Welcome to the best things to do in Saint Louis, Senegal! It wasn’t too long ago that I visited this charming but almost forgotten city.
It was beautiful — in a kind of shabby, dilapidated way that made me want to wander aimlessly and just soak it all in.
It was my first time in Senegal, and we arrived by overland on our tuk-tuk from Guinea. After visiting a few spots across the country, Saint Louis firmly sits as my favourite place.
There aren’t many things to do here like in bigger cities, but you can easily spend a few days. The Old Town is wonderful, the MuPho Saint Louis Museum is a highlight, and a day trip to Djoudj Bird National Park is a must-see!
Why I Enjoyed Visiting Saint Louis
Firstly, I should mention I’m a sucker for colonial-era architecture. There’s just something about the colours and the balconies, and the shutters on the windows that gives me those magical Disney vibes.
So, when we reached Saint Louis and its island (which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site), something inside me fluttered.
While my dad and I drove around trying to find somewhere to stay, I was soaking it all in. My first impressions were a mix of excitement and sadness — the city felt like a faded shadow of its former glory, with crumbling walls, peeling paint, and broken windows.
But among the remains, out would pop a jewel. I found beautiful buildings infused with life, providing a glimpse of how stunning this place once looked. If you look past the dilapidation, you’ll see the real beauty of the city.
And it wasn’t just the architecture. There was a wonderful energy in the air, too. I noticed people chatting on doorsteps, laughing and smiling. Children were playfully running through the streets. We were greeted with warm smiles as we drove along.
It was a joy to spend a couple of days here; it’s very laid-back, and I hope my list of things to do in Saint Louis helps you plan and enjoy your trip too.
The Best Things To Do In St Louis, Senegal
🚑 DON’T FORGET TRAVEL INSURANCE!
SafetyWing is a fantastic travel medical insurance that is super affordable and great for backpackers. You can purchase a policy before or after your travels begin. 🤗
1. St. Louis Island (UNESCO Site)
I’ve already touched on the old town, but I wanted to go into more detail because it really does deserve its own section.
Saint Louis Island was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 and attracts tourists for its culture and charm. The city was the former capital of Senegal for over 200 years before it was moved to Dakar!
It’s a maze of faded pastel buildings, dusty streets and colonial architecture. Either neglected to a crumbling shell or wonderfully restored as a vivid reminder of the city’s prosperous past, Saint Louis can be a dream for visitors.
I highly recommend dedicating at least half a day to exploring the streets, popping into the little shops and trying the local street food. If you want a more fairytale experience, you can even take a ride through town in a horse and cart.
Worryingly, Saint Louis is under threat from rising sea levels and is currently the most endangered city in all of Africa. So, the sooner you visit, the better!
2. L’archipel de Musées (Mupho Saint Louis)
This isn’t your typical museum. L’archipel de Musées is made up of eight small exhibition spaces scattered across Saint Louis Island. Finding each one is a bit of a treasure hunt, which just adds to the fun!
Each space has its own theme—photography, history, sculpture, antiques—and they all give a unique insight into Senegalese culture and the city’s past. They’re housed in old colonial buildings, so even the venues themselves are part of the story.
Insider tip >> Grab the combined ticket and map. It gives you access to all the locations and can be used over a couple of days if needed.
🌟 My top pick >> If you want to visit Saint Louis, but not sure about visiting independently, there are a number of multi-day tours on offer through online platforms like Viator, which might be of interest to you? Have a little browse here if you’re considering this!
3. Village Artisanal
If you’re looking for handmade souvenirs or want to see local artists in action, visiting Village Artisanal could be one of the most interesting visits you’ll make in Saint Louis.
Although I didn’t go, I’ve been told it’s a lovely little place with workshops and stalls where you can find woven baskets, colourful textiles, carved wooden masks, and more.
It’s common to see the artists working, and if it’s like other art villages I’ve visited, then chatting with them gives you a deeper appreciation for what you’re buying.
Travel tip >> Bring cash and take your time. Prices are usually fair, but bargaining is okay if done respectfully.
4. Marche De Sor (Sor Market)
For a more local experience, one of the most exciting things to do in Saint Louis is to explore Marché de Sor, especially if you love a bit of chaos and colour.
It’s a proper West African market—bustling, noisy, and full of life. While it’s not aimed at tourists, it’s a great way to see daily life in action. Expect everything from fresh fruit and spices to clothing, electronics and odds and ends you never knew existed.
Insider tip >> Go early for the liveliest atmosphere and keep your valuables secure. It’s also a great spot for photos, but always ask before taking someone’s picture.
Enjoying this blog? All my content is free, but I do spend a lot of time in coffee shops. If you’re finding my content helpful and would like to buy me a coffee, I’d love that! Thank you 🤗
5. Sculptor Meissa Fall
This stop is wonderfully weird and one of my personal favourites. Meissa Fall (aka FM) turns scrap into art—think bicycle parts transformed into people, animals, and instruments.
His workshop is tucked away and full of character, just like his pieces. It’s a cool way to see a different side of Saint Louis and chat with a local artist who’s full of creativity and passion.
If you’re into offbeat art or want a quirky souvenir, this one’s for you.
7. Saint Louis Jazz Festival
If you’re visiting in May, one of the top things to do in Saint Louis is to experience the Saint Louis Jazz Festival. It’s one of the biggest music festivals in West Africa and totally transforms the city.
Musicians from all over the world come to perform—there’s live music in the streets, open-air concerts, and late-night jams in bars. Whether you’re into jazz or not, the energy is said to be amazing and the vibe is unforgettable.
Travel tip >> It usually takes place in May—check the dates in advance and book your stay early because the city gets busy!
8. Pont Faidherbe
Pont Faidherbe is one of the most iconic landmarks in Saint Louis. Crossing it for the first time feels like stepping back into history.
It was designed by Gustave Eiffel (yep, the Eiffel Tower guy) and is a feat of colonial-era engineering. The bridge connects the mainland to Saint Louis Island and has been restored over the years, but still retains its vintage charm.
It’s lovely at sunset, with the golden light bouncing off the water. Keep an eye out—it’s on nearly every postcard in town!
Best Day Trips From Saint Louis
9. Langue de Barbarie National Park
Langue de Barbarie is a thin stretch of sandy peninsula about 30–40 minutes from Saint Louis. It’s wild, peaceful and a lovely escape from the busy streets.
This nature reserve separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Senegal River and is best known for birdwatching, especially between December and March when the migratory birds arrive.
Boat trips are popular, and you can often negotiate prices on the spot. Locals may call it “Ndar” or “N’dar”, which is Wolof for “island”.
If you’re interested in cultures, the Wolofs and Lebous are mostly fishermen who live in communities like Guet-Ndar on the Langue de Barbarie.
Travel tip >> Go early morning for bird activity or late afternoon for epic sunsets. Be careful not to mix it up with Guembeul Reserve—they’re not the same, and you might be charged twice.
10. Djoudj Bird National Park
This place is legendary for bird lovers. Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important bird sanctuaries in the world. You’ll spot flamingos, pelicans, herons and loads of other migratory birds.
I didn’t make it there myself—we drove through Diawling National Park on the Mauritanian side instead—but they’re both part of the same ecosystem and worth a visit during the dry season.
I’ve heard it can be a bit chaotic organising a boat tour on arrival, so just be prepared or consider booking a private guide if you prefer things more structured.
Travel tip >> Here’s what you’ll likely pay: 10,000 CFA for your car, 10,000 CFA for a guide (mandatory), 4,000 CFA per person for a boat ride (1–2 hours), and 5,000 CFA per person for park entry. More tips for Senegal!
Best-Rated Day Trips In Senegal
If you’re travelling in Senegal and want to join a day trip or two, below are three of the highest-rated experiences in Senegal, or plan your trip to Senegal.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Saint Louis?
I visited Saint Louis in April, and honestly, it was a fantastic time to go. The weather was hot but manageable, and because it was the end of the dry season, the roads were decent, even for us in a tuk-tuk (no muddy tracks to get stuck in, thank goodness!).
Generally, the best time to visit Senegal is from November to May—this is the dry season. If you’re into birdwatching or wildlife, the end of this season is ideal. Water sources start drying up, and animals tend to gather in the same spots, making them easier to see.
On the other hand, if you’re more interested in nature walks or exploring green landscapes, consider going earlier in the dry season. Things are lusher, and you’ve got a better chance of spotting newborn animals, too.
How Long Should You Stay In St. Louis?
I suggest two to three days in Saint Louis, Senegal.
As a first-time visitor to Senegal or West Africa in general, it can be a bit of a culture shock at first. But that’s part of the experience. Three days give you enough time to wander the old colonial streets, pop into museums and markets, and maybe squeeze in a day trip to one of the nearby nature reserves.
You’ll get to enjoy the atmosphere, admire the crumbling beauty of the city, and even have a bit of downtime at a riverside café watching life go by.
If you fall for the charm of Saint Louis (which I think you will), there’s always the option to come back and stay longer next time!
Are 3 Days Enough In St. Louis, Senegal?
Yes — 3 days in Saint Louis is just the right amount of time to soak up the vibe, explore the city, and enjoy the top things to do in Saint Louis without feeling rushed.
🌟 Dakar to Saint Louis transfer >> If you’re coming from Dakar this private driver offers comfortable transfers with conditioning and WiFi.
Accommodation Ideas In St. Louis, Senegal
To ensure this is the ultimate Senegal travel itinerary, you’ll want to stay somewhere unique in St Louis and in the old town. I’ve included three hotel suggestions to give you some ideas about where to stay. (We stayed at the Hotel La Residence, which was nice.)
Practical Tips & Advice For Visiting Saint Louis, Senegal
On foot! The island is small and walkable, and wandering the streets is half the fun. For longer distances, hop in a local taxi (they’re cheap) or try a caleche (horse-drawn cart) for a unique, if bumpy, ride.
The easiest way is by road. Shared taxis and minibuses (called sept-place) run daily and take around 4–5 hours. Private cars are also an option if you want more comfort. The roads are decent, especially during the dry season.
You’ll cross the Rosso border (it’s chaotic—brace yourself) or the quieter Diama border (where we crossed). From there, it’s about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive to Nouakchott. You can hitch a ride, grab a taxi or pre-arrange transport if coming from Nouakchott or Diawling National Park.
Head to La Kora or La Résidence for more upscale local fare, or grab street food like thieboudienne, Senegal’s national dish. There are a few relaxed riverside bars and cafes—Ndar Ndar Music Bar has good coffee, live music and a great local vibe.
No, it’s best to stick to bottled or filtered water. Tap water isn’t safe to drink, and even locals usually boil it first.
Senegal is a Muslim-majority country, and respect for local customs is important. Dress modestly, especially outside of Dakar and touristy beach areas. Greetings are a big deal—always say hello and ask about someone’s well-being before jumping into a conversation. The left hand is considered unclean, so use your right hand for eating, giving, and receiving items. Tipping isn’t expected, but it’s appreciated.
Most travellers don’t need a visa to visit Senegal for short stays. This includes passport holders from the UK, USA, Canada, EU Countries and most West African nations.
You can enter visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism purposes. However, please check with your local embassy!
Senegal uses the West African CFA franc (XOF).
Dakar has ATMs that accept foreign bank cards, but there are few ATMs or bank facilities in the rest of the country. Withdrawal limits can be low, and ATMs regularly run out of money, including in Dakar.
Cash is still king, especially in rural areas. It’s a good idea to carry small bills to pay for street purchases. I would suggest bringing a small amount of cash in euros or dollars with you to change on the spot. But mostly look into mobile money apps such as Wave and Orange Money.
Things To Do In Saint Louis, Senegal
I thought Saint Louis was a fantastic place to visit in Senegal, and if you’re heading that way, it should definitely be on your itinerary. It’s got a lovely energy; in a laid-back kind of way — maybe it’s the salty sea air.
Exploring the island itself is most certainly the best thing to do in Saint Louis, Senegal. Visit the museum, the art village, and add a day trip to Djoudj Bird National Park for the ultimate itinerary!
Thank you for reading my post. You can find my latest stories and articles on my blog homepage here. Follow me on Instagram (@abigailcarolina.dalton) and Facebook to see what I’m getting up to and where my upcoming trips are!
Helpful? Please help me share 🤗
