Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Recent Stories
All Stories Video Podcast
Most Recent Stories
View All Stories »
Rats didn’t take over the city by being foolhardy.
Do New York City Rats Deserve Their Bad Rap?
The Secret Gardens Saving the World’s Rarest Plants
Solo travel can be challenging and sometimes lonely, but it also often leads to the greatest adventures.
Dear Atlas: How Do I Unplug on a Solo Trip?
Museum of Friends
The Art in This Museum Was Donated for Free

No search results found for
“”

Make sure words are spelled correctly.

Try searching for a travel destination.

Places near me Random place

Popular Destinations

  • Paris
  • London
  • New York
  • Berlin
  • Rome
  • Los Angeles
Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Sign In Join
All Senegal Dakar

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Dakar

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

Updated July 30, 2024

Email
Attractions
Food & Drink
Map
Leaderboards
Stories
Hotel Deals

Unusual Attractions in Dakar

House of Slaves

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.
A satellite view of the Sahara

Dakar, Senegal

The Great Green Wall of Africa

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

Dakar, Senegal

African Renaissance Monument

This giant statue is the product of a mixture of corruption, Stalinist architecture, and North Korean manpower.
The grill is always going at Bantyii.

Dakar, Senegal

Bantyii Dibiterie

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

Dakar, Senegal

IFAN Museum of African Arts

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

Dakar, Senegal

Gorée Island

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

Dakar, Senegal

Cap Manuel's Abandoned Bunker

This abandoned bunker looks out over the Atlantic from its clifftop perch.
The Mosque of the Divinity in Dakar.

Dakar, Senegal

Mosque of the Divinity

This unique religious structure is an architectural gem with arresting ocean views.
See All 10 Things To Do in Dakar

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Dakar

The grill is always going at Bantyii.

Dakar, Senegal

Bantyii Dibiterie

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

Plan Your Trip

In partnership with GetYourGuide

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Dakar, Senegal

Museums 4
Monuments 2
Slavery 2

Dakar Leaderboard

Places Added

  1. Rachel Gould
    3
  2. Facebook1092450099
    1
  3. Adam 11
    1
  4. LaTortueNoire
    1
  5. Michael Henry
    1
Join the Ranks!
Add an unusual place to Dakar.

Places Edited

  1. tahasic
    2
  2. nbj914
    1
  3. LaTortueNoire
    1
  4. atimian
    1
  5. Adam 11
    1
Join the Ranks!
Improve the Atlas with edits and photos.

Places Visited

  1. marcut
    7
  2. simonezanotti
    6
  3. wanzilla1
    6
  4. carolinelupini
    6
  5. Jon Opol
    6
Join the Ranks!
Visit a place in Dakar.

Recent Dakar Activity

  • zarajillianp

    has been to African Renaissance Monument

  • sylph6

    wants to go to Bantyii Dibiterie

  • jimlasbury

    has been to Gorée Island

  • jimlasbury

    has been to House of Slaves

  • jimlasbury

    has been to African Renaissance Monument

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

Become an Atlas Obscura Member

Join our community of curious explorers.

Learn More

Get Our Email Newsletter

Follow Us

Facebook YouTube TikTok Instagram Pinterest RSS Feed

Get the app

Download the App
Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play
  • All Places
  • Latest Places
  • Most Popular
  • Places to Eat
  • Random
  • Nearby
  • Add a Place
  • Stories
  • Food & Drink
  • Itineraries
  • Lists
  • Video
  • Podcast
  • Newsletters
  • All Trips
  • Family Trip
  • Food & Drink
  • History & Culture
  • Wildlife & Nature
  • FAQ
  • Membership
  • Feedback & Ideas
  • Community Guidelines
  • Product Blog
  • Unique Gifts
  • Work With Us
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Advertise With Us
  • Advertising Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms of Use
Atlas Obscura

© 2025 Atlas Obscura. All Rights Reserved.