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Dakar
Senegal’s capital on Africa’s westernmost peninsula, known for its music, beaches, markets and the African Renaissance Monument
Senegal’s capital on Africa’s westernmost peninsula, known for its music, beaches, markets and the African Renaissance Monument
This 49m bronze statue of a family, inaugurated in 2010, stands on a hill in Ouakam. A lift takes visitors to a viewing platform in the man’s head.
Go in the late afternoon for the view along the coast.
Photo: Balou46, CC BY-SA 4.0
Opened in 2018, this large museum covers the history, art and cultures of Africa and the African diaspora.
Photo: PMO Barbados, Public domain
A small island a few minutes by pirogue from Ngor beach, with quiet lanes, small beaches and a well-known surf break.
Photo: Olha Pererva, CC BY-SA 4.0
Painted pirogues land their catch here in the late afternoon, when the fish market is busiest. The craft village next door sells carvings, fabrics and jewellery.
Bargain politely at the craft village.
Photo: Jeff Attaway, CC BY 2.0
About 35km north-east of Dakar, Lake Retba is often tinted pink by salt-loving algae, most visibly in the dry season. Workers harvest salt from the lake by hand.
Photo: Issiaga0, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try thieboudienne, the national dish of fish with rice and vegetables, yassa (chicken or fish with onions and lemon), mafé (peanut stew) and grilled fish by the sea. Bissap (hibiscus juice) and café Touba (spiced coffee) are everywhere.
Les Almadies and Ngor have beach restaurants and bars; live mbalax music plays in clubs at weekends.
Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) is about 45km from the city. Since 28 September 2026 the TER suburban train runs all the way to the airport, taking about 55 minutes from central Dakar; taxis and shuttle buses use the toll motorway.
In the city, taxis are cheap but agree the fare first. Citizens of the EU, the UK, the US and many other countries have been able to visit Senegal visa-free for up to 90 days, but the government has announced a reciprocity-based e-visa for countries that require visas from Senegalese citizens. Check current rules before you travel.
Senegal uses the West African CFA franc (XOF), which is pegged to the euro (€1 = 655.957 XOF). Carry cash for markets, taxis and small restaurants; Wave and Orange Money are widely used.
Prices are approximate.
City, island and lake.
Visit the Museum of Black Civilisations, walk through the Plateau, then watch the boats come in at Soumbédioune.
Take the ferry to Gorée Island for the day, and finish at the African Renaissance Monument at sunset.
Visit Lac Rose in the morning, then spend the afternoon on Ngor Island.
Agree the fare before getting in.
Currents are strong on many beaches; swim only at guarded or sheltered spots.
Senegal is mainly Muslim; dress modestly away from the beach.
Take malaria precautions, especially in the rainy season.
Quick answers for planning time in Dakar.
By TER train in about 55 minutes, or by taxi or shuttle bus on the motorway.
49m.
Many nationalities have been visa-free for up to 90 days, but rules are changing; check before you travel.
About 35km, roughly an hour by road.
November to May, the dry season.
French and Wolof are the main languages; translation helps outside tourist areas.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Senegal travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.