Dhaka 3-Day Itinerary

A day-by-day plan for Dhaka: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.

Day 1

Arrive & Explore the Highlights

Morning
Ramna Park

A large, leafy city park with walking paths, a lake, and plenty of shade. Popular for morning jogs and evening strolls.

🕐 6am-8pm daily

Free entry

💡 Best visited at dawn to see the gazebo and monument in quiet light. Avoid after dark as it gets rowdy.

Hotels near Ramna Park →
Afternoon
Dhaka University Campus

Historic campus with colonial buildings, the Aparajeya Bangla sculpture, and student-driven street art. Free to walk around.

🕐 Open 24 hours, but daylight hours recommended

Free entry

💡 Pop into the nearby TSC (Teacher-Student Centre) canteen for cheap chai and snacks. Watch your step—potholes are common.

Hotels near Dhaka University Campus →
Evening
Where to eat

Kabab Factory · ££

Movenpick Icecream · ££

Day 2

Deeper Into Dhaka

Morning
Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace)

Former residence of the Nawab of Dhaka, now a museum showcasing the city's history. Entry 20 taka for locals, 200 taka for foreigners.

🕐 10am-5pm, closed Thursday

💡 Bring cash—no cards accepted. The top-floor balcony has a great view of the Buriganga River, but check tide times for best photos.

Midday
Lalbagh Fort

An incomplete 17th-century Mughal fort complex with a mosque, tomb, and gardens. Entry is 20 taka for locals, 100 taka for foreigners.

🕐 9am-5pm, closed Sunday

💡 Visit early morning to avoid crowds and heat. The on-site museum is included in the ticket and worth a quick look.

Evening
Dining tonight

NAGASAKI

La Bamba

Day 3

Final Favourites & Departure

Morning
Baldha Garden

A small but well-maintained botanical garden with rare plants and a Victorian greenhouse. Entry 5 taka.

💡 Go on a weekday for near solitude. The orchid collection is impressive for such a tiny space.

Final meal

The Backyard Chef

Jol mukut restaurant

Getting Around Dhaka

Hotel Airport Pickup From 1000-1500 BDT 45 min

Ask reception at booking—the hotel's driver is reliable and knows the back routes. Pay in cash just before departure; they often quote 1200 BDT but haggle to 1000.

BRTC Airport Bus From 20-30 BDT 60 min

Crowded and no luggage racks—fine if you have a backpack. Get off at 'Moghbazar' stop, then walk 5 minutes north on Mouchak Road. The hotel is across from the police box.

Local Rickshaw (CNG/Easy Bike) From 30-60 BDT 15 min

For short hops within Moghbazar, use a shared CNG—less bumpy than cycle rickshaws. From Farmgate, catch a bus to Gulistan or Motijheel. Negotiate fare before boarding; 50 BDT max for this distance.

Ride-sharing (Uber/Pathao) From 500-700 BDT 40 min

Skip airport taxis with fixed rates—book Pathao or Uber from the arrivals area. Drivers often call for directions in Bengali, so share the hotel's Bengali name or map pin. Cash is preferred.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Dhaka?

Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Ramna Park and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.

What is the best time to visit Dhaka?

See our full best time to visit Dhaka guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.

Where should I stay for this itinerary?

A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Hotel Nice Look International, Hotel Sweet Dreams Dhaka, hotel Golden Deer. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.