Things to do in Dakar

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Dakar
Dakar
Dakar
Dakar
Dakar

Dakar Attractions

The nation's beating heart, Dakar has plenty to offer every sort of traveler. From relaxation to adventure and everything that lies in between, you'll never get bored. Start organizing your dream itinerary today and hit the ground with a plan.

If you're ready to explore Dakar, join a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have a friendly local show you the most popular sights. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {71 fun activities in Dakar fun activities in Dakar} are also worth looking into.

Browse things to do in Dakar by interest

Tours & day trips
Tours & day tripsOpens in new tab
Private & custom tours
Private & custom toursOpens in new tab
History & culture
History & cultureOpens in new tab

Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.

Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.

One Key members save 10% or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.

What to do in Dakar

Free Things to Do in Dakar

Some say the best things in life are free. Make sure you visit the following around Dakar:

Chambre de Commerce - Stroll around this historic place and uncover some secrets from yesteryear.

Place de l'Indépendance - Stroll the sidewalks and take in the atmosphere of this popular local hangout.

Village des Arts - Plan a visit and discover the importance of this place to the community.

Ile de Goree Beach - Skip rocks across the water's surface, watch the sunset or just take in the views from the shore.

Things to Do in Dakar with Kids

There are loads of sensational experiences in Dakar that the whole gang will love. Here are a few of the most popular family friendly experiences in the area.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Dakar? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Dakar

On Goree Island you can learn about Dakar`s dark history while enjoying this little island`s lush and idyllic atmosphere. Only a short ferry ride from Senegal’s capital Dakar lays the tiny island Ile de Gorée. The island is a popular destination for anyone visiting Dakar and Senegal and tells the story of the slave trade across the Atlantic. The entire island was listed on UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978. Read more on: http://www.travelwithallsenses.com/goree-island-slave-trade/

Ile de Goree Beach

4/5(12 reviews)

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Ile de Goree Beach during your travels in Dakar?

Ile de Goree Beach
Sandanga lies roughly midway on Plateau center in Dakar and is the biggest of Dakar`s markets. If you are not familiar with African markets is worth a visit, but be careful with your valuables and do not be fooled to follow strangers. Sandanga is a mix of flea market and tourist market. It is fussy and chaotic and sellers are ongoing. Try to visit Sandanga early in the morning. It is less crowded at that time of day and fruits and vegetables are fresh and look attractive. Read more: http://www.travelwithallsenses.com/shopping-dakars-markets/

Sandaga Market

3.5/5(12 reviews)

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

Sandaga Market
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.

Soumbédioune Fish Market

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Soumbédioune Fish Market during your visit to Dakar. While you're in the area, wander around the rainforest.

Soumbédioune Fish Market
The House of slaves and this is the door of no return That you see at the bottom...

House of Slaves

4.5/5(11 reviews)

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at House of Slaves during your trip to Dakar. Wander the rainforest or discover the area's desert landscape.

House of Slaves
It is located at Rte. de Yoff, heading towards the airport. Here artists can get a studio space and some support from the government. It’s like a small walled village where people work and some also live here. Some foreign artists are also invited to stay in shorter periods as Artists in Residens. This is probably one of the most important measures to support the contemporary art in Senegal and an important contribution to the Dakar art scene. Read more on: http://www.travelwithallsenses.com/dakar-art-scene/

Village des Arts

4/5(7 reviews)

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Village des Arts during your trip to Dakar. Wander the rainforest or discover the area's desert landscape.

Village des Arts

Cheikh Anta Diop University

4/5(9 reviews)

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

Cheikh Anta Diop University

African Renaissance Statue

4.5/5(17 reviews)

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

African Renaissance Statue

Place de l'Indépendance

3.5/5(8 reviews)

Find out about the history of Dakar-Plateau with a stop at Place de l'Indépendance. Wander the rainforest or discover the area's desert landscape.

Place de l'Indépendance

Stade Leopold Senghor

4/5(5 reviews)

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

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Dakar

Default Image

Les Almadies

4/5(19 area reviews)

While visiting Les Almadies, you might make a stop by sights like Pointe des Almadies Beach and Des Almadies Golf Club.

Les Almadies
Default Image

Ouakam

3/5(1 area review)

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

Ouakam
See our Where To Stay guide

 

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.

 

 

Popular day trips from Dakar

Photo by Travel with all senses

Yof

Ngor

Ngor

Frequently asked questions

Is Dakar worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Dakar is visit Ile de Goree Beach. Tick this top attraction off your agenda, then discover more of this area's markets and festivals.
How do I spend a day in Dakar?
Ile de Goree Beach and Mamelles Beach are two excellent places to kick-start your adventures. Remember to explore the shopping and dining options in Dakar while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Dakar?
Ile de Goree Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Dakar and should feature high on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Dakar?
Three days will give you enough time to tick off popular city highlights, such as Ile de Goree Beach, Mamelles Beach and Museum of Black Civilizations. The average stay in Dakar is four days. If you feel the urge to extend your escape, Ngor isn't far away.
Is Dakar a walkable city?
That comes down to what you want to do and see in Dakar. Several attractions, including Mamelles Beach and Stade Leopold Senghor, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Dakar's neighborhoods, Ouakam is 2 miles away from downtown, while Colobane is 2 miles away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Dakar with kids?
Whether you're traveling with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a schedule filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Check out our ideas for what to do in Dakar with kids.

What to do in Dakar for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or outdoor explorer, there's no shortage of things to do in Dakar for adults including House of Slaves and Chambre de Commerce.
Are there free things to do in Dakar?
From checking out parks to strolling around exciting neighborhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Dakar. If you're stuck for ideas, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Ile de Goree Beach is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing activities.