Dakar Solo Travel Guide: Ultimate 2025 Tips

Heading to Dakar? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip (top hostels below)!

QUICK FACTS

The capital of Senegal and its largest city, Dakar has a metro population of ~4 million.
As the westernmost port on the continent, Dakar has a history of trade and commerce.
While the Dakar Rally no longer takes place in Senegal, the event’s legacy remains a point of pride for the city. Dakar hosts smaller local motorsport events inspired by the rally.
Nickname: The Paris of Africa (reflects Dakar’s vibrant cultural scene, colonial architecture, and cosmopolitan atmosphere).

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Currency: West African CFA Franc (XOF), common in francophone West Africa. 1 USD ≈ 600 XOF
Spoken languages: Wolof is the mother tongue of the ethnic group of the same name (about 40% of the population).
While French is widely spoken, basic Wolof phrases like “Nanga def?” (How are you?) can enhance interactions with locals.
Best time to visit: The cool, dry season generally lasts from December to April and is the best time to visit.
Temperatures and humidity skyrocket between May and October, and the rains during that time can wash away roads and hamper travel plans.
Carry mosquito repellent due to risks of malaria and chikungunya during the rainy season.
Arrival via airport: Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) is located about 50 km from downtown Dakar.
– Taxis should run around 10,000–15,000 CFA. 30 mins.
– Use Yango or Heetch (apps) for more reliable pricing
Note: Wireless Internet (wi-fi) is available at many hotels and cafés, though it is unreliable and often very slow.
As digital payments become more common, mobile wallet services such as Orange Money and Wari are taking off.
Consider getting a local SIM card (Orange or Free Senegal) for better connectivity. Prices start at around 2,000 CFA for a SIM card with data packages as low as 1,000 CFA per GB.

WHERE TO STAY

Best Dakar hostel for solo travelers: Dakar International House.
– Very friendly and helpful staff.
– Recommendation: book a private room, so you get your own bathroom.
Most of Dakar’s Western-style hotels are located either in the downtown area or in the beachfront neighborhoods of Les Almadies and Ngor.

GETTING AROUND

Dakar’s infamous car rapides are oversized blue and yellow vans with swinging doors in the back.
– An appranti hangs out the back, collecting money, calling out the destination, and yelling to the driver when to stop.
– Car rapides run all over the city, although not usually on very direct routes, and trips run 50-150CFA depending on the distance.
– They leave when they’re full, so you may have to wait a bit if it’s a slow time of day.
– There are no set stops, so tap on the roof when you want to get off.
Dakar’s public buses, Dakar Demm Dikk (“Dakar Coming and Going”) are much more organized and safer than car rapides.
– Each bus has a number and a set route, though it can be difficult to find information on which bus goes where.
– If you’re not sure which bus you need, just ask.
– They run throughout the city, and fares are 150 CFA.
Taxis are ubiquitous throughout Dakar, though quality varies tremendously and many are quite decrepit.
– In many neighborhoods, taxis pass frequently at most any time of the day or night.
– You always have to bargain for a taxi, and trips can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand CFA, depending on the distance, neighborhood, and time of day.
Ride-sharing services like Yango and Heetch are available, offering a reliable transport option for those tired of haggling over taxi fares.
Walking is safe during daylight hours in neighborhoods like Plateau and Les Almadies. Do not walk alone at night in less-populated areas.
Bike rentals are available (Vélo Dakar) – useful for exploring the Corniche Ouest.

DAKAR NIGHTLIFE

Drinking age: no minimum, last call is never (many bars/clubs are open until sunrise).
Dakar has excellent nightlife, with dozens of bars and clubs that cater to both locals and foreigners.
It is common for young Senegalese to go out around midnight and dance until 6 or 7 in the morning.
Popular bars with locals and expats: Le Viking Bar, Just4U (a live music venue), and Phare des Mamelles (a rooftop bar with stunning views).
Top nightlife areas: near the waterfront in Les Almadies and Ngor, or in the downtown area. There are a few other places sprinkled along Rue Cheikh Anta Diop.
See if you can attend a live mbalax music performance for an authentic Senegalese experience.

UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT

Dakar’s most important sight is Gorée Island, which lies just off the coast. In the 1700s, the island was used to hold slaves before they were put on ships heading across the Atlantic. Ferries make the 20-minute trip between Dakar and Gorée several times per day, leaving from Place de l’Indépendence.
– Ferry tickets: around 5,200 CFA for foreigners (round trip)
– Tickets can be purchased online or at the terminal.
Dakar’s numerous markets are great places to immerse oneself in the sights and sounds of the city.
– The biggest, Marché Sandaga, covers a large part of the downtown area and houses hundreds of street vendors and stalls selling fish, produce, clothes, prayer mats, etc.
– Marché HLM for fabric shopping
– Marché Kermel for fresh produce and artisanal goods
Located on a peninsula, Dakar is ringed with beaches.
– The most popular among foreigners are in the neighborhoods of Les Almadies and Ngor.
– Plage de Virage is popular among surfers.
Africa’s tallest statue, the African Renaissance Monument, is hard to miss. Former President Abdoulaye Wade commissioned a North Korean company to build the bronze statue, which is 160 feet tall and towers over the neighborhood of Ouakam.
– The statue has sparked controversy because of the tremendous expense it incurred and the belief among many Senegalese that it does not represent them or their country.
The IFAN Museum of African Arts showcases traditional Ghanaian and Senegalese art.
Engage with local art at the Village des Arts, which often hosts events and exhibitions.
The Museum of Black Civilizations showcases African art and history on a grand scale. Entry fees are around 3,000 CFA.
Day trip idea: Lac Rose (Pink Lake), located about an hour from Dakar. Salt harvesting tours and quad biking are available around the lake.

INTERESTING WALKS

Walk part of Rue Cheikh Anta Diop, which runs from the bustling neighborhood of Ouakam, through the hip area of Médina, and toward downtown.
Take the Corniche Ouest, which runs near Rue Cheikh Anta Diop, offering nice views of the water. It goes past a few beaches and the Grande Mosque before ending up downtown.
Particularly safe and iconic areas include the vibrant neighborhoods of Plateau or the beautiful beachside walkways of Les Almadies. Explore by bike or on foot.
Walking through the historic Médina neighborhood to see colorful murals and street art.
Explore Soumbédioune Artisan Market along the Corniche Est for handcrafted souvenirs.

WHERE TO EAT

Street food advice: choose busy stalls with high turnover rates. Popular dishes include nems (Senegalese spring rolls) and fataya (fried pastries).
A great local dish to try: Thiéboudienne (fish and rice).
Restaurant recommendations: Chez Loutcha (known for hearty Senegalese meals) and La Calebasse (for a mix of traditional cuisine and art).

SAFETY TIPS

Pickpocketing is a risk in most of Dakar’s crowded areas, especially in markets and by the ferry terminals, so keep a tight grip on your belongings.
Dangerous areas to avoid: White and Asian foreigners will get hassled quite a bit in Dakar, mostly by vendors trying to sell their wares. Though it can be extremely annoying and fairly intimidating, there is usually little cause for serious concern.
Foreigners, especially women, should leave beaches by sunset and avoid walking on the Corniche after dark.
Tip for female travelers: always wear a ring, and say that you’re married (if someone attempts to harass).

LOCAL WISDOM

Visit Pasteur Institute in Dakar for vaccinations or medical consultations if needed.
Etiquette tips:
– Greet people before asking them a question.
– Handshakes: use your right hand only; the left hand is considered impolite in many contexts.
Want to meet cool, friendly people in a safe environment? Check out the surf spots. Some ideas: Chez Max (Mamelles), Copacabana (Virage), and Secret Spot (Almadies). Just don’t go around telling everyone, ok? =)
There are many child beggars all over Dakar, and encountering them is both uncomfortable and heartbreaking. The best response is usually to smile and firmly say “ba baneen yoon” (bah BEN-in yohn), meaning “next time.”

Recommended trip duration: 3-4 days (add more days if vistiing nearby attractions like Lac Rose or Sine-Saloum Delta)