Dhaka-5-day-itinerary

November 11, 2024

Day 1: Explore Old Dhaka

Morning

Lalbagh Fort: Start your day by visiting the historic Lalbagh Fort, a 17th-century Mughal fort that’s a must-visit attraction in Dhaka. (Open from 9 am to 5 pm)
Star Mosque: After exploring the fort, head over to the beautiful Star Mosque, known for its stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

Afternoon

Hussaini Dalan: Take a short walk to Hussaini Dalan, an ancient Imambara (congregation hall) that’s steeped in history and culture.
Lunch at Haji Biriyani: Treat yourself to a delicious Bangladeshi meal at Haji Biriyani, a local favorite. Try their signature biryani dish!

Evening

River Buriganga Cruise: Take an evening cruise on the River Buriganga to see the city’s skyline and enjoy the cool breeze.
Stay at Hotel 71: Rest your head at Hotel 71, a comfortable and conveniently located hotel in Old Dhaka.

Things to Know

Be prepared for crowds and chaos in Old Dhaka.
Dress modestly when visiting mosques and other religious sites.
Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (7-10 am and 4-7 pm) to avoid traffic congestion.

Transportation

Use rickshaws or auto-rickshaws to get around Old Dhaka. They’re cheap and convenient.
You can also hire a car for the day, but be prepared for heavy traffic.

Tips

Bargain when shopping at local markets.
Try local fruits like jackfruits and mangoes from street vendors.
Learn some basic Bangla phrases to interact with locals.

Day 2: Dhaka’s Modern Side

Morning

National Parliament House: Start your day by visiting the stunning National Parliament House, a modern architectural marvel. (Open from 9 am to 5 pm)
Bangabandhu Memorial Museum: Head over to the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, dedicated to the life and legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh’s founding father.

Afternoon

Gulshan Lake Park: Take a stroll around the beautiful Gulshan Lake Park, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
Lunch at The Pantry: Treat yourself to a delicious international meal at The Pantry, a popular restaurant with a cozy atmosphere.

Evening

** Bashundhara City Mall**: Visit Bashundhara City Mall, one of Dhaka’s largest and most modern shopping malls. Catch a movie or grab dinner at one of the many restaurants.
Stay at Lakeshore Hotel: Rest your head at Lakeshore Hotel, a comfortable and conveniently located hotel near Gulshan Lake Park.

Things to Know

The Parliament House is open on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
Be prepared for security checks at the museum.
Gulshan Lake Park is a popular spot for picnics and relaxation.

Transportation

Use taxis or ride-hailing services like Uber or Pathao to get around modern Dhaka.
You can also hire a car for the day, but be prepared for heavy traffic.

Tips

Try local snacks like chanachur (a spicy puffed rice snack) from street vendors.
Be respectful of dress codes and security protocols at government buildings.
Learn about Bangladesh’s history and culture to appreciate the city’s landmarks more deeply.

Day 3: Cultural Experiences

Morning

Ahsan Manzil: Visit Ahsan Manzil, a stunning pink palace that was once the residence of the Nawabs of Dhaka. (Open from 9 am to 5 pm)
Dhakeshwari Temple: Head over to the beautiful Dhakeshwari Temple, one of Dhaka’s oldest and most important Hindu temples.

Afternoon

Lunch at Kacchi: Treat yourself to a delicious Bangladeshi meal at Kacchi, a local favorite.
National Museum of Bangladesh: Spend the afternoon exploring the National Museum of Bangladesh, which showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage. (Open from 10 am to 5 pm)

Evening

Dhaka University Campus: Take an evening stroll around the beautiful Dhaka University campus, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Bangladesh.
Stay at The Westin Dhaka: Rest your head at The Westin Dhaka, a luxurious hotel with modern amenities.

Things to Know

Ahsan Manzil is open on Fridays and Saturdays.
Dress modestly when visiting temples and other religious sites.
The National Museum of Bangladesh is closed on Thursdays and Fridays.

Transportation

Use rickshaws or auto-rickshaws to get around the university area. They’re cheap and convenient.
You can also hire a car for the day, but be prepared for heavy traffic.

Tips

Try local desserts like mishti (sweet dishes) from street vendors.
Be respectful of dress codes and security protocols at museums and temples.
Learn about Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage to appreciate the city’s landmarks more deeply.

Day 4: Nature Escapes

Morning

Baldha Garden: Start your day by visiting the beautiful Baldha Garden, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. (Open from 9 am to 5 pm)
National Botanical Garden: Head over to the National Botanical Garden, which showcases Bangladesh’s diverse flora and fauna.

Afternoon

Lunch at Bhromar: Treat yourself to a delicious Bangladeshi meal at Bhromar, a local favorite.
Fantasy Kingdom Amusement Park: Spend the afternoon exploring the Fantasy Kingdom Amusement Park, one of Dhaka’s largest theme parks. (Open from 11 am to 9 pm)

Evening

Boating on Hatirjheel Lake: Take an evening boat ride on Hatirjheel Lake, a beautiful lake surrounded by scenic walking paths.
Stay at Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden: Rest your head at Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden, a luxurious hotel with modern amenities and stunning views of the lake.

Things to Know

Baldha Garden is open on Fridays and Saturdays.
Be prepared for crowds and long lines at the amusement park.
Hatirjheel Lake is a popular spot for picnics and relaxation.

Transportation

Use taxis or ride-hailing services like Uber or Pathao to get around Dhaka’s outskirts. They’re convenient and relatively affordable.
You can also hire a car for the day, but be prepared for heavy traffic.

Tips

Try local snacks like puffed rice from street vendors.
Be respectful of dress codes and security protocols at amusement parks.
Learn about Bangladesh’s natural beauty to appreciate the city’s parks and lakes more deeply.

Day 5: Last-Minute Shopping

Morning

New Market: Spend your last morning in Dhaka shopping for souvenirs and local goods at New Market, one of the city’s oldest and most popular markets.
Chawkbazar: Head over to Chawkbazar, a bustling market area filled with street vendors selling everything from clothes to jewelry.

Afternoon

Lunch at Dhaba: Treat yourself to a delicious Bangladeshi meal at Dhaba, a local favorite.
Airport Transfer: Spend the afternoon relaxing at your hotel or exploring nearby areas before transferring to the airport for your departure flight.

Things to Know

Be prepared for crowds and chaos in New Market.
Bargain when shopping at local markets.
Leave plenty of time for airport transfers to avoid traffic congestion.

Transportation

Use taxis or ride-hailing services like Uber or Pathao to get to the airport. They’re convenient and relatively affordable.
You can also hire a car for the day, but be prepared for heavy traffic.

Tips

Try local desserts like jalebi (deep-fried dough soaked in syrup) from street vendors.
Be respectful of dress codes and security protocols at markets.
Learn about Bangladesh’s vibrant market culture to appreciate the city’s shopping scenes more deeply.

I hope you enjoy your trip to Dhaka!