Why visit
Dakar is Senegal's Atlantic capital, a city of music, surf, markets, art, and ferries to Gorée Island. It is one of West Africa's most distinctive urban bases.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Dakar is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Senegal. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Dakar, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Senegal better matches the trip style.
Dakar at a glance
City population
1.2 million
Metro: 4.0 million
Elevation
22 m
72 ft
Time zone
UTC+0
Africa/Dakar
Airport
DSS
Blaise Diagne International
Founded
1857
Getting around
Dakar Dem Dikk buses + car rapides (colorful minibuses) + BRT (new) + Yango/Heetch
Signature dish
Thieboudienne (national dish), yassa, mafé, ceebu jën, attaya (three-round tea)
Neighborhoods for travelers
PlateauAlmadiesNgorMedinaOuakamÎle de Gorée (UNESCO)
Senegal at a glance
Country center
14.0°, -14.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
196,722 km²
75,955 mi²
Country population
17.8 million
90/km²
Subregion
Western Africa
Currency
West African CFA franc (Fr)
XOF
Dial
+221
Language
French
Demonym
Senegalese
Internet
.sn
UN
Member state
ISO code
SN / SEN
Where in the world
14.0° - -14.0°
Senegal
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Dakar is Africa's westernmost major city: the Cap-Vert peninsula juts into the Atlantic further than any other.
- Île de Gorée, a 15-minute ferry from downtown, is a UNESCO site commemorating the Atlantic slave trade.
- The city hosted the first Dakar Rally until 2008: the race moved to Saudi Arabia after security concerns.
- Senegal's Île de Gorée, off Dakar, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site marking the Atlantic slave trade.
- The country is the westernmost point of mainland Africa.
Bordering Senegal
Traveler notes
- Gorée Island is a short ferry trip from the city
- Ngor and Yoff beaches anchor the surf scene
- Dakar Biennale is a major contemporary art event
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Dakar
What currency is used in Dakar?
Dakar uses the West African CFA franc (Fr), ISO code XOF.
What languages are spoken in Senegal?
The primary language is French.
What is the international calling code for Senegal?
The calling code is +221.
When is the best time to visit Dakar?
Nov–May. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Dakar?
Blaise Diagne International (IATA: DSS).
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