Dakar Travel Guide: Hotels and Things to Do

About Dakar

Dakar is Senegal’s coastal capital on the Cape Verde Peninsula, where Atlantic beaches, music and markets shape the city’s identity.

Dakar combines oceanfront neighborhoods with a lively cultural scene, from Wolof and French conversation to late-night music in Almadies.

Gorée Island, the African Renaissance Monument and the IFAN Museum of African Arts anchor its history, while thieboudienne, yassa poulet and pastels define its table. November through April is the usual time for coastal outings, with Plateau offering access to the Dakar Grand Mosque and nearby cultural sights.

Where to stay

Hotels in Dakar

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Terrou-Bi

8.4V. good · 200 Reviews

Boulevard Martin Luther King | Dakar, 11179, SN

Swimming poolSpa & wellness

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BOMA LifeStyle Hotel

8.9V. good · 216 Reviews

Route De L'aeroport Ngor Almadies | Dakar, 12000, SN

Swimming pool

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Casa Mara Dakar

8.4V. good · 139 Reviews

Sicap Amitié 3 Villa N°4394 | Dakar, 10000, SN

Swimming poolSpa & wellness

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Radisson Hotel Dakar Diamniadio

8.2V. good · 141 Reviews

Prolongement Autoroute A Peage A Cote Du Centre | Dakar, SN

Swimming pool

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Rysara Hotel

8.9V. good · 69 Reviews

8 Avenue Des Jambaars | Dakar, 20000, SN

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Hotel Le Djoloff

8.5V. good · 153 Reviews

7 Rue Nani Fann Hock | Dakar, 45810, SN

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Pullman Dakar Teranga

7.7Good · 161 Reviews

10 Rue Colbert Place De L Independance | Dakar, 3380, SN

Swimming poolSpa & wellness

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Kakatar Family Residence Yoff

9.3Superb · 24 Reviews

Villa 448 - Yoff Apecsy Ii West | Dakar, 10000, SN

Spa & wellness

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Stay like a local in Dakar

Places to stay in Dakar

DistrictsAmenitiesBest for

Districts

All districts

Popular amenities

Best for

Ranked by verified guest score, then stars. Based on 1,246 of 1,796 hotels with verified data.

Best for families

Family rooms listed · 32 hotels qualify

Maison Sahel - African Art & Coastal Serenity9.6/10 · 153 reviews · 4-star
Loman Art9.3/10 · 75 reviews · 4-star
BOMA LifeStyle Hotel8.9/10 · 216 reviews · 4-star
Rysara Hotel8.9/10 · 69 reviews · 4-star
Francesca Guest House8.7/10 · 92 reviews · 4-star

Best for drivers

Free parking · 32 hotels qualify

La Villa 126 Dakar9.2/10 · 140 reviews · 3-star
MARINA APPART Hôtel9.0/10 · 50 reviews · 4-star
Résidence Théa by Ilios8.7/10 · 65 reviews · 4-star
L'Adresse Dakar8.4/10 · 156 reviews · 4-star
La Résidence8.4/10 · 188 reviews · 3-star

Best for a pool

Swimming pool listed · 27 hotels qualify

Terrou-Bi8.4/10 · 200 reviews · 5-star
Casa Mara Dakar8.4/10 · 139 reviews · 3-star
Azalaï Hôtel Dakar8.3/10 · 125 reviews · 4-star
Radisson Hotel Dakar Diamniadio8.2/10 · 141 reviews · 5-star
Union Amicale Corse Dakar7.9/10 · 131 reviews · 4-star

Dakar at a glance

Check-in / check-out

3:00 PM / 12:00 PM

Free parking

845 of 887 hotels (95%)

Pool

205 of 1,246 hotels

Climate

Tropical

Languages

French, Wolof and Pulaar

Local currency

XOF (XOF)

Local time

12:46 (GMT+0)

Ideal trip length

3–7 days

Cost level

3 of 5 · our research

Suggested area to stay

Almadies

Tap water

Bottled water recommended

Tipping

Expected for good service

History, culture and food in Dakar

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 60 · Moderate

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Thieboudienne Yassa Poulet Maafe Pastels

Hotel facts in Dakar

Based on 1,246 of 1,796 hotels with verified data.

Hotels that list	Hotels	Share
Free parkingof hotels with verified parking	845 of 887	95%
Swimming pool	205 of 1,246	16%
24-hour front desk	240 of 1,246	19%
Facilities for disabled guests	50 of 1,246	4%
Family rooms	71 of 1,246	6%
Breakfast availablefree or paid depends on the rate	2 of 1,246	0%
Kitchen or kitchenette	69 of 1,246	6%
Airport shuttle5 free	245 of 1,246	20%

Pools and room sizes by star rating

Stars	Pool	Standard room
2-star	1 of 9	22 m²usually 18 m²–25 m² · 4 hotels
3-star	25 of 122	25 m²usually 20 m²–30 m² · 42 hotels
4-star	51 of 208	25 m²usually 20 m²–30 m² · 43 hotels
5-star	8 of 11	32 m²usually 30 m²–33 m² · 6 hotels

When to visit Dakar

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: November and December Busiest: Nov-Apr

Jan

56

Pleasant weather (avg high 25°C)
Feb

51

Pleasant weather (avg high 25°C)
Mar

51

Pleasant weather (avg high 25°C)
Apr

37

Dry, warm, breezy
May

47

Dakar Biennale (Dak’Art)
Jun

47

Dakar Biennale (Dak’Art)
Jul

42

Hot, humid, rainy
Aug

7

Often avoided: Heavy rain and humidity
Sep

11

Often avoided: Heavy rain and humidity
Oct

35

Rain tapers, humid
Nov

66

Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa
Dec

63

Beach weather (sea 24°C)

Jan Pleasant weather (avg high 25°C)

Feb Pleasant weather (avg high 25°C)

Mar Pleasant weather (avg high 25°C)

Apr Dry, warm, breezy

May Dakar Biennale (Dak’Art)

Jun Dakar Biennale (Dak’Art)

Jul Hot, humid, rainy

Aug Often avoided: Heavy rain and humidity

Sep Often avoided: Heavy rain and humidity

Oct Rain tapers, humid

Nov Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa

Dec Beach weather (sea 24°C)

Things to do in Dakar

8 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

2 places

Gorée Island (Île de Gorée)

Offshore 4 hours

Explore the poignant House of Slaves and UNESCO-listed colonial architecture.

Outdoors

Lac Rose (Pink Lake)

Niaga 3 hours

Witness the unique pink hue and traditional salt harvesting.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

2 places

African Renaissance Monument

Ouakam 1.5 hours

Ascend for panoramic views and an iconic symbol of African pride.

Indoors Good for children

Soumbédioune Market

Fann 2 hours

Immerse in local crafts, vibrant textiles, and bustling daily life.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the evening

1 place

Les Almadies Nightlife

Almadies 3 hours

Experience vibrant bars, live music, and diverse restaurants.

Indoors

Any time of day

3 places

IFAN Museum of African Arts

Plateau 2 hours

Discover a rich collection of West African masks, sculptures, and artifacts.

Indoors Good for children

Ngor Island

Ngor 5 hours

Escape to a tranquil island for swimming, surfing, and fresh seafood.

Outdoors Good for children

Dakar Grand Mosque

Plateau 1 hour

Admire the impressive architecture of this significant Islamic landmark.

Indoors Good for children

Dakar itineraries, day by day

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First-timer highlights

3 Days in Dakar — First-Timer Highlights

3 days12 stops

Experience the vibrant heartbeat of West Africa's most dynamic capital.

This 3-day itinerary is designed for first-time visitors eager to explore the essential sights and sounds of Dakar. From the poignant history of Gorée Island to the bustling markets and iconic monuments, you'll discover the rich culture, stunning coastline, and warm hospitality that define this energetic Senegalese city. Perfect for those seeking an immersive introduction to West African life and heritage.

See the full plan