20 BEST THINGS TO DO IN DAKAR

Dakar is Senegal’s largest and capital city. A vibrant hub of 1.1 million inhabitants featuring wonderful beaches, old colonial buildings, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the form of slave-trade remnants. Along with great cuisine, the largest statue in Africa, unique landscapes, and bustling markets. All of these Dakar famous landmarks are included in this list of the best things to do in Dakar.

As the westernmost point of mainland Africa, Dakar is almost entirely enclosed by the Ocean. Therefore, it features wonderful beaches similar to those in nearby Gambia and Cape Verde. Consequently, there’s lots of water-related activities among the fun things to do in Dakar. 

Likewise, since Dakar was an important slave trade center ruled by the French, there’s many museums and old colonial buildings amongst the best things to see in Dakar. Now surrounded by mosques, souks, and cool restaurants. You can see more of them my Instagram and Tiktok pages.

This posts covers many interesting facts about Senegal and everything one needs to know before visiting Dakar as a tourist. From insider tips on how to get around the city to hidden gems that will not be on your standard Dakar tour.

These are the 20 best things to do in Dakar if you want an authentic experience on your visit to this culturally rich city. Make sure to also check out this post on the best day trips from Dakar and some guided tours of Dakar for the ultimate Senegal vacation.

Best Historical things to do in Dakar

1. Visit the House of Slaves on Goree Island

If you had to choose a single activity among the 20 best things to do in Dakar, let it be this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ille de Goree combines the best of all things to see in Senegal: the must-visit house of slaves, amazing beaches, tasty local cuisine, colourful colonial houses, and a vibrant souk full of souvenirs and antiquities.  

This beautiful tropical island located just 3km away from the high-rises of Dakar downtown is accessible by public ferry in 20 minutes. Return tickets are available at the port and cost CFA 2500 (around $8). Ferries only sail every two hours, make sure to plan the timing of your visit. If you’d like to go with a guide, book guided tour of Goree Island here.

La Maison Des Esclaves or house of slaves Senegal is the oldest building on Goree island Senegal. Back in the day, slaves were brought here ahead of departing to America.

The antiquity and striking appeal of this place, famous for its split-level house, twin staircase, and door of no return, are enough to give the visitors an experience of the horrors of the past. Somehow like the slave markets in Zanzibar and Santiago Cape Verde.

Tickets cost CFA 500 (around $0.80) and are available at the entrance. You can only pay cash. I would recommend hiring a guide to learn more about the place, especially if you are not fluent in French. 

2. People-watch at the souks

Dakar is a huge city and, as such, offers a wide shopping scene. There’s markets for every shopper and walking around them diving into the local life is among the 20 best things to do in Dakar. 

If you are into farmers market, one not to miss when in Dakar is Marché de Wollof. This is the city’s biggest open-air market. Marché Kermel is a famous kiln-shaped hall built during colonial times and worth a visit for the building alone. 

Marché Sandaga has more crowds and is a congested market with a good range of boutiques and stalls offering knock-off designer items, rare books, glass paintings, and fine jewellery. Dakar’s fabric town, Marché HLM, overflows with a different and colorful collection of wax, tissue, and cloth. Visitors can get some made-to-measure traditional clothes from this market. 

Can’t decide? Then head to Dakar Gand Mosque and explore the local markets in the narrow streets of the Medina. I loved how none of the vendors tried to push us into their shops. This is unheard of similar markets in Morocco and made the street souks my favorite among places to go in Dakar. 

3. Explore the local mosques

According to government statistics, over 95% of Senegal’s population is Muslim, mostly Sunni. Therefore, visiting some beautiful mosques should always be part of your what to do in Dakar itinerary. 

Make sure to dress appropriately, not like I did. Long sleeves and trousers, plus headscarf for women would be best. And enjoy the beauty of Dakar Central Mosque, right by the Medina, or Mosque of Divinity, strategically located by the sea.

Visiting these mosques is not only free but also a great way to dive into the Senegalese lifestyle and chat with locals. They will be delighted to show you around.

4. Spot the French Colonial Buildings

There are plenty of historical sites dating back to the French times to visit in Dakar, with the most famous being Place de l’Independence. Near the independence square, you can also visit the Mausoleum of Senghor, the Holy Cathedral, City Hall, Chamber of Commerce, and many more governmental buildings, including the Presidential Palace. 

Admiring some beautiful French colonial buildings is a must among the 20 best things to do in Dakar. It won’t take you long and will certainly feel different than any other to-do in town. You san see more of these spots on my Senegal Stories Highlights on Instagram.

5. Climb to the African Renaissance Monument, the largest statue in Africa

Did you know that Dakar is home of the largest statue in Africa? This 49m tall statue is located at the top of a 100m hill, so if offers awesome views all over the city. 

It’s a tall bronze statue of a woman, a man, and a child representing the re-born of Africa after colonization and honoring the country’s independence. You can climb to the top of man’s head on an elevator for around $10. 

I did not climb it, as there was a music festival at the time that caught all my attention. Yet, I am so glad I included this on my visit. It’s certainly a must-see among the 20 best things to do in Dakar. And makes a great place to watch sunset. Moreover, walking around the statue and admiring the views from the top is one of the best things to do in Dakar at night. 

Best things to do in Dakar by the beach

6. Swim at Plage de Ngor

This is the beach to include on your holidays to Senegal. It’s located at the north-west of the city and surrounded by plenty of restaurants, cafes, and hotels. So it’s the perfect place to enjoy a lazy beach day with locals or indulge in some treats with fellow tourists. 

If you stay around, make sure to head to the beach in the early morning to enjoy sunrise while going for a walk, jogging, or practicing yoga. Lunchtime and sunset are also perfect times to visit, as you will definitely love tasting traditional dishes while feeling the sand on your feet. 

From this beach you can catch the ferry to Ngor Island, another of the 20 best things to do in Dakar.

7. Sail to Ngor Island

Ngor island is Dakar’s major beach destination. It offers fancy hotels and restaurants with vibrant terraces and tropical cocktails. However, this is also a place to walk barefoot, eat local barbecue by the beach, and chat with local families teaching their kids how to swim. 

The island is accessible within a 10 minutes boat ride from Ngor beach. You can book a private boat at the beach for about $5, or join dozens of locals on the public pirogues for $0.50. This ride is a contrasting experience and gives a feel of a world away from the mainland. If you’d rather go with a guide, book a private tour of Ngor island.

8. Surf at Plage de virage

Plage de virage is a small beach close to Dakar’s international airport very popular among surfers. Although it can get packed on weekends, this beach is the perfect to catch some waves and to admire those who can properly do it. 

The beach also features restaurants and cafes serving fresh drinks and sandwiches to holidaymakers. Just make sure you are a good swimmer before getting into the waters as this beach is very deep and waves can be huge.

9. Explore Dakar Promenade

Dakar is a coastal city and as such walking along the promenade is among the top Dakar things to do. Here you can embrace the ocean vibes, join locals on their daily runs, visit some local artists and their shops, and unwind from the hustle and bustle of the old town. 

Some bits of the beach look like a local gym, as many young senegalese man come here to train. Other parts are perfect for families and even offer a small version of an amusement park. Last bits are still under construction, so make sure to head there and spot Dakar’s development before it’s completed. 

10. Head to the Beachfront for the best hotels in Dakar

No list of things the 20 best things to do in Dakar Senegal would be complete without a bit of luxury. And there’s plenty of hotels in the city where you can soak it all in. 

Book a stay in either one of the nice international 5-star hotels, or just reserve a table for a meal and unwind by their infinity pool:.

Although not at the high-end range, I stayed in Union Amicale Corse Dakar, close to the port and the old town, and loved it. Check it out if looking for a place to relax and treat yourself. 

Best things to do in Dakar for foodies

11. Try local cuisine at the best restaurants in Senegal 

If you are in Dakar and not eating, then you are doing it wrong. But with so many food options to choose from, how do you decide where to go?

Some of the best restaurants in Senegal to sample traditional Senegalese food are Le Ndaje, Le Calabasse, Bayekou, and Noflaye. They are all by the sea and offer some of the best meals in Dakar at reasonable prices.

12. Embrace Dakar’s nightlife

Dakar by night is not just beautiful, it’s magical. While during the day Dakar is a quiet city, by night it comes alive and becomes a vibrant hub of activities. The main thoroughfare for nightclubs is Avenue des Francophones.

And while you can’t go wrong with any of them, Club Scout is known to be one of the best clubs in the city. This cosmopolitan city has drinking varieties to suit all tastes, from tranquil beach bars to rooftop bars. Do no miss out on them. 

Best things to do in Dakar’s outskirts

13. Travel to Pink Lake, the jewel of Dakar tourism 

Pink lake or Lake Retba is among the 20 best things to do in Dakar as it was for decades the finish line of world’s most famous rally: Paris-Dakar. You can read more about it on this post of the best day trips from Dakar.

The lake was formed by a sea inlet that dried up and its waters are still very salty. Its pink color is not due to the lake being full of flamingos, as many believe, but to a type of algae that grows on its white salt-covered sand. 

This fascinating and breathtaking view makes a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Yet, it’s more clearly enjoyable from November to June, during the dry season. Swimmers can immerse their body (never the head as its salt concentration would make it dangerous) in its pink waters. 

The scattered boats in the pink lake are waiting for you. And you can reach them on a guided tour to the pink lake or by taxi from Dakar. Make sure to negotiate the fare with the driver ahead of the ride.

Planning to spend a full day in the area? You will find plenty of restaurants and hotels around the lake, offering a wide range of delicious seafood items and breathtaking views of the nearby beach as well.

14. Recreate the Paris-Dakar rally

The finish line of world’s most famous rally, Paris-Dakar, used to be at the sand dunes between the Pink Lake and the Atlantic Ocean. 

Although the rally was moved to South Aerica due to security concerns in Senegal’s neighboring countries, the dunes remain here. Driving or taking a ride on them is one of the 20 best things to do in Dakar. And, possibly, the best among fun things to do in Dakar. 

Several quads, 4×4 cars, and even camels are available for a ride. Hire your own or arrange a driver to take you around. Speed up at the dunes, and enjoy driving just meters away from the Atlantic waters. It shouldn’t cost more than $20 per person for 45 minutes.

15. Visit M’bout Fish Market

Senegal tourist attractions are not limited to Dakar. There are plenty of great day trips from Dakar and much more to explore even further. Yet, keeping Dakar as a base, one of the best things you can do is head to M’bour to explore the fish market. 

The best time to visit is in the afternoon, when fishermen return from the ocean with their catch. You can walk around on your own or hire a local guide. He will take you along the different fish stands and show you everything that is on sale.

You’ll also get to spot fisherman unloading their boats and to speak with local women cleaning fish by the port. This was one of my favorite visits in Senegal and I so recommend it to all intrepid travellers out there.

16. Enjoy Saly and le Petit Cote, the beach cities in Senegal

Saly is a seaside resort area an hour away of Senegal’s capital. This little town is a top tourist destination in West Africa. And it’s home of the best hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs in the greater Dakar area. 

Likewise, beaches in the area are the most pristine in Senegal. They might not be as famous as the beaches in nearby The Gambia, yet these are full of sand beds and water sports stores. The perfect beach get away to enjoy your holidays in Senegal. 

17. Step on Point des Almaides, the westernmost of Senegal attractions 

This one is a bucket list experience for those collecting moments and pins on a map. Who does not want to step on the westernmost point of Africa? Well, of mainland Africa actually, cause the westernmost point of all Africa is in Cape Verde.

Such point is right by the city of Dakar, in the popular area of the Almadies. It is conveniently located by the beach. Although not a major tourist destination, this coastal site provides a wonderful view into the Atlantic Ocean. And the special feeling of standing in one of those places that have a remarkable geographical location.

18. Visit the Turtle Sanctuary

Le Villages des Tortues is a turtle sanctuary in Dakar. It’s a preservation camp for endangered specimens where several rescued turtles are cured and preserved. 

A group of volunteers take care of the animals while also cultivating several types of traditional plants. I was in a similar place in Zanzibar, Tanzania, and loved it. Therefore, although I missed it, I would definitely include this among the 20 best things to do in the city.

19. Explore Village des Arts

The Village des Arts is an area of Dakar dedicated to the artist community. Here local artists come together to create, produce, diffuse, and promote their works. It’s run by the Senegalese Ministry of Culture and aims to unite artists in an environment of reflection. The issuance of art is the focus.

Here you’ll find gallery owners, architects, museum curators, diplomats, cultural operators, students, tourists, etc. Some of Senegal’s most promising and established painters, sculptors, and multimedia artists shape and display their works right here. 

There’s also an on-site art gallery, which exhibits works by artists both home-grown and from abroad. Therefore, if you are into arts, particularly modern and urban art, this will be one of your favourites among the 20 best things to do in Dakar. 

20. Attend the Dakaer Biennale 

The last among the 20 best things to do in Dakar can actually only be enjoyed every two years. Why? because it’s a biannual event: the Dakar Biennale. 

The Dakar biennale de l’Art Africain Contemporain, known as Dakar Biennale, is a major contemporary art exhibition celebrated in Dakar every two years since 1990. The last edition was in Spring 2022, with more than 400 recognized shows. Make sure to check it out if you visit Dakar in 2024. Would love to be there myself.  

Recap on the best things to do in Dakar

Dakar is a beautiful, vibrant, and exciting city. A place where one can truly experience the culture of Senegal. The vibrant beaches, beautiful parks, peaceful islands, bustling markets, and historical heritage make Dakar a must visit spot in every Senegal trip.

I felt safe traveling independently around Dakar, and using taxis to enjoy some day trips from Dakar. However, there’s plenty of guided tours of Dakar and around Senegal to accommodate those who prefer a less stressful experience.

Feel free to leave a comment below with any questions. And to check out my Instagram and/or Tiktok pages for additional information and insights on my travels. Have a wonderful trip to Dakar Senegal.