Dhaka

Dhaka is the capital city of Bangladesh and is one of the fastest-growing megacities in the world. It is located in the eastern part of the country, on the banks of the Buriganga River. With a population of over 21 million people, Dhaka is the largest city in Bangladesh and one of the most densely populated cities in the world.

Dhaka is the cultural, political, and economic center of Bangladesh. It has a rich history dating back to the 7th century when it was an important trading center for the Mughal Empire. The city has since been ruled by the British, the Pakistani military, and gained independence in 1971. Dhaka has many historical landmarks and cultural institutions that reflect its rich history, including the Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil Palace, and the National Museum of Bangladesh.

The economy of Dhaka is diverse, with a mix of traditional and modern industries. It is home to many large corporations and businesses, including the headquarters of Grameenphone, the largest telecommunications provider in Bangladesh. The city also has a thriving garment industry, which accounts for a significant portion of the country's exports.

Dhaka is known for its chaotic traffic, pollution, and overcrowding, which can make it a challenging place to navigate for visitors. However, it is also a city full of energy, with a vibrant street life, bustling markets, and a wide range of culinary offerings.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Dhaka is during the winter months, from November to February, when the weather is cool and dry. During this time, the temperature ranges from around 10°C (50°F) to 25°C (77°F), and there is little to no rainfall. This makes it a pleasant time to explore the city's many cultural and historical attractions, as well as to enjoy outdoor activities like boating on the Buriganga River or visiting nearby national parks.

The summer months, from May to September, are hot and humid with heavy rainfall, which can make it uncomfortable for visitors to travel and explore the city. Additionally, there is a risk of flooding during this time, which can impact travel plans.

It's important to note that Dhaka is a predominantly Muslim city, and visitors should take care to dress modestly and be respectful of local customs and traditions. It's also advisable to avoid traveling during major religious holidays, such as Ramadan or Eid, as many shops and restaurants may be closed during this time.

Best things to see and do

There are many things to see and do in Dhaka. Here are some of the top attractions:

Ahsan Manzil: 

This 19th-century palace was the residence of the Nawabs of Dhaka and is now a museum. Visitors can see the luxurious lifestyle of the Nawabs and learn about the history of Dhaka.

Lalbagh Fort:

This Mughal-era fort was built in the 17th century and is a popular attraction for its intricate architecture and historical significance.

Dhakeshwari Temple: 

This Hindu temple is one of the oldest and most important in Bangladesh. It is dedicated to the goddess Dhakeshwari, and visitors can observe the daily rituals and offerings.

National Museum of Bangladesh: 

This museum houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history and culture of Bangladesh. It is an excellent place to learn about the country's rich heritage.

Liberation War Museum: 

This museum is dedicated to the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 and provides an insightful and emotional experience for visitors.

Sadarghat: 

This is the largest river port in Dhaka and is a bustling and vibrant place to witness the daily life of the city. Visitors can take a boat ride on the Buriganga River and explore the many markets and shops in the area.

Dhaka University: 

This prestigious university is the oldest and largest in Bangladesh and is known for its beautiful campus and impressive architecture.

New Market: 

This is one of the oldest and most famous markets in Dhaka, where visitors can find a wide variety of goods, including clothing, jewelry, and handicrafts.

Baitul Mukarram Mosque: 

This is the largest mosque in Bangladesh and is an impressive example of modern Islamic architecture.

Dhaka Zoo: 

This is the largest zoo in Bangladesh and is home to a wide variety of animals, including tigers, lions, and elephants. It is a great place to visit with children.

Where to shop

Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, has many shopping options ranging from traditional markets to modern shopping malls. Here are some places you can consider shopping in Dhaka:

New Market: New Market is a popular traditional market in Dhaka where you can find a wide range of products such as clothing, shoes, cosmetics, jewelry, and handicrafts.

Bashundhara City: Bashundhara City is a modern shopping mall with a wide range of shops selling clothing, electronics, cosmetics, and household items. It is also a great place for food and entertainment.

Jamuna Future Park: Jamuna Future Park is one of the largest shopping malls in South Asia with over 500 shops selling a wide range of products. It also has a food court, cinema, and amusement park.

Dhanmondi Road No. 27: Dhanmondi Road No. 27 is a popular shopping street in Dhaka with a variety of shops selling clothing, accessories, and jewelry.

Gausia Market: Gausia Market is a popular market for women's clothing, especially sarees, and has many shops selling traditional Bengali clothing.

Elephant Road: Elephant Road is a popular electronics market in Dhaka where you can find a wide range of products such as laptops, mobile phones, cameras, and other electronics.

Aarong: Aarong is a chain of stores in Dhaka that sells traditional Bangladeshi handicrafts, clothing, and accessories.

These are just a few options, but there are many other places to shop in Dhaka depending on what you are looking for.

Where to stay

Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, offers a range of accommodations for visitors. Here are some popular areas and types of accommodations to consider when choosing where to stay in Dhaka:

Gulshan: Gulshan is a popular and upscale residential and commercial area in Dhaka. It is home to many foreign embassies, international organizations, and corporate offices. There are several luxury hotels, boutique hotels, and serviced apartments in Gulshan, making it a good option for business travelers and those looking for upscale accommodations.

Banani: Banani is another popular upscale neighborhood in Dhaka, with many international restaurants, cafes, and shops. It is also home to several luxury hotels, boutique hotels, and serviced apartments.

Uttara: Uttara is a newer area of Dhaka located near the international airport. It offers several budget-friendly accommodations, including budget hotels, guesthouses, and serviced apartments.

Old Dhaka: Old Dhaka is the historic and cultural heart of the city. It is home to many historical landmarks, including the Ahsan Manzil Palace, Lalbagh Fort, and the Dhakeshwari Temple. There are several budget-friendly accommodations in Old Dhaka, including guesthouses and budget hotels.

Baridhara: Baridhara is another upscale residential and commercial area in Dhaka. It is home to many diplomatic missions and is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in the city. There are several luxury hotels and serviced apartments in Baridhara.

When choosing where to stay in Dhaka, it is important to consider your budget, preferred location, and type of accommodation.

Getting around

Getting around Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, can be challenging due to its heavy traffic and lack of organized public transportation. However, there are several options for getting around the city:

Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Dhaka and can be found on the streets or booked through ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Pathao. It is recommended to negotiate the fare with the driver before starting the ride.

Rickshaws: Rickshaws are a popular and affordable mode of transportation in Dhaka, particularly for short distances. They are easily accessible and can be hailed on the streets. Negotiating the fare beforehand is recommended.

Buses: Public buses are available in Dhaka, but they can be overcrowded and uncomfortable. However, there are also private air-conditioned bus services available that operate on certain routes.

CNG Auto-rickshaws: CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) auto-rickshaws are another popular mode of transportation in Dhaka, particularly for shorter distances. They are affordable and can be found on the streets or hailed through ride-hailing apps.

Rental Cars: Rental cars with drivers are also available in Dhaka for those who prefer a more comfortable and private mode of transportation.

It is important to note that traffic in Dhaka can be congested, particularly during peak hours, so it is recommended to plan ahead and allow extra time when traveling around the city.

Flights to Dhaka

Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, has one international airport and one domestic airport.

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is the main airport serving Dhaka and is located about 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) north of the city center. It is the largest airport in Bangladesh and serves as a hub for Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Novoair, Regent Airways, and US-Bangla Airlines. 

Shah Amanat International Airport is a domestic airport located in Chittagong, which is about 264 kilometers (164 miles) southeast of Dhaka. This airport operates domestic flights to and from Dhaka as well as international flights to and from the Middle East.

There are several airlines that operate flights from the United States to Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. Some of the airlines that offer this route include:

Qatar Airways: Qatar Airways operates flights from several US cities, including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Houston, to Dhaka via Doha.

Emirates: Emirates operates flights from several US cities, including New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., to Dhaka via Dubai.

Turkish Airlines: Turkish Airlines operates flights from several US cities, including New York, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., to Dhaka via Istanbul.

Etihad Airways: Etihad Airways operates flights from several US cities, including New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., to Dhaka via Abu Dhabi.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines: Biman Bangladesh Airlines operates direct flights from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport to Dhaka.

It is recommended to check with our airline experts for the most up-to-date information on available flights and schedules, as they may be subject to change.