Dakar

💡 About Dakar

Dakar, the capital of Senegal, occupies a dramatic position on the Cap-Vert peninsula, the westernmost point of the entire African continent, jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. A vibrant, cosmopolitan and creative city, it is the cultural capital of French-speaking West Africa and a place of irrepressible energy.

Dakar pulses with music and art. It is the birthplace of mbalax, the driving popular music made famous by Youssou N'Dour, and its streets, markets and galleries brim with a thriving contemporary arts scene that draws creators from across the continent and the diaspora.

Just off the coast lies Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most poignant places in Africa — a former centre of the Atlantic slave trade whose "House of Slaves" and its "Door of No Return" serve as a solemn memorial to the millions who were shipped into bondage.

Blending French, Islamic and West African influences, Dakar offers colourful markets, beautiful beaches, superb cuisine and warm Senegalese teranga (hospitality). Lively, stylish and welcoming, it is a compelling gateway to the culture of West Africa.

⭐ Known For