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Dakar

Dakar is the capital and largest city of Senegal, located on the Atlantic coast of West Africa. As a major cultural and economic hub, it serves as an important gateway to the region and offers visitors a blend of colonial history, modern development, and coastal charm.

Photo: mostroneddo (CC BY 2.0)

Quick facts

Population
2,396,800 (city, 2011)
Currency
West African CFA franc (XOF)
Language
French
Timezone
GMT (UTC+0)
Local time now
17:13:16

Hotels in Dakar

Dakar offers a variety of hotel accommodations to suit different travellers. Whether you're looking for options like Wakola, Motel du Lion, or Hôtel Le Fouta, the city provides several choices for your stay. See all hotels →

Wakola
673 m from centre
Motel du Lion
971 m from centre
Wakola Hôtel Cheikh Anta
1.0 km from centre

Airports in Dakar

We're still gathering airports listings for Dakar — check back soon.

Car Hire in Dakar

We're still gathering car hire listings for Dakar — check back soon.

Things to Do in Dakar

Dakar offers a diverse range of activities for visitors, from iconic landmarks like the Monument de l'Indépendance to cultural and recreational venues. Whether you're interested in exploring historical sites, visiting religious buildings like Notre Dame des Grâces, or enjoying local entertainment, Dakar has something to offer every traveller. See all things to do →

Monument de l'Indépendance
103 m from centre
C'est htmi
614 m from centre
Raw Material Company
921 m from centre
Notre Dame des Grâces
986 m from centre
Sale de jeux
1.4 km from centre
CEJTD
1.6 km from centre

Restaurants in Dakar

Dakar offers a variety of dining establishments ranging from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants. Whether you're looking for Fast food brescia or more traditional venues like Espace Taïf and Darou salam, the city has options to suit different tastes and occasions. See all restaurants →

Espace Taïf
134 m from centre
Darou salam
240 m from centre
Dibitetie le Mboté
414 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Dakar

We're still gathering swimming pools listings for Dakar — check back soon.

Spas in Dakar

We're still gathering spas listings for Dakar — check back soon.

Nightlife in Dakar

Dakar's nightlife offers a lively mix of bars and clubs where locals and visitors gather to enjoy music and entertainment. Popular venues like Penc Mi, Calypso, and Castel are central to the city's after-dark social scene. See all nightlife →

Penc Mi
1.7 km from centre
Calypso
3.0 km from centre
Le Calypso
3.0 km from centre

Bars in Dakar

Dakar offers a variety of bars where locals and visitors can enjoy drinks and socialise. Popular venues include Bar de la Gendarmerie, Chez Diamy, Le Ngalam, and other local buvettes throughout the city. See all bars →

Bar de la Gendarmerie
606 m from centre
Chez Diamy
967 m from centre
Le Ngalam
1.1 km from centre

Cafes in Dakar

Dakar's cafe culture offers a mix of local and contemporary venues where you can enjoy a drink and soak in the city's atmosphere. From Lamine café to McCeasers, there are several options to explore throughout the capital. See all cafes →

Lamine café
570 m from centre
Lamine café
570 m from centre
Restaurant
604 m from centre

Shopping in Dakar

Dakar offers a variety of shopping options for both everyday essentials and specialty items. From commercial centres like Centre commercial SAHM and SENTRADE to independent boutiques and retailers such as ETS GAYEMARAKHIB, you'll find everything from local merchandise to imported goods throughout the city. See all shopping →

ETS GAYEMARAKHIB
866 m from centre
Centre commercial SAHM
1.0 km from centre
SENTRADE
1.0 km from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Dakar

Dakar offers several natural spaces and green areas for visitors to explore. From the gardens and green zones to scenic public spaces like Place de l'Obélisque and Rond-Point de Colobane, the city provides opportunities to experience its natural environment. See all nature & wildlife →

Place de l'Obélisque
122 m from centre
Rond-Point de Colobane
663 m from centre
Bopp
1.1 km from centre
Jardin Zone B
1.2 km from centre
Jardin Zone A
1.2 km from centre
jardin COUD
1.5 km from centre

Climate snapshot

Dakar experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season brings hot, sunny weather, while the rainy season brings tropical showers and higher humidity. The city benefits from ocean breezes that help moderate temperatures year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dakar

What currency is used in Dakar?

Dakar, as the capital of Senegal, uses the West African CFA franc (XOF) as its official currency.

What language is spoken in Dakar?

French is the official language of Dakar and Senegal, though local languages such as Wolof are also widely spoken among residents.

What is the population of Dakar?

According to 2011 data, Dakar had a population of approximately 2,396,800 people in the city.

What timezone is Dakar in?

Dakar operates on Africa/Dakar timezone, which is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) year-round.

Where is Dakar located?

Dakar is located on the western coast of Senegal in West Africa, serving as the country's capital and principal port city.

Map of Dakar

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