Dhaka Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Dhaka tours and things to do in Bangladesh’s teeming capital: wander the lanes of Old Dhaka, ride a cycle-rickshaw through the bazaars, cruise the Buriganga River, explore the Lalbagh Fort and Ahsan Manzil palace, and day-trip to ancient Sonargaon. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
rating
Explore Dhaka by interest
Whatever brings you to Dhaka — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Dhaka
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Old Dhaka
Heritage lanes.
Lalbagh Fort
Mughal fort.
Buriganga River
River cruises.
Rickshaws
Cycle rides.
Sonargaon
Old capital.
Street Food
Biryani & kebabs.
Ahsan Manzil
Pink Palace.
Star Mosque
Old Dhaka.
1 hr awaySonargaon
Old capital.
Old city awayLalbagh Fort
Mughal fort.
Sadarghat awayBuriganga River
River cruise.
Old city awayAhsan Manzil
Pink Palace.
Old city awayStreet Food
Biryani & kebabs.
City awayRickshaws
Cycle rides.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Dhaka visitor asks before booking.
Winter (Nov–Feb)
Cool and dry — the best time to visit.
Spring (Mar–Apr)
Warming up and getting humid.
Summer (May–Jun)
Hot and humid before the rains.
Monsoon (Jul–Oct)
Heavy rains and swollen rivers.
For sightseeing
Winter for comfortable city walks.
Best overall
November to February for cool, dry weather.
One day
Old Dhaka, Lalbagh Fort and street food.
Two days
Add a river cruise and Ahsan Manzil.
Three days
Add a Sonargaon day trip.
For history
Old Dhaka and the Mughal fort.
For the river
A Buriganga cruise.
For food
An Old Dhaka street food tour.
By rickshaw
Cycle-rickshaws are the classic short-hop ride.
By car
A car and driver helps in heavy traffic.
By boat
River boats cross and cruise the Buriganga.
On foot
Old Dhaka’s lanes are best explored on foot.
Where to stay
Stay in Gulshan for comfort or near Old Dhaka.
Bangladeshi taka
Bangladesh uses the taka; carry cash.
Old Dhaka
Go with a guide to navigate the busy lanes.
River cruise
See Sadarghat port at its busiest in the morning.
Street food
Try biryani and kebabs on a guided food tour.
Lalbagh Fort
Visit early to beat the midday heat.
Traffic
Allow plenty of time — Dhaka traffic is heavy.
Guided tours
A local guide makes the city far easier.
City tours
Old Dhaka tours fill up — book ahead.
River cruises
Buriganga cruises fill up — reserve early.
Sonargaon trips
Day trips fill up — book ahead.
Food tours
Street food tours fill up — reserve early.
Rickshaw tours
Guided rides fill up — book ahead.
Winter peak
November to February is busiest — book well ahead.
Sonargaon trip
Around $21–50 for a Sonargaon day trip.
City tour
About $40–70 for an Old Dhaka heritage tour.
River cruise
Roughly $60–90 for a Buriganga cruise.
Food tour
Around $62–90 for a street food tour.
Palace tour
About $62–90 for an Ahsan Manzil tour.
How to save
Join group tours to save over private ones.
Dhaka through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Cool & dry.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak.
- Best for
- Warming up.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Humid.
- Best for
- Fewer crowds.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Very hot.
- Best for
- Green & lush.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Rainy.