3-Day Dhaka, Bangladesh Travel Itinerary

Introduction:

Dhaka is the capital and largest city of Bangladesh, a dynamic megacity known for its vibrant street life, rich Mughal and colonial heritage, and bustling markets. As the political, cultural, and economic center of the country, Dhaka offers travelers a unique blend of history, modern development, and traditional Bengali lifestyle. With centuries-old forts, mosques, museums, and colorful chaos on every street, Dhaka is a destination that stimulates all the senses. This 3-day itinerary explores the most important sites, local experiences, and cultural treasures that define Dhaka.

Places to Visit:

1. Lalbagh Fort: This 17th-century Mughal fortress complex in Old Dhaka includes gardens, a museum, and the tomb of Bibi Pari.
2. Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace): A former Nawab’s residence turned museum, this pink-colored palace on the Buriganga River is a key symbol of Dhaka’s royal past.
3. Star Mosque (Tara Masjid): This white-tiled mosque in Old Dhaka is famous for its beautiful star motifs and mosaic interior.
4. Dhakeshwari Temple: The national Hindu temple of Bangladesh is an active place of worship and a peaceful site for understanding religious harmony.
5. Bangladesh National Museum: Located in Shahbagh, this museum showcases Bangladesh’s archaeological heritage, liberation war history, and rich culture.
6. Sadarghat River Port: One of the busiest river ports in South Asia, Sadarghat is ideal for observing the chaotic charm of Dhaka’s waterway life.
7. Curzon Hall: This architectural masterpiece is part of the University of Dhaka and blends Mughal and colonial styles.
8. Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (National Parliament House): Designed by architect Louis Kahn, this modernist structure is a global architectural landmark.
9. Bangladesh National Botanical Garden: Located in Mirpur, this garden features 56,000 species of plants and is ideal for a tranquil nature escape.
10. New Market: A sprawling historical marketplace where visitors can shop for clothes, jewelry, handicrafts, and local snacks.

Sample Itinerary:

Day 1: Old Dhaka Heritage and River Life

• 9:00 AM – Start at Lalbagh Fort: Explore Mughal architecture, lush gardens, and the on-site museum (2 hours).
• 11:00 AM – Visit Star Mosque (10-minute rickshaw ride): Admire the detailed star mosaic and peaceful interior (30 minutes).
• 11:45 AM – Head to Ahsan Manzil (15-minute rickshaw ride): Tour the museum and learn about Nawab life (1.5 hours).
• 1:30 PM – Lunch at Royal Restaurant in Old Dhaka: Try biryani and kacchi dishes in a local setting (1 hour).
• 2:30 PM – Walk to Sadarghat River Port (10 minutes): Watch the boat traffic or take a short boat ride on the Buriganga River (1 hour).
• 4:00 PM – Visit Dhakeshwari Temple (20-minute ride): Learn about Dhaka’s religious diversity (45 minutes).
• 5:30 PM – Return to hotel or stop for tea at a roadside stall in Paltan (30 minutes drive depending on traffic).
• 7:00 PM – Dinner at Panshi Restaurant in Dhanmondi: This restaurant is known for authentic Bengali cuisine.

Day 2: Culture, Education, and Architecture

• 10:00 AM – Breakfast at North End Coffee Roasters in Gulshan.
• 11:00 AM – Visit the National Museum (20-minute drive): Explore exhibits on liberation, culture, and archaeology (2 hours).
• 1:15 PM – Walk to Curzon Hall nearby: Admire the red colonial-era building and take photos (30 minutes).
• 2:00 PM – Lunch at Kasturi Restaurant in Shahbagh: Taste local set meals like Bhuna Khichuri and fish curry.
• 3:30 PM – Drive to Jatiyo Sangsad Bhaban (20 minutes): Explore the exterior gardens and admire Louis Kahn’s architecture (1 hour).
• 5:00 PM – Relax at Crescent Lake or Chandrima Uddan nearby (15-minute walk): A calm green space near the parliament complex.
• 6:30 PM – Dinner at Saltz in Banani: A trendy restaurant known for fusion Bengali-Western cuisine.

Day 3: Nature, Local Markets, and Shopping

• 9:30 AM – Head to the Bangladesh National Botanical Garden (45-minute drive): Walk through the floral zones, medicinal plants, and lake areas (1.5 hours).
• 11:30 AM – Visit the adjacent National Zoo if interested (optional, 1 hour).
• 1:00 PM – Lunch at Palki Restaurant in Mirpur: This place serves a great selection of desi dishes.
• 2:30 PM – Drive to New Market (40-minute drive): Explore narrow lanes full of shops selling clothing, books, shoes, and electronics (1.5 hours).
• 4:30 PM – Enjoy roadside snacks like fuchka or jilapi (available just outside the market).
• 5:00 PM – Return to your hotel or visit Aarong in Dhanmondi for quality handicrafts and souvenirs.
• 6:30 PM – Final dinner at Heritage Restaurant for classic Bengali fine dining.

See Itinerary Map (Includes Places to Visit and Accommodations)

Best Time To Go:

The best time to visit Dhaka is during the winter months from November to February. This period has the most pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging between 15°C to 25°C, low humidity, and almost no rain. It is ideal for walking tours and sightseeing. Summer (March to June) can be extremely hot, with highs reaching 38°C, while monsoon season (June to October) brings heavy rains and frequent flooding, which may disrupt travel plans.

Activities To Do:

• Take a boat ride on the Buriganga River: This gives travelers a close-up look at Dhaka’s riverine life, cargo boats, and historic ghats.
• Join a walking tour in Old Dhaka: Guided tours help you explore hidden alleys, colonial buildings, and famous street foods with historical context.
• Shop at Aarong for authentic Bangladeshi crafts: Aarong offers fair-trade, handmade goods like nakshi kantha, jamdani sarees, and leather items.
• Attend a musical or theatrical show at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy: This venue hosts local cultural performances reflecting Bengali heritage.
• Try a Bengali cooking class or food-tasting tour: Local chefs or tour operators teach travelers how to make hilsa curry, pitha, and paratha.

Accommodations:

• The Westin Dhaka: Located in Gulshan, this 5-star hotel offers luxury rooms, rooftop dining, and a full-service spa.

• Le Méridien Dhaka: A modern luxury hotel near the airport with elegant rooms, a rooftop pool, and international dining.

• Pan Pacific Sonargaon: A centrally located classic hotel with a pool, gym, and large conference facilities.

• Hotel Tropical Daisy: A boutique hotel in Gulshan with clean rooms and easy access to embassies and cafes.

• Hotel Lake Castle: This is a peaceful option near Gulshan Lake offering decent amenities and affordable rates.

• Hotel 71: Located near Motijheel, this hotel offers good value, decent service, and business traveler facilities.

• Sky City Hotel Dhaka: A budget-friendly choice in the Paltan area, offering airport pickup, free Wi-Fi, and a rooftop restaurant.

Transportation Options:

• Rickshaws: Cycle rickshaws are common in most neighborhoods and ideal for short distances, but be prepared to negotiate fares.
• CNG Auto-Rickshaws: These are motorized rickshaws using compressed natural gas and are quicker for medium distances.
• Ride-Sharing Apps (Pathao, Uber, Shohoz): These apps offer motorcycle, car, and CNG rides and are safer and more convenient than street taxis.
• Local Buses: Inexpensive but crowded and confusing for tourists; not recommended unless accompanied by a local.
• Private Car Hire: Many hotels can arrange car rentals with drivers for day trips or airport transfers.
• Walking: Some areas like Gulshan, Dhanmondi, and parts of Old Dhaka can be explored on foot, but caution is needed due to traffic and uneven sidewalks.
• Riverboats (Sadarghat): Boats are used mainly for inter-district travel but can also provide scenic city tours.

Tips:

• Dress modestly: Lightweight cotton clothes that cover the shoulders and knees are appropriate and respectful, especially when visiting mosques or temples.
• Carry cash: Credit cards are not accepted in many small shops, and ATMs are not always reliable.
• Avoid peak traffic hours (8–10 AM and 5–8 PM): Dhaka traffic is notorious; plan accordingly.
• Stay hydrated and avoid street water: Drink only bottled or filtered water.
• Learn a few basic Bangla words: Greetings like “Assalamu Alaikum” or “Dhonnobad” (thank you) can go a long way in gaining local goodwill.

Dhaka is a fascinating destination that reflects the complexities and colors of South Asia. Its blend of Mughal heritage, colonial history, spiritual diversity, and vibrant street culture makes it one of the most underrated capital cities in Asia. This 3-day itinerary covers everything from ancient forts and majestic palaces to bustling rivers and peaceful parks. For travelers seeking raw authenticity, rich history, and warm hospitality, Dhaka offers a truly unforgettable experience. Whether it’s your first visit to Bangladesh or a deeper exploration, Dhaka is full of stories waiting to be discovered.