It is always disappointing for travelers when they don’t have enough time to check out everything that some destination offers. This is especially the case with Senegal’s capital Dakar, which becomes more rewarding as you get to know it better. But worry not.
If you have just a short time in Dakar, there is still a way to see what this fascinating city is all about. All you have to do is visit the following three must-see tourist attractions.
IFAN Museum of African Arts
Your first stop should be the IFAN Museum of African Arts. One of the oldest art museums in this part of Africa, the place houses exhibition dedicated to the art of Senegal but also artworks from around the continent. You’ll find carvings, fabric works, paintings, artifacts, and much more. If you want to learn more about the Senegalese culture, this is a great place to start.
La Maison des Esclaves
La Maison des Esclaves roughly translates as the “House of Slaves.” Constructed in the late 18th century, the building was used as the main holding center for slaves. It became a museum in 1962 and now stands as a reminder of the suffering that African people had to go through in the past.
Marche Tilene
There are markets all around Dakar and they are all worth your time. However, if you can only visit one, we recommend checking Marche Tilene. This market specializes in all things Senegal but is also a place where you can see all sorts of weird items like crocodile heads, monkey paws, and snake tails.