Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, is a shopper’s paradise! But with so many options, where do you even begin? Dhaka has everything from high-end malls boasting international brands to traditional marketplaces overflowing with local treasures. Choosing where to spend your hard-earned take can feel overwhelming, right? Well, fret no more! We’ve curated a definitive list of the Top 10 shopping malls and marketplaces in Dhaka City.
This isn’t just a list it’s your ultimate guide, complete with insider tips, pros and cons, and everything you need to make the perfect shopping decision. Whether you’re a local looking for the best deals or a tourist wanting to experience the authentic Dhaka shopping scene, this guide is for you. Let’s dive in!
1. Bashundhara City Shopping Complex: The Colossus of Dhaka
Overview of Bashundhara City: Imagine a city within a city. That’s Bashundhara City Shopping Complex. This behemoth of a mall in Panthapath is one of Dhaka’s largest shopping malls, arguably the most famous. Boasting eight floors of retail space, it houses hundreds of stores, ranging from local boutiques to international brands. The atmosphere is vibrant and energetic, often buzzing with shoppers of all ages.
Advantages: Bashundhara City truly offers a diverse shopping experience. You’ll find various stores catering to different tastes and budgets. Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion, electronics, home décor, or everyday essentials, Bashundhara City likely has it.
The food court provides many dining options, from fast food to international cuisine, making it a great place to refuel after a long shopping spree. The entertainment facilities, including a state-of-the-art cinema, offer a welcome break from retail therapy. Road accessibility is generally good, although traffic can be a major issue. Major bus routes pass by the area, and ride-sharing services are readily available. Several hospitals and educational institutions are also in the surrounding area, making it a convenient location for many.
Disadvantages: The sheer size of Bashundhara City can be overwhelming. It’s easy to get lost, especially during peak hours. Expect large crowds, especially on weekends and holidays. Prices are higher than other shopping options in Dhaka, especially for international brands. Traffic congestion around the Panthapath area is a notorious problem, so plan your trip accordingly. Parking can also be a challenge, particularly on busy days.
Access to Bashundhara City using a Metro Rail is currently not available. However, the proposed route alignment of MRT Line-5 South will be passing near the project site, which should improve the connectivity once the route is implemented. The accessibility to the railway station from Bashundhara City is significantly far away.
Types of products and services available: Fashion apparel, footwear, electronics, home appliances, cosmetics, jewellery, books, toys, groceries, restaurants, cinema, and entertainment arcades.
Target audience and typical visitor profile: A broad range of shoppers, including families, students, young professionals, and tourists. Caters to both budget-conscious and luxury shoppers.
2. Jamuna Future Park: Dhaka’s Entertainment Hub
Overview of Jamuna Future Park: Having been managed in the Kuril area, one of the biggest shopping complexes- the Jamuna future park- has various shopping centres and an amusement zone. As the popular products are offered, the place boasts of theme parks having hundreds of stores, movie theatres, and also a huge food court. The entire shopping mall in Dhaka is a conceptualized place of enjoyment and excitement for the whole family.
Advantages: Jamuna Future Park is the go-to spot for those who intend to buy anything from a dress to a cell phone. The high point of the mall is, without a doubt, the entertainment park, with rides and entertainment for both kids and adults. The movie theatre is furnished with the latest technology, is cosy, and has a wide selection. Unquestionably, an immense variety of tasty delicacies can be found in the spacious food court designed for people with various culinary preferences.
One of the biggest advantages of the mall is the convent parking spot compared to the other ones in the area. Modern and organized shopping facilities are offered here in relative comfort. The road accessibility to Jamuna Future Park is pretty good. It is located near the Kuril Flyover, an easy shortcut to a few places across the city. The local transportation sector is well-established, with several buses and ride-sharing services that are convenient for their running. Nearby the mall, Kurmitola General Hospital is the nearest hospital to Jamuna Future Park. Several well-known and esteemed educational institutions can be found around.
Disadvantages: Jamuna Future Park can be expensive, especially if you plan to enjoy the entertainment facilities. Its location in Kuril is a bit far from central Dhaka, which can be inconvenient for some. Traffic during peak hours can be heavy, especially on the way back from the mall. The nearest Dhaka Metro Rail station from Jamuna Future Park is the airport station, which is around 3 to 4 kilometres away; the railway station from Jamuna Future Park is significantly far away.
Comparison to Bashundhara City: While both are large shopping malls in Dhaka, Jamuna Future Park places a greater emphasis on entertainment, making it a better choice for families with children. Bashundhara City offers a wider variety of high-end brands.
Specific highlights or unique features: The theme park, cinema halls, and the sheer size of the complex. It also has an ice skating rink!
3. New Market: A Treasure Trove of Tradition
Overview of New Market: Stepping into New Market is like stepping back in time. This historic Dhaka marketplace is a sprawling maze of shops and stalls, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich trading history. Established during the British colonial era, New Market is a landmark and a vital part of Dhaka’s cultural heritage.
Advantages: New Market is extremely famous for its very low prices. Here are different traditional clothing, textiles, handicrafts, and low-cost household items. The shopping experience is exclusive and immersive, allowing you to interact with local vendors and improve your bargaining skills. It’s very convenient for most people to get there by public transportation, with many buses and rickshaw routes running throughout the area. It has fine road connections with the neighbouring regions.
Disadvantages: New Market is always jam-packed with shoppers during festivals and holidays, so you should be ready for the hordes! It is VERY difficult to get a parking space, so make sure you use public transportation or some ride-sharing service instead. Bargaining is necessary, so be ready to haggle with sellers to grab the best deal. Products’ texture differs, so careful examination of them is a must before purchase. The place is not near a college but rather far and somewhat tricky. On the Dhaka metro rail and the railway station, you can find everything to shop for, but the New Market cannot be seen; it is somewhat far away from these locations.
Tips for navigating the New Market: Put on a comfortable pair of shoes, take enough small currency notes, and be prepared to bargain. Trust your instincts and be vigilant about your belongings.
Best times to visit for a better experience: Giving preference to weekdays for visiting since weekends are always full. Also, avoid big festivals and holidays at all costs if you are not a fan of crowds.
4. Eastern Plaza: Electronics and More
Overview of Eastern Plaza: If you’re looking for electronics, Eastern Plaza is the place to be. This Dhaka shopping centre is a hub for electronics retailers, offering a wide range of computers, mobile phones, cameras, and other gadgets.
Advantages: Eastern Plaza is a reputable source of electronics, with many established retailers offering competitive pricing. Its centralized location in Hatirpool makes it easily accessible from different parts of the city.
Disadvantages: The sheer number of similar shops can be overwhelming. It is important to compare prices and check the authenticity of products before making a purchase. Parking is limited, especially during peak hours. It’s not near schools, colleges, hospitals, metro rail stations or the railway station. However, it is road accessible.
Tips for buying electronics at Eastern Plaza: Do your research beforehand, compare prices from different shops, and ask for warranties and after-sales service.
Comparison with other electronics markets in Dhaka: While there are other electronics markets in Dhaka, Eastern Plaza is known for its concentration of established retailers and its relatively organized layout.
5. Mouchak Market: A Local Favorite
Overview of Mouchak Market: Located in Malibagh, Mouchak Market offers a more relaxed shopping experience than larger malls. It’s a popular choice among locals looking for everyday items and clothing.
Advantages: Mouchak Market offers affordable options and a good selection of everyday items and clothing. The atmosphere is less hectic and more relaxed than in the larger malls. It has a strong local presence, with many small businesses and vendors catering to the surrounding community. It has good road connectivity with adjacent areas.
Disadvantages: The brand variety is limited compared to the malls. Parking can be challenging. The environment is less formal and modern than the malls. It’s not near schools, colleges, hospitals, or the Dhaka metro rail or railway station.
What makes Mouchak Market unique? It’s local charm and relaxed atmosphere.
Target audience and local appeal: Residents of the surrounding area looking for affordable everyday items.
6. Dhaka New Super Market: Budget-Friendly Finds
Overview of Dhaka New Super Market: Situated near New Market, Dhaka New Super Market is another excellent choice for budget-conscious shoppers. It specializes in textiles, garments, and household goods.
Advantages: Dhaka New Supermarket offers incredibly affordable prices. It has many products, including textiles, garments, and household goods. Its location near New Market makes it easily accessible by public transport. It has good road connectivity with adjacent areas.
Disadvantages: Like New Market, it can be very crowded and chaotic. Parking is limited. Bargaining is essential. The quality of goods can vary. It’s not near schools, colleges, hospitals, or the Dhaka metro rail or railway station.
7. Shimanto Square: Modern Shopping with a Touch of Serenity
Overview of Shimanto Square: This cool place, Shimanto Square, located in Dhanmondi, allows you to have a contemporary shopping experience with just a little bit of peace and quiet. The shopping centre is set up very neatly and has all the popular stores buyers seek.
Advantages: As it is clean and well-organized, I find it an easy place to navigate. You can find stores that sell clothes, appliances, and household items. The mall has new facilities and plenty of parking spaces. It is located on city roads which connect with other parts of town.
Disadvantages: Sometimes the prices can be a bit high. It is quite far from Dhaka’s central city, which is challenging for some. Public transportation is not very convenient. As an educational, daily or health facility, it may be located not very far away from where one is living, but it is also not so close to having the convenience of reaching it. The Shimanto Square is not near the Dhaka metro rail station, and the railway station is not nearby.
8. Polwel Carnation Shopping Center: A Hub for Fashion
Overview of Polwel Carnation Shopping Center: This shopping centre, located in Uttara, is a hub for fashion, offering a wide variety of clothing, accessories, and footwear.
Advantages: Polwel Carnation Shopping Center offers a diverse selection of fashion apparel. It caters to different styles and budgets. It has a good location in Uttara, making it accessible to residents. It has good road connectivity with adjacent regions.
Disadvantages: The prices may be slightly high. It is out of relative proximity to the central Dhaka area. The means of public transport are less flexible. The surrounding area is home to schools, colleges, and hospitals, but it is inaccessible and might make you go around before you get there. Though it is not close to the Dhaka metro rail or the railway station, the area is safe and quiet for those who live there.
9. Rafi Tower Shopping Complex: A Blend of Style and Value
Overview of Rafi Tower Shopping Complex: Rafi Tower is a mall in Mohammadpur that offers customers a combination of fashion and discount, and the brands vary.
Advantages: Rafi Tower Shopping Complex has a stylish collection of products. It offers reasonable prices. It has great parking facilities. It has good road connectivity with adjacent areas.
Disadvantages: The brand variety is somewhat limited compared to the larger malls. Fewer dining options are available. It can get crowded during peak hours. It’s not near schools, colleges, hospitals, or the Dhaka metro rail or railway station.
10. Metro Shopping Mall: Convenience and Variety Combined
Overview of Metro Shopping Mall: Situated in Mirpur, Metro Shopping Mall combines convenience and variety, offering a wide capacity of products at affordable prices.
Advantages: Metro Shopping Mall has a central location in Mirpur. It offers affordable prices. It has many products, including textiles, garments, and household goods. It has good road connectivity with adjacent areas.
Disadvantages: Like New Market, it can be very crowded and chaotic. Parking is limited. Bargaining is essential. The quality of goods can vary. It’s not near schools, colleges, hospitals, or the Dhaka metro rail or railway station.
Conclusion:
So there you have it – your comprehensive guide to the Top 10 shopping malls and marketplaces in Dhaka City! From the mega-malls offering a world of options to the bustling traditional markets where you can haggle for unique finds, Dhaka truly has something for every shopper. We’ve weighed the advantages and disadvantages to help you make informed choices.
Remember to consider location, accessibility, price range, and atmosphere when choosing your shopping destination, whether you are looking for the perfect lehenga for the next wedding you attend, shopping for home décor, or perhaps shopping for high-end electronics. From Bashundhara City to the lanes of New Market and even to Eastern Plaza, you are sure you will find the perfect purchase. Now, get out there and explore Dhaka’s vibrant shopping scene! Happy shopping, and don’t forget to share your favourite finds in the comments below! Let us know which shopping mall in Dhaka is your favourite! Remember to keep Dhaka Shopping fun and always negotiate the best deal.
