Dhaka

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Dhaka, Bangladesh

Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, is a bustling metropolis with a rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse attractions. As a tourist, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of this incredible city. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a journey through Dhaka’s must-visit places, activities, dining experiences, accommodations, transportation options, tips, and more.

Places to Visit

Historical Landmarks

  • Lalbagh Fort: A 17th-century Mughal fort that showcases the city’s rich history. The fort is surrounded by a beautiful garden with a tranquil atmosphere.
  • Ahsan Manzil: The pink palace of Bengal, built in the 19th century as a residence for the Nawab family. This stunning building now serves as a museum and cultural center.
  • Baitul Mukarram National Mosque: One of the largest mosques in South Asia, with an impressive architecture that reflects the city’s Islamic heritage.

Cultural Attractions

  • Shahbagh: A lively area known for its street food, shopping, and social gatherings. Visit the famous Jatiyo Rabindra Theatre, which hosts various performances throughout the year.
  • National Museum: A premier cultural institution in Bangladesh that showcases the country’s art, history, and heritage. The museum features a vast collection of artifacts, including ancient sculptures and paintings.
  • Dhaka Art Gallery: A contemporary art gallery featuring works by local artists. Be sure to check out their exhibitions and events calendar.

Parks and Gardens

  • Lalbagh Park: A beautiful park with lush greenery, walking trails, and a tranquil atmosphere. Perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic.
  • Dhanmondi Park: Another scenic park in the heart of Dhaka, featuring a lake, gardens, and a variety of flora and fauna.

Other Attractions

  • Hawkers’ Market: A bustling marketplace where you can find everything from fresh produce to handicrafts. Be prepared for the sights, sounds, and smells!
  • Sadarghat River Terminal: Watch the sunset over the Buriganga River while taking in the lively atmosphere of this historic river terminal.
  • Dhaka Zoo: One of the oldest zoos in South Asia, featuring a wide range of animals and birds.

Activities

Food and Drink

  • Street Food: Dhaka is famous for its street food, which offers an incredible variety of dishes at affordable prices. Try the popular ones like jhal muri, fuchka, and biriyani.
  • Local Markets: Visit the local markets to experience the sights, smells, and tastes of Bangladesh’s culinary scene.
  • Restaurant Hopping: Dhaka has a vibrant dining scene with plenty of restaurants serving international cuisine. Try out some of the popular spots like Hangla Restaurant, Bawarchi Restaurant, or The Sonargaon Hotel.

Shopping

  • Gulshan Market: A popular shopping hub in the heart of Dhaka, featuring local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
  • Dhanmondi Market: Another bustling market that offers a wide range of products, from clothes to accessories and home decor.
  • New Market: One of the oldest markets in Dhaka, where you can find everything from electronics to cosmetics.

Entertainment

  • Movie Halls: Catch the latest Bollywood or Hollywood movies at one of the many cinemas in Dhaka. Some popular options include Star Cineplex, Cinépolis, and Inox.
  • Music and Dance: Enjoy local music and dance performances at the Bangladesh National Theatre or other cultural centers.

Sports

  • Cricket: Watch a live cricket match at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium or another nearby venue. Cricket is the most popular sport in Bangladesh.
  • Football: Catch a football match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium, which hosts various tournaments and events throughout the year.

Where to Stay

Luxury Hotels

  • Sonargaon Hotel: A 5-star hotel located in the heart of Dhaka, offering luxurious rooms, fine dining, and excellent service.
  • Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden: Another 5-star hotel with a beautiful water garden and modern amenities.
  • Le Meridien Dhaka: A luxury hotel that offers elegant rooms, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool.

Mid-Range Hotels

  • The Westin Dhaka: A 4-star hotel featuring comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center.
  • Agora Hotel: A 3-star hotel located in the heart of Dhaka, offering clean rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.
  • Hotel Dhanmondi: Another mid-range hotel that provides comfortable rooms, a rooftop garden, and a restaurant.

Budget-Friendly Options

  • Guesthouses and Hostels: Find budget-friendly options like guesthouses or hostels in areas like Gulshan, Banani, or Dhanmondi.
  • Home-Stay Services: Consider home-stay services where you can stay with local families for an authentic experience.

Transportation

Taxis

  • Private Cars: Hire a private car or taxi to get around Dhaka. Be sure to negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
  • Radio Taxi Services: Use radio taxi services like City Service, Comfort Cab, or Green Line Taxi to ensure safety and reliability.

Rickshaws

  • Cycle Rickshaws: Try using cycle rickshaws for a cheap and authentic mode of transportation. Be sure to negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
  • Motor Rickshaws: Use motor rickshaws for short distances, but be aware that they can be more expensive than cycle rickshaws.

Public Transportation

  • Buses: Use buses as an affordable option to travel around Dhaka. Be prepared for crowded and sometimes uncomfortable journeys.
  • Metro: Catch the metro, which is a convenient way to travel within the city. However, it might not cover all areas of Dhaka.

Tips and Essentials

Safety and Security

  • Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting mosques or other cultural sites.
  • Avoid Crowded Areas: Avoid crowded areas, especially at night, to minimize the risk of pickpocketing or other petty crimes.

Health and Hygiene

  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
  • Eat Fresh Food: Opt for fresh food from street vendors or restaurants to minimize the risk of food-borne illnesses.

Weather and Climate

  • Summer Heat: Be prepared for hot summers, especially between April and September.
  • Rainy Season: Experience the rain during the monsoon season (June to September), which can be quite refreshing.

Language and Communication

  • Bengali Language: Learn some basic Bengali phrases like “আসলামু আলাইকুম” (Assalamu Alaiqum) or “ধন্যবাদ” (Dhanvabad).
  • English Language: Many locals, especially in the service industry, speak English as a second language. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

Other Essentials

Power and Electricity

  • Power Outages: Be prepared for occasional power outages during thunderstorms or when using appliances.
  • Voltage: Use a voltage converter to ensure that your electronic devices are compatible with Bangladesh’s 220V, 50Hz power supply.

Currency and Exchange Rates

  • Taka (BDT): The official currency of Bangladesh is the Taka (BDT).
  • Exchange Rate: Be aware of the current exchange rate between BDT and your local currency to avoid any confusion when making transactions.

Conclusion

Dhaka, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse attractions, offers a unique experience for tourists. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-prepared to explore the city’s must-visit places, activities, dining experiences, accommodations, transportation options, tips, and more. Remember to respect local customs, stay hydrated, and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of this incredible city. Happy travels!