What are the safest areas to stay in Dhaka?

The safest neighbourhoods for tourists in Dhaka include Gulshan, Banani, Dhanmondi. These areas are popular with visitors and well-regarded for safety.

What scams should you watch for in Dhaka?

Common scams in Dhaka: Overcharging by rickshaw/auto-rickshaw drivers (insist on meter or agree price beforehand).. Fake guides or touts offering unsolicited help.. Pickpocketing in crowded markets and on public transport..

Areas to Avoid in Dhaka

Q: What areas should you avoid in Dhaka?

Old Dhaka (Puran Dhaka) outskirts, particularly slum areas: While historic Old Dhaka has charm, its poorer peripheral areas can be unsafe and lack tourist infrastructure, posing risks of petty crime and unsanitary conditions.. Isolated industrial zones: These areas are not tourist-friendly, often have poor road conditions, and can be unsafe due to lack of public presence and security.

Q: Is Dhaka safe for tourists?

Dhaka is rated as "exercise caution" for tourists. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in less crowded areas. Stick to well-lit, busy streets and avoid displaying valuables. Some areas can become deserted and feel unsafe after dark.

Bangladesh

|⚠️ Caution

Honest 2026 safety guide for travellers visiting Dhaka. Which areas need extra caution, common scams to watch for, and safe neighbourhoods to stay instead.

Last updated: March 2026

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Skip the risky areas. Compare hotels in safe neighbourhoods on Expedia.

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Dhaka is generally Use Caution

2 areas to be aware of · Best areas to stay: Gulshan, Banani, Dhanmondi

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Quick tip: Most tourist areas in Dhaka are safe. This guide covers areas locals recommend avoiding.

Areas That Need Extra Caution

These areas are not necessarily dangerous, but travellers should be more aware

Old Dhaka (Puran Dhaka) outskirts, particularly slum areas

While historic Old Dhaka has charm, its poorer peripheral areas can be unsafe and lack tourist infrastructure, posing risks of petty crime and unsanitary conditions.

🛡️ Stay here instead: Gulshan

An upscale, diplomatic enclave with modern amenities and international flair.

Isolated industrial zones

These areas are not tourist-friendly, often have poor road conditions, and can be unsafe due to lack of public presence and security.

🛡️ Stay here instead: Banani

A vibrant and trendy residential area popular with younger crowds and expats.

Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Dhaka

Now you know which areas to avoid, here are the best guided experiences to explore the city with confidence.

Guided walking tour through a European city

Dhaka Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Discover Dhaka on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.

View Tour Details

Dhaka Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites

Eat your way through Dhaka with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.

View Tour Details

Best of Dhaka: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions

Skip the queues and get straight into Dhaka's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.

View Tour Details

Day Trip from Dhaka: Scenic Excursion

Escape Dhaka for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

View Tour Details

Local cultural experience and traditions

Dhaka Cultural Experience: History & Traditions

Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Dhaka's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.

View Tour Details

View all tours in Dhaka

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Stay Safe, Explore Confidently

Book a hotel in a safe neighbourhood or join a guided tour in Dhaka

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Stay in a safe neighbourhood

Compare hotels in Dhaka on Expedia

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Book a guided tour

Explore Dhaka safely with a local guide

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Book a Hotel in a Safe Neighbourhood

These areas are recommended by locals and popular with travellers

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Gulshan

An upscale, diplomatic enclave with modern amenities and international flair.

Generally safe during the day with good security in commercial areas; nighttime can be quieter but common sense precautions are advised.

🛡️

Banani

A vibrant and trendy residential area popular with younger crowds and expats.

Generally safe in busy areas and restaurants; exercise standard precautions at night, especially regarding petty theft.

View All Safe Neighbourhoods

General Safety Tips for Dhaka

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At Night

Be aware of your surroundings, especially in less crowded areas. Stick to well-lit, busy streets and avoid displaying valuables. Some areas can become deserted and feel unsafe after dark.

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Solo Female Travel

Exercise a high degree of caution. Dress conservatively to avoid unwanted attention. Stick to reputable transport like ride-sharing apps, and avoid traveling alone at night in less populated areas.

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Emergency Number

999

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Stay Connected

Save your accommodation address and emergency contacts on your phone. Download offline maps before exploring.

Common Scams to Watch For in Dhaka

1Overcharging by rickshaw/auto-rickshaw drivers (insist on meter or agree price beforehand).
2Fake guides or touts offering unsolicited help.
3Pickpocketing in crowded markets and on public transport.

🛡️

Travel Insurance for Dhaka

SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.

Get covered

Safe Neighborhoods to Stay Instead

These areas are popular with travellers and rated well for safety

🛡️

Gulshan

An upscale, diplomatic enclave with modern amenities and international flair.

Generally safe during the day with good security in commercial areas; nighttime can be quieter but common sense precautions are advised.

first-timersluxurycouples

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Banani

A vibrant and trendy residential area popular with younger crowds and expats.

Generally safe in busy areas and restaurants; exercise standard precautions at night, especially regarding petty theft.

nightlifefoodiessolo travelers

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Dhanmondi

A large, leafy residential area known for its lakes, cultural institutions, and educational centers.

Relatively safe, especially in residential pockets and near parks during the day; be aware of crowds and pickpockets near markets.

familiesculturebudget

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Motijheel

The bustling commercial and financial heart of Dhaka, characterized by high-rise buildings and constant activity.

Safe during business hours due to high activity; exercise extreme caution at night as it becomes deserted and less secure.

digital nomadsbudgetculture

Safety in Dhaka

Exercise caution

CautionModerateSafeVery Safe

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Solo Female Travel

Exercise a high degree of caution. Dress conservatively to avoid unwanted attention. Stick to reputable transport like ride-sharing apps, and avoid traveling alone at night in less populated areas.

🌙

At Night

Be aware of your surroundings, especially in less crowded areas. Stick to well-lit, busy streets and avoid displaying valuables. Some areas can become deserted and feel unsafe after dark.

🚨

Emergency

999

Common Scams to Watch For

1Overcharging by rickshaw/auto-rickshaw drivers (insist on meter or agree price beforehand).
2Fake guides or touts offering unsolicited help.
3Pickpocketing in crowded markets and on public transport.

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