The posh diplomatic zones of Dhaka, Banani and Gulshan provide luxurious accommodation, world cuisines and green retreats to the travelers with exclusivity in the midst of the urban congestion. Gulshan-1 has cafes on Lake Road, luxurious boutiques along Road 11, and the Gulshan Club, which is a good place to be when an expat feels like Manhattan with security check-ups. Banani is glittering with Airport Road nearby, low-cost luxury hotels such as Amari, and colourful street food at DOHS- all the best bets of business travels around Hazrat Shahjalal Airport. They both have 5-star restaurants (Thai, Italian), rooftop bars, and diplomatic clubs, but Gulshan is better at night time and Banani is better in airport road trip. Uber/Careem rides will be around Tk200-500; accommodation in 4-5 star hotels will cost at least $100/night.
Gulshan Highlights
Lake Park of Gulshan-1 is a location of jogging, food trucks; on the skylines of Road 11, one can find The Westin, Fire Lake grills. The embassy area is safe, luxurious, international schools in the neighbourhood, ideal for evening strolls.
Banani Advantages
Airport Road hotels like Pan Pacific Sonargaon; DOHS markets buzz with phuchka stalls, bakeries. Quieter vibe, cheaper rentals—suits transit travelers avoiding traffic to Shahjalal.
Dining Scene Comparison
Gulshan dominates fine dining—Nawab, Spice Market fusion; Banani offers casual Global Indian House, Banani Club buffets. Both halal-heavy, rooftop views; Gulshan pricier.
FAQs
- Gulshan vs Banani for first-time visitors?
Gulshan for luxury shopping, nightlife; Banani for airport convenience, local food—both safe gated areas. - Best hotels in Gulshan?
The Westin Dhaka, Le Méridien—$150+/night rooftops, pools. Business traveler favorites. - Banani markets and eats?
DOHS Block B phuchka, Banani Bidhaba Bazar fresh produce. Global House curries Tk800/plate. - Getting around Dhaka neighborhoods?
Uber/Careem Tk200-400; rickshaws Gulshan lakeside. Avoid peak traffic 5-8 pm. - Safety in exclusive areas?
High—24/7 security, police posts. Women-friendly, but modest dress recommended.
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