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Dhaka

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At a glance

Country
Bangladesh
Region
Dhaka Division
Population
10 million
Best time to go
November to February
Main airport
Dhaka Hazrat Shahjalal International (DAC)
Coordinates
23.81°N, 90.41°E

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Overview

Dhaka is one of the most densely populated cities on earth, a riverside capital of rickshaws, markets and endless traffic. It can be overwhelming at first, but it rewards curious travellers with warmth, history and some of the best food in South Asia.

Old Dhaka, by the Buriganga river, holds Mughal forts, mosques and colonial mansions. The newer north of the city is calmer, with leafy districts, galleries and restaurants.

Things to see

Things to do

  • Rickshaw ride in Old Dhaka
    Photo: Mrb Rafi, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Rickshaw ride in Old Dhaka

    Weave through narrow lanes of markets and workshops in the colourful cycle rickshaws.

  • Eat kacchi biryani
    Photo: Dheerajk88, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Eat kacchi biryani

    Old Dhaka is famous for slow-cooked mutton biryani, best at long-established local restaurants.

  • Liberation War Museum
    Photo: Md Joni Hossain, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Liberation War Museum

    A powerful museum about the 1971 war of independence and the birth of Bangladesh.

    Find tours
  • Day trip to Sonargaon
    Photo: Rayhan9d, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Day trip to Sonargaon

    The old capital of Bengal, with crumbling merchant houses at Panam Nagar and a folk art museum.

    Find tours

Where to stay

  • Gulshan

    Leafy and upmarket, with the best hotels, restaurants and embassies.

    Hotels in Gulshan

  • Banani

    Next to Gulshan, with good restaurants and a slightly younger feel.

    Hotels in Banani

  • Dhanmondi

    Central residential area around a lake, with cafés and cultural centres.

    Hotels in Dhanmondi

Getting around

The Metro Rail is the fastest way across parts of the city. Otherwise use ride-hailing apps, CNG auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws, and expect heavy traffic.

The airport is in the north of the city, from 20 minutes to well over an hour to the centre depending on traffic.

When to go

November to February is dry and mild, the best time to visit. March to May is very hot, and the monsoon brings heavy rain from June to October.

Plan your trip to Dhaka

Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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