Gulshan 1 vs Gulshan 2: Which Is Better to Rent In?

Gulshan 1 vs Gulshan 2 comes down to location, amenities, and the building. Gulshan Model Town has two circles, Circle 1 (Gulshan 1) and Circle 2 (Gulshan 2), joined by Gulshan Avenue.

Gulshan 2 has the larger park, and the Westin Dhaka at Circle 2, and Gulshan Avenue police station is listed at Gulshan-2. Gulshan 1 sits nearer Mohakhali and Tejgaon. A hotel at 78 Gulshan Avenue lists the airport as about 8 km and 25 minutes away.

The government allowed commercial use in some parts of Gulshan in 2004, so check each building.

Two flats in the same circle can sit in very different buildings. One may share its block with a business, and another may be fully residential.

That is why "which circle is better" is only half of the question. This blog compares Gulshan 1 vs Gulshan 2 on layout, building use, rent rules, daily life and travel time. Each section names an edge where public sources show one.

FurHouz manages inspected, furnished flats in Gulshan, Banani and Baridhara. You can browse furnished apartments in Gulshan while you read.

How Is Gulshan Laid Out, and What Is the Difference Between Gulshan 1 and Gulshan 2?

Gulshan Model Town has two circles, called Gulshan 1 and Gulshan 2. Gulshan Avenue is its main road, and the planned town dates from 1961. Before that, the land was a rural settlement called Bhola Gram.

The Dhaka Improvement Trust, led by G.A. Madani, chose the site for the model town, according to Wikipedia and a Dhaka Tribune history. The wider Gulshan thana covers 8.85 sq km and had about 110,000 residents in the 2022 census.

Land use is split across the whole thana. About 50% is residential, 20% is commercial, 12% is diplomatic and 18% is other use.

What Do "Gulshan 1", "Gulshan 2", "Circle 1" and "Circle 2" Mean?

"Gulshan 1" and "Circle 1" name the same place. "Gulshan 2" and "Circle 2" do too. Agents use the names loosely, so always confirm the road number.

1. Gulshan 1 or Gulshan Circle 1. This is the southern circle. It sits nearer Mohakhali and Tejgaon. Shahid Dr. Fazle Rabbi Park lies on this side.
2. Gulshan 2 or Gulshan Circle 2. This is the northern circle. It sits nearer Banani and Baridhara. The Westin Dhaka stands here.
3. Gulshan Avenue. This main road is about 5 km long, according to Wikipedia. It connects Banani and Baridhara with Tejgaon and Mohakhali, so it joins both circles.
4. Gulshan Model Town. This is the name of the planned town. The police thana is wider and also covers Niketan.

The Gulshan 1 vs. Gulshan 2 difference shows up in location, parks, shops and the buildings you can rent.

How Do Gulshan 1 and Gulshan 2 Compare at a Glance?

The table below sets the two circles side by side. Each row cites a public source and a date where one is given. The "Edge" column shows which circle leads on that row.

What Should You Check in the Building Itself: Use, Power, Internet and Water?

Check the building before the circle. The government allowed commercial use in some parts of Gulshan in 2004, according to a Dhaka Tribune history.

Two flats in the same circle can therefore sit in a quiet residential block or above a business.

Rajuk charges fees to convert Gulshan plots from residential to commercial use. A 2016 Dhaka Tribune report says this conversion system began in 2004. Ask these questions at every viewing.

1. Building use. Ask what the other floors hold. A bank, clinic or restaurant below brings foot traffic and parking pressure.
2. Power. Ask what the generator covers. Some backups run lights only, and some also run the AC.
3. Internet. Ask which providers reach the building. Run a speed test inside the flat at the hour you usually work.
4. Water. Open every tap and the shower. Ask about the tank size and the pressure on your floor.
5. Lift and parking. Ask whether parking comes with the flat. Ask how the lift performs at peak hours.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent in Gulshan 1 Compared With Gulshan 2, and What Do You Pay Beyond Rent?

Your monthly cost has more parts than rent. Service charge, utilities and advance all add to what you pay. The next two sections cover the rent figures and the rules that apply.

What Are Rents in Each Circle, and Why Do Published Figures Disagree?

Gulshan apartment rent is often quoted per square foot, and published figures differ because of what each one counts. Dhaka Tribune's April 2026 analysis of Manshir listings found BDT 57 per sq ft in Gulshan-1 and BDT 88 in Banani. It also notes that listed rents often exclude service charges and utility bills.

So compare total monthly cost, not rent alone. For example, at BDT 57 per sq ft, a 2,000 sq ft flat comes to about BDT 114,000 a month before service charge and utilities.

For a furnished comparison, FurHouz lists a 2-bedroom flat in nearby Banani at BDT 70,000 to 130,000 a month.

How Much Advance, Deposit, Service Charge and Utilities Should You Expect?

Under new Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) guidelines issued on 20 January 2026, landlords may take one to three months' rent in advance. Rent cannot rise for two years, and a written agreement is required. You can read the details in Prothom Alo and BSS.

The older Premises Rent Control Act 1991 is stricter. Under section 10, a landlord needs the Rent Controller's permission to take more than one month's advance. A landlord also cannot take a separate security payment on top of rent, as The Daily Star explains.

The Dhaka Tribune reported in April 2026 that enforcement of the rent law remains largely absent. So advance rent in Dhaka is still a negotiation, and you should write every term down.

The table shows what to ask about besides rent.

Suppose a flat asks BDT 120,000 rent and BDT 12,000 service charge. Your monthly cost is BDT 132,000 before utilities. If the landlord takes three months' advance on rent, you pay BDT 360,000 upfront.

What Is Daily Life Like in Gulshan 1 and Gulshan 2: Schools, Healthcare, Safety, and Dining?

Both circles have parks, a Unimart supermarket, and clinics. Gulshan 2 has the larger park and the named schools and hospitals in the public sources below. Gulshan 1 has the larger Unimart and the DNCC Market area.

Which Schools and Parks Suit a Family With Young Children?

Both circles work for families with young children. Pick the school first, then find a flat within a short ride of it. Gulshan 2 has the larger park, and it is home to Manarat Dhaka International School and College.

Schools in Gulshan include Manarat Dhaka International School and College at Plot 16, Road 104, Gulshan-2.

Wikipedia also lists American Standard International School, Australian International School, Bangladesh International Tutorial, Academia and Green Dale in the Gulshan area. Check each campus address before you sign.

1. Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park, Gulshan 2. The 9.45-acre park has an outdoor gym, a basketball court, a bookstore, a prayer room and a cafe.
2. Shahid Dr. Fazle Rabbi Park, Gulshan 1. The 6.33-acre park reopened to the public on 1 February 2024.

The edge goes to Gulshan 2 for park size.

Which Hospitals and Clinics Are Near Each Circle?

Hospitals in Gulshan include United Hospital at Plot 15, Road 71, Gulshan-2. It opened in August 2006 beside Gulshan Lake and has 500 beds, according to a university case study. Wikipedia says it took back the name Continental Hospital PLC in 2026.

A German Embassy doctor list also shows a LabAid Gulshan clinic at House 13-A, Road 35, Gulshan-2. Wikipedia lists more clinics in Gulshan Model Town, including Gulshan Mother and Child Clinic, Gulshan Group Clinic and Retina and Eye Center.

The edge goes to Gulshan 2 for a large hospital.

Is Gulshan Safe?

The Daily Star has reported a CCTV network covering major parts of Gulshan, Baridhara, Niketan and Banani, with around 700 cameras installed. Some of those cameras read vehicle number plates at the diplomatic zone's entry and exit points.

The Business Standard reported in September 2024 on robbery and extortion attempts in Gulshan and Banani, including a raid attempt in Gulshan-2.

Residents said police had stopped regular night patrols, and the Gulshan Society restarted its own patrols from 11 pm. So choose a building with a 24-hour guard, CCTV and a gate. Walk the lane after dark before you commit.

How Noisy Is Each Circle, and Where Do You Eat and Shop?

Noise depends on the road, the floor and the building next door. Visit at 6 pm and again on a Friday to hear the real level.

Gulshan 1 has temporary food stalls near Gulshan Lake View and the DNCC Market, reports the Dhaka Tribune (September 2023). Gulshan Avenue holds hotels such as the Westin Dhaka at Circle 2 and Hilton Dhaka in Gulshan 2. Unimart runs a 40,000 sq ft hypermarket in Gulshan 2, opened in 2013, and a 60,000 sq ft flagship in Gulshan 1, opened in 2023.

How Do You Get From Gulshan 1 to Gulshan 2, to the Airport and to Nearby Areas?

Gulshan Avenue links both circles, so the trip is simple. The Gulshan 1 to Gulshan 2 distance runs along this road, which is about 5 km long end to end. Check your exact route in a map app before you leave.

Gulshan 2 sits closer to Banani and Baridhara. Gulshan 1 sits closer to Mohakhali and Tejgaon. The Daily Star reported in 2014 that traffic from Hatirjheel and the Tejgaon-Gulshan Link Road converges at the entry to Gulshan-1 road. Rush hour can turn a short hop into a long one.

How Long Does It Take to Reach Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport From Each Circle?

Gulshan to airport time runs from 19 to 25 minutes in the two published figures below. Both figures cover Gulshan Avenue or Gulshan in general. Rush hour changes the real time far more than the circle does.

1. From Gulshan Avenue. The Renaissance hotel at 78 Gulshan Avenue lists about 8 km and 25 minutes by car.
2. From Gulshan in general. A transfer service quotes 8.8 km and 19 minutes.

Add a generous buffer for evening traffic, and leave early for any international flight.

Gulshan 1 or Gulshan 2: Which Fits You, and When Is Gulshan Not the Right Choice?

So which is better, Gulshan 1 or Gulshan 2? Choose by your daily routes and your building. Living in Gulshan 2 puts you near the larger park, United Hospital and the Westin Dhaka.

Gulshan 1 puts you near the DNCC Market, the larger Unimart and the road to Mohakhali and Tejgaon.

1. Choose Gulshan 1 if your office, school or clinic sits toward Tejgaon or Mohakhali, or you want to live near Gulshan Lake View and the DNCC Market.
2. Choose Gulshan 2 if you want to be near United Hospital, the larger park, the Gulshan Avenue hotels, or Banani and Baridhara.

A 2021 expat post report says most expat families live in Gulshan 1 or 2, and it prefers Gulshan 2 north of the circle.

Gulshan is not the right choice for everyone. If you want more space at a lower rent, look at other FurHouz areas.

1. Banani. FurHouz data puts a furnished 2-bedroom at BDT 70,000 to 130,000 a month. See furnished apartments in Banani.
2. Baridhara. This is the diplomatic zone next to Gulshan. Look at Baridhara listings for furnished options.
3. Bashundhara R/A. FurHouz data puts a furnished 2-bedroom at BDT 55,000 to 90,000 a month, and puts rent 15 to 30 percent below a comparable flat in Gulshan or Baridhara.

Moving a team to Dhaka? The corporate housing program covers bulk and executive stays.

How Do You Shortlist and View an Apartment in Gulshan?

Shortlist three flats, then view them at different times of day. Fix your budget first, including service charge and advance. Then use the same checklist at every viewing.

1. Set a total budget. Add rent, service charge, utilities and the advance you can pay upfront.
2. Pick two or three roads. Choose roads near your school, office or hospital, not just a circle.
3. Ask the building questions. Cover use, power, internet, water, lift and parking.
4. View twice. Go once by day and once after dark. Test the AC on generator power, the water pressure and the internet speed.
5. Get it in writing. The DNCC guideline asks for a written agreement that states rent, rent rises, advance and the move-out time. Ask for rent receipts too.

Browse current listings to compare flats side by side. The FurHouz FAQ covers lease and booking questions, and you can message the team any time to book a viewing. For a higher amenity tier, see the luxury apartment collection.

Final Thoughts

Choose the building first and the circle second. Gulshan 2 has the larger park and the large hospital.

Gulshan 1 has the larger Unimart and the shorter road toward Tejgaon. View two or three flats, check the building, and get every term in writing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gulshan 1 vs Gulshan 2

Which Gulshan Area Is Better for Families With Young Children?

Both circles work. Gulshan 2 has Manarat Dhaka International School and College on Road 104 and the 9.45-acre Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park. Gulshan 1 has the 6.33-acre Shahid Dr. Fazle Rabbi Park. Choose your school first, then find a flat within a short ride of it.

Is Gulshan 1 Cheaper Than Gulshan 2?

Gulshan 1 is 15% to 25% cheaper than Gulshan 2 in both residential property values and monthly rental rates. Gulshan 2 commands a higher premium because it houses Dhaka's diplomatic enclave, foreign embassies, five-star hotels, and multinational headquarters, which drives stricter security zones and superior civic infrastructure. Consequently, Gulshan 1 serves as a slightly more affordable commercial and residential alternative, while Gulshan 2 remains the city's most expensive neighborhood per square foot.

How Do I Get From Gulshan 1 to Gulshan 2?

To get from Gulshan 1 to Gulshan 2, travel 1.6 kilometers straight north along Gulshan Avenue, a direct route that typically takes 8 to 15 minutes by car, rickshaw, or ride-sharing service depending on traffic congestion. The most common transit methods are local rickshaws for short hops, CNG auto-rickshaws or ride-hailing apps (like Pathao or Uber) for standard travel, or the dedicated "Gulshan Chaka" air-conditioned bus service that loops continuously between the two circles. For commuters looking to avoid vehicular traffic gridlocks entirely, walking north along the Gulshan Avenue footpath or using a bicycle takes roughly 20 to 25 minutes.

Which Is Closer to the Airport?

Gulshan 2 is 1.5 to 2 kilometers closer to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport than Gulshan 1, making it the geographically closer neighborhood. Coming from the airport via the Dhaka Elevated Expressway or the N3 highway, drivers reach Gulshan 2 first at a distance of roughly 8 to 9.5 kilometers. Gulshan 1 sits further south down Gulshan Avenue, extending the total driving distance to 10 to 11 kilometers. While Gulshan 2 has a shorter physical route, severe traffic bottlenecks along Gulshan Avenue and Kemal Ataturk Avenue mean actual travel times during peak hours can range anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour for both locations.

What Extra Costs Should I Expect When Renting in Gulshan?

Expect a service charge, utility bills and an advance. The DNCC guideline of January 2026 allows one to three months' advance. Ask what the service charge covers, and ask for the total monthly cost.

Is Gulshan 1 or Gulshan 2 Better for Expats?

A 2021 expat post report says most expat families live in Gulshan 1 or 2, and it prefers Gulshan 2 north of the circle. Check your commute, school and building before you choose.