Flights to Dakar
Discover West Africa's vibrant capital with its French colonial charm and Atlantic coastline
About Flights to Dakar
Dakar, Senegal's bustling capital, offers an intoxicating blend of French colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and stunning Atlantic beaches. This cosmopolitan city serves as West Africa's cultural hub, where traditional Senegalese life meets modern African urban energy.
From the historic Île de Gorée to the colourful Sandaga Market, Dakar presents unique experiences for UK travellers seeking authentic African culture. The city's renowned music scene, exceptional cuisine featuring fresh seafood and traditional thieboudienne, and warm Teranga hospitality make it an increasingly popular destination.
With improving flight connections from London and a growing expat community, Dakar provides an accessible gateway to explore Senegal's rich history, from ancient kingdoms to its role in the Atlantic slave trade, all whilst enjoying year-round warm weather and beautiful beaches.
Airlines Flying to Dakar
Air France
1 stop · Daily via Paris CDG
£495
return
Turkish Airlines
1 stop · Daily via Istanbul
£529
return
Royal Air Maroc
1 stop · 4x weekly via Casablanca
£489
return
Brussels Airlines
1 stop · 5x weekly via Brussels
£515
return
Iberia
1 stop · 3x weekly via Madrid
£549
return
TAP Air Portugal
1 stop · 4x weekly via Lisbon
£535
return
Top Attractions in Dakar
Île de Gorée
cultureUNESCO World Heritage island famous for the House of Slaves, documenting the Atlantic slave trade with powerful museums and colonial architecture.
African Renaissance Monument
landmarkTowering 49-metre bronze statue offering panoramic views of Dakar, controversial yet impressive symbol of modern Africa.
Sandaga Market
shoppingDakar's largest and most vibrant market, perfect for haggling over traditional textiles, woodcarvings, and authentic Senegalese crafts.
Dakar Grand Mosque
religiousMagnificent mosque with distinctive green dome and twin minarets, showcasing beautiful Islamic architecture and peaceful courtyards.
Mamelles Lighthouse
landmarkHistoric lighthouse on volcanic hills offering spectacular sunset views over the Atlantic Ocean and Dakar's peninsula.
Yoff Beach
beachPopular surfing beach with consistent waves, beachside restaurants serving fresh grilled fish, and traditional pirogue fishing boats.
IFAN Museum
culturePremier museum showcasing West African art, traditional masks, sculptures, and ethnographic collections from across the region.
Lac Rose (Pink Lake)
natureStunning salt lake that turns pink due to algae, where locals harvest salt and you can float effortlessly in the mineral-rich water.
Where to Stay in Dakar
Four Points by Sheraton Dakar
Modern beachfront hotel in upmarket Almadies district, popular with business travellers and offering reliable Western standards with Senegalese touches.
Radisson Blu Hotel Dakar
Luxury high-rise hotel in downtown Dakar offering excellent views, top-notch facilities, and easy access to government district and business areas.
Hotel Terrou-Bi
Established luxury hotel combining colonial elegance with modern amenities, featuring beautiful gardens and direct beach access on the scenic Corniche.
King Fahd Palace Hotel
Ultra-luxury resort-style hotel offering opulent accommodation, extensive facilities, and exclusive beach access in prestigious Almadies peninsula.
Onomo Hotel Dakar
Contemporary business hotel near the airport, featuring African-inspired design and reliable amenities, ideal for transit passengers and business trips.
Villa Ndar
Intimate guesthouse in quiet Ngor area, offering personalised hospitality and authentic Senegalese experience with comfortable rooms and homemade meals.
Local Tips for Dakar
- Learn basic French phrases - whilst many speak English in tourist areas, French is the official language and will enhance your experience significantly.
- Bargain respectfully at markets like Sandaga - initial prices are often 3-4 times higher than expected final price, but always negotiate with a smile.
- Try the national dish thieboudienne (rice and fish) - it's best at local restaurants rather than hotels, and Thursday is traditionally when it's freshly prepared.
- Take the ferry to Île de Gorée early morning to avoid crowds - last ferry returns around 6pm, and the 20-minute journey costs about 5,200 CFA return.
- Use registered taxis with meters or agree prices beforehand - typical city centre journeys cost 2,000-5,000 CFA, and car rapides (local buses) are cheapest but crowded.
- Dress modestly when visiting mosques - remove shoes, cover shoulders and legs, and non-Muslims should ask permission before entering prayer areas.
- Exchange money at banks or official bureaux de change - street changers offer poor rates and fake notes are common, especially avoid changing money near markets.
- The fish market at Soumbédioune is best visited early morning (6-8am) when catches arrive - perfect for photography but quite pungent by afternoon.
- Tipping 10% is standard at restaurants - round up taxi fares to nearest 500 CFA and tip hotel staff 1,000-2,000 CFA for good service.
- Download offline maps as internet can be patchy outside main areas - Orange and Expresso offer tourist SIM cards with reasonable data packages.