About Dakar
Dakar is the capital of Senegal, home to around 2,646,503 people.
Best time
The dry season for the most comfortable travel
Weather
Largely warm year-round with distinct wet and dry seasons
Experiences
Things to do in Dakar
1
African Renaissance Monument
2
IFAN Museum of African Arts
3
Dakar Grand Mosque
4
Dakar Cathedral
5
Hann Park and Zoo
6
Lake Retba
7
Madeline Islands National Park
Budget travel
Free things to do in Dakar
African Renaissance Monument
Dakar Grand Mosque
Dakar Cathedral
Hann Park and Zoo
Lake Retba
Madeline Islands National Park
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Suggested itinerary
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit African Renaissance Monument
- Visit IFAN Museum of African Arts
- Visit Dakar Grand Mosque
- Eat at Chez Elias
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Dakar Cathedral
- Visit Hann Park and Zoo
- Visit Lake Retba
- Eat at Les batons ("BANT-YII")
- 3
Day 3
Markets, parks & hidden corners
- Visit Madeline Islands National Park
- Eat at Ali Baba
Where to eat
Local favourites
Chez Elias
Fast food very popular with menu at the top. Simple welcoming place. Quality food and fast service. Best Shawarma.
Les batons ("BANT-YII")
Mythical place in Dakar to eat meat skewers with an epise from Niger made from corn. Atypical place if you are a lover of good meat. The foo
Ali Baba
Greasy Spoon where you can get cheap Lebanese food. Good falafel sandwiches with French fries and lots of tahina sauce, shwarma, kebab and a
Hotel Restaurant Farid
Drink a gigantic Arrak (made from anis) as an aperitif and then order the 20 Mezze.
Artisan Boulanger Eric Kayser
It's along the street of Cafe du Rome towards La Corniche (the sea) and away from the centre two blocks up on your right hand side. Serves f
Chez Loutcha
Chez Lutcha is a Cape Verdian restaurant that serves huge portions of excellent food. Cape Verdian (Portuguese inspired) dishes, Senegalese
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Onomo hotel
Very useful for people that have to catch very early morning planes to other places. It is not uncommon that your flight to say Europe or Ni
Hotel Oceanic
Océanic is a budget option for around €30 (room rate). Centrally located. Rooms and beds are (a bit) run down but the bathroom is OK. Good b
Hotel Farid
Central location. Rooms with air-con, TV, mini-bar, safe and free internet access
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar Sea Plaza
Trendy neighbourhood offering picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean.
King Fahd Palace Hotel
Top class hotel, and offer a free shuttle service to and from the airport.
Shopping
- Marche Sandaga
- Marche Kermel
- Marche Soumbedioune
- cocktail du senegal
Nightlife
- Le Viking
Museums & culture
- African Renaissance Monument
- IFAN Museum of African Arts
- Dakar Grand Mosque
- Dakar Cathedral
In pictures
Dakar gallery
Keep exploring
