by default; pork is uncommon and usually clearly marked where available.