Find the best things to do in Dakar, from buying fabric from Marche Sandaga to paying homage to Goree Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former center of the transatlantic slave trade. The city's thriving music scene - especially venues featuring Mbalax - also offers a taste of Senegalese culture.
Goree Island
Goree Island is one of the most important sites near Dakar and a visit here is an eye-opening experience. This UNESCO World Heritage site served as the center of the African slave trade during the 15th and 19th centuries, and was the point of departure for millions of blacks shipped to America and other parts of the world. Today, this tranquil island serves as a memorial and an important place to remember the past and to oppose racism and racial intolerance.
The island is small and best explored on foot, giving you a chance to see the colorful buildings and narrow streets. You can also learn more about Senegalese history at the Museum of Black Civilizations and the Ifan Historical Museum, or enjoy culture and music with a trip to Ngor beach. There's also the option of staying on the island if you want a longer trip.
Ngor Beach is a popular place to spend the day for local Senegalese families, who arrive early and stay all day to soak up the sun and enjoy the street food. The sands are clean and it's a great place to relax or practice your French skills while getting to know the community. In the evening, enjoy a cold glass of beer or wine and watch Ngor come to life while taking in the spectacular views.
Sandaga Market is one of Dakar's most exciting and authentic markets. It's a great place to get an insider's view of daily life in the city and bargain with vendors selling everything from fruit and vegetables to handicrafts and souvenirs. Be sure to keep an eye out for the many fabrics with birds on them, as this is a popular motif in local fashions and memes.
If you're looking for a more cultural experience, try a private tour with a local guide. They can show you the highlights of the city, including the infamous Slave House, and can give tips on navigating the streets.
Sandaga market
The bustling, chaotic streets of the Sandaga market (Marche Sandaga) offer a glimpse into local daily life. Vendors sell everything from designer jeans to eliminating flat-screen TVs, fabrics and printed wax souvenirs. Bargaining is encouraged, and if you don't mind getting caught in the crossfire, you can find some great bargains here, although be aware that the market is also home to fake goods and a host of hustle and predilections.
A trip to Dakar isn't complete without a stroll along the N'gor Beach district, located on the city's northern shores and the departure point for boats heading to the island of N'gor. Stroll along the sandy sidewalks, soak up the ocean breeze and watch Senegalese families spend their weekend afternoons chatting with friends and sipping iced drinks on the sand.
In the same neighborhood, stop by the Museum of Black Civilizations, one of Africa's newest and most impressive museums, for a tour and to learn more about African history. The collection ranges from pre-modern tools to modern art and sculpture exploring post-modern themes, and you'll be impressed by the imposing building that houses this fascinating museum.
Senegal is renowned for its religious tolerance, and many of the city's stunning mosques and churches are well worth a visit. The 3,000-capacity Plateau Cathedral, with its green dome and four minarets, is a sight to behold, while the distinctive El Hadji Omar al Foutiyou Mosque sits on a Cove Horseshoe and has two towers facing the vast Atlantic Ocean.
If you're looking for a fun and interactive way to learn about the area, book an Accro Baobab adventure ticket entry and climb to the top of this granite massif with an experienced guide. You'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding rainforest and desert landscapes. It's a great opportunity to see another side of the region and enjoy a unique activity that's only available in Dakar.
Located on the edge of the capital, Ngor Beach offers a welcome respite from the frenetic pace of the city. The azure waters and pristine beaches make it the ideal place to relax, while the rich cultural tapestry weaving through Ngor Island and its surroundings appeal to nature lovers and culture vultures alike.
Ngor beach is best visited from December to March, when the weather is pleasantly warm and dry, and locals flock here for morning strolls and evening jogs along the seafront. If you prefer to relax in luxury, VisitSenegaloffers duplicates at prices that defy all competition.
Ngor Beach's most popular activities center on its sparkling sands, including sunbathing, swimming and walking along the shore. The town's small collection of restaurants also serves fresh seafood and mouth-watering local specialties. For a change of pace, Ngor Beach is also the gateway to a secluded island that has become a hot spot for surfers and travelers looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Ile de N'gor is a little ribbon of paradise that has been attracting tourists and surfers alike ever since it featured in the 1996 Cult Classic Final Summer. The beach on the north shore of the island is calm and serene, while Ngor Gart, a legendary surf break, is located on the bay side of the island. You can get to the island on a pirogue (traditional boat) from the coast of Ngor beach, and although most people only visit for a day trip, there are several attractive guest houses on the island.
Other day trips that are easy to make from Dakar include Saly, a sweep of golden sands that has made Senegal famous in recent years, and the UNESCO-listed island of Goree, where visitors pay tribute to the victims of the slave trade. You can also visit the vibrant Soumbedioune market and haggle for African art, jewelry, hand-woven textiles and carved wood sculptures. The stalls at Marche Sandaga are also worth a look, especially for the many bird-printed fabrics that have made the town a hipster mecca for fans of meme culture.
Lake Retba or Lake Rose
The pink Bubblegum waters of Lake Retba, also known as Pink Lake, are one of the most breathtaking highlights of all. trip to Dakar. Separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a strip of sand dunes, the dazzling pink color is caused by Dunaliella salina bacteria that thrive in the salt lake water and produce red pigments to absorb sunlight.
Located about an hour from Dakar, the lake is an essential stop for anyone visiting Senegal. Its magical color and the opportunity to swim or float in its effervescent waters make it one of the country's most popular attractions. Tours of the lake can be arranged through local tour operators in Dakar and include transport to the site as well as a guided tour of the facility.
A visit to the lake also includes the chance to visit Ngor Beach, a popular local spot where families gather at weekends for a relaxing day on the sand. Watch surfers ride the waves, practice your French with locals and enjoy a cool drink and snacks in one of the many shaded restaurants on the beach.
Ngor Beach is a beautiful and refreshing escape from the hectic city center. The area offers plenty of shopping opportunities in Marche Sandaga, and there are several local restaurants where you can try local foods such as Fufu, Plantains or Bouye, a fruit smoothie made from baobab trees.
To get the full experience, arrive early and spend the whole day on Ngor Beach. Local Senegalese families tend to gather at the beach early and stay all day enjoying street food, practicing their French and taking a dip in the cool ocean water. It's a fun way to immerse yourself in the local culture and discover the true heart of Dakar.
Despite its sometimes tumultuous history, Dakar has become a dynamic cultural, political and economic center in West Africa. Explore African history at the Museum of Black Civilizations, step back onto Ngor Beach and learn about the harrowing transatlantic slave trade on Goree Island. If you're looking for more of a laid-back vibe, head to the secluded beaches of La Bandia Wildlife Reserve and enjoy a cold beer while watching the sun set over the water.
