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Plateau, Sénégal - Things to Do in Plateau

Plateau

Plateau, Sénégal - Complete Travel Guide

Plateau is the historic heart and central business district of Dakar, Senegal's busy capital city. This peninsula neighborhood serves as the political and economic center of the country, housing this destination, corporate headquarters, and many of the city's most important cultural institutions. The area easyly blends French colonial architecture with modern African urban development, creating a unique atmosphere where traditional markets coexist with contemporary office buildings. As the most walkable district in Dakar, Plateau offers visitors an authentic glimpse into Senegalese urban life while providing easy access to museums, galleries, restaurants, and shopping areas. The neighborhood's tree-lined streets and oceanfront location make it an ideal base for exploring both the historical significance of Senegal's independence movement and the dynamic contemporary culture that defines modern Dakar.

Top Plateau

the Presidential Palace and Independence Square

Visit the impressive Presidential Palace area and the nearby Independence Square, which serves as the symbolic heart of Senegal's political landscape. The colonial-era architecture and surrounding this destination offer insight into the country's transition from French rule to independence. The area is particularly beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon when the light enhances the building facades.

Booking Tip: This is a free walking activity, but photography near this destination may be restricted. Visit during weekday mornings for the most active atmosphere, and consider hiring a local guide for 15,000-25,000 CFA francs to provide historical context.

Kermel Market

spend time in the bustling atmosphere of Kermel Market, one of Dakar's most famous markets housed in a distinctive colonial-era building. The market specializes in fresh produce, spices, textiles, and local crafts, making it an excellent place to experience daily Senegalese life. The busy colors, sounds, and aromas create an authentic cultural experience while offering opportunities to purchase unique souvenirs.

Booking Tip: Entry is free, but budget 10,000-30,000 CFA francs for purchases. Visit in the morning for the freshest products and best selection. Bargaining is expected, so start at about 50% of the initial asking price.

the Museum of Black Civilizations

Explore this world-class museum dedicated to African civilizations and the African diaspora, featuring extensive collections of art, artifacts, and historical exhibits. The museum's modern architecture and complete displays make it one of West Africa's premier cultural institutions. Interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations provide deep insights into African history, culture, and contributions to world civilization.

Booking Tip: Admission costs around 2,000 CFA francs for adults, with guided tours available for an additional 5,000 CFA francs. Allow 2-3 hours for a thorough visit, and check for special exhibitions that may require separate tickets.

Stroll through the Plateau's Colonial Architecture

Take a self-guided walking tour through Plateau's streets to admire the well-preserved French colonial architecture, including the distinctive buildings along Avenue Georges Pompidou and surrounding areas. Many structures feature characteristic balconies, shuttered windows, and colonial-era design elements that tell the story of Dakar's historical development. The architecture provides excellent photography opportunities and historical context for understanding Senegal's colonial period.

Booking Tip: This is a free activity best enjoyed in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat. Consider downloading offline maps or hiring a local guide for 15,000-20,000 CFA francs for historical insights and navigation assistance.

Local Art at Village des Arts

Visit this creative hub that houses numerous artist studios, galleries, and cultural spaces showcasing contemporary Senegalese art. The village provides opportunities to meet local artists, observe creative processes, and purchase original artworks directly from creators. Regular exhibitions, performances, and cultural events make each visit unique and provide insight into Dakar's thriving arts scene.

Booking Tip: Entry is typically free, though individual galleries may charge small fees. Budget 20,000-100,000+ CFA francs if purchasing artwork. Visit during weekday afternoons when most artists are working in their studios for the most interactive experience.

Getting There

Plateau is easily accessible from Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS), located about 50 kilometers from central Dakar. The most convenient option is taking an official airport taxi for approximately 15,000-20,000 CFA francs, though ride-sharing services and private transfers are also available. From other parts of Dakar, Plateau is well-connected by the city's bus system (Dakar Dem Dikk) and numerous taxi routes, with most journeys from other neighborhoods costing 500-2,000 CFA francs by public transport or 2,000-5,000 CFA francs by taxi.

Getting Around

Plateau is highly walkable, with most attractions, restaurants, and shops within easy walking distance of each other. The compact nature of the district makes it ideal for exploration on foot, especially during cooler morning and evening hours. For longer distances or during hot weather, taxis are readily available and typically cost 1,000-3,000 CFA francs for trips within the area. The local bus system also serves Plateau with several routes, offering an economical option at around 150-300 CFA francs per journey, though services can be crowded during peak hours.

Where to Stay

Plateau Central
Brazzaville Ouest waterfront
Avenue Georges Pompidou area
Near Independence Square
Kermel Market vicinity
Fann Residence district

Food & Dining

Plateau offers Dakar's most diverse dining scene, ranging from street food vendors serving traditional thieboudienne and yassa to upscale restaurants featuring French-Senegalese fusion cuisine. The area around Kermel Market is excellent for authentic local dishes at budget-friendly prices (1,000-3,000 CFA francs per meal), while the business district features numerous cafés and restaurants catering to office workers and visitors. For fine dining, several establishments along the Brazzaville and main avenues offer international cuisine and fresh seafood, with meals typically ranging from 8,000-25,000 CFA francs. Don't miss trying local specialties like pastels (fish-filled pastries) from street vendors or enjoying fresh fruit juices from market stalls.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Dakar

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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L'Adresse Dakar

4.8 /5
(2738 reviews)
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Casa Teranga

4.7 /5
(383 reviews)
cafe

Sea & Salt

4.6 /5
(358 reviews)
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SHALUC Taste of India

4.8 /5
(239 reviews)

Restaurant Korean Arisu

4.5 /5
(224 reviews)

Grill Time Dakar

4.6 /5
(174 reviews)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Plateau is during the dry season from November to May, when temperatures are more comfortable and rainfall is minimal. December through February offers the most pleasant weather with cooler temperatures and lower humidity, making walking tours and outdoor activities more enjoyable. The rainy season (June to October) brings higher humidity and occasional heavy downpours, though temperatures remain warm year-round. For the best experience of local life and business activity, visit during weekdays when the district is most busy with office workers, government activities, and full market operations.

Insider Tips

Many this destination and some museums close for extended lunch breaks (12:30-3:00 PM), so plan morning or late afternoon visits accordingly
Bargaining is expected at markets and with street vendors, but restaurants and formal shops typically have fixed prices
Carry small denominations of CFA francs as many vendors and taxi drivers cannot make change for large bills

Activities in Plateau