Is It Safe to Travel to Dhaka, Bangladesh: A Traveler’s Real Experience
People generally question me about travelling to Dhaka, Bangladesh, and I always smile. I have been going to this city for over fifteen years, and every time I have found something new. Dhaka is noisy, vibrant, and hectic—however, it is heartfelt.
The first time I entered Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, it was full of noise and people. But now, it feels like home. Admittedly, Dhaka has its issues—traffic jams, crowds, and even pollution—but I have never felt insecure in terms of safety in Dhaka. You simply require common sense, as in any popular capital.
Travelling in Dhaka Securely.
With time, I have come to know how to avoid stress and navigate Dhaka safely. The best advice? Stay out of the rush hour—Dhaka traffic is enough to drive anyone mad.
In the case of local transportation, it is a savior of rideshare applications in Dhaka, such as Pathao or Uber. They are dependable, traceable, and cheap. The price of a short ride around town is about 150–250 Bangladeshi taka ($1.50–$2.50). There are also local auto-rickshaws called CNGs in Dhaka, and you can take one of those, but in any case, you must negotiate the price.
The question arises once again: is it safe to travel in Dhaka, Bangladesh by using public transport? I’d say yes, mostly. I usually use Dhaka Metro Rail, which is recent, clean, and safe. To the female travelers, I would suggest that they use rideshare vehicles or metro compartments for ladies.
Remaining in Dhaka: Low End and Comfort.
The first place I was staying was in a small guesthouse in an area close to Old Dhaka at a cost of approximately 1,200 taka per night. I like Gulshan or Banani now, as these places are secure and quite comfortable. An average hotel in Dhaka in the middle of the city costs approximately 5,000–8,000 taka ($45–70) per night.
Hostels and Airbnbs in Dhaka are available for as cheap as 2,000 taka (18). Everywhere there is Wi-Fi and breakfast, and the people are extremely helpful. One of the lessons I have acquired is that the hospitality in Dhaka is unsurpassed. At times when I was staying in a small establishment, the employees treated me as family.
Cultural Mannerisms and Domestic Hints.
Even after all these years, I have realized that respect goes a long way in Dhaka culture. Dress lightly—long pants or skirts and covered shoulders are preferred, particularly for women. People appreciate courtesy. Greet with a smile and say Salaam Alaikum.
People have a fondness for chatting at tea stalls in Dhaka or street food stalls. One time, a tea man in Dhanmondi Lake Park told us about how he used to spend his childhood during the monsoon, when the lake overflowed with water. It reminded me that there is warmth and strength under the bustle of the city.
Assuming that you would ask me, is it safe to travel to Dhaka, Bangladesh, alone? — I’d say yes, but stay aware. Carry your valuables with you, do not walk deep into lonely places at night, and trust your judgement.
The Best Attractions in Dhaka.
There is so much to be found in Dhaka tourism when one knows where to find it.
Old Dhaka Adventures
The city of Old Dhaka is mad and beautiful. Explore Lalbagh Fort, which is an incomplete Mughal structure and shines during the sunset. The pink palace on the river Buriganga—don’t overlook Ahsan Manzil. One of the local guides led me down small streets with spice markets, colorful saris, and sweet shops selling rosogolla and mishti doi.
Modern Dhaka Experiences
If you want to go to modern cafes and see art, visit Gulshan or Banani. North End Coffee Roasters is a place where I spent many afternoons writing and meeting locals. Another treasure is the Bangladesh National Museum—I have been there more than ten times, and each visit opens a new chapter of history.
Hidden Local Treasures
Among my favorite secret places is Hatirjheel Lake during the evening. It’s where the city slows down. As people walk along the street, food carts offer spicy fuchka, and lights flicker on the water. It is the Dhaka I like—the calm back of the noise.
Food, Flavors, and Friendly Faces.
Well, there is one reason why I find myself back in Dhaka time and again, and that is the food in Dhaka. It may be street-side biriyani at Star Kabab or a meal at a fine dining restaurant like Prego at The Westin Dhaka; the city never fails.
Order some paratha and bhaji at local tea stalls in the morning—it will cost you 50–80 taka (0.50). A mid-range restaurant lunch is about 500–700 taka (4–6), and at night you can have grilled fish or kebabs costing about 1000–1500 taka (9–13).
And it is also safe to eat street food in Dhaka, but it is important to visit stalls with lots of people and freshly prepared food. I have been having street fuchka every year without a problem.
First-Time Visitors to the Parks: Safety Tips.
Although I never felt unsafe in Dhaka, Bangladesh, there are some details that must not be ignored by travelers:
Carry electronic documents of your passport and identification.
Use purified or bottled water in Dhaka.
Keep out of political rallies or large gatherings.
Always be vigilant in crowded areas such as New Market or Sadarghat.
Respect local customs during Ramadan and prayer times.
Having spent so many years, I can safely claim that Dhaka is not as unsafe as some people believe. Yes, it is hectic and erratic, but that is what makes it interesting.
Why Dhaka Continues to Keep Me Coming Back.
Whenever I am away from Dhaka, I miss its rhythm—all the honking rickshaws, the aroma of spices, and the call to prayer that rings in the night. It is not an ideal city, but it exists.
Then, should you ever ask, is it safe to go to Dhaka, Bangladesh? Well, I have visited it for fifteen years, and I can tell you, it is not only safe but also memorable.
Conclusion
As a result, fifteen years of fieldwork on the subject have allowed me to answer the question, is it safe to travel to Dhaka, Bangladesh with a hearty yes, with understanding and dignity, yes. You might become annoyed by the traffic and the noise in the city, but in the end, you will not regret it as it will open its doors to your warmness, memorable food, and sincere human experiences.
Dhaka is not a sophisticated tourist spot, it is crude, full of energy, and alive. And that is why it is so magical. You can be drinking tea by the side of Hatirjheel Lake, you may be buying your handmade saris at New Market, you may be having a cup of coffee with the locals in a roadside café, but you will always discover that Dhaka is beautiful people.
When you arrive with an open mind and heart, you will have memories that any guidebook will not be able to give you. And you will see, as I do now, that the real answer to is it safe to travel to Dhaka, Bangladesh isn’t concerning safety — it is finding a home in a city.