Where to Sleep in Dakar?

Dakar is an absolute must-visit destination during a trip to Senegal. This vibrant, inspiring, and authentic city is often the arrival point for travelers in Senegal, but there is so much beautiful scenery to see that it deserves a dedicated stay. To ensure your trip to Dakar is as successful as possible, it's crucial to choose the right place to stay. That's why in this post, I invite you to discover the best places to stay in Dakar

To find the right place to settle during your stay in Dakar, it's important to know a few specifics about the city. The capital of Senegal is a very large city, covering a total area of 83 km².

Choosing the right geographical location, close to points of interest, is particularly important, especially since not all areas of the city are equally convenient. Even though bus lines allow for transportation, not all places are well-served. The same applies to accommodation options, which can be more or less numerous and of varying quality depending on the neighborhoods.

To find the right spot, it's best to focus the search for accommodation in Dakar toward:

In the continuation of this post, I will present in more detail the best neighborhoods to stay in Dakar, to help you decide which one might suit your needs and expectations best For each neighborhood, I've selected 2 examples of accommodations, hotels, guest houses, or vacation rentals that are popular among travelers.

To find even more options, I recommend using a site like Booking.com. Don't hesitate to make your reservation promptly, as last-minute bookings are often more expensive, and the best establishments may no longer be available by the time of your travel to Senegal.

If you don't have time to read my entire article, then I propose you directly check out my favorite accommodations for a stay in Senegal, in Dakar:

Dakar-Plateau can be considered the hypercenter of Dakar, even though geographically, this lively neighborhood is located at the southern tip of the city and the Cape Verde peninsula. It is the oldest neighborhood in the city, home to the most historical sites and other major tourist attractions.

Museums, colonial buildings, administrative buildings, the port, beaches, restaurants, markets, and all kinds of shops... You will have everything nearby when staying here. Even more remote neighborhoods, such as Ngor on the far west of the peninsula, are easily accessible. It offers many accommodation options, although prices tend to be higher than elsewhere, you should still find places that fit within your budget.

Dakar-Plateau is also an excellent choice for those who want to easily go out in the evening to enjoy Dakar's nightlife, as there is a wide variety of clubs and nightclubs. This neighborhood is therefore an excellent choice for many travelers, especially for those visiting Dakar for the first time

The Rysara Hotel is a 4-star establishment elegantly decorated and perfectly located in the center of Dakar. It features a chic bar and a restaurant that offers modern and original dishes. The welcome is truly exceptional, with rooms for two starting at approximately $186 per night.

The Union Amicale Corse Dakar is a beautiful hotel located near Anse Bernard beach and major attractions in the downtown area. It boasts a lovely garden, an oceanfront pool with a large terrace overlooking Gorée Island, a spa and a bar, as well as direct access to a private beach ️ You can find beautifully decorated, clean, and comfortable rooms starting at around $78 per night.

Fann-Point E-Amitié is a youthful and student-oriented neighborhood located just northwest of the Medina of Dakar. It houses the large university campus, and around this thriving neighborhood, you'll find many cafes and restaurants

Close to the hypercenter of Dakar, it's an excellent place to stay in a vibrant area that is quieter than Dakar-Plateau. The neighborhood is home to a few monuments and attractions like the African Memorial Square, a very charming seaside esplanade featuring a prominent monument representing all nations in Africa, alongside sports facilities and the lovely little Fann beach.

The accommodation options here are more limited than in the city center, mainly comprising relatively upscale hotels and even luxury accommodations.

Have you decided to treat yourself during your stay in Dakar and want to stay at a comfortable 5-star establishment? I can only recommend the Terrou-Bi, a hotel located by the sea, just south of the Fann-Point E-Amitié neighborhood. On-site, you can enjoy a very large outdoor pool, a beautiful garden to relax in, a casino, and a private beach ️ The rooms and suites are particularly spacious and comfortable, some offering views of the garden, while others overlook the pool, with prices starting at $253 per night, breakfast included.

The Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar Sea Plaza is a very modern 5-star hotel located on the cornice of Fann. The establishment features a pool with a sea view, a spa, a large bar with a terrace, and a restaurant. The amenities are truly high-quality, and the beach is just 20 meters away You can find very beautiful and spacious rooms with views starting from approximately $250 per night.

The Hotel Le Djoloff is a charming 3-star hotel with a restaurant, bar, panoramic terrace, common lounge, and private parking, located south of the neighborhood near the Marina, the beach, and downtown. The location is excellent, the staff is welcoming, and the rooms are comfortable, providing everything you need for a pleasant stay Double rooms are available starting from approximately $114 per night.

Gorée Island is one of the iconic sites of Senegal, one of the most visited places in the country. This island, located 3 km off Dakar-Plateau and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a significant testimony to the history of slavery. In my opinion, Gorée Island is the best place to sleep in Dakar!

Several must-see sites are located here, such as the Slave House, one of the major symbols of the slave trade, as well as Fort d'Estrées and the Historical Museum of Senegal, which recounts the history of the country up to its independence in 1960.

But Gorée Island is also a lovely place to enjoy life, where you can spend pleasant moments walking through pedestrian streets and discovering the variety of Senegalese culture, especially its craftsmanship. It also offers some of the best beaches in Senegal and a variety of restaurants

Gorée Island also has the advantage of being relatively close to other city attractions. Every day between 6 AM and 11 PM, boats connect the island to the heart of Dakar, with a journey time of about 20 minutes ⛴️ It is, therefore, an excellent base for many reasons, but accommodation is scarce, so it's particularly important to book early if you plan on staying on Gorée Island.

The Maison Augustin LY is located on Gorée Island and offers beautiful double rooms. I particularly love this accommodation for its warm atmosphere The staff are attentive and will do everything to ensure you have a wonderful time. The decor is colorful and traditional, with rooms starting at $38 per night, breakfast included.

Chez Eric is a charming establishment run by a very welcoming family! You can choose between a double room or a studio. It's a typical Senegalese home, providing a very pleasant stay with colorful decor. It has an ideal location on the beautiful Gorée Island. Prices start at $38 per night, breakfast included

Ngor is one of the communes of Dakar, located in the Almadi district to the far west of the peninsula. The small island located 400 meters off the Cape Verde peninsula, known for surfing and other water activities, is also called Ngor Island. With its beautiful beaches and family-friendly atmosphere, it is an increasingly popular area among tourists.

The tip of the peninsula is the westernmost point of all of Africa. This neighborhood is quite popular, very sea-oriented, housing primarily modern establishments, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, numerous shops, and a lovely diversity of accommodations.

To the south of Ngor is the Mamelles neighborhood, a quiet area with a village-like vibe situated on a volcanic hill that houses the famous Mamelles lighthouse, one of the most powerful on the continent, along with that of Cape of Good Hope.

Ngor isn't the most central neighborhood, and major attractions like those of Dakar-Plateau and Gorée Island are more distant. However, it's an excellent base for anyone wishing to stay in an authentic area of Dakar. Be cautious, though, as in the southern part, not all establishments are accessible via a paved road; some may require traversing paths that can be quite impassable during the rainy season.

The Hotel L'Adresse Dakar is a 4-star establishment located at the tip of the Cape Verde Peninsula and features a bar, restaurant, and a beautiful outdoor pool. Modern and spacious, it offers clean, comfortable, and air-conditioned rooms starting from around $171 per night.

Villa 126 offers very pleasant accommodations with classy and artistic decor. You'll find beautiful colorful touches throughout this typically Senegalese villa. This establishment is located in one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Dakar in a residential area in Ngor, ensuring peace and tranquility during your stay. Rooms start at $73 for two people in this beautiful villa.

Sédar Senghor International Airport is located north of the large Yoff neighborhood, a bit east of Ngor. Spending the night near this airport can also be a good choice for those arriving late at night, leaving early in the morning, or who want easy access out of the city to explore other regions.

Just north of the airport is the small neighborhood of Virage, named after Virage Beach, a spot popular among surfers and lined with many quirky bars. This area offers a variety of accommodation options; you can find affordable hotels and delightful residences for sleeping in Dakar.

The Residence El Hadji offers rooms and apartments a 5-minute walk from the beach and airport in a quiet area with many restaurants. You can find spacious rooms ranging from 35 m² to 55 m² and entire apartments with a fully equipped kitchen, a large lounge, and all necessary comforts. Rooms for two start at approximately $41 per night.

The Airport Hotel Casino du Cap-Vert is a beautiful 3-star establishment with a large outdoor pool surrounded by sun loungers and palm trees, two restaurants, and a bar. Ideally located in a particularly quiet area between the airport and Ngor, it has bright rooms, tastefully decorated with very comfortable bedding. Rooms for two, with views of the garden and pool, start at approximately $130 per night.

My article on the best neighborhoods and establishments for sleeping in Dakar has concluded. I hope it was of valuable help for your upcoming trip to Senegal! Don't hesitate to leave a review and a comment