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Dakar

Dakar is the capital and largest city of Senegal, located on the westernmost point of the African continent. This vibrant coastal metropolis serves as the economic and cultural heart of Senegal, with a metropolitan area of 4.0 million people.

Quick facts

Population
2,396,800 (city, 2011)
Currency
West African CFA franc (XOF)
Language
French
Timezone
GMT (UTC+0)
Local time now
19:07:20

Hotels in Dakar

Dakar offers a variety of hotel options for visitors, ranging from budget-friendly establishments like Motel du Lion to mid-range properties such as Wakola Hôtel Cheikh Anta and Hôtel Le Fouta. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, you'll find suitable accommodations throughout Senegal's vibrant capital city. 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

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Aéroport militaire - ancien aeroport international Léopold-Sédar-Senghor
6.3 km from centre
Aéroport International Blaise-Diagne
40.4 km from centre

Car Hire in Dakar

Dakar offers several car hire options for visitors and residents looking to explore the city and surrounding region. Companies such as Loxea, Kama, Panne, Coseloc, and Ada provide rental services to help you navigate Senegal's capital on your own terms. See all car hire →

Loxea
1.4 km from centre
Kama
1.9 km from centre
Panne
2.1 km from centre
Coseloc
2.5 km from centre

Things to Do in Dakar

Dakar offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors to explore. From historic monuments like the Monument de l'Indépendance to cultural and religious sites such as Notre Dame des Grâces, the city provides numerous opportunities for sightseeing and cultural immersion. See all things to do →

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
Village Artisanal de Soumbédioune
2.1 km from centre

Restaurants in Dakar

Dakar offers a diverse dining experience with restaurants ranging from traditional Senegalese cuisine to international options. Notable establishments include Espace Taïf, Darou salam, Dibitetie le Mboté, Brescia, and Fast food brescia, providing visitors and locals with varied culinary choices throughout the city. 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

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Piscine Olympique
1.5 km from centre
Piscine BIMA
2.9 km from centre
L'Aquarium
4.5 km from centre

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 enjoy music and entertainment. Popular venues like Penc Mi, Calypso, and Écurie Sénégal showcase the city's energetic 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's bar scene offers a range of venues for visitors and locals alike. From casual buvettes to established bars like Bar de la Gendarmerie, Chez Diamy, and Le Ngalam, you'll find places to enjoy a drink 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 offers a variety of cafes where visitors can enjoy local beverages and light refreshments. Options in the city include Lamine café and McCeasers, among other casual dining establishments. 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 visitors and residents, from modern commercial centres like Centre commercial SAHM and SENTRADE to traditional boutiques and speciality retailers. Whether you're looking for everyday goods or unique finds, the city's shopping districts provide access to diverse products and services. 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 where visitors can experience the city's green areas and outdoor attractions. From Jardin Zone A and Jardin Zone B to notable landmarks like Place de l'Obélisque and Rond-Point de Colobane, the capital provides opportunities to explore nature within an urban setting. See all nature & wildlife →

Place de l'Obélisque
120 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 warm, tropical climate with distinct dry and rainy seasons. The dry season brings pleasant conditions, while the rainy season from June to September brings higher humidity and occasional downpours.

Interesting Facts About Dakar — Weird & Wonderful

  • Dakar is situated on the westernmost point of the African continent
  • The metropolitan area has grown to 4.0 million people as of 2023
  • The city's department has a population of 1,278,469

Frequently Asked Questions About Dakar

What is the currency used in Dakar?

The currency used in Dakar is the West African CFA franc (XOF), the official currency of Senegal.

What language is spoken in Dakar?

French is the official language of Senegal and is widely spoken in Dakar. Wolof is also commonly spoken by locals.

How many people live in Dakar?

Dakar city proper has a population of 2,396,800 (2011), while the metropolitan area reached 4.0 million people in 2023.

Where is Dakar located?

Dakar is the capital of Senegal in West Africa, positioned on the continent's westernmost point.

Is Dakar the largest city in Senegal?

Yes, Dakar is both the capital and the largest city of Senegal.

Map of Dakar

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