It's easy to become overwhelmed by Dakar's enormous, dusty turmoil, yet the buzzing Senegalese capital's allure lies in its sensory overload. Dakar is frequently used as a jumping-off point for the rest of the country and most of West Africa, but you could easily arrange an entire trip around this coastal metropolis. Spend the day admiring the colourful attire of the people and shopping for gorgeous, high-quality handmade textiles in markets such as Marché des HLM and the Soumbédioune market in Medina. Visit the Théodore Monod Museum, one of the top museums in the region, which houses a remarkable collection of African art. At night, you won't want to miss one of the continent's best music scenes. Here, jazz is alive and well, and one of the most incredible spots to see Senegalese musicians is laid-back. It's just for you. Local cuisine, which combines the city's French, Wolof, and North African traditions, is also a must-try, and while restaurant pricing can be excessive, restaurant servings are usually substantial. Catch a ferry to the UNESCO-designated Island of Gorée, an island with a dark past as a stop along the Atlantic slave-trading route, a dose of history and a quick respite from the city's bustle. Capital: Dakar International Airport: Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) Population: 3,326,000 Currency: West African CFA Franc (XOF) Time: GMT Driving side- Right Official Language- French Religion- Muslim
Dakar is the country's cultural centre, with beaches, boutique markets (I prefer Tilene Market), museums, superb cafés, and music halls like Thiossane, which is most known for hosting Youssou N'Dour. Don't be afraid to tour your surroundings with a guide. They'll be able to point out the sights you shouldn't miss, such as the little beach, Rufisque, or Lac Rose (Lake Retba), which is around an hour away by car and is also the Dakar Rally's last stage. Saint-Louis is another destination to the north of Dakar that you should not miss. Since 2000, the city has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and known as the Venice of Africa. If you enjoy jazz, you should visit this. Suppose you can't make it to Casamance during your holiday. In that case, the area's bird sanctuaries, such as Lengua de Barbarie National Park and Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, will pique your interest in the region's fauna.
