Dakar Travel Guide, Hotels & Things to Do

Where to stay

Hotels in Dakar

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Maison d'Hôtes entière Cité Douane Golf Dakar

Cité Douane Golf Club Des Camberene 61 | Dakar, SN

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Chez Khawita

Fass - Colobane- Gueule Tappe- Boulevard Canal Vi Fass Paillote Immeuble Nourou N° 69 Appartement R | Dakar, 13500, SN

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La Rose des Sables

9 Rue Felix Faure Entrée B 2ème Étage Droite | Dakar, 10200, SN

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Appartement de luxe meublé à louer - Dakar près des Almadies 3 Ch/ 3 Sdb

Route De L'aeroport | Dakar, SN

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Appartement haut standing idéalement situé à Dakar

Sicap Foire Villa 10785 | Dakar, SN

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F2 Appart Les Ambassades Point E Dakar

16 Rue Pe 25 16 | Dakar, 11000, SN

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Meublé Nord Foire Dakar

Nord Foire Diamalaye 3 N 222 | Dakar, SN

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Paradise

Rue Gm 34 | Dakar, SN

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At a glance

Climate

Tropical

Languages

French and Wolof and Pulaar

Local currency

XOF (XOF)

Local time

22:15 (GMT+0)

Ideal trip length

3–7 days

Cost level

3 of 5 · our research

Suggested area to stay

Almadies

Tap water

Bottled water recommended

Tipping

Expected for good service

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 60 · Moderate

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Thieboudienne Yassa Poulet Maafe Pastels

When to visit Dakar

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: January, February, December Busiest: Nov-Apr

Jan

90

Dry, mild, pleasant
Feb

90

Dry, mild, pleasant
Mar

85

Dry, warming up
Apr

80

Dry, warm, breezy
May

70

Hot, humid starts
Jun

60

Rainy season begins
Jul

50

Hot, humid, rainy
Aug

45

Peak rain, hot
Sept

50

Rainy, humid, hot
Oct

60

Rain tapers, humid
Nov

80

Dry season returns
Dec

90

Dry, mild, pleasant

90

Jan Dry, mild, pleasant

90

Feb Dry, mild, pleasant

85

Mar Dry, warming up

80

Apr Dry, warm, breezy

70

May Hot, humid starts

60

Jun Rainy season begins

50

Jul Hot, humid, rainy

45

Aug Peak rain, hot

50

Sept Rainy, humid, hot

60

Oct Rain tapers, humid

80

Nov Dry season returns

90

Dec Dry, mild, pleasant

Things to do in Dakar

8 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

2 places

Gorée Island (Île de Gorée)

Offshore 4 hrs

Explore the poignant House of Slaves and UNESCO-listed colonial architecture.

Outdoors

Lac Rose (Pink Lake)

Niaga 3 hrs

Witness the unique pink hue and traditional salt harvesting.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

2 places

African Renaissance Monument

Ouakam 1.5 hrs

Ascend for panoramic views and an iconic symbol of African pride.

Indoors Good for children

Soumbédioune Market

Fann 2 hrs

Immerse in local crafts, vibrant textiles, and bustling daily life.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the evening

1 place

Les Almadies Nightlife

Almadies 3 hrs

Experience vibrant bars, live music, and diverse restaurants.

Indoors

Any time of day

3 places

IFAN Museum of African Arts

Plateau 2 hrs

Discover a rich collection of West African masks, sculptures, and artifacts.

Indoors Good for children

Ngor Island

Ngor 5 hrs

Escape to a tranquil island for swimming, surfing, and fresh seafood.

Outdoors Good for children

Dakar Grand Mosque

Plateau 1 hr

Admire the impressive architecture of this significant Islamic landmark.

Indoors Good for children

Dakar itineraries

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First-timer highlights

3 Days in Dakar — First-Timer Highlights

Experience the vibrant heartbeat of West Africa's most dynamic capital.

This 3-day itinerary is designed for first-time visitors eager to explore the essential sights and sounds of Dakar. From the poignant history of Gorée Island to the bustling markets and iconic monuments, you'll discover the rich culture, stunning coastline, and warm hospitality that define this energetic Senegalese city. Perfect for those seeking an immersive introduction to West African life and heritage.

3 Days 12 Stops

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