Saint-Louis
Visited in December 2018
At a glance
- Country
- Senegal
- Region
- Saint-Louis Department
- Population
- 258,592
- Best time to go
- November to May
- Main airport
- None — nearest is Dakar Blaise Diagne International (DSS)
- Coordinates
- 15.95°N, 16.51°W
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Overview
Saint-Louis was the capital of French West Africa, and its old town on a narrow island in the Senegal River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Colonial houses with wooden balconies and faded shutters line its grid of quiet streets.
Across the water, the fishing quarter of Guet Ndar on the Langue de Barbarie is one of the most crowded and colourful places in Senegal. The town has a strong musical heritage, and a well-known jazz festival.
Things to see
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Photo: Manu25, CC BY-SA 4.0 Island of Saint-Louis
Wander the grid of colonial streets, with their balconied houses, old churches and mosques.
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Photo: Manu25, CC BY-SA 4.0 Faidherbe Bridge
A long iron bridge linking the island to the mainland, a symbol of the city.
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Photo: Remi Jouan, CC BY 3.0 Guet Ndar
The fishing district, where hundreds of painted pirogues are drawn up on the Atlantic beach.
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Photo: ho visto nina volare, CC BY-SA 2.0 Langue de Barbarie National Park
A long sand spit and estuary south of the city, home to seabirds and nesting turtles.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Ji-Elle, Public domain Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary
Huge flocks of pelicans, flamingos and migrating birds gather here in winter, about an hour's drive north.
Find tours -
Photo: Adjoajo, CC BY 4.0 Take a calèche tour
A horse-drawn carriage ride around the island is a relaxed way to see the old town.
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Photo: Adjoajo, CC BY-SA 3.0 Saint-Louis Jazz Festival
An annual festival bringing international and African musicians to the island's streets and stages.
Find tours
Where to stay
The island
Restored colonial hotels and guesthouses, full of character and walkable.
Hotels in The islandLangue de Barbarie
Beach lodges and campements on the spit, for peace and birdlife.
Hotels in Langue de Barbarie
Getting around
The island is small enough to walk, and taxis link it to the mainland and Guet Ndar.
The drive from Dakar takes around four to five hours by car or bus.
When to go
The dry season from November to May is the best time to visit, and the best time for birds at Djoudj is December to April. The rainy season runs from July to October.
Plan your trip to Saint-Louis
- 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.