Visit Dakar, what to see, excursions to do in the capital of Senegal, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in the southern part of the Cape Verde peninsula, also famous for the Paris-Dakar race.
Tourist information
Dakar, home of the Lower House of the National Parliament and the President's Palace, was founded by the French in 1857 and in 1902 became the capital of French West Africa, in place of the ancient colonial capital of Saint-Louis.
There are traces of human settlements in remote eras dating back to the Paleolithic.
When Senegal gained independence in 1960, Dakar was declared its capital.
This city enjoys a tropical climate made mild by the sea.
What see
The notoriety that derives from the fact that it is the final stage of the Paris-Dakar Rally race, contributes to making you immediately feel a European-style atmosphere as soon as you arrive.
About 3 km from the coast, there is the island of Gorée, also known as the slave island, as its past is linked to the slave trade, having been used for the boarding of Africans who, forced into slavery, were transported to the Americas.
For its historical significance and its colonial-style architecture, the island has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
In West Africa, Dakar is also the main cultural center of reference, where the largest university in Senegal is located.
There are also important research institutes, world-renowned organizations, including UNESCO, the Daniel Sorano theater, museums, including the Ifan Museum and art galleries.
Many artists live in the city, Senegalese art is the protagonist almost everywhere.
