Senegal

Cost of living

What a month costs

Dakar is one of West Africa's pricier capitals. Imported goods and expat-area rents in Almadies and the Plateau add up fast, while local markets and street food stay cheap.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Dakar

1. African Renaissance MonumentGiant bronze statue on a hilltop with sweeping views over the city and ocean.
2. Phare des MamellesOld lighthouse on a volcanic rise, a favourite spot for sunset over the Atlantic.
3. IFAN Museum of African ArtsThe Musée Théodore Monod, one of West Africa's oldest collections of masks and sculpture.
4. Grande Mosquée de DakarLandmark mosque near the Medina with a tall minaret visible across the centre.
5. Cathédrale du Souvenir AfricainThe city's main Catholic cathedral, a calm colonial-era landmark in the Plateau.
6. Place de l'IndépendanceThe central square of the colonial Plateau district, ringed by banks and cafes.
7. Marché KermelColourful covered market for produce, flowers, fish and craft souvenirs.
8. Village des ArtsArtists' collective of open studios and galleries on the edge of town.
9. Pointe des AlmadiesThe westernmost point of continental Africa, lined with breezy seafood shacks.
10. Île de NgorTiny island a short pirogue hop from Ngor beach, with quiet coves and swimming.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. Île de GoréeUNESCO island a short ferry from the Plateau, heavy with slave-trade history and pastel houses.
2. Lac Rose (Lake Retba)Salt lake that can blush pink, about an hour northeast of the city past the dunes.
3. Saint-LouisFormer colonial capital and UNESCO old town on the Senegal River, up the coast north of Dakar.
4. Saly and the Petite CôteBeach resort strip south of the city with warm swimming, golf and seafood.
5. Bandia ReserveSmall wildlife reserve near Saly where you can see giraffes, rhinos and antelope on a short game drive.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Maison KayserFrench bakery-cafe for espresso, croissants and viennoiserie.
2. LayuSmall chain of fresh juice and smoothie bars dotted around the city.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. Le Lagon 1Landmark seafood restaurant built out over the water on the Corniche.
2. La Cabane du PêcheurLong-running seafood terrace out at Pointe des Almadies.
3. Chez LoutchaBusy Plateau canteen famous for generous Cape Verdean and Senegalese plates.
4. Restaurant FaridLong-established Lebanese kitchen in the Plateau, a reliable Dakar standby.
5. Ali BabaPlateau institution for shawarma and quick Lebanese bites near the square.
6. Terrou-BiBeachfront resort with several restaurants and a casino on the Corniche.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Pullman Dakar TerangaBuffet breakfast in the heart of the Plateau, an old-school city landmark.
2. Radisson Blu Dakar Sea PlazaSeafront breakfast on the Corniche with ocean views.
3. Maison KayserFresh baguettes, pain au chocolat and coffee to start the day.
4. LayuCold-pressed juices, smoothies and light morning bites.