Dakar, Senegal
Top places to visit in Dakar
6 places worth your time in Dakar, with what each is actually like and when to go.
Last updated 2026-08-11
1. Île de Gorée
Photo: SirisVisual · CC BY 2.0 · source
A UNESCO island twenty minutes offshore, with the House of Slaves and its Door of No Return.
- Map: Open in Maps
- Cost: Ferry around XOF 5,200 for non-residents
Watch outTicket touts at the terminal selling the resident-priced ticket, which is refused at the gate.
2. African Renaissance Monument
Photo: Jeff Attaway · CC BY 2.0 · source
A 49-metre bronze on a hill above the city, taller than the Statue of Liberty.
- Map: Open in Maps
- Tip: The climb inside is worth it for the Atlantic view.
3. Lac Rose
Photo: nextdrop · CC BY SA 2.0 · source
A hypersaline lake that turns pink in the dry season, with salt collectors working it by hand.
- Where: About 35km north-east
- Map: Open in Maps
- Best time: Dry season, midday sun
4. Marché Kermel
Photo: Jeff Attaway · CC BY 2.0 · source
A colonial-era circular market hall, calmer than Sandaga and good for flowers, fruit and fish.
5. Ngor Island
Photo: Jeff Attaway · CC BY 2.0 · source
A short pirogue hop from the northern tip, with a village, small beaches and a famous right-hand surf break.
6. Mosque of the Divinity
Photo: Jeff Attaway · CC BY 2.0 · source
Built into the cliffs at Ouakam above the Atlantic, and striking at sunset.
More about Dakar
