Best Travel Guide Dakar | ArrivalGuides.com

DakarGuide was updated: 2025-11-12

The hook-shaped peninsula sticks out westward into the Atlantic Ocean, reaching from the Old World to the New, harbouring the westernmost city on the African mainland: Dakar. Senegal’s capital city represents Africa's development better than almost any other, boasting the comforts and luxuries of modern living, while firmly keeping a grasp on its history and traditions. The bustling markets of downtown are juxtaposed with the laid-back pace of Île de Gorée and the surrounding beaches, making a visit to Dakar a fascinating experience of contrasts.

Do & See

Giant bronze statues, fantastic art museums, mosques, cathedrals and tons of fascinating history mean that you're sure to find plenty to do in Dakar. If you feel like exploring a bit further outside the city, attractions like the pink Lake Retba, the Tortoise Village, and the nearby car-free Gorée Island make for great day trips.

Museum of Black Civilisations

The Museum of Black Civilisations boasts around 18,000 pieces, including contemporary works like Édouard Duval-Carrié's giant baobab sculpture. This institution aims to showcase the diversity of African cultures and their global influence, partnering with European museums to enrich the collection.

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Mosque of the Divinity

The Mosque of the Divinity outside of Dakar fuses modernism and traditional Islamic architecture. Its two towers serve as ideal lookout points over the vast ocean waters surrounding Senegal. Despite its appeal to tourists, the mosque also remains a revered pilgrimage site. For an even more impressive panorama, explore the cliffs near the mosque.

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Les Mamelles Lighthouse

Perched atop one of Dakar's hills, Les Mamelles Lighthouse, completed in 1864, is a historic beacon guiding ships around Africa's westernmost point. This iconic, all-white structure offers panoramic views of the Cap-Vert peninsula from its lantern gallery. Visitors can explore the lighthouse through guided tours, learning about its evolution and significance to West African navigation. The site also features an outdoor dining area, and a popular bar with live music events.

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N’Gor Island

For a tranquil retreat, make your way to the serene Île de N'Gor, a small island off Dakar's north shore. Admire the ornate doors and intricate mosaics that adorn the houses, and wander through narrow alleys lined with vibrant flora. The island offers calm beaches, legendary surf spots, and charming waterside eateries. For a fun and affordable journey, hop on a pirogue with locals for the short crossing from Plage de N'Gor.

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African Renaissance Monument

Standing 52 metres high, this bronze statue (the biggest in all Africa) commemorates the end of slavery and the reemergence of the African continent after the oppressive European rule. This impressive sight has been the subject of criticism and controversy, for being an incredible 27-million-dollar money sink executed by a North Korean sculpting company. Whether for its symbolism or its kitsch factor, the statue is worth a visit.

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Théodore Monod African Art Museum

Théodore Monod African Art Museum, once called IFAN Museum of African Arts, was promoted by Senegal's first president Léopold Senghor. It is one of the oldest and most important art museums in West Africa, containing artworks from across the Francophone countries of the continent, and boasting collections by contemporary African and diaspora artists. It also functions as a research institute for the study of African culture.

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Population:	City: 1,182,417 Dakarois (2023 census) Metro area: 3.9 million
Currency:	West African CFA franc 1 XOF = 100 centimes
Emergency Numbers:	Police: 17 Fire: 18 Medical: 33 889 1515
Newspapers:	Enquete Plus: www.enqueteplus.com Le Quotidien: lequotidien.sn Le Soleil: lesoleil.sn Sud Quotidien: www.sudquotidien.sn
Opening Hours:	Most businesses and shops generally open at about 8:30am and close around 7:30–8:30pm. Some establishments may close for a few hours during the early afternoon. Some places may also open on Sunday morning, and others will remain closed on Mondays.