The Atlas Obscura Guide To Dakar

10 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Dakar, Senegal

Updated July 30, 2024

Unusual Attractions in Dakar

Dakar, Senegal

House of Slaves

Despite a fraught and controversial history this African island holds a powerful monument to the tragedy of the slave trade.

Dakar, Senegal

The Great Green Wall of Africa

Over 4,700 miles of trees being planted to hold back the desert.

Dakar, Senegal

African Renaissance Monument

This giant statue is the product of a mixture of corruption, Stalinist architecture, and North Korean manpower.

Dakar, Senegal

Bantyii Dibiterie

A smoky doorway in Dakar leads to one of the city’s great communal eating experiences.

Dakar, Senegal

IFAN Museum of African Arts

Dakar is home to one of the oldest African art institutions in West Africa.

Dakar, Senegal

Gorée Island

This tiny, tranquil Senegalese island serves as a powerful symbol of the Atlantic slave trade.

Dakar, Senegal

Mosque of the Divinity

This unique religious structure is an architectural gem with arresting ocean views.

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Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Dakar

Dakar, Senegal

Bantyii Dibiterie

A smoky doorway in Dakar leads to one of the city’s great communal eating experiences.

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Museums 4

Monuments 2

Slavery 2

Bunkers 1

Architecture 1

Nature 1

Statues 1

Unesco 1

Deserts 1

Natural Wonders 1

Sacred Spaces 1

Horticulture 1

Beaches 1

Communist Monuments 1

Mansudae Monuments 1

North Korea 1

North Korean Monuments 1

Mosques 1

Plants 1

Religion 1

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Stories About Dakar

Pape Diop, shown here working in Dakar in 2018, was one of the most prolific street artists of Bamba images.

The Reluctant Saint Who Watches Over Senegal as Street Art

Amadou Bamba stood for freedom from imperialism, and now means much more.

by David A. Taylor

June 8, 2022

Sandaga Market in December 2019, before the government relocated vendors and started to demolish informal stalls. Many of these vendors are selling clothing, but one blows bubbles from toys for sale.

The Fight to Save One of Dakar's Most Distinctive Markets

In a city full of French colonial influence, Marché Sandaga was built in a uniquely West African style.

by Ricci Shryock

October 5, 2020

Popular Destinations

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Dakar

10 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Dakar, Senegal

Unusual Attractions in Dakar

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Dakar

Plan Your Trip

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Dakar, Senegal

Dakar Leaderboard

Places Added

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent Dakar Activity

Stories About Dakar

The Reluctant Saint Who Watches Over Senegal as Street Art

The Fight to Save One of Dakar's Most Distinctive Markets

Become an Atlas Obscura Member