What to do in Dakar

Activities, attractions and tours

View to historic city at the Goree island in Dakar, Senegal, Shutterstock ID 693736381, SF SSA Case with Manager Approval: Case 07151371, Job: Prepay credit, Client/Licensee: , Other:
View to historic city at the Goree island in Dakar, Senegal, Shutterstock ID 693736381, SF SSA Case with Manager Approval: Case 07151371, Job: Prepay credit, Client/Licensee: , Other:
Fisherman sorting out his net on the beach in Youff. Yoff is a neighborhood in Dakar, but it is also a separate town with its own peculiarities. Yoff is known for its Muslim Community Council and its fishing villages and is considered slightly more conservative than more central parts of Dakar. To get a proper impression of traditional fishing and the beautiful pirogues a visit to the district Yoff is a good idea. Yoff is the most northeastern district of Dakar and adjoins the airport in the west. Read more on blog: http://www.travelwithallsenses.com/fishermen-of-yoff/
The Soumbédioune Fish Market is a place to observe life and commerce in Dakar, Senegal. It's busy and bustling, with ocean views and briny air that has the distinct smell of fish. Come on a Saturday afternoon when things are in full swing. Be respectful when taking photographs however and make sure you ask vendors if it's okay to capture them or their wares on film before you snap.
Goree island, Senegal. From the 15th to the 19th century, it was the largest slave-trading centre on the African coast. Ruled in succession by the Portuguese, Dutch, English and French, its architecture is characterized by the contrast between the grim slave-quarters and the elegant houses of the slave traders. Today it continues to serve as a reminder of human exploitation and as a sanctuary for reconciliation. #goree #senegal #unescoworldheritage #dakar #island

Places to Visit in Dakar

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Dakar, Dakar Region while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Dakar attractions from NZ$93, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Dakar tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 68 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Dakar. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Recommended things to do in Dakar

Number of things to do
68
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Dakar: NZ$93
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Dakar

Discover the most popular places to visit in Dakar

île de Gorée, Insel, Senegal

Ile de Goree Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Ile de Goree Beach during your travels in Goree Island? Take in the museums while you're in the area.

Ile de Goree Beach
Sandaga market, Dakar, Senegal, West Africa

Sandaga Market

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Sandaga Market during your visit to Dakar-Plateau. Amble around the area's lakeside or visit its monuments.

Sandaga Market
Statue called Monument of the African Renaissance located in Dakar, Senegal

African Renaissance Statue

Find out about the history of Dakar with a stop at African Renaissance Statue. Wander the rainforest or discover the area's desert landscape.

African Renaissance Statue
Distant view of the Presidential Palace Dakar, Senegal, West Africa

Presidential Palace

After visiting Presidential Palace, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Dakar-Plateau. Discover the area's desert landscape and monuments.

Presidential Palace

Cheikh Anta Diop University

Explore the campus of Cheikh Anta Diop University during your travels in Fann. While you're in the area, wander around the rainforest.

Cheikh Anta Diop University

Place de l'Indépendance

Find out about the history of Dakar-Plateau when you spend time at Place de l'Indépendance. Wander the rainforest or discover the area's desert landscape.

Place de l'Indépendance

Pointe des Almadies Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Pointe des Almadies Beach during your trip to Ngor?

Pointe des Almadies Beach

African Renaissance Monument

Find out about the history of Dakar when you spend time at African Renaissance Monument. Wander the rainforest or discover the area's desert landscape.

African Renaissance Monument

Stade Leopold Senghor

Catch an event at Stade Leopold Senghor during your trip to Dakar. Wander the rainforest or discover the area's desert landscape.

Stade Leopold Senghor

Explore areas of Dakar

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Les Almadies

If you're spending some time in Les Almadies, Pointe des Almadies Beach and Des Almadies Golf Club are top sights worth seeing.

Les Almadies
Beach soccer on the beach ouakam Dakar Sénégal

Ouakam

While visiting Ouakam, you might make a stop by sights like African Renaissance Statue and African Renaissance Monument.

Ouakam

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Dakar

Fisherman sorting out his net on the beach in Youff. Yoff is a neighborhood in Dakar, but it is also a separate town with its own peculiarities. Yoff is known for its Muslim Community Council and its fishing villages and is considered slightly more conservative than more central parts of Dakar. To get a proper impression of traditional fishing and the beautiful pirogues a visit to the district Yoff is a good idea. Yoff is the most northeastern district of Dakar and adjoins the airport in the west. Read more on blog: http://www.travelwithallsenses.com/fishermen-of-yoff/

Yof

Infamous fortifications on Gorée Island, used to retain slaves before shipment to the Americas, Dakar, Senegal, West Africa

Goree Island

Pirogue de pêche du Sénégal en gros plan

Ngor

Amazing place for drinks.

Fann

Frequently asked questions

Is Dakar worth visiting?
Known for its markets and festivals, discovering awesome things to do in Dakar is a breeze. Make sure to add Ile de Goree Beach to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Dakar?
Once you've visited popular attractions like Ile de Goree Beach and Mamelles Beach, spend the rest of your day exploring the food and retail options in Dakar.
What is the top tourist attraction in Dakar?
You can't leave without checking out Ile de Goree Beach, ranked the top tourist attraction in Dakar.
Is three days enough to stay in Dakar?
Three days in Dakar is plenty of time to visit the city's key attractions. Many travellers spend four days on average. Ile de Goree Beach, Mamelles Beach and Museum of Black Civilizations are among the top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Stick around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Ngor.
Is Dakar a walkable city?
Some major attractions in Dakar, like Mamelles Beach and Stade Leopold Senghor, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 3 kilometres from the city centre of Dakar is Ouakam and Colobane is 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Dakar with kids?
If you are after attractions and activities for all ages, we've got some fantastic ideas for what to do in Dakar with kids.

What to do in Dakar for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor adventurer, there are lots of things to do in Dakar for adults including House of Slaves and Castel.
Are there free things to do in Dakar?
In Dakar, Ile de Goree Beach is an unmissable spot for anyone wanting to enjoy the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, stroll around the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and speak with a local tour guide. It's an easy way to discover the best free things to do in Dakar.

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