How to Plan a Trip to Dhaka
The complete 2026 guide — flights, hotels, things to do and airport transfers, all in one place. Everything a first-time visitor to Bangladesh needs.
Your 4-step Dhaka plan
Step 1 — Book flights to DAC
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) is the main gateway to Dhaka. Compare fares across major airlines and OTAs before locking a date.
See flight deals to DACStep 2 — Pick a neighborhood
Base yourself in Old Dhaka rickshaw ride for the best first-time visit — Cycle-rickshaw through Shankhari Bazaar + Hindu street — BDT 200 negotiated for 30 min.
Where to stay in DhakaStep 3 — Plan your itinerary
Start with Lalbagh Fort (1678 Mughal), then build outward. Most first-time visitors need 3-5 days to see the highlights of Dhaka.
Things to do in DhakaStep 4 — Sort your airport transfer
Taxi (Hello / Pathao app) is BDT 400–700 and takes 40–90 min (traffic). Pre-book a private transfer for stress-free arrival.
DAC arrival guideBefore you book — visa check
Visa-on-arrival USD 50 for US, UK, EU, Canada, AU, NZ, Japan, Korea (30 days) — but must be travelling on a flight to/from a Bangladeshi destination, not just transit. Transit visa for connections under 72 hours.