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Africa Senegal Dakar Do & See Place de l'Indépendance

Overview

Place de l'Indépendance

The guide was updated: 2024-03-14

Place de l'Indépendance, encircled by majestic colonial structures, is Dakar's vibrant core and an ideal starting point for city exploration. This central square, with its symmetrical layout, is a lively blend of history and modernity.

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Address: Place de l'Indépendance, Dakar

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Museum of Black Civilisations

Museum of Black Civilisations

The Museum of Black Civilisations boasts around 18,000 pieces, including contemporary works like Édouard Duval-Carrié's giant baobab sculpture. This institution aims to showcase the diversity of African cultures and their global influence, partnering with European museums to enrich the collection.

Mosque of the Divinity

Mosque of the Divinity

The Mosque of the Divinity outside of Dakar fuses modernism and traditional Islamic architecture. Its two towers serve as ideal lookout points over the vast ocean waters surrounding Senegal. Despite its appeal to tourists, the mosque also remains a revered pilgrimage site. For an even more impressive panorama, explore the cliffs near the mosque.

Les Mamelles Lighthouse

Les Mamelles Lighthouse

Perched atop one of Dakar's hills, Les Mamelles Lighthouse, completed in 1864, is a historic beacon guiding ships around Africa's westernmost point. This iconic, all-white structure offers panoramic views of the Cap-Vert peninsula from its lantern gallery. Visitors can explore the lighthouse through guided tours, learning about its evolution and significance to West African navigation. The site also features an outdoor dining area, and a popular bar with live music events.

N’Gor Island

N’Gor Island

For a tranquil retreat, make your way to the serene Île de N'Gor, a small island off Dakar's north shore. Admire the ornate doors and intricate mosaics that adorn the houses, and wander through narrow alleys lined with vibrant flora. The island offers calm beaches, legendary surf spots, and charming waterside eateries. For a fun and affordable journey, hop on a pirogue with locals for the short crossing from Plage de N'Gor.

African Renaissance Monument

African Renaissance Monument

Standing 52 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, for being an incredible 27-million-dollar money sink executed by a North Korean sculpting company. Whether for its symbolism or its kitsch factor, the statue is worth a visit.

Théodore Monod African Art Museum

Théodore Monod African Art Museum

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 the Francophone countries of the continent, and boasting collections by contemporary African and diaspora artists. It also functions as a research institute for the study of African culture.

Gorée Island

Gorée Island

Gorée Island used to be an important centre for the transport of slaves headed to America. Today, it's worth a visit for the impressive colonial architecture, even though much of it is in ruins. The House of Slaves museum and memorial are an important point of interest, too. The island is small enough to explore on foot, and visitors can enjoy a drink on the beach or shop for meaningful local art.

House of Slaves & its Door of No Return

House of Slaves & its Door of No Return

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.

The Tortoise Village

The Tortoise Village

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

Grand Mosque of Dakar

Grand Mosque of Dakar

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.

Médina

Médina

The historic Médina neighbourhood thrives with its vibrant street markets and bustling cafes. Home to the Grand Mosque and Soumbédioune market, this area is a cultural hub, established in 1914 as a distinct "native quarter" during colonial times.

Hann Forest & Zoological Park

Hann Forest & Zoological Park

The Hann public park is a green oasis right in the heart of the city. Established over a century ago, it hosts three arboretums featuring a wide sample of Senegalese flora, an ethnobotanical garden, as well as a zoo that is home to over 130 animals.

Lake Retba

Lake Retba

Lake Retba, affectionately known as "Lac Rose" by locals, boasts a striking pink hue thanks to its high concentration of Dunaliella salina algae. This rare natural phenomenon is particularly vivid during the dry season (from late January to early March) and under bright sunlight. The salinity in this sweet-looking lake can be as high as 40% in some areas.

Village des Arts

Village des Arts

In this expansive garden and adjoining gallery, Senegal's finest emerging and established artists, photographers, sculptors and painters showcase their works. Serving as a dynamic art studio and cultural exhibit space, it hosts dance and musical events alongside live artist performances.

Place de l'Indépendance

Place de l'Indépendance

Place de l'Indépendance, encircled by majestic colonial structures, is Dakar's vibrant core and an ideal starting point for city exploration. This central square, with its symmetrical layout, is a lively blend of history and modernity.

Presidential Palace

Presidential Palace

The Presidential Palace, also known as Palais de la République, 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.

Our Lady of Victories Cathedral

Our Lady of Victories Cathedral

The grand Our Lady of Victories Cathedral, consecrated in 1936, stands as a central pillar of Catholicism in Senegal. Visitors can enjoy serene and tranquil moments, with local devotees frequently lighting candles or sitting in quiet prayer.

Océanium

Océanium

Océanium is an environmental agency that organises a variety of eco-friendly excursions and diving courses. They are devoted to promoting ecotourism and responsible travel. While most travellers come to Océanium for diving or paddleboarding, you are welcome to just stop by and enjoy a drink at their open-air restaurant.

Layen Mausoleum

Layen Mausoleum

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

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