Dhaka in 3 days

One of the world's most intense cities: rickshaw chaos, Mughal old town, Buriganga river life and unforgettable food. Best time to visit: November-February. Average daily budget: $20 to $50 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Old Dhaka (Puran Dhaka), The Mughal-era heart: Sadarghat riverfront, Ahsan Manzil, Lalbagh Fort and food lanes.

Morning: Sadarghat riverfront at dawn. One of the world's busiest river ports: wooden boats, ferries and floating markets on the Buriganga.

Afternoon: Explore Old Dhaka (Puran Dhaka), The Mughal-era heart: Sadarghat riverfront, Ahsan Manzil, Lalbagh Fort and food lanes.

Evening: Lalbagh Fort. The unfinished 17th-century Mughal fort complex with gardens, mosque and museum.

Eat: Old Dhaka biryani, kacchi-style with mutton and fragrant rice

Day 2, Go deeper

Base: Gulshan & Banani, Diplomatic quarter with international restaurants, cafés and the city's best hotels.

Morning: Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace). The restored pink riverside palace of the Nawabs of Dhaka, now a museum.

Afternoon: Explore Gulshan & Banani, Diplomatic quarter with international restaurants, cafés and the city's best hotels.

Evening: Old Dhaka street food walk. Bakarkhani bread, biryani at Haji's, and lassi in lanes unchanged for centuries.

Eat: Bakarkhani, the flaky, slightly sweet Mughal-era bread

Day 3, Hidden side

Base: Dhaka University & Shahbag, Bookshops, the national museum district and a lively student atmosphere.

Morning: A rowboat crossing of the Buriganga at sunrise among the cargo ferries.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Dhaka University & Shahbag, Bookshops, the national museum district and a lively student atmosphere.

Evening: The Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection, a quiet 18th-century survivor in Armanitola.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Bharta plates: mashed mustard-oil vegetables and fish, Bangladesh's soul food

Hidden gems

A rowboat crossing of the Buriganga at sunrise among the cargo ferries.
The Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection, a quiet 18th-century survivor in Armanitola.
Star Mosque's (Tara Masjid) glittering mosaic of china and glass.
Dhaka Art Summit galleries and the Bengal Institute's architecture walks (seasonal).

Getting around

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport is 30 to 90 minutes from Gulshan depending on traffic, which is severe at peak hours. Rickshaws and CNG auto-rickshaws cover short hops; Uber and Pathao (local app) work for cars and motorbikes. Hire a car with driver for full sightseeing days. Most nationalities need a visa; many can get a visa on arrival, but confirm eligibility before flying.

Safety

Dhaka is generally safe for visitors in the main districts, and violent crime against tourists is rare, but petty theft happens in crowds. Traffic is the biggest daily hazard. Dress modestly, avoid political gatherings and hartals (strikes), drink bottled water only, and check your government's travel advisory, especially around election periods.

Dhaka in 5 days | Dhaka in 7 days | Full Dhaka guide