Dakar Holidays

Things to do in and around Dakar

Dakar offers a vibrant blend of outdoor and city-themed activities perfect for family vacations. Visitors can explore local markets, engage in batik making, enjoy a round at the Golf Club de Dakar, or take a leisurely day trip to the stunning beaches. This dynamic city is an excellent destination for those seeking both education and entertainment amidst its lively atmosphere.

Shopping

Dakar offers a vibrant shopping experience. Visit Sandaga Market, Soumbédioune Fish Market, and Marché Fass for local crafts and souvenirs, all bustling with city vibes. If you're up for a drive, check out larger malls like Sea Plaza for international brands and dining options.

Recreation

Stade Leopold Senghor offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts, while the Golf Club de Dakar - Technopole provides a refreshing outdoor experience just 8.0km from the city. For a touch of luxury, the Des Almadies Golf Club invites you to unwind in its exclusive setting.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of diving with Nautilus Plongee in Dakar, where you can explore vibrant underwater ecosystems. The adventure sports venue offers a perfect blend of excitement and stunning marine life, making it an unforgettable experience for both beginners and seasoned divers alike.

Nightlife

Dakar's nightlife is vibrant and enchanting. Experience romance and city vibes at Castel, a popular nightclub that pulses with energy and entertainment. Enjoy dancing the night away while soaking in the lively atmosphere that characterises this bustling Senegalese capital.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in Dakar

Dakar offers a vibrant mix of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, making it ideal for family vacations. Visitors can explore beautiful beaches, historical monuments, and engaging museums. The central area of Dakar is bustling with life, while the surrounding Dakar Region boasts enticing resorts. Whether you're seeking a cultural immersion or a relaxing beach day, Dakar has something for everyone, ensuring a memorable trip for all types of travellers.

  • Ile de Goree Beach: Relax on the stunning shores of Ile de Goree Beach, where you can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean. This beach offers a perfect retreat for sunbathing and swimming, steeped in rich history as it is located on a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Cheikh Anta Diop University: Experience the vibrant energy of Cheikh Anta Diop University, a premier institution known for its modern architecture and bustling campus life. Engage with local students and immerse yourself in the academic and cultural pulse of Dakar.
  • Place de l'Indépendance: Discover the heart of Dakar at Place de l'Indépendance, a lively square surrounded by historical buildings. This plaza is a hub of cultural activities, where you can enjoy local art, street performances, and the vibrant city atmosphere.

Best time to go to Dakar

The best time to visit Dakar is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. October is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain. March and April are its coolest month on average. At the time of April, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January73.6°F (23.1°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
February71.6°F (22.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
March71.4°F (21.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
April71.4°F (21.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
May73.4°F (23.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly High
June77.0°F (25.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
July79.7°F (26.5°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August81.1°F (27.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
September82.2°F (27.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
October83.1°F (28.4°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
November80.8°F (27.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
December76.6°F (24.8°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Dakar

Dakar provides numerous ways to save money during your visit. Enjoy free attractions like Ile de Goree Beach and Village des Arts. For transport, consider using buses or shared taxis for budget-friendly travel. The cheapest months to visit are January and from August to September, while Fridays tend to be the least expensive days for accommodation. Leverage Expedia's search tool to find the best hotel deals by filtering for eco-friendly options and combining bookings for flights and activities to maximise savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Dakar are January and August to September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March and May to June, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Dakar is Friday. The most expensive day to stay in Dakar is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can make significant savings by combining your hotel reservation in Dakar with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Dakar Beach Holiday

Get ready to live out those summer daydreams on your Dakar holiday. Enjoy a lovely stroll, marvel at the stunning coastal vistas and collect unique seashells during your trip to Dakar. Just 10 kilometres from downtown, Ile de Goree Beach is the place to be for many sun-seeking travellers. Browse our Dakar packages and watch your travel budget go further!

Things You Should Know About Dakar

  • Drift off to sleep to the gentle sounds of the sea at one of our Dakar beach hotels. There's nothing quite like staying right near the water.
  • Dakar also has a range of apartments. Casa Di Cloe and Residence de la paix - Kana Place are a hit with visitors and are worth having a look at.
  • Head to our Dakar things to do page for some itinerary planning inspiration. With a population of around 2,476,400 in Dakar, we're sure there'll be one or two locals who'll be happy to give you some extra advice!
  • Don't head home without exploring Ile de Goree Beach, African Renaissance Statue and Sandaga Market. With the cash you save through our Dakar holiday deals, you can see more top attractions like these.

Top hotels in Dakar

Noom Hotel Dakar Sea Plaza, a member of Radisson Individuals

Noom Hotel Dakar Sea Plaza, a member of Radisson Individuals

5 out of 5
Route De La Corniche Ouest, Dakar
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$459 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
S$459
1 Nov - 2 Nov
includes taxes & fees
8/10 Very Good! (501 reviews)
Breakfast improvement
The breakfast spread needs to be improved as for many years I have been staying in same property Radisson and the breakfast was very nice. Now is very limited.

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Noom Hotel Dakar Sea Plaza, a member of Radisson Individuals
Azalai Hotel Dakar

Azalai Hotel Dakar

4.5 out of 5
Dakar, Dakar, Dakar Region
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$242 per night from 14 Nov to 15 Nov
S$242
14 Nov - 15 Nov
includes taxes & fees
8.4/10 Very Good! (75 reviews)
We arrived to the hotel at 10:00am hoping for early check in, the receptionist said is not possible that early, that wasn’t a problem, he told us we can do the whole procedure for the check in and then when we come back at we just get the keys. When we came back at 3:10pm nothing was ready; they ...

Reviewed on 9 Oct, 2025

Azalai Hotel Dakar
Novotel Dakar

Novotel Dakar

4 out of 5
Avenue Abdoulaye Fadiga, Dakar
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$236 per night from 28 Nov to 29 Nov
S$236
28 Nov - 29 Nov
includes taxes & fees
7.4/10 Good! (217 reviews)
Its average but the food is great

Reviewed on 12 May, 2024

Novotel Dakar
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

What to do in Dakar

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.