Lauded for its teranga (which means hospitality in Wolof) and laidback vibes, Dakar is the capital of the French-speaking country of Senegal. While the French influence looms large here – freshly baked baguettes and croissants are sold on just about every street corner and violet bougainvillea creep over the stucco walls of quaint villas and wrought iron gates – the pride in indigenous cultures is a sight to behold. Women and men strut majestically in flowing boubou gowns, while kids dance to the polyrhythms of mbalax (Senegalese pop music).

Dakar is the epitome of rustic charm, a quirky blend of old-meets-new. Horses hooked to carts trot down palm tree-lined boulevards alongside slick new hotels and luxury high-rises, while an estimated three million residents roam around this bustling metropolis. We’ve put together this short itinerary detailing the must-do things to do while there.