Dhaka

Dhaka, Bangladesh

Hectic, bustling, chaotic, Dhaka is an enormous city of endless possibilities with energy to spare. Though it can seem a bit overwhelming at first, visitors who take take the time to explore will find the experience most rewarding. Delicious food, bustling markets, serene parks and gardens, lazy river cruises and death-defying rickshaw rides, fascinating museums, temples and mosques to ease the soul, and tantalising musical and dance performances; all this and more awaits the adventurous traveller who dares to venture into this unique city.

Population:

7,000,000

Currency:

Bangladeshi Taka
1 BDT = 100 poisha

Emergency Numbers:

Emergency: 999

Opening Hours:

Most businesses generally open at about 9am and remain open until around 6pm. Restaurants close later, between 8pm and 10pm, and bars at about 11pm or midnight.

Newspapers:

The Bangladesh Today
The Daily Star
Dhaka Tribune

The City

Dhaka is an enormous city, and it shows. It is crowded and always on the move, but that also makes it a dynamic and entertaining place to be. The city streets are a constant flow of traffic and rickshaws, and there is something new to discover at every turn.

Most of the city's historical monuments and points of interest can be found in the area of Old Dhaka, such as the Lalbagh Fort and the stunning Pink Palace. It is also an area of great spiritual importance, gathering the Hindu Dhakeshwari Temple, the Orthodox Armenian Church, and the Tara Mosque, among others.

The city's more modern side can be found in Gulshan, a more affluent neighbourhood where you can find large upscale shopping centres and international restaurants, mixing more tranquil residential areas with commercial buildings and businesses (similar to neighbouring Banani).

Do & See

Dhaka offers a mix of people, cultures and religions, and the city's many temples and mosques could keep visitors occupied for days. Add to that the impressive monuments and historic buildings, palaces and forts, and a few fantastic museums, and there won't seem to be enough time to take it all in. And of course, don't miss the chance to take a ride down the Buriganga River for a glimpse at real Bangladeshi life.

Dining

Bangladeshi cuisine has been largely shaped by the country's geography: a vast network of intertwining rivers and deltas with seasonal monsoons and floods. As such, rice is a staple in the country's diet, along with lentils and, of course, river fish. This is all served with fragrant curries and warm breads, and it is filling and delectable. Add in some fine international restaurants, and visitors will eat more than their share while in Dhaka.

Cafes

Coffee may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Bangladesh, but local roasting has been happening for decades, and a whole array of high-quality coffee shops have sprung up around the city in recent times. Mostly following a Western cafe model, these coffee houses are great places to have a quick snack or dessert and enjoy a hot cappuccino or espresso.