Sights and landmarks in Dakar

Sights and landmarks in Dakar

1. See

   African Renaissance Monument

   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. But the view from the top and the exhibition is worth the admission.

   Open now · open 24 hours·CFA6500

2. See

   Dakar Grand Mosque

   Built in 1964 by French and Moroccan architects. Due to the Moroccan influence, there are strong similarities with the Grand Mosque in Casablanca.

3. See

   Hann Park and Zoo

   The public gardens were built in 1903 and the arboretum was built in 1947. The gardens feature a wide variety of Senegalese plant life and the zoo contains over 130 animals.

   Tue-Sun 10:00-12:30 and 15:00-18:30

4. See

   Ile de Gorée

   Goree Island

   It was named by the Dutch after taking over the island from the Portuguese in the late 1600s. Today it's listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Goree was a minor location used for the transport of slaves headed to the Americas, though its prominence is often overplayed. The island has interesting colonial architecture, mostly in ruins, including the landmark "House of Slaves" museum. Ferries can be taken from the terminal north of Place de l'Independence and cost CFA5000. The trip takes 10-20 minutes. There are many small restaurants and a handful of places offering lodging. Just walk around and explore. It's a small island, so you can easily stroll around it in an hour. You can buy cheap beer and lounge on the beach when you're done, or stroll some more and buy art-work from the locals.

5. See

   Les Almadies

   Les pointes des Almadies

   The Western tip of the African continent where plenty of seafood restaurants are located.

6. See

   Loman Art Gallery

   https://www.lomanart.com/

   A place for contemporary African art aficionados owned by the eponymous artist. Along with works by various artists, you can find special showings, a cafe and even a homestay.

   Daily 10:00-18:00·Free admission

7. See

   Léopold Sédar Senghor national stadium

   Football is as important as music! When the biggest team ASC Jeanne D'Arc plays, the stadium is packed with more than 60,000 fans. Expect passion, noise and African football at its best.

   €5-15

8. See

   Monument du Millénaire

   A monument about looking to the future along the corniche, so more great views.

9. See

   Musée Civilisations noires

   Focus on African civilization and culture, the Nubian way of life. May need a little French understanding to comprehend the placards. Nice rotunda building.

   Tue-Sun 10:00-19:00

10. See

    Musée des Forces Armées Senegalaise

    Senegalese Armed Forces Museum

    Patriotic museum showcasing the history of Senegal and its military, including how Senegalese soldiers fought bravely under the French flag.

11. See

    Phare des Mamelles

    Superb views of ocean and city skyline from the lighthouse besides the interesting name.

12. See

    Place du Souvenir Africain

    A plaza perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean with the Henry Bathily Museum of the Women and some eateries and exhibition space. Here you can really take in the sunset from the edge of Africa. Adjacent to the Sea Plaza shopping mall.

13. See

    Village Des Arts

    Kind of an organic art studio/cultural exhibit forum for local artists. Dance and musical events take place along with artists working and pieces on display. Next to stadium.

    Daily 11:00-18:00

14. See

    Dakar Cathedral

15. See

    IFAN Museum of African Arts

    Musée Théodore Monod d’Art Africain

    Rue Emile Zola

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Dakar (CC BY-SA 4.0).