Dhaka 6 Day Itinerary

Dhaka, Bangladesh: A 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Old Dhaka

  • Morning: Arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Check into your hotel (recommended: The Westin Dhaka or The Hotel Sonargaon). Freshen up and have breakfast at the hotel.

  • Afternoon: Start your journey with a visit to Lalbagh Fort, a 17th-century Mughal fortress overlooking the Buriganga River. Next, head to Armenian Street to explore the historic Hindu temple of Athar Dina Koviraj (ATM Mosque) and the Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection.

  • Evening: Take a rickshaw ride through the bustling streets of Old Dhaka. Visit the famous Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace), the 19th-century palace of the Nawabs of Dhaka. End your day with a delicious Bengali meal at New Food Park or Bhojohori Manna.

Day 2: Exploring Modern Dhaka & Shopping

  • Morning: Visit the National Museum to learn about Bangladesh’s history and culture. Next, head to the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (Parliament Building) and Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, the former residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of the nation.

  • Afternoon: Spend your afternoon shopping at Dhanmondi, Gulshan, or Banani areas. Visit Dhonkha Market for traditional Bengali clothing (Kurtas & Sarees), New Road for electronics, and Tejgaon for local handicrafts.

  • Evening: Enjoy a dinner at The Kitchen by Bistecca or The Terrace Grill & Bar at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka.

Day 3: Day trip to Dhaka University & National Botanical Garden

  • Morning: Visit the University of Dhaka, one of South Asia’s leading institutions and a symbol of national pride. Explore the campus and its historic buildings.

  • Afternoon: Head to the National Botanical Garden, home to over 15,000 plant species. Spend your afternoon strolling around this beautiful oasis in the heart of the city.

Day 4: Visit Jamuna Park & Explore Local Cuisine

  • Morning: Spend your morning at Jamuna Park, a popular recreational spot for locals and a great place to observe daily life.

  • Afternoon: Embark on a food tour to explore Dhaka’s street food scene. Try local delicacies like Biryani, Rosogolla, and Chotpoti at various food stalls around the city. Don’t miss out on Haji Karamatullah’s Biryani at Nilkhet Market.

  • Evening: Visit the lively Gulshan Lake View Park for a beautiful sunset and some local snacks.

Day 5: Day trip to Savar, National Martyrs’ Memorial & Liberation War Museum

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Savar, approximately an hour outside Dhaka city, to visit the National Martyrs’ Memorial and Liberation War Museum. These sites pay tribute to the lives lost during Bangladesh’s struggle for independence in 1971.

Day 6: Last-minute Shopping & Departure

  • Morning: Spend your last hours in Dhaka doing some last-minute shopping or visiting any attractions you may have missed.

  • Afternoon: Check out from your hotel and transfer to the airport for your departure.

Things to Know:

  • Transportation: Rickshaws and CNG (compressed natural gas) taxis are common means of transportation in Dhaka. You can also use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Pathao.

  • Currency: The official currency is the Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops but may charge a service fee.

  • Language: Bangla is the official language, but English is widely spoken in Dhaka.

Tips:

  • Be respectful of local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites or conservative areas.
  • Haggling is common when shopping for souvenirs or street food.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying expensive items in public.
  • Always carry small bills as change can be hard to come by.