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Senegal Dakar travel guide
20 things to do in Dakar, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Dakar
- IFAN Museum of African Arts — art museum in Dakar, Senegal (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Dakar Grand Mosque — mosque in Dakar, Senegal (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Museum of Black Civilizations — museum in Dakar, Senegal (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Massalikoul Djinane Mosque — mosque in Dakar, Senegal (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Our Lady of Victories Cathedral, Dakar — Roman Catholic cathedral in Dakar, Senegal (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Hann Forest and Zoological Park — zoo in Sénégal (visit ≈ 150 min)
- Historical Museum of Senegal — building in Senegal (visit ≈ 120 min)
- African Renaissance Monument — memorial outside of Dakar, Senegal (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Mosquée de la Divinité — building in Senegal (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Palais de la République — official residence of the President of the Republic of Senegal (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Monument Demba et Dupont — sculpture and war memorial in Dakar, Senegal (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Place de l'Obélisque — central plaza in Dakar, Senegal (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Daniel Sorano National Theatre — theatre in Senegal (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Musée de la Mer — museum in Gorée, Senegal (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Îles des Madeleines National Park — National Park in Senegal (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Church of Saint Charles Borromee (Goree) — church in Goree Island (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Porte du Troisième millénaire — monument in Dakar, Senegal (visit ≈ 15 min)
- place de indépendance — square in Senegal (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Galerie Arte — museum in Senegal (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Musée Boribana (visit ≈ 120 min)
2-day Dakar walking itinerary
Starting point: Plateau. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 5.7 km · 7,670 steps · 1 h 16 min on the way): Palais de la République → IFAN Museum of African Arts → Our Lady of Victories Cathedral, Dakar → Daniel Sorano National Theatre → Dakar Grand Mosque
- Day 2 (≈ 8.7 km · 11,710 steps · 1 h 55 min on the way): Place de l'Obélisque → Museum of Black Civilizations → Monument Demba et Dupont
Where to stay in Dakar
- Plateau: The administrative centre; Kermel market, Place de l’Indépendance and hotels.
- Almadies / Ngor: Oceanfront hotels and bars; boats leave for Ngor island.
- Mermoz / Fann: Calm residential areas along the Corniche, close to the centre.
- Ouakam: Near the Renaissance Monument; local life and surfing.
Getting from the airport to Dakar
- Blaise Diagne (DSS): The airport is far out; airport bus or taxi via the toll road ≈ 45–60 min.
Getting around
The new BRT bus and TER train cover main routes. Taxis have no meters, so agree the fare first; Yango and Heetch apps also work.
Classic places to eat
- Chez Loutcha: Generous Senegalese and Cape Verdean dishes in the Plateau.
- Le Lagon 1: Classic seafood restaurant built over the water.
- Marché Kermel: Historic market hall with local eateries around it.
- Le Djoloff: Courtyard hotel restaurant in Fann; Senegalese dishes and a rooftop.
- Café de Rome: Long-running classic café-restaurant in the Plateau.
Romantic views
- Corniche Ouest (Sunset): On the Atlantic coast road the sun sets straight into the ocean.
- Mamelles Lighthouse (Sunset): From the hilltop lighthouse you see the peninsula and ocean wide open.
- African Renaissance Monument (Sunset): From the monument steps the city and sea turn golden at sunset.
- Pointe des Almadies (Sunset): Watching the waves at Africa's westernmost tip is unforgettable.
- Gorée Island (Afternoon): The car-free island's colourful lanes and bougainvillea make a calm day out.
Good to know before visiting Dakar
- Fine: Photographing military sites, airports, bridges and government buildings is prohibited.
- Warning: Cover shoulders and knees in public; women cover their hair at religious sites.
- Warning: Same-sex relations are criminalised; check official travel advice.
- Warning: Malaria is a risk; ask your doctor about prevention and use repellent.
- During Ramadan be discreet about eating, drinking and smoking in public by day.
- Taxis have no meters; agree the fare before getting in.
- Emergency: police 17, fire 18
- Plugs: C/D/E/K, 230V
- Tap water: Don't drink tap water; use bottled.
- Tipping: About 10% is customary.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Senegal, Wikivoyage — Senegal, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Dakar travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Dakar?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 3 days for the top 11 places within walking distance.
- What are the top things to do in Dakar?
- Highlights: IFAN Museum of African Arts, Dakar Grand Mosque, Museum of Black Civilizations, Massalikoul Djinane Mosque and Our Lady of Victories Cathedral, Dakar. The map has 20 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Dakar?
- Plateau: The administrative centre; Kermel market, Place de l’Indépendance and hotels. Other options: Almadies / Ngor, Mermoz / Fann and Ouakam.
- How do you get from the airport to Dakar city centre?
- Blaise Diagne (DSS): The airport is far out; airport bus or taxi via the toll road ≈ 45–60 min.
- How do you get around Dakar?
- The new BRT bus and TER train cover main routes. Taxis have no meters, so agree the fare first; Yango and Heetch apps also work.
- What is the emergency number in Dakar?
- Emergency: police 17, fire 18.
- Do you tip in Dakar?
- About 10% is customary.
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Banjul · Bissau · Nouakchott · Praia · Conakry · Freetown · Bamako · Monrovia
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