Say Champs-Élysées and immediately you imagine Paris; the cafes, designer labels, horse chestnut trees all make it a defining road lending to the charm of Paris.
Dhaka may not have a Fifth Avenue or an Oxford Street but given its multi-cultural history Dhaka boasts of quite a few streets that capture the essence of this fast flourishing metropolis.
Lake Road
Starting with one of the more peaceful roads in this bustling hub, there is the Lake Road starting from Mirpur Road on the north and ending at Bijoy Sharani in the other. A large strip of road, it starts with the Gana Bhaban (residence of the prime minister), giving way to Crescent Lake (also known as Zia Uddan),  a large sprawling expanse of greenery with a lake at the front, this place provides a much needed respite from the constant hubbub of the city.
While the crescent lake adorns one side of the road, the other boasts of a view to the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban or National Parliament building.  
A cycle ride or a walk through the Lake Road can prove immensely relaxing all the while providing glimpses of one of the most magnificent architectural delights of the 20th century, the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
Bailey Road
To describe Dhaka and not to mention Bailey Road would be a grave crime. Originally named after Sir Steuart Colvin Bayley, the Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal from 1879 through to 1882, it has been renamed Natok Sarani in light of its contribution to the performing arts and runs through Shantinagar, connecting the Kakrail-Ramna Road with the Siddheshwari junction.
An iconic street as it is, it has emerged as quite the destination for shoppers, food-lovers and anyone looking for a good hang-out. Two distinct roads make up this street: the New Bailey Road and Bailey Road.
Start the tour with Bailey Road, which is picturesque and houses many eminent dignitaries in the state guest houses, Officer's Club and the foreign services academy, which then gives way to the new Bailey Road via S. Captain Mansur Ali Sarani.
The New Bailey Road is a complete contrast, full of chaos and uproar; it is truly a slice of Dhaka packed into one road. Shop all day at the major boutiques, buy a sari at the Tangali Sharee Kutir and Jamdani Sari Kutir or go for the local brand stores such as Artisti, Fit Elegance and Ecstasy among others.
After the busy evening shopping and working up your appetite head over to the numerous cafes, fast food outlets both local and international such as Bailey Garden Restaurant, Bamboo Castle, Oasis, Shumee's Hot Cake, Euro Hut, Golpea Burger, Golden Food, Boomers, Al-Baik, Helvetia, Sub-zero, Mama Piaju along with Pizza Hut and KFC among the bigger names.
Bailey Road is one street that encompasses the true essence of Dhaka: chaos, food and loads of noise.
Hare Road
If you are looking to spending a quiet evening in Dhaka, then a stroll on Hare Road will be perfect for you. A right turn from the roundabout from the Rupashi Bangla Hotel road will land you in Hare Road with the straight road branching off to Minto Road.  
This spacious road is largely empty and devoid of the usual city traffic as this a high security zone. State guest houses and the official residence of the Chief Justice lay on one side of the road, while the other side is a pictorial view of Ramna Park, with large trees shading the road this is a soothing view to the eye after the sore sight of endless traffic.
Lush green and temperature slightly cooler than the rest of the city, this road is a glimpse of Dhaka in colonial times -- large residences, sprawling greens and what is the calmer side of an otherwise busy city: Hare road.
Banani Road #11
A new face of Dhaka emerges on this road. This is an elite Dhaka, full of fashion houses such as Nogordola, Jatra, Kaykraft, Soul Dance, Urban Truth and many other famous local brands. Just off the Banani Bridge starts the Banani Road #11, the cool soothing breeze of the lake should satiate your appetite for both food and shopping and some good old Bengali adda because this is the place where you will get it all.
Craving some Bengali dishes, head over to Oh! Calcutta, if it is Indian your heart desires go to Sajna. If you are not looking for a full meal, then there are many cafes providing excellent coffee, cupcakes, and cookies to gratify your need.
Here is a newfangled Dhaka arising, dominated by fashionistas and foodies, this road promises good times and with Free Wi-Fi all through the street remain connected while sipping that coffee in a quaint little café.