Best Things to Do in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dhaka is the capital and largest city of Bangladesh, a megacity of 22 million on the Buriganga River. One of the world's most densely populated cities, Dhaka is also one of South Asia's most historically layered, with a Mughal old quarter, a colonial-era palace, and a riverine culture that underpins the city's daily life.
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The unmissable in Dhaka
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Dhaka sits in the Bengal delta, surrounded by rivers and the vast alluvial plains of Bangladesh. The things to do in Dhaka are concentrated in Old Dhaka (Puran Dhaka), the Mughal-era core of the city: Lalbagh Fort (a 17th-century Mughal fort with the Tomb of Bibi Pari and a museum of Mughal artifacts), the Ahsan Manzil Pink Palace (the former palace of the Nawab of Dhaka, now a museum of colonial-era Dhaka), the Hussaini Dalan Imambara (a 17th-century Shia mosque), and the colorful streets around Shakhari Bazar (the conch-shell craftsmen’s quarter, where families have worked the same trade for centuries). The Buriganga River is Dhaka’s lifeline — a boat trip from Sadarghat Launch Terminal (South Asia’s busiest river terminal) gives a vivid perspective on the city’s water-based commerce. Star Mosque (Tara Masjid), decorated with blue-and-white Delft tiles and local ceramic stars, is one of the most beautiful mosques in Bangladesh.
Best time to visit
November through February is the best time — the dry, cool season with temperatures of 15-25°C and low humidity. March through May is increasingly hot (35-40°C). The monsoon (June-September) brings intense rainfall and flooding; many areas of Dhaka flood, transport is disrupted, and conditions for tourism are difficult. October is a transitional month with lessening rains.
Getting around
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is 20 km north of the city center. Within Dhaka, rickshaws (cycle rickshaws) are the classic and practical transport for Old Dhaka’s narrow lanes (impassable by car). Auto-rickshaws (CNGs — compressed natural gas vehicles) serve wider areas. Pathangang and Uber/Pathao ride-hailing are available. Traffic in Dhaka is among the worst in the world; journeys that should take 20 minutes can take 2 hours during rush hour. The Dhaka Metro Rail (MRT-6) opened in 2022 and provides some relief on the Uttara to Agargaon corridor.
What to eat
Dhaka biryani — Kacchi biryani, specifically, made with marinated raw mutton and long-grain rice cooked together in a sealed pot — is considered among the finest biryanis in South Asia. Star Hotel in Old Dhaka and Haji Biriyani are the most historically cited sources. Mutton korma, shutki (dried fish) curries, hilsa fish (ilish, the national fish, exceptional when in season June-October), and fresh roshogolla (cream cheese balls in syrup) are the other essentials. Pittha (rice cakes in various sweet and savory forms) are a winter seasonal specialty. The Old Dhaka street food scene around Chawkbazar is one of South Asia’s most varied.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dhaka worth visiting as a tourist?
For travelers interested in South Asian culture, history, and the authentic dynamics of a megacity, yes. Dhaka is not an easy destination — the traffic, heat, and density can be overwhelming — but its Mughal heritage, river culture, and food scene are genuinely exceptional. Most visitors who go enjoy it more than they expected. It is rarely crowded with tourists; visitor numbers are a fraction of Delhi or Kathmandu for comparable historical depth.
Is Bangladesh safe for tourists?
Generally yes, particularly for Dhaka and the main tourist sites. Standard travel precautions apply. Bangladesh has had periods of political tension and protest; check current advisories before travel. The Rohingya refugee situation in Cox's Bazar is a distinct humanitarian context; the beach itself (the world's longest natural beach at 120 km) is open to tourists.