The island (historic centre)
Ideal for: couples, culture
Balconied houses, lanes and charming hotels, all on foot.
Saint-Louis
A UNESCO-listed former colonial capital, with its Faidherbe Bridge and colourful houses by the river.
Plan your stay in Saint-Louis
Best areas to stay in Saint-Louis
Langue de Barbarie
Ideal for: beach, quiet
The strip of sand between the river and the ocean, with the Guet Ndar fishing quarter.
Sor (mainland)
Ideal for: arriving, budget
The mainland part, near the bus station, linked to the island by the Faidherbe Bridge.
Practical info about Saint-Louis
The island of Saint-Louis is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Calm and photogenic, it is also the gateway to the bird sanctuaries of northern Senegal.
What to see in Saint-Louis
- The island of Saint-Louis, its balconied colonial houses and lanes;
- the Faidherbe Bridge, the city’s emblem;
- Guet Ndar, the large fishing quarter, and its colourful pirogues;
- the Langue de Barbarie, between river and ocean;
- on day trips: Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site (best season: November to April).
Getting to Saint-Louis
Saint-Louis is about 260 km north of Dakar by road, by car with a driver, shared taxi or bus.
All our tips for the country in Travel in Senegal.