Things To Do
in Pikine
Pikine is a densely populated suburb and commune in the Dakar region east of central Dakar, known for its lively neighbourhoods, bustling markets and strong community life. It developed rapidly in the second half of the 20th century and serves as a working-class residential and commercial hub for Greater Dakar. The area is a cultural mix dominated by Wolof-speaking communities with rich street life, artisanal workshops and local food scenes.
While lacking major tourist infrastructure, Pikine offers authentic everyday Senegalese urban experiences and easy access to nearby natural attractions like Lac Rose and coastal areas.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey in the vibrant heart of Pikine, where you can stroll through the bustling streets filled with local vendors. Visit the historic Mosque of Pikine, an architectural gem that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the area. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a nearby café, sampling local delicacies like 'mburu' and fresh fruit.
After lunch, head to the Pikine Market, a lively hub where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and shop for handcrafted goods. Take time to interact with local artisans, learning about their crafts and the stories behind their creations. As the afternoon wanes, consider visiting the nearby art galleries that showcase the works of local artists.
As the sun sets, find a local eatery to enjoy a dinner of Senegalese specialties like 'yassa' or 'thieboudienne'. Experience the vibrant nightlife by exploring local music venues where traditional Senegalese music fills the air. Cap off your evening with a leisurely stroll through the streets, enjoying the lively atmosphere and the sounds of laughter and chatter.
Begin your day with a visit to a traditional textile workshop, where you can see artisans at work creating beautiful fabrics. Participate in a hands-on workshop to learn the art of tie-dye, a popular craft in Senegal. Enjoy a light breakfast of fresh pastries and tea, sharing stories with local artisans as you create your own piece.
In the afternoon, join a cooking class that focuses on traditional Senegalese cuisine, learning to prepare dishes like 'soupou kandja'. Engage with local chefs who will share their family recipes and cooking techniques, making for an interactive experience. After enjoying the meal you've prepared, take a moment to reflect on the flavors and aromas of Senegal.
Spend your evening exploring the vibrant streets of Pikine, stopping by small cafes and shops to soak in the local atmosphere. Consider visiting a local theater to watch a live performance or dance show that highlights the rich cultural heritage of Senegal. End your night with a refreshing drink at a rooftop bar, enjoying panoramic views of the city.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍛Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-6 |
| ☕Coffee / Tea | $0.80-2.50 |
| 🚌Local bus / shared taxi ride | $0.30-1.00 |
| 🚕Taxi (short ride) | $1.50-5.00 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse / simple hotel (per night) | $20-45 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic everyday Senegalese urban life and street culture.
- Affordable food, markets and local services.
- Close to notable natural sites (Lac Rose, reserves) for day trips.
- Friendly communities and opportunities to engage with local cooperatives.
- Limited tourist infrastructure and few dedicated hotels or attractions within Pikine itself.
- Crowded streets and some areas can feel chaotic or under-served.
- Traffic congestion during rush hours can make travel slower.
- Basic healthcare and emergency services may require transfer to Dakar for serious cases.
- "Jamm rekk / Naka nga def?" - All is well / How are you? (Wolof)
- "Waaw / Déedéet" - Yes / No (Wolof)
- "Asante / Mellah?" - Thank you / Please (mixed usage; French and Wolof contexts)
- "Bonjour / Bonsoir" - Hello / Good evening (French—widely understood)
- "Nopp naa la / Maangi fi" - I hear you / I am here / I am fine (Wolof conversational phrases)
Places to Visit in Pikine
Visit one of these nice places.
Vibrant colours, bustling stalls, portraits of vendors and lively street scenes—excellent for candid urban photography and street portraits (ask permission first).
Famous pink-hued lake with salt traces and working salt-harvesters; dramatic colours at mid-day and especially at sunrise/sunset for reflections and landscape shots.
High points in Pikine and bordering neighbourhoods offer views toward Dakar’s skyline—good for cityscapes at golden hour.
Metal and wood workshops where craftsmen work—capture hands-on processes and detailed close-ups (always ask before photographing).
Food in Pikine
Pikine Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Senegal’s national dish: fish and broken rice cooked with tomato sauce, vegetables and spices. Widely available at local eateries and markets.
Must-Try!
Marinated chicken (or fish) in a tangy onion and lemon sauce, served with rice; a staple at modest restaurants and home kitchens.
Peanut-based stew with meat or vegetables, usually served with rice—popular comfort food found in family-run restaurants.
Skewered grilled meat and freshly grilled fish found at street stalls and small grills in the evenings.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Markets in Pikine sell fresh produce, fish and spices—great places to try snacks like fatayas (savoury pastries), accra (fritters) and grilled items.
Evening street vendors sell brochettes, grilled fish and sandwiches; safe and tasty if you choose busy stalls with high turnover.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings are essential—use Wolof or French salutations and ask about family/health before conversation. A proper greeting will open doors and is considered respectful.
Dress conservatively, especially near religious sites. Lightweight long sleeves and modest clothing are appropriate in public spaces.
Senegal is predominantly Muslim; be mindful during Ramadan (daytime fasting) and avoid eating or drinking in public during daylight if locals are observing.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women. Respect privacy and accept refusals graciously.
Safety
Tipping in Pikine
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. For sit-down restaurants, a 5–10% tip is common if service is good. Small tips (100–500 CFA / ~$0.15–0.80) are often given to porters, guides or helpful drivers.
Cash (CFA francs) is king in local markets and small vendors. Many restaurants and hotels accept cards in central Dakar, but expect cash only in Pikine’s smaller establishments. Mobile money (e.g., Orange Money, Wari) is widely used locally for transfers and some payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cooler, sunny and more comfortable for walking and exploring; Harmattan winds (Dec–Feb) can bring dust and hazy skies. Early dry season is ideal for outdoor photography and excursions.
Temperatures rise and humidity can increase—stay hydrated, plan outdoor activities for mornings and evenings, and expect stronger sun.
Intermittent to heavy rains, especially July–September; some streets can flood and travel times increase. Rainy season is greener but less predictable for day trips.
Pikine at Night
Hiking in Pikine
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Light hiking and walking among salt flats and sandy dunes around Lake Retba—excellent for photography, short walks and exploring the salt-harvesting areas.
Coastal trails and rocky stretches on the Cap-Vert peninsula near Dakar for seaside walks, tidepool exploring and scenic views.
Short guided trails and drives in Bandia Reserve where visitors can walk short loops and observe wildlife such as giraffes, antelope and many bird species—requires a vehicle and is usually part of a day trip.
Airports
How to reach Pikine by plane.
Main international airport serving Dakar region, located east of Dakar. It is approximately a 45–75 minute drive from Pikine depending on traffic; reachable by taxis, private shuttle or coach services.
The older airport facilities near Yoff/Hann are largely superseded by Blaise Diagne for international flights, but the Yoff area remains the coastal gateway and is closer to central Dakar; transfers from Pikine to central Dakar take 20–40 minutes depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Wolof people form a large cultural and linguistic majority in urban Dakar and its suburbs, including Pikine; Wolof is the lingua franca in daily life.
Pikine is home to a mix of ethnic groups, bringing diverse languages and traditions; many residents are internal migrants from other regions of Senegal.
The population skews young, with many working-age adults employed in trades, services and informal economy—strong community and family networks are common.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport—played in neighbourhood fields and followed passionately; local pickup games are common and community clubs are active.
Traditional wrestling is a major cultural sport with strong local interest and seasonal events that draw crowds.
Basketball is popular among youth with courts in neighbourhoods and schools.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Pikine.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (rice with vegetable mafé or stews), but many traditional dishes include fish or meat. Ask for vegetable versions (in French: "sans viande" or in Wolof: "bokkaleeku waaw"). Markets and larger kitchens can adapt dishes if requested.
Most meat in Pikine is prepared according to Muslim dietary rules; halal is generally the norm. When in doubt, ask the vendor or restaurant.
Street food is generally safe at busy, well-used stalls, but those with severe allergies or sensitive stomachs should choose cooked, hot food and bottled water. Communicate allergies in French for wider understanding.