Se hva du kan gjøre og oppleve i Dakar

Focusing on black cultural contributions across the world, the Museum of Black Civilizations is spread across four floors and features sections like "The Cradle of Humanity", a collection of human remains found in Africa, and "Africa Now", which focuses on contemporary art made by black artists.

The Mosque of the Divinity outside of Dakar fuses modernism and traditional Islamic architecture. With its two towers, it provides the perfect lookout point over the vast ocean waters washing over Senegal -- it remains an important pilgrimage site despite the tourism appeal. For an even more breathtaking panorama, venture out onto the cliffs surrounding the mosque.

Standing 49 metres high, this bronze statue (the biggest in all Africa) commemorates the end of slavery and the reemergence of the African continent after the oppressive European rule. This impressive sight has been the subject of criticism and controversy, but is nonetheless worth a visit.

Théodore Monod African Art Museum, once called IFAN Museum of African Arts, was promoted by Senegal's first president Léopold Senghor. It is one of the oldest and most important art museums in West Africa, containing artworks from across Francophone Africa and boasting collections by contemporary African and diaspora artists. It also functions as a research institute for the study of African culture.

Gorée Island used to be an important centre for the transport of slaves headed to America. It now boasts some impressive colonial architecture (though much of it is in ruins) and the House of Slaves museum. The island is small enough to explore on foot, and visitors can enjoy a drink on the beach or shop for local art.

The House of Slaves is a museum and memorial to the Atlantic slave trade on Gorée Island. The Door of No Return memorialises the final exit point of the slaves from Africa. Though the exact number of slaves who actually departed from here is debated, a visit is an important and solemn experience.

Located about 35 km east of Dakar, this small part of the botanical reserve of Noflaye is home to 11 species of turtles. It is a research institute, as well as a facility that protects these endangered species and releases young turtles into the wild.

This richly decorated mosque is one of the largest and most important religious buildings in the country. It is located right in the bustling neighbourhood of the Medina, among lively streets, cafes and markets.

This popular neighbourhood is always vibrant and full of life. Street markets, bustling cafes, cramped homes, and tiny shops give this quartier a constant buzz, and the locals give it life and colour.

These public park is a green oasis right in the heart of the city. It hosts three arboretums featuring a wide sample of Senegalese flora, as well as a zoo that is home to over 130 animals.

Lake Retba is called by locals "Lac Rose", which means "pink lake". The reason is that it contains a very high concentration of cyanobacteria, which gives the water a strong pink colour, making a truly unique sight. Visitors can also see workers collecting salt from the lake in the traditional manner.

Senegal's best emerging and established artists, photographers, sculptors and painters create and display their works in this large garden area and in the adjoined gallery.

Place de l'Indépendance, a central square surrounded by colonial buildings, is the very heart of the city. It's the best place to start exploring the city centre.

The Presidential Palace, also known as Palace of the republic, is home to the Senegalese Head of State. Though visitors are not allowed to enter the palace, this impressive neoclassical building is worth seeing. The structure from 1907 is surrounded by lush stately gardens and guards in their colonial-style uniforms.

This big majestic cathedral consecrated in 1936 is the hub of Catholicism in Senegal. Visits are quiet and peaceful, and local devouts can often be seen lighting candles or silently seated in prayer.

Océanium is an environmental agency that organises different types of ecologically friendly excursions and diving lessons. They're devoted to promoting ecotourism and conscious travelling.

Yoff village is a strongly religious community, where drinking and smoking are forbidden, and visitors are expected to dress appropriately. This mausoleum is dedicated to Saidi Limamou Laye, the founder of the Layene Muslim brotherhood, and its location on the beach and sand floor make for an interesting visit.

La Cabane du Pêcheur is a great seafood restaurant with a beach-side location, always offering the day's freshest catches on the menu. Favourites include marlin steaks, fried balahoo or crayfish, all accompanied by rice, legumes and salad.

Even though Ali Baba is a fast food restaurant, visiting it on a Saturday afternoon proves to be a cultural experience, as it is a favourite among locals who flock here to enjoy Senegalese sandwiches stuffed with French fries and drowned in sauce. Also on the menu are burgers, pizza, Greek and Mediterranean food.

Mafé is a meat stew cooked in peanut sauce with rice, a delicious local dish, and the specialty of Chez Loutcha. This restaurant is already very popular among locals, and tourists will be have the chance to try some authentic Senegalese cuisine at reasonable prices.

La Fourchette is a prime example of fine dining in Dakar. Here, European haute cuisine with an Asian twist is accompanied by lively performances of local music for a truly multicultural gastronomic feast.

Few restaurants boast such an idyllic a location as Lagon 1, with tables on a pier overlooking the Atlantic and Gorée Island off in the distance. If you prefer, you can also in the elegantly furnished dining room. A fine menu awaits you here, with plenty of fresh seafood, renowned desserts and well-mixed cocktails.

Locals come to Le Patio to enjoy the fine dining, sip tasty cocktails, and socialise. This is a classy place, as made evident by the lighting, decor, cuisine, and prices. At night, it turns into a lively nightclub where partygoers dance until early morning.

Dakar's beaches have been becoming more and more popular, and restaurants like Noflaye Beach are only speeding up the process. Offering French and European cuisine by the beach in a cosy wooden interior, this place has all you need to enjoy a pleasant meal.

Simone Cafe is a Brazilian dessert house in the heart of Dakar. They serve Brazilian snacks and coffee along with a selection of delicious cakes and cheesecakes. If you prefer, you can also order tea, soda or regular coffee, but the desserts are definitely not to be missed.

Offering good snacks and dishes, like sandwiches, salads and pizza, as well as tasty coffee and desserts, Sweet Coffee is a local favourite. Groups of youngsters gather here for milkshakes, ice cream, socialising and hookah smoking in the outdoor seating area for hours and hours.

This widely renowned Canadian chain of cafes has opened a branch in Dakar, recognising the great potential of this emergent city. Bringing their great coffee recipes and a good selection of simple food, like wraps and sandwiches, Press Cafe has been drawing crowds since its opening.

For a truly Senegalese coffee experience, be sure to visit one of the many Nescafe vendors sprinkled throughout the city. They sell sweetened coffee in tiny plastic cups for next to nothing, and can really be found just about anywhere. Linger for a chat with the vendor and the locals if you feel like it.

Don't pass up the chance to try Cafe Touba, a typical coffee drink in which the beans are ground with djar, a type of black pepper, served black and with tons of sugar. It is said to have stomach-soothing effects, as well as aphrodisiac and even medicinal qualities, tasting both sweet and spicy. It can be bought at stands found throughout the city.

Phare des Mamelles is a restaurant and bar in front of Les Mamelles Lighthouse, an important and scenic spot in the outskirts of Dakar. Every weekend, visitors can dance under the stars to live music and DJ sets.

Bayékou has a roof terrace with a stunning view over the Atlantic and Ngor Island. This is the place to go for a happy hour or after dinner drinks. They offer standard cocktails and long drinks as well as lighter options like wine, beer, soft drinks and mocktails. In addition to being a bar and lounge, Bayékou is also a classy restaurant.

Mbalax, the fusion of jazz, soul, and rock with traditional drumming and dancing, is the musical life force of Senegal. And there is no better place to enjoy it than Le Thiossane, owned by Youssou N'Dour, one of the country's best and most beloved musicians.

This wonderful art centre is one of the city's most important arenas for culture and art. The facilities are impressive, housing exhibition rooms, a small cinema, workshops, a cafe and a shop, as well as an open-air stage. It is a great place to catch a performance of traditional music and dance.

The Théâtre Daniel Sorano, the national theatre of Senegal, is a hub of music and culture in the country. It hosts performances of the Instrumental Ensemble, the National Ballet of Senegal and the National Theatre of Senegal. Therefore, here you can always enjoy a world-class program.

Locals come to Le Patio to enjoy the fine dining, sip tasty cocktails, and socialise. This is a classy place, as made evident by the lighting, decor, cuisine, and prices. At night, it turns into a lively nightclub where partygoers dance until early morning.

Marché Sandaga in the city centre is the largest market in Dakar. Both locals and tourists come here to buy anything they need from clothes and shoes to local products and souvenirs. Soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the market and be ready to bargain before you purchase.

Marché Soumbédioune a good spot for souvenir hunting. It is a market in the area of Médina where local artisans and craftsmen sell their creations, for instance wooden masks, jewellery, clothes, leather goods, pottery or paintings. Due to its proximity to the sea, you'll see many fishermen selling their catch here (which can be grilled to-order on the spot at one of the market's several grilling stations).

Vibrant and colourful fabrics line the maze of stalls that compose the Marché HLM, the best market in town to buy traditional African textiles. High-quality prints, embroidery, silk and more are available at very decent prices, along with all kinds of accessories.

Marché Kermel is a food and souvenir market housed in a beautiful circular building in downtown Dakar. It showcases Senegal's great wealth of fruits, vegetables, grains and meats, as well as the day's freshest catches, all available at very affordable prices. Outside the building you'll find the souvenir stalls selling jewelry, masks, sculptures and more.

Sea Plaza is a modern and sleek shopping centre that gathers everything one might expect: an impressive amount of international clothes shops and major brands, restaurants, a supermarket, pharmacies, and a flashy casino.

Citizens of the following countries can visit Senegal visa-free for a stay of up to 90 days: European Union citizens, Benin, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, India, Japan, Kenya, Liberia, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritius, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Korea, Togo, Tunisia, United States. They need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months from the date of arrival. Visa for up to 90 days can be obtained upon arrival by citizens of 69 countries and territories including Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Cameroon, China, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic,Egypt, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Jamaica, Libya, Liechtenstein, Madagascar, Monaco, Namibia, Nepal, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Russia, Seychelles, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates and Zimbabwe. They need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival. Note that evidence of return or onward travel may have to be presented in order to enter the country. A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever might also be necessary if travelling from endemic countries. If you're not sure whether or not to apply for a visa, we recommend that you contact the embassy or consulate in your country.

The best time to visit Dakar is during the dry season, namely from November to May, when the average temperature is around 20°/68°F and rain is basically non-existent. Of course, this is also high season. From June to October it’s wet season, with hot, humid days and frequent rainfall. During this period, you can find good deals and still have a pleasant stay, but note that some business may be closed.

Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport (DKR) is located in the area of Yoff, in the northwest part of town. It is the main air travel hub of the country and handles numerous flight to major international destinations in Africa and Europe, as well as to New York. If you haven't arranged for airport pickup, taxis are your best bet to get to the city. There is a taxi stand outside the terminal, but many illegal taxi drivers will try to offer rides before you can get there. Ignore them and only take the registered taxis. Bus number 8 also goes to the city from the airport. It is much cheaper than a taxi, but can also take much longer.

Dakar's public bus system is called Dakar Dem Dikk. It is relatively reliable and very affordable, but the bus network can be very difficult to figure out if you're not already familiar with it. Be sure to ask a local if you're not sure which bus to take to get where you're going.

Taxis are ubiquitous in Dakar and can be flagged down anywhere. They are fast and safe as well, but you must haggle and agree on the fare before getting in. Taxis can also be caught in front of major hotels. They are usually yellow and black with a printed number on the side.

There are several post offices in Dakar. Main Post Office:

Pharmacie Mandela: 12 Avenue Nelson Mandela, Plateau, Dakar Open 24h +221 33 821 21 72 Pharmacie Guigon: Avenue G. Pompidou, Dakar Monday-Saturday 8.00-23.00 +221 33 823 03 33 Pharmacie Mame Oumy Gueye 125 Sacré çoeur 3 Pyrotechnie, Lot 87, Dakar Monday-Saturday 8.30-23.00, Sunday 9.00-22.00 +221 33 825 59 99

Country code: +221 Area code: 8

230 V / 50 Hz Type of power sockets: C / D / E / K