Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh, a busy river city where Mughal-era monuments, lakeside walks, markets and a new metro line sit side by side. This guide covers the main places to visit in Dhaka, with links to our guides for getting around, where to stay and day trips beyond the city. To learn more about the city itself, read our guide to Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh and the history of Bangladesh.
Facts about the places below were checked against published sources on 27 October 2026. Opening hours, ticket prices and closing days change, so confirm them before you go.
History and heritage
Lalbagh Fort
Lalbagh Fort, in Old Dhaka, is a Mughal-era fort whose construction began in 1678. It was never finished. The complex includes the tomb of Pari Bibi and a museum, and it is one of the easiest places to see Dhaka’s Mughal past.
Ahsan Manzil
Ahsan Manzil, known as the Pink Palace, was completed in 1872 on the bank of the Buriganga river. It was the residence of the Nawab family of Dhaka and is now a museum, so it is a good stop for the story of the city’s 19th-century elite.
Lakes, parks and green space
Hatirjheel
Hatirjheel is a lake and waterfront area in central Dhaka that opened to the public in 2013. Its name is said to mean “lake of elephants”. Visitors walk or cycle along the edge, take a boat, and see the bridges lit up at night.
Dhanmondi Lake
Dhanmondi Lake, in one of the city’s older residential areas, was redeveloped in 1996. Its edges now have parks, cafes and an amphitheatre, which makes it a popular place for an evening walk.
Uttara Diabari
Diabari, in the Uttara area in the north of Dhaka, is a place people visit for open space away from the busier centre. It is also near the northern end of the metro line; see metro rail times for how to get there.
National Botanical Garden and Dhaka Zoo
In Mirpur, the National Botanical Garden (established in 1961) sits next to the Bangladesh National Zoo (founded in 1974). They are close enough to visit on the same trip, and both are busy on weekends and holidays.
Modern Dhaka
Dhaka’s metro rail is a sight in itself and the fastest way to cross part of the city. Read how Dhaka Metro Rail works, check the latest metro rail time table, and see the fare chart and MRT Pass before you ride.
Shopping and markets
Dhaka is known for its markets. Book lovers head to the Nilkhet Book Market (see its closing day), electronics shoppers go to Motalib Plaza (see its opening hours), and Jamuna Future Park is one of the large shopping malls (see its off day).
Day trips and destinations beyond Dhaka
If you have more time, these guides cover places you can reach from Dhaka:
- Best resorts near Dhaka for a weekend break
- The Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest
- Saint Martin’s Island, a coral island
- Karnaphuli Tunnel in Chattogram
- Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar by train
- Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar by air
Getting to and around Dhaka
Arriving in Dhaka? See Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and Kamalapur Railway Station. For onward travel use our guides to buses from Dhaka, trains from Dhaka and flights from Dhaka.
Where to stay
For hotels, see our guide to a 5 star hotel in Dhaka and the resorts near Dhaka.
Before you go
Check opening hours and ticket prices with the venue before you travel, because they change and differ for holidays. If you find something out of date on this page, please tell us and we will update it.
