Things To Do
in Dakar
Dakar, the capital and largest city of Senegal, is situated on the Cap-Vert Peninsula on the Atlantic coast, offering stunning ocean views and beaches. It is a vibrant cultural hub known for its lively markets, rich musical scene, and the Dakar Biennale, an international arts festival.
Dakar also serves as a gateway to Gorée Island, a symbol of the Atlantic slave trade and a UNESCO World Heritage site, underscoring the city's deep historical and cultural significance.
- "Nanga def?" - How are you?
- "Jamm rekk" - Peace only
- "Mbaam sa yaram" - Have a good day
- "Tawfeek" - Good luck
- "Damaa la ngi manage" - I am with you
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the African Renaissance Monument, the tallest statue in Africa, which offers stunning views of Dakar. Spend some time strolling through the nearby Park of the African Renaissance.
Head to the Village des Arts, where you can explore local artists' studios and purchase unique artwork. Enjoy lunch at a local eatery before visiting the Musée Théodore Monod d'Art Africain to dive deeper into Senegalese art.
Wrap up your day with a dinner at a seaside restaurant, indulging in fresh seafood. Take a stroll along the Corniche for beautiful sunset views.
Catch a ferry from Dakar to Gorée Island, a historic site and UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend your morning exploring the island's colonial architecture and the House of Slaves.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the island's charming cafes followed by a visit to the historical museums. Don't miss the scenic beaches for some sunbathing.
Return to Dakar and dine at a restaurant offering local cuisine. Enjoy the live music scene at one of the city's vibrant bars.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant culture and rich history, with a mix of African, French, and other influences.
- Beautiful coastal scenery and beaches, perfect for relaxation and water sports.
- Active music and arts scene, including popular genres like mbalax and plenty of festivals.
- Diverse cuisine with fresh seafood, local dishes, and a variety of international options.
- Relatively stable political environment compared to other regions in West Africa.
- Traffic congestion can be significant, leading to longer travel times.
- Hygiene and sanitation issues in some areas, which may affect living conditions.
- Higher cost of living compared to other cities in Senegal.
- Limited access to quality healthcare and education in some neighborhoods.
- Climate can be extremely hot, especially during the dry season, which can be uncomfortable.
Best Activities in Dakar
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit this historic island with museums and a picturesque coastline.
Explore this small island known for its beaches, surfing, and local restaurants.
Enjoy a stroll along the scenic coastal road, with beautiful views of the ocean and city skyline.
Take a trip to the pink lake for unique photo opportunities and the chance to see salt harvesting activities.
Try out surfing at one of the popular beaches in Dakar, known for its waves and vibrant beach culture.
Tours
Uncover the best of Dakar with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Dakar
Visit one of these nice places.
Located on a hill providing panoramic views of the city and coastline.
Offers stunning views of the ocean and city skyline, picturesque beaches, and colorful fishing boats.
Provides a vantage point to capture the cityscape and coastline, as well as the monument itself.
Food in Dakar
Dakar Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular Senegalese dish made with fish, rice, and tomato sauce, often accompanied by vegetables like carrots, cassava, and cabbage.
Must-Try!
Grilled chicken marinated in a tangy sauce made of onions, lemon juice, and mustard, served with rice or couscous.
A hearty peanut stew usually made with lamb or beef, served with rice.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Dakar better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located in the heart of Dakar, this vibrant market offers a wide array of fresh produce, spices, and street food stalls selling local delicacies like grilled fish, lamb skewers, and accara (black-eyed pea fritters).
A bustling fish market where visitors can experience the daily catch being auctioned off and enjoy freshly prepared seafood dishes from nearby food stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Dakar, it is important to greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. Using titles such as 'Mr.' or 'Mrs.' followed by the person's last name is also a sign of respect.
Wearing traditional Senegalese attire is appreciated on formal occasions and demonstrates an understanding and respect for local culture. For men, a boubou or grand boubou is a common traditional outfit, while women often wear colorful boubous or kaftans.
Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country, and it is important to show respect for the religion. This includes dressing modestly when visiting religious sites and refraining from public displays of affection.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Dakar with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Dakar
Ensure a smooth experience
In Dakar, Senegal, tipping is not always expected, but it is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a 10% tip may be given if a service charge is not included in the bill. For other services, such as taxi rides or hotel staff assistance, a small tip is also appreciated as a gesture of gratitude.
Cash is the primary form of payment in Dakar, Senegal. Credit cards may be accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but it's always advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in the city for withdrawing local currency, and it's important to notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Dakar.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit with pleasant weather, minimal rainfall, and opportunities for outdoor activities.
Higher humidity and precipitation, with lush landscapes but potential for heavy rainfall and storms.
Dakar at Night
Hiking in Dakar
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A national park located north of Dakar, offering scenic views and diverse wildlife along the coast and the river.
A beautiful area in Dakar known for its cliffs and stunning ocean views, perfect for hiking and exploring coastal trails.
While a bit farther from Dakar, this region has beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, and hills for hiking enthusiasts.
Famous for its pink waters, this area offers walking trails around the lake and the chance to see unique salt harvesting activities.
Located outside of Dakar, this area provides various trails and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Dakar through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Dakar by plane.
The main international airport serving Dakar, located about 11 km east of the city center.
Located about 43 km east of Dakar, this is a new international airport that opened in 2017.
Located in Banjul, Gambia, approximately 185 km southwest of Dakar.
Serving the southern region of Senegal, located about 500 km from Dakar.
Located in Nouakchott, Mauritania, approximately 450 km northeast of Dakar.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Dakar, known for their rich cultural heritage and influence in Senegalese politics and society.
A significant ethnic group in Dakar, primarily involved in agriculture and trade.
An important ethnic group known for their historical significance and distinct cultural practices.
A coastal ethnic group primarily associated with fishing and maritime activities in Dakar.
An ethnic group with a presence in Dakar, traditionally known for their farming and trade.
An ethnic group primarily found along the Senegal River with some representation in urban areas including Dakar.
Dakar is home to various mixed ethnicities, reflecting its diverse population with intermarriages and migrations.
The Soul of Dakar
Discover the essence of Dakar through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Dakar and Senegal as a whole, with a passionate fan base and various local clubs and national competitions.
Basketball has gained significant popularity in Dakar, with many youth participating in local leagues and the national team performing well in international competitions.
Traditional Senegalese wrestling, known as 'Lutte,' is a deeply-rooted cultural sport, attracting large audiences and celebrated for its spectacular events.
Athletics, including running and field events, is popular among both professionals and amateurs, with local events and competitions drawing participation.
Cycling is a growing sport in Dakar, with various events organized to promote fitness and competition among cyclists.
Rugby has seen growth in popularity in recent years, with clubs forming and the national team representing Senegal in international matches.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Dakar.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Senegalese cuisine heavily features meat and fish, many restaurants in Dakar offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, especially in more cosmopolitan areas. Look for options like yassa tofu, plantain curry, or vegetable mafe.
Senegalese cuisine relies on grains like millet and rice, making it relatively easy to find gluten-free dishes. However, it's advisable to communicate dietary restrictions clearly when dining out, and opt for naturally gluten-free dishes like grilled fish, rice-based dishes, and fresh fruit.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Dakar with these cultural adventures.
