Dhaka-7-day-itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Old Dhaka

  • Morning: Arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Take a taxi or Uber to your hotel.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Lalbagh Fort, a 17th-century Mughal fort that showcases the rich history of Bangladesh. (Entry fee: BDT 500)
  • Evening: Explore the vibrant streets of Old Dhaka, including the Chawkbazar and Shankhari Bazaar areas.
  • Dinner: Try some local street food at Al Razee Restaurant or Star Kabab.
  • Accommodation: Stay at a hotel in the old town area, such as Hotel 71 or Hotel Pacific.

Day 2: Historical Landmarks

  • Morning: Visit the National Parliament House, a stunning example of modern architecture. (Entry fee: BDT 500)
  • Afternoon: Explore the Bangladesh National Museum, which showcases the country’s history and culture. (Entry fee: BDT 200)
  • Evening: Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Buriganga River.
  • Dinner: Try some traditional Bengali cuisine at Bhajahari Restaurant or Kacchi Restaurant.
  • Tip: Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular tourist spots.

Day 3: Modern Dhaka

  • Morning: Visit the Gulshan Lake Park, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
  • Afternoon: Explore the upscale shopping mall, Jamuna Future Park.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Sky Pool or The Roof Top, which offer stunning views of the city.
  • Accommodation: Stay at a hotel in the Gulshan area, such as Hotel Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden.

Day 4: Day Trip to Sonargaon

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Sonargaon, a historic town located about an hour’s drive from Dhaka. Visit the Goaldi Mosque and explore the local markets.
  • Lunch: Try some traditional Bengali cuisine at a local restaurant, such as Hotel Sonargaon.
  • Evening: Return to Dhaka and enjoy dinner at Dhaba Restaurant or Flavours Restaurant.

Day 5: Cultural Experiences

  • Morning: Visit the Institute of Fine Arts, which showcases the works of local artists. (Entry fee: BDT 200)
  • Afternoon: Attend a traditional Bengali music or dance performance at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Hakka Dhaka Restaurant, which serves Chinese-Bangladeshi fusion cuisine.

Day 6: Food and Markets

  • Morning: Visit the Karwan Bazaar, a bustling market selling fresh produce, spices, and souvenirs.
  • Afternoon: Take a food tour of Old Dhaka, sampling local street food and snacks. (Cost: BDT 1,500)
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Kasturi Restaurant, which serves traditional Bengali cuisine.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market.
  • Afternoon: Depart for the airport and fly back home.

Things to Know

  • Dhaka is a busy city with frequent traffic jams. Plan your itinerary accordingly.
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular tourist spots.
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (7-10 am, 4-7 pm) to avoid traffic congestion.
  • Dress modestly when visiting mosques or cultural institutions.

Transportation

  • Taxi: Available everywhere, but be sure to negotiate the fare beforehand.
  • Uber: Widely available and convenient.
  • Rickshaw: A fun way to explore Old Dhaka, but be prepared for crowded streets.
  • Bus: An affordable option for longer trips, such as to Sonargaon.

Tips

  • Bargain when shopping at local markets.
  • Try to avoid eating from street vendors, instead opting for restaurants or food stalls with good hygiene standards.
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting mosques or cultural institutions.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Dhaka!