10 Best Things to Do in Dakar
What is Dakar Most Famous For?
The best things to do in Dakar include wildlife spotting on a safari adventure and discovering secluded beaches with breathtaking ocean views. You’ll gasp in awe at a vivid pink lake and an immense statue celebrating Senegal’s independence. Then, be amazed at the incredible architecture of a sprawling mosque with its towering minaret.
Dakar is a vibrant, beautiful city with a turbulent past, and history buffs can explore these events in several museums. The capital city also has a thriving art scene, and you can chat with the painters and sculptors who call Dakar home in a popular art village.
What are the best things to do in Dakar?
1. Goree Island
A moving UNESCO World Heritage Site
Good for: History, Photo
Located just off Dakar’s south-east coast, Goree Island is a poignant memorial to the transatlantic slave trade. The island is a mix of colourful houses and historic buildings that date back to the 18th century. With no cars on the island, it’s lovely to stroll the streets, enjoying the laidback vibe.
It’s also a sobering place. A visit to the House of Slaves, with its notorious Door of No Return, won’t leave you indifferent. This museum was once used to house captured enslaved people before they were shipped to the Americas. You can take a ferry to Goree for a self-guided visit, but a guided tour is highly recommended to explore the sad history of this pretty island.
Goree Island
2. Dakar Plateau
Shopping, fine dining and ocean views
Good for: Shoppers, Food, Nightlife
Dakar Plateau extends across downtown and the port, stretching to the southern tip of the city. You’ll love the lively buzz of the city centre, with locals and visitors filling the wide, tree-lined streets from early morning to late at night. For fantastic shopping, try Sandaga Market. It’s the busiest and biggest market downtown, and you’ll find everything from sunglasses and shorts to local crafts and textiles. It can get very crowded, so be prepared for noise.
In the evening, head to the port area for a good choice of eateries, including a popular, high-end restaurant in the large casino. From the casino, stroll down to the waterfront for a breathtaking sunset view over Goree Island and the ocean.
Dakar Plateau
3. Safari at Bandia Reserve
An unforgettable wildlife experience
Good for: Families, Adventure, Photo
Going on safari at Bandia Reserve is one of the most exciting things to do in Dakar. Explore vast expanses of lush vegetation littered with huge baobabs and incredible African wildlife. Look for herds of gazelles elegantly racing past towering giraffes, as well as cute monkeys, giant tortoises, zebras and ostriches.
Be sure to book a guide for your Bandia safari. They’ll be able to point out any animals that are well camouflaged and explain the local flora and fauna to you. They’re also known for their friendliness and funny anecdotes. Try the reserve’s restaurant afterwards, too. It overlooks a large waterhole, and kids of all ages will have fun trying to spot the lurking crocodiles and buffaloes.
Location: Km 65, route de Mbour, Sindia 23000, Senegal
Open: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm
Phone: +221 77 556 59 27
Safari at Bandia Reserve
4. Lake Retba
A striking body of water in a peaceful spot
Good for: Budget, Photo, Unusual
Lake Retba is approximately 35 km from central Dakar. As soon as you see its vivid pink hue glistening brightly, you’ll understand why it’s also known as Lac Rose (Pink Lake). This awe-inspiring lake changes colour as its algae absorbs sunlight. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the transition from clear blue to reddish-orange, then a beautiful pink shade. The nearby hiking trail offers incredible views over the water, too.
It’s a tranquil spot to relax and watch salt being harvested into traditional wicker baskets. The lake has a high salt content, so you can float or swim in the water too. Visit in the dry season, between November and March, when the colour changes are usually strongest.
Lake Retba
5. Dakar beaches
Golden sands and ocean views
Good for: Families, Budget, Photo
Choose from several Dakar beaches scattered around the city’s coastline for a relaxing day out by the ocean. To the north, you can enjoy long, wide stretches of golden sand that are perfect for building sandcastles and lazing under the sun. Malibu Beach is especially popular with locals who use it for workouts, and it’s one of Dakar’s busiest beaches.
If you’re looking for a peaceful and secluded spot, try Plage de l’Anse Bernard on the south-east coast. The beach curves gently around the crystal-clear water and it’s lined with rows of tall trees, giving it a desert island vibe. It’s stunning, but the descent to the beach is quite steep and challenging, so wear appropriate shoes.
Dakar beaches
6. Monument de la Renaissance Africaine
One of the largest statues in Africa
Good for: Photo, History
The Monument de la Renaissance Africaine towers almost 50 metres high over Dakar. You’ll be awestruck at this immense, bronze and copper statue of a man, woman and child, built to celebrate Senegal’s independence. It’s easy to access from Route de la Corniche Ouest, the main coastal road running west of the city.
You’ll have to climb around 200 steps to go inside the statue. Plan on arriving early as it can be tiring when the temperatures rise. Inside, there’s a wonderful exhibition of African paintings and sculptures, then take the lift to the top floor for sweeping views over Dakar and the ocean. Afterwards, check out the statue depicting a map of Africa nearby. It’s very impressive, too.
Location: Nouvelle route des Mamelles, Dakar, Senegal
Open: Daily from 9 am to 6.45 pm
Phone: +221 77 122 10 99
Monument de la Renaissance Africaine
7. IFAN Museum of African Arts
A fascinating building dating back to the 1930s
Good for: History, Couples
In the heart of the city, the IFAN Museum of African Arts is an excellent choice if you’re a fan of history, art and ethnography. This huge building is home to around 10,000 pieces from all over Africa, but mainly francophone and West African countries. You’ll love browsing the exhibits of traditional clothing, tribal masks, statuettes and musical instruments in this historic museum.
Only self-guided tours are available, so download a translation app on your phone before arriving if you don’t understand French. After your tour, head outside to the back of the building. You’ll discover a beautiful, serene garden. Fetch snacks and sit out in this haven of peace admiring the peacocks roaming the grounds.
Location: Rue Place 18, Dakar 12900, Senegal
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +221 33 823 92 68
IFAN Museum of African Arts
8. Museum of Black Civilizations
History, achievements and discoveries
Good for: History, Photo
The Museum of Black Civilizations is housed in a stunning, Instagram-worthy building, close to the port. It’s well worth a visit to explore the timeline of African history. The museum is huge, and the exhibits are generously spaced out, so it’s a pleasure to walk around. You’ll love the variety of items and artefacts on display, ranging from skulls and skeletons to photos, arts and crafts from different African countries.
The homage to Black women in political leadership is fascinating, and there’s an array of exhibits showcasing Africa’s cultural and scientific contributions too. Don’t forget to take your phone as many displays have a QR code to translate the French text for you.
Location: Rue Av. K. Bourgi, Dakar 10200, Senegal
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +221 33 889 11 80
Museum of Black Civilizations
9. Grand Mosque of Dakar
A beautiful gathering place for the local community
Good for: Budget, Photo
If you’re a fan of striking architecture, visiting the Grand Mosque of Dakar is one of the best things to do in Dakar. The mosque is one of the most important religious buildings in the city and it’s a magnificent, imposing structure. Look up to the towering minaret and lose yourself in the mesmerising call to prayer that echoes around the area.
The mosque can accommodate over 7,000 worshippers, so you’ll find it’s often busy. Yet, there’s a calm reverence amongst the locals who come to pray. Non-Muslims can visit certain sections of the mosque, but there’s a dress code. Ensure your legs are covered and women should wear a scarf or shawl to cover the head, too.
Location: Avenue Malick Sy, Dakar, Senegal
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +221 22 126 82 00
Grand Mosque of Dakar
10. Village Des Arts
A creative spot in northern Dakar
Good for: Shoppers, Photo, Food
For an unforgettable experience interacting with local artists, visit the Village Des Arts. You’ll get to browse incredible artwork in the modern gallery before moving on to see the artists in action in their surrounding studios. There are about 50 small workshops, where you can watch painters and sculptors at work and buy original artwork to take home with you.
The Village Des Arts is easy to find, close to the Leopold Sedar Senghor stadium. You can easily spend an afternoon browsing the collections, chatting with the artists and relaxing with a refreshing drink in the cafe. Don’t be shy to ask the artists questions about their work and the creative process. It’s encouraged.
Location: Coté Ker Yoff, Rte de l’Aeroport, Dakar, Senegal
Open: Daily from 9 am to 7 pm
Phone: +221 77 264 14 21
Village Des Arts
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.