Dakar is the capital and largest city of Senegal and is often regarded as the cultural and commercial center of French-speaking West Africa. Dakar is often the first stop in exploring French-speaking West Africa because it has good flight connections with Western Europe. Tourism, especially business tourism, is growing in importance, stimulated by international events such as the Dakar Rally or the Contemporary Art Biennale.
Dakar lies on the end of the Cap Verte peninsula, which is the westernmost point of the African mainland. While the city has a population of 1.25 million (2023), the metropolitan area is home to about 4 million people. The Senegalese are very proud of their reputation for "teranga", or hospitality. Locals are extremely friendly and helpful, but as you would anywhere else, watch out for scams and pickpockets. Petty crime here is relatively high, so be cautious. The peninsula was settled by the Lebou people, closely related to the Wolof people, when the Portuguese first reached it in 1444.
Opened in 2023, the 18 km Sunu BRT line runs through central Dakar from the Grand Mosque to the Corniche. Unlike the chaotic regular bus system, the train-like BRT has stations and dedicated lanes. Tickets have to be purchased before you get on board and cost 400 or 500 CFA depending on distance. The Dakar bus system, known as Dakar Demm Dikk (Dakar coming and going), is fairly dependable. Fares are CFA150 and there are no free transfers permissible with each ticket. There's not much in the way of a map of the bus system, so you'll have to figure it out on your own. The number 10 bus runs along the Corniche de l'Ouest and turns into the suburbs at Rue Aime Cesaire.
1 African Renaissance Monument. 24/7. This colossal copper monument opened in 2010 and is dedicated to Africa's emergence from the oppressive European regimes that once ruled the continent and the end of slavery. It is also meant as a display of African pride to counter foreign perceptions of Africans as inferior people. The monument is rather controversial, with some Africans feeling the sense of pride it is meant to evoke while others criticizing it as a foreign (it was built by North Korea), completely un-African Stalinist statue. With its 52 m from base to top, it is the tallest statue in Africa and also the tallest in the world outside Eurasia. Free to visit on the outside.
Dakar has a vibrant music scene and is very popular with young people. Check out the incredibly rich and variant styles. Places like Club Thiossane, Just 4 U are a must for World Music fans. 1 Lake Retba (Lac Rose). Also called the "Pink Lake", the high concentration of cyanobacteria indeed gives the lake a pink tone. During the dry season and when the sun is brightest the color is said to be especially vivid. The lake has a high concentration of salt, so while you admire the beauty of the lake, you can also observe the salt harvesters who still gather salt in the traditional way. Birdwatching. Senegal is a great country for birdwatching, and Dakar is no exception.
Peanuts: The roasted peanuts you can buy on the street or get with your order of beer in any bar are delicious. These nuts are not greasy and have just the right amount of salt, and sometimes are still slightly warm from being roasted. All these are in the city centre: 1 Chez Elias, 81 bis Av. Peytavin. Fast food very popular with menu at the top. Simple welcoming place. Quality food and fast service. Best Shawarma. (updated Aug 2022) 2 Les batons ("BANT-YII"), 7 Av. Jean Jaures. Mythical place in Dakar to eat meat skewers with an epise from Niger made from corn. Atypical place if you are a lover of good meat. The food is very tasty there. (updated Aug 2022) 3 Ali Baba.
Gazelle is the local favourite beer - it comes in serious bottles, or Flag, which is stronger and more expensive. 1 Le Viking (Ave G. Pompidou). On the Ponty, in the midst of Sandaga madness, it is a popular spot for expats and tourists. Pricey drinks, but great atmosphere. Live music on weekend nights!
Petty crime in Dakar is relatively high; crime against tourists is common, even around Place de l'Indépendance. Use common sense: women should not walk around alone after dark. Watch your pockets in crowded places, such as Sandaga, and keep a close eye on your belongings. There are many different scams to get money from tourists, so be wary. The favourites such as "I work at your hotel and have run out of fuel, please can I borrow €10", etc. are common, so don't be fooled. Crime around the airport is extremely high. Do not change money at the airport. Con artists wait inside the arrival terminal by the baggage carousel.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Sep, Dakar typically sees ~31°C daytime highs and 15 rainy days.
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