Top Things to Do in Dakar

About the City

Dakar, Senegal: A City of Vibrant Contrasts Dakar, the bustling capital of Senegal, thrills with its vibrant markets and spirited street life. Picture yourself zigzagging through the lively Medina quarter, where colorful fabrics and the aroma of street food create a sensory carnival. Enchanting music spills from every corner, as mbalax rhythms provide a spirited soundtrack to the city life. On the flip side, Dakar confronts visitors with its chaotic traffic and the occasional bout of hustle and bustle intensity. The city's sheer energy can be both exhilarating and exhausting in equal measures. Navigating through its crowded streets often feels like a dance with the unexpected, where patience is both a challenge and a virtue. Dakar's coastline boasts views that can calm even the most frazzled of nerves. The serene beaches offer a soothing escape from the urban adrenaline. However, these picturesque waters are not without their own quirks – sometimes, you'll find the tranquility interspersed with boisterous beach-goers and enthusiastic vendors. In summation, Dakar is a city of dualities, wonderfully warm yet sporadically sizzling, culturally rich yet occasionally overwhelming. It's a place where adventure lovers and culture enthusiasts meet to experience the vivid tableau of Senegal's heart and soul.

Things to Do in Dakar

Savor Lacoste

Food & Drink

Set your sights on Lacoste, a treat not for the faint of heart but for the true carnivores. Picture this: a plate loaded with grilled, succulent beef cubes seasoned with zesty Senegalese spices, serve...

Rollerblading the Corniche

Outdoors

Strap on some blades and zip along Dakar's Corniche. With the ocean on one side and the city buzz on the other, you'll have the best of both worlds as you roll. Show off your slick moves or enjoy a le...

Dakar Dance Off

The Unexpected

Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to groove! Join a local dance workshop and learn some traditional Senegalese moves. From the spirited Sabar to the dynamic Djembe, you'll be bouncing to the bea...

Discover Dakar's Dazzling Doorways

The Unexpected

Set off on a quirky quest to find the most stunning doorways nestled in the heart of Dakar. Embark on a mission to capture the essence of Dakar one doorway at a time – from painted masterpieces to int...

Pirogue Picnicking

The Unexpected

Sail away in a traditional pirogue and drop anchor for a seaside picnic. Picture yourself nibbling on delectable Senegalese snacks, sipping sweet Bissap, all while floating on the tranquil Atlantic. I...

Cinema Under the Stars

The Unexpected

Nestle into a cute outdoor cinema setting and catch a classic Senegalese film or a current hit under the open sky. With a gentle ocean breeze and a canopy of stars, it's movie magic with a Dakar twist...

Kayak Through the Mangroves

Outdoors

Wanna paddle your way through some stunning scenery? Grab a kayak and glide through the mangroves. Navigate the serene waterways, say hey to the birds, and enjoy a splash-tastic adventure away from th...

Hike to the Lighthouse

Outdoors

Trek to the top! The Phare des Mamelles beckons for a hike that rewards with panoramic views. Give those calf muscles a workout and once you're at the top, take in the sights of Dakar from above like ...

Sandcastle Supreme

Outdoors

Get your hands sandy and your creativity flowing by building the ultimate sandcastle on Dakar's beaches. No kiddie stuff – think moats, towers, and intricate details that'll make fellow beachgoers sto...

Botanical Walkabout

Outdoors

Get your green on and breathe in the scent of tropical flora on a leisurely stroll through Dakar's botanical hideaways. It's a chilled out way to get up close with nature without leaving the city's em...

Feast on Thiebou Yapp

Food & Drink

If rice is your vice, Thiebou Yapp will entice! This drool-worthy dish is the cousin of Thiéboudienne, but with meat taking center stage. Imagine succulent, tender beef or lamb mixed with fluffy rice,...

Check Out the Dakar Grand Mosque

Sights

Feast your eyes on the splendid architecture and spiritual vibes of the Dakar Grand Mosque. It's hard not to be impressed by its grandeur. Whether you're there to admire the intricate details or for a...

Celebrate Senegalese Sport at Iba Mar Diop Stadium

Sights

Feel the pulse of Senegalese wrestling at Iba Mar Diop Stadium! Immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere where local legends clash in the sandy ring. It's raw, raucous, and a riot of cultural k...

Bargain & Banter at Sandaga Market

Sights

Get your haggle game on at Marché Sandaga, the buzzing heart of Dakar's shopping scene. From stacks of fabrics to sizzling street food, you'll be swapping cash and quips with vendors in no time. It's ...

Time Travel in Gorée

Sights

Hop on a ferry to Gorée Island and get your feet on the cobblestone streets that whisper the tales of yesteryears. It's a car-free zone filled with colorful colonial houses and rich history. It's like...

Parade in the Pink Lake

Sights

Ready to see water in shades of bubblegum? Lake Retba, or Lac Rose, is just the spot. This rosy lake gets its color from salt-loving bacteria, and it's a total see-it-to-believe-it moment. Float in th...

Sip on Bissap

Food & Drink

After all that feasting, wash it down with some Bissap – it's like a hug in a cup! This refreshing drink is made from hibiscus flowers and it's sweet, tart, and oh-so-reviving. Served cold, it's the l...

Indulge in Ndambé

Food & Drink

Beans, beans, they're good for your heart, and Ndambé’s gonna make you super smart! Take a bite into this saucy bean and meat concoction, tucked into a baguette, and feel the rhythm of Senegal with ev...

Nibble on Yassa Poulet

Food & Drink

Get your taste buds dancing with Yassa Poulet, a zesty chicken dish that's like a sunshine-filled day at the beach, but on a plate. Marinated in lemon and onions, this dish is tangy, a bit spicy, and ...

Hip Hop Hoppin'

The Unexpected

Yo, check it! Dakar ain't just about traditional beats. Immerse yourself in the urban vibes at a local hip hop jam. Freestyle battles, local rhymes, and beats that'll have you noddin' your head like y...