What are the best things to do in Dakar?
Top picks in Dakar include African Renaissance Monument, IFAN Museum of African Arts, Dakar Grand Mosque, Dakar Cathedral. See the full list and itinerary on this Dakar travel guide.
Photo: mostroneddo · CC BY 2.0
Why visit Dakar
Travel guide for Dakar, Senegal — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Dakar is a stop in Senegal, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise African Renaissance Monument, IFAN Museum of African Arts, Dakar Grand Mosque instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 40–100 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: The dry season for the most comfortable travel. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
The dry season for the most comfortable travel
Weather
Largely warm year-round with distinct wet and dry seasons
Experiences
Things to do in Dakar
1
African Renaissance Monument
2
IFAN Museum of African Arts
3
Dakar Grand Mosque
4
Dakar Cathedral
5
Hann Park and Zoo
6
Lake Retba
7
Madeline Islands National Park
Budget travel
Free things to do in Dakar
African Renaissance Monument
Dakar Grand Mosque
Dakar Cathedral
Hann Park and Zoo
Lake Retba
Madeline Islands National Park
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Dakar itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit African Renaissance Monument
- Visit IFAN Museum of African Arts
- Visit Dakar Grand Mosque
- Eat at Chez Elias
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Dakar Cathedral
- Visit Hann Park and Zoo
- Visit Lake Retba
- Eat at Les batons ("BANT-YII")
- 3
Day 3
Markets, parks & hidden corners
- Visit Madeline Islands National Park
- Eat at Ali Baba
Budget
Dakar trip cost
Budget
USD 20–40
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 40–100
per person / day
Luxury
USD 115–190+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Dakar, Senegal. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Dakar
Estimated total (USD)
$1,935
≈ $968 per person · $276 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $70/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Dakar mid-range ground costs (budget 20–40 · mid 40–100 · luxury 115–190+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Chez Elias
Fast food very popular with menu at the top. Simple welcoming place. Quality food and fast service. Best Shawarma.
Les batons ("BANT-YII")
Mythical place in Dakar to eat meat skewers with an epise from Niger made from corn. Atypical place if you are a lover of good meat. The foo
Ali Baba
Greasy Spoon where you can get cheap Lebanese food. Good falafel sandwiches with French fries and lots of tahina sauce, shwarma, kebab and a
Hotel Restaurant Farid
Drink a gigantic Arrak (made from anis) as an aperitif and then order the 20 Mezze.
Artisan Boulanger Eric Kayser
It's along the street of Cafe du Rome towards La Corniche (the sea) and away from the centre two blocks up on your right hand side. Serves f
Chez Loutcha
Chez Lutcha is a Cape Verdian restaurant that serves huge portions of excellent food. Cape Verdian (Portuguese inspired) dishes, Senegalese
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Onomo hotel
Very useful for people that have to catch very early morning planes to other places. It is not uncommon that your flight to say Europe or Ni
Hotel Oceanic
Océanic is a budget option for around €30 (room rate). Centrally located. Rooms and beds are (a bit) run down but the bathroom is OK. Good b
Hotel Farid
Central location. Rooms with air-con, TV, mini-bar, safe and free internet access
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar Sea Plaza
Trendy neighbourhood offering picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean.
King Fahd Palace Hotel
Top class hotel, and offer a free shuttle service to and from the airport.
Shopping
- Marche Sandaga
- Marche Kermel
- Marche Soumbedioune
- cocktail du senegal
Nightlife
- Le Viking
Museums & culture
- African Renaissance Monument
- IFAN Museum of African Arts
- Dakar Grand Mosque
- Dakar Cathedral
In pictures
Dakar gallery
Photos: mostroneddo, Pacocreat, PMO Barbados, M.GADJ!, Tbo47 — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Dakar travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Dakar?
The dry season for the most comfortable travel.
How many days do I need in Dakar?
Plan at least 3 days in Dakar for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Dakar?
Popular stays in Dakar include Onomo hotel, Hotel Oceanic, Hotel Farid. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Dakar cost?
On the ground in Dakar (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 20–40 per person per day, mid-range about 40–100, and luxury about 115–190+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Dakar, Senegal. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
