Dakar
Visited in December 2018
At a glance
- Country
- Senegal
- Region
- Dakar Department
- Population
- 1.4 million
- Best time to go
- November to May
- Main airport
- Dakar Blaise Diagne International (DSS)
- Coordinates
- 14.69°N, 17.45°W
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Overview
Dakar sits on the Cap-Vert peninsula, the westernmost point of mainland Africa, surrounded on three sides by the Atlantic. It is a confident, creative city of music, fashion and art, with wind-swept beaches and surf breaks never far away.
The streets are crowded and the traffic fierce, but the energy is infectious. Take the ferry to Gorée, eat grilled fish on the beach at sunset and catch live mbalax in the bars after dark.
Things to see
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Photo: Gregor Rom, CC BY-SA 4.0 Gorée Island
A car-free island of pastel colonial houses and the House of Slaves, a poignant memorial to the Atlantic slave trade.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Peal1903, CC-BY-3.0 African Renaissance Monument
A giant bronze statue on a hill above the city, with views over the coast from its top.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: PMO Barbados, Public domain Museum of Black Civilisations
A large modern museum celebrating the art, science and history of Africa and its diaspora.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Ji-Elle, Public domain Théodore Monod Museum of African Art
Masks, textiles and sculpture from across West Africa in a colonial-era building in the Plateau.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Jeff Attaway, CC BY 2.0 Pointe des Almadies
The westernmost tip of the African mainland, lined with seafood restaurants on the rocks.
Things to do
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Photo: Jjm2311, CC BY-SA 4.0 Day trip to Lac Rose
A shallow salt lake north-east of the city whose water can turn pink, best in the dry season.
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Surf at Ngor and Yoff
Dakar has reliable breaks for all levels, with surf schools and board hire.
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Photo: Komalick, CC BY-SA 4.0 Shop at Soumbédioune
A crafts village and fish market by the sea, busiest when the pirogues land in late afternoon.
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Photo: Kotoviski photograph by Henryk Kotowski, CC BY-SA 3.0 Hear live mbalax
Senegal's driving dance music is played live in clubs and bars, particularly at weekends.
Where to stay
Plateau
The administrative centre, close to museums, the ferry and the markets.
Hotels in PlateauAlmadies
Upmarket hotels, restaurants and bars near the coast.
Hotels in AlmadiesNgor
Relaxed, beachy and good for surfers, with boats to Ngor Island.
Hotels in NgorMermoz and Point E
Residential and central, with good-value guesthouses.
Hotels in Mermoz and Point E
Getting around
Taxis are plentiful but agree the fare first, or use a ride-hailing app. The TER suburban train and a bus rapid transit line help with longer trips.
The airport is about 50 kilometres from the city; a taxi or airport bus takes around an hour, depending on traffic.
When to go
November to May is the dry season, warm and breezy, with the best conditions from December to April. The rainy season runs from July to October. Dak'Art, the contemporary art biennale, is held in even-numbered years.
Plan your trip to Dakar
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.