Dakar's skyline and surroundings boast several landmarks its history, culture, and aspirations.
These sites thorough insights into Senegal's past and present. Plan your visits to soak in the essence of this captivating city.
Look into pairing a visit here with the nearby Phare des Mamelles lighthouse.
A modern, grand museum opened in 2018, to the historical and contemporary civilizations of Black people worldwide. It to reclaim and celebrate African heritage.
Extensive collections of African art, historical artifacts, ethnographic exhibits, and contemporary works, spanning various periods and regions.
One of the earliest and most respected art museums in West Africa. A significant collection of traditional West African masks, statues, textiles, musical instruments, and ethnographic objects.
Numerous boutique galleries the works of local Senegalese artists, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media. Explore areas like Almadies, Plateau, and Village Artisanal de Soumbédioune.
Check what's on nearby or ask at your accommodation for information on current exhibitions and cultural events.
Beyond its main landmarks, Dakar and its surroundings other sites that the story of its past.
All over the island, not just the House of Slaves, an UNESCO World Heritage site.
Charming colonial-era buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and remnants of old forts and batteries. Its peaceful, car-free atmosphere exploration.
Explore the Gorée Island Historical Museum, the old fort (Castel), the charming residential areas, and local art galleries.
A striking Roman Catholic cathedral in the Plateau district, built in the 1920s. It out for its one-of-a-kind fusion of Sudanese and European architectural styles, distinctive twin bell towers and a large dome. Open outside of service times. Dress modestly.
A historic lighthouse located on one of the "Mamelles" hills, panoramic views of Dakar and the coastline. Built in 1864, it operational, guiding ships into the port. The views from the beacon spectacular, specifically at sunset.
A small café sometimes available nearby.
A modern, grand museum opened in 2018, dedicated to the historical and contemporary civilizations of Black people worldwide. It aspires to reclaim and celebrate African heritage. Houses extensive collections of African art, historical artifacts, ethnographic exhibits, and contemporary works.
One of the earliest and most respected galleries in West Africa. It boasts a significant collection of traditional West African masks, statues, textiles, musical instruments, and ethnographic objects.
Numerous smaller galleries showcase the works of local Senegalese artists, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media. Explore areas like Almadies, Plateau, and especially the Village Artisanal de Soumbédioune.
Consider booking your tours and tickets in advance for practicality and to avoid queues.
Dakar's coastal surroundings and adjacent areas several natural wonders, from unique lakes to protected island habitats.
A hypersaline salt lake, approximately 30-40 km to the northeast part of Dakar, for its distinct pink hue. The color from Dunaliella salina algae, which thrives in the lake's high salt content. Salt harvesting a major activity here. Tourists can observe salt harvesters at work. Floating in the lake (like the Dead Sea) a popular activity.
A small group of volcanic islands located just off the coast of Dakar, a wildlife reserve and an important breeding ground for seabirds, most significantly the red-billed tropicbird. One of the smallest national parks globally. Access to the the largest landmass limited to protect wildlife and the easily damaged ecosystem. Visitors can hike on designated trails.
A popular beach on the northern coast of Dakar, for its relatively calm waters, suitable for taking a dip and relaxing. A well-known spot for surfing, with waves suitable for various skill levels. Several beachside restaurants and ride the waves instruction schools operate here. From here, you can take a short pirogue ride to Ngor Island for an an even greater tranquil experience.
A artisan market and working village. Observe artisans at work, carved wood, leather goods, intricate jewelry, traditional textiles, and paintings. An excellent place to purchase authentic souvenirs directly from the makers, often at better prices than tourist shops.
Explore Artisan VillageA historic a market with a roof a beautiful, ornate iron structure from the colonial-era era. It with the bustling chaos of different markets. A mix of fresh produce, spices, and some higher-quality artisanal crafts. Its architecture alone it worth a visit.
Visit Kermel MarketA scenic coastal road along the western edge of Dakar. Continuous views of the Atlantic Ocean, local life, fishing boats, and surf spots. A popular place for locals to stroll, exercise, and gather in the evenings.
Discover Corniche ViewsA reptile research and conservation center found in the grounds of the IFAN Museum. It on the study and safekeeping of Senegal's snake population. Houses various snakes and other reptiles discovered in the region.
These lesser-known spots deep cultural experience and a different perspective of Dakar beyond the main tourist routes.
Dakar several museums and cultural institutions that deep insights into African history, art, and civilizations.
One of the earliest and most respected galleries in West Africa, part of the Institut Fondamental d'Afrique Noire (IFAN).
The experience at the House of Slaves be emotionally heavy; for reflection.
For IFAN Museum, allow at least 2-3 hours to explore its vast collection.
Dakar's natural landscape and neighborhood spots unique experiences.
A hypersaline salt lake, famous for its distinct pink hue from Dunaliella salina algae. Salt harvesting a major activity here.
A small group of volcanic islands off the coast of Dakar, a nature reserve and important breeding ground for seabirds.
A popular beach on the northern coast of Dakar, for its relatively calm waters, suitable for taking a dip and relaxing.
Enjoy the a relaxed-back beach atmosphere.
A artisan market and working village. It is a working village, not just a market.
Directly support local craftsmanship.
A picturesque coastal road along the western edge of Dakar. Continuous views of the Atlantic Ocean, local life, fishing vessels, and surf spots.
A lively coastal experience.
A historic covered market housed in a beautiful, ornate iron structure from from the time of colonization era. It contrasts with the bustling chaos of various markets. It a more sophisticated and structured market experience.
A reptile research and conservation center located within the grounds of the IFAN Museum. It focuses on the study and safekeeping of Senegal's snake population. It holds various snakes and other reptiles found in the region. An educational opportunity to learn about these creatures.
Marché Kermel's architecture alone it worth a visit. The Serpentarium an educational experience in a safe environment.
