BD
Dhaka
Bangladesh’s huge, busy capital: Mughal forts, river ghats, a pink palace and Louis Kahn’s parliament
Bangladesh’s huge, busy capital: Mughal forts, river ghats, a pink palace and Louis Kahn’s parliament
⚠️ Travel advisory: check before you go
The US asks travellers to reconsider travel to Bangladesh because of unrest, crime and terrorism, and parts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts are restricted for foreigners. Check the latest advice before planning.
Latest official advice: UK FCDO · US State Department · Reviewed September 2026
An unfinished Mughal fort begun in 1678, with gardens, a mosque, an audience hall and the tomb of Pari Bibi, daughter of the governor who started it.
Closed on certain weekdays; check before you go.
Photo: Anik Sarker, CC BY-SA 4.0
The pink, domed palace of the Nawabs of Dhaka stands on the Buriganga riverbank. It is now a museum with restored rooms and portraits.
Photo: Habibul Hasan Hemel, CC BY-SA 4.0
Dhaka’s main river terminal is crowded with ferries, multi-deck launches and small wooden boats. Hire a rowing boat for a short trip on the river.
Watch your belongings in the crowds.
Photo: Md. Ekram Hossain Bhuiyan, CC BY-SA 4.0
An 18th-century mosque in Old Dhaka, later covered in a mosaic of blue stars made from Japanese and English china.
Dress modestly and remove your shoes.
Photo: Wasiul Bahar, CC BY-SA 4.0
Designed by the American architect Louis Kahn and completed in 1982, this concrete complex surrounded by an artificial lake is one of the landmarks of modern architecture.
The grounds and exterior can be viewed from outside; interior visits need permission.
Photo: Ali Morshed Noton, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try kacchi biryani (mutton and rice cooked together), bhuna khichuri, fish curries made with hilsa (ilish), and sweets such as roshogolla and mishti doi (sweet yoghurt).
Old Dhaka is the place for biryani and street food; Gulshan and Banani have international restaurants and cafés.
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) is in the north of the city, connected by flights to the Gulf, South and South-East Asia, and Europe. The MRT Line 6 metro runs north–south between Uttara and Motijheel and avoids much of the traffic.
Ride-hailing apps and CNG auto-rickshaws are the usual way to get around; agree fares for rickshaws before you set off. Many nationalities, including UK, EU and US citizens, can get a single-entry visa on arrival at Dhaka airport, at the immigration officers’ discretion; you need a return ticket and proof of funds. Applying in advance through a Bangladeshi embassy is the safer option. Your passport needs at least six months’ validity. Check current rules and travel advice before you go.
Bangladesh uses the taka (BDT). It is one of the cheapest countries in Asia for travellers, though good hotels in Dhaka are priced close to international levels. Carry cash outside the big cities.
Prices are approximate.
Old Dhaka and the modern city.
Visit Lalbagh Fort and the Star Mosque, eat biryani for lunch, then see Ahsan Manzil and take a boat on the river at Sadarghat.
See the National Parliament House, then visit the Bangladesh National Museum and the Liberation War Museum.
Traffic is very heavy; use the metro where possible and group sights by area.
Dress modestly; cover shoulders and knees.
Avoid political rallies and protests, and check current travel advice.
Drink bottled or filtered water.
Quick answers for planning time in Dhaka.
Most visitors do. Many nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Dhaka airport at the officers’ discretion, but applying in advance through a Bangladeshi embassy is safer.
The MRT Line 6 metro for north–south journeys, plus ride-hailing apps, CNG auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws for short trips.
Lalbagh Fort, Ahsan Manzil, the Star Mosque and the river terminal at Sadarghat.
The American architect Louis Kahn; the complex was completed in 1982.
November to February, when it is cooler and dry. The monsoon runs from about June to September.
Offline maps help where mobile data is patchy, especially in rural areas.
Free
Bengali (Bangla) is spoken everywhere; English is used in hotels and offices.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Bangladesh travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.