Dakar

Things to do in Dakar

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Top 10 attractions in Dakar

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Gorée
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Senegal

Gorée

6.1
4.7/5
12 reviews
Gorée is separated from downtown Dakar by just a stretch of water and can be reached by a ferry ride of about 20 minutes from the port. The island is less than 1 km long from north to south, and no motor vehicles are allowed. Gravel paths connect colorful old houses from the colonial era, with bougainvillea peeking out from mottled walls. At first glance, it looks like a quiet, leisurely town, but it actually bears a heavy chapter in the history of the Atlantic slave trade. Since the mid-15th century, Portugal, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and France have successively occupied the island. In 1978, the entire island was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The island's main attraction is the 18th-century House of Slaves (Maison des Esclaves), whose "Door of No Return" facing the Atlantic is said to be where enslaved people boarded ships to depart. It has now become a place for visitors from around the world to reflect on history. Fort d'Estrées at the northern end of the island has been converted into a history museum that traces the history of Senegal. In addition, there is the Women's Museum, which tells the history and heritage of Senegalese women. After taking in the heavy history, you can sit on the small beach by the pier or wander through the artist studios in the alleys. Half a day is just right.Dakar · 9.2km from downtown
African Renaissance Monument

African Renaissance Monument

4.4
5.0/5
1 reviews
African Renaissance Monument is located in Dakar, the capital of Senegal, and is one of the tallest statues on the African continent, standing 49m high. The monument was built by the Senegalese government in 2010, symbolizing African unity and renaissance. The statue is made of copper and depicts a man, a woman, and a child facing the Atlantic Ocean, symbolizing the future and hope of Africa. Visitors can take an internal elevator to the observation deck at the top of the monument to overlook the magnificent views of downtown Dakar and the Atlantic Ocean. The area around the monument features a plaza and gardens, making it an ideal place for visitors to take photos and relax. Next to the monument is a small museum that showcases African history and culture and offers multilingual guided tours. The monument is located in the city center with convenient transportation, and visitors can reach it easily. African Renaissance Monument is not only a sightseeing attraction but also an important window for understanding African history and culture.Dakar · 3km from downtown
House of Slaves

House of Slaves

4.1
The House of Slaves is a historic building located on Ile de Ré that dates back to 1776. As a symbol of the slave trade, it holds significant symbolic meaning.Dakar · 9.3km from downtown
Hann Zoological Park

Hann Zoological Park

3.3
Dakar · 3.9km from downtown
C.I.C.E.S

C.I.C.E.S

3.3
Dakar · 3.1km from downtown
Place du Souvenir Africain

Place du Souvenir Africain

3.3
Dakar · 2.8km from downtown
Plage BCEAO

Plage BCEAO

3.2
Dakar · 5.1km from downtown
Leopold Sedar-Senghor Stadium

Leopold Sedar-Senghor Stadium

3.2
Dakar · 3.7km from downtown
Magic Land

Magic Land

3.2
Dakar · 4.5km from downtown
The Museum of Black Civilisations

The Museum of Black Civilisations

3.1
5.0/5
1 reviews
Dakar · 5.6km from downtown

Traveller favourites curated for you

Grand Théâtre National de Dakar

Grand Théâtre National de Dakar

3.1
Dakar · 5.3km from downtown
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Dakar Audio Tour: Cultural Wonders

Dakar Audio Tour: Cultural Wonders

Dakar
Free cancellationBook now for todayDuration: 1.5 hrsEnglishLimited-time sale
20% off
FromUS$5.80US$7.25
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40 days · Singapore - Africa - Europe - Southampton

40 days · Singapore - Africa - Europe - Southampton

4.8/5
9 reviews2 booked
Cunard Cruise
Cunard Cruise
Queen Victoria
5
Depart from Singapore
From USD 6,124
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7D6N • 7 Days in Senegal Private Tour package

7D6N • 7 Days in Senegal Private Tour package

5/5
19 reviews
EnglishPrivate Tours
From USD 1,994
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Experiences you can't miss in Dakar

Featured Culture & history in Dakar

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Senegal Dakar and Goree Island cultural 1-day tour
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Senegal Dakar and Goree Island cultural 1-day tour

Duration: 5.7 hrs
English
FromUS$258.67
Dakar: Gorée Island and City Tour with Monument Entry
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Dakar: Gorée Island and City Tour with Monument Entry

Duration: 8 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
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Dakar Express: The must-sees in 3 hours aboard a car rapide
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Dakar Express: The must-sees in 3 hours aboard a car rapide

4.7/5
· 9 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromUS$33.09US$34.84
Dakar: City Tour by Car Rapide with Lunch
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Dakar: City Tour by Car Rapide with Lunch

Duration: 5 hrs
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Guided tour of the Lebou village of Ngor, combining culture and the sea
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Guided tour of the Lebou village of Ngor, combining culture and the sea

5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 1 hr
Free cancellation
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5% off
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FromUS$24.39US$25.68
Dakar: City Tour and Goree Island.
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Dakar: City Tour and Goree Island.

Duration: 7 hrs
Free cancellation
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FromUS$163.75US$172.37

Featured Outdoor & sports in Dakar

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Dakar: Pink Lake Day Tour with Quad Biking & Camel Ride
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Dakar: Pink Lake Day Tour with Quad Biking & Camel Ride

Duration: 7 hrs
Free cancellation
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From Dakar: Pink Lake with quad biking, pirogue, lunch and pool
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From Dakar: Pink Lake with quad biking, pirogue, lunch and pool

Duration: 6 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
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Dakar region: Lac Rose and Noflaye tortoise park
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Dakar region: Lac Rose and Noflaye tortoise park

Duration: 6 hrs
Free cancellation
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Lake Retba: Quad Biking or 4x4, Canoe, Camel Ride & Lunch with Pool Access
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Lake Retba: Quad Biking or 4x4, Canoe, Camel Ride & Lunch with Pool Access

4.8/5
· 5 reviews
Duration: 3–4 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromUS$73.17US$77.03
Somone: Private Surfing Lesson
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Somone: Private Surfing Lesson

Duration: 1 hr
Free cancellation
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5% off
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FromUS$26.51US$27.91

More things to do

Dakar Cruises

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113 days · Southampton - North America - Oceania - Asia - Africa - Europe - Hamburg

113 days · Southampton - North America - Oceania - Asia - Africa - Europe - Hamburg

4.8/5 · 9 reviews
Cunard Cruise ·
Queen Victoria5
Depart from Southampton
From USD 18,063
111 days · Southampton - North America - Oceania - Asia - Africa - Europe - Southampton

111 days · Southampton - North America - Oceania - Asia - Africa - Europe - Southampton

4.8/5 · 9 reviews
Cunard Cruise ·
Queen Victoria5
Depart from Southampton
From USD 14,564
22 days · Southampton - Spain - Portugal - Senegal - Cape Verde - Southampton

22 days · Southampton - Spain - Portugal - Senegal - Cape Verde - Southampton

4.4/5 · 7 reviews
Cunard Cruise ·
Queen Mary 25
Depart from Southampton
From USD 2,162
131 days · Fort Lauderdale - South America - Oceania - Asia - Africa - Europe - North America - Fort Lauderdale

131 days · Fort Lauderdale - South America - Oceania - Asia - Africa - Europe - North America - Fort Lauderdale

5/5 · 1 review
Holland America Line ·
Volendam3
Depart from Fort Lauderdale
From USD 28,009
47 days · Hong Kong - Asia - Africa - Europe - Southampton

47 days · Hong Kong - Asia - Africa - Europe - Southampton

4.8/5 · 9 reviews
Cunard Cruise ·
Queen Victoria5
Depart from Hong Kong
From USD 10,820
21 days · Cape Town - Walvis Bay - Dakar - Santa Cruz de Tenerife - Funchal - Southampton

21 days · Cape Town - Walvis Bay - Dakar - Santa Cruz de Tenerife - Funchal - Southampton

4.8/5 · 9 reviews
Cunard Cruise ·
Queen Victoria5
Depart from Cape Town
From USD 3,098
102 days · New York - North America - Oceania - Asia - Africa - Europe - Southampton

102 days · New York - North America - Oceania - Asia - Africa - Europe - Southampton

Sail the world and take in historic cities and vast, azure seas.
4.8/5 · 9 reviews
Cunard Cruise ·
Queen Victoria5
Depart from New York
From USD 19,218
Dakar Today's weatherPartly clear 26-31℃
Dakar weather for the next 2 days11/3: 26-30℃, 11/4: 26-30℃

What travellers say about Dakar

user-avatar
Old 96 May 2023
5.0
Located in Dakar, a famous city in Senegal, West Africa

Gorée

user-avatar
Elizadepaysement5 January 2026
5.0
A gem not only in the country but also in the continent and the world. We need much more museums like this.

The Museum of Black Civilisations

Trip Moments in Dakar

Discover Dakar, Senegal 🇸🇳🌊

Discover Dakar, Senegal 🇸🇳🌊

“Welcome to Dakar, the vibrant capital of Senegal, where Atlantic Ocean views, colorful markets, rich history, and the rhythm of West African culture come together to create an unforgettable travel experience!”@Sayed El Maleh · 21 days ago
🇸🇳 Dakar, Senegal: Discover the Vibrant Soul of West Africa!

🇸🇳 Dakar, Senegal: Discover the Vibrant Soul of West Africa!

“Imagine watching Atlantic waves roll onto golden beaches, wandering through colourful markets, tasting traditional Senegalese dishes, and listening to music drift through the streets as the sun sets over the ocean.”@NOMADIC NOMAN · dakar · 8 days ago
Pretty in Pink: Senegal’s Lac Rose is the Mindblowing Pastel Photo-Hogging Paradise

Pretty in Pink: Senegal’s Lac Rose is the Mindblowing Pastel Photo-Hogging Paradise

“I finally was standing on the sandy ridge separating the roaring blue Atlantic waves from the vivid pink waters of Lake Retba, I felt like I had stepped onto a completely different planet.”@Arzmy Hargreaves · lacrose · 1 day ago
Fit and beautiful people

Fit and beautiful people

“It was amazing!”@_TX***lg · 16 days ago

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Dakar?

Don't miss these attractions in Dakar: Gorée, African Renaissance Monument, and House of Slaves. If you like Culture & history, try Senegal Dakar and Goree Island cultural 1-day tour. If you enjoy Outdoor & sports, try Dakar: Pink Lake Day Tour with Quad Biking & Camel Ride.

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