Gorée Island
The UNESCO island: the House of Slaves memorial, pastel colonial streets, artists' studios, no cars. The essential Dakar day - go early, stay for sunset.
Guide
Things to do in Dakar
Dakar is West Africa's great coastal city: the westernmost point of the continent, all ocean light, music and markets. Gorée Island offshore, the Pink Lake up the coast, and a food scene that surprises everyone.
Photos for Dakar are still on their way. Every listing below is real.
The island
The monuments
African Renaissance Monument
The 49m bronze colossus over Ouakam: the plaza is free, the elevator to the top is paid. The view justifies it.
IFAN Museum (Musée Théodore Monod)
One of West Africa's oldest museums: masks, textiles, the great African art collection. An hour well spent.
Markets and streets
Marché Sandaga & Marché Kermel
Sandaga for the chaos (fabrics, electronics, street food), Kermel for the beautiful colonial market hall. Haggle, smile, buy the baskets.
The Corniche
The cliff-top walk from the Plateau to Almadies: fishermen's beaches, surf spots, the sunset hour.
The art scene
Village des Arts
The artists' village: studios, exhibitions, performances. Dakar's creative heart - the Biennale (Dak'Art) takes over the city every two years.
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