Bayékou

Bayékou is a rooftop bar, lounge and restaurant a short walk from Ngor beach, on the northern tip of the Cap-Vert peninsula. Its open-sided roof terrace looks out over the Atlantic and Ngor Island, which makes it one of the best places in this part of Dakar for a sunset drink. Arrival Guides recommends it for happy hour or after-dinner drinks, and the Culture Trip included it in its round-up of the coolest bars in Dakar.

The terrace has stylish decking, cosy alcoves and West African décor, and the music is an eclectic mix that suits an evening that starts with an aperitif and drifts into dinner. The drinks list covers well-made cocktails and long drinks, wine, beer, soft drinks and mocktails, so non-drinkers are well catered for. Food leans towards Italian fusion, and the restaurant side is more upmarket than the beach shacks below, so it works for a date or a celebration as well as for drinks.

Timing is everything here. Arrive in the hour before sunset to claim a table facing the ocean and watch the light change over the island. Opening hours are not published by the main guides, so call ahead to check, particularly early in the week, and book for groups or on Friday and Saturday evenings.

It suits couples, groups of friends and visitors staying in Ngor and Les Almadies who want an evening out without crossing the city. Smart casual dress fits the setting, and a light layer is useful as the breeze picks up after dark.

Ngor is a former Lebou fishing village, now part of Dakar, known for its beach, its colourful pirogues and the short boat trip to Ngor Island. Ngor Bay is one of Senegal's best-known surf spots, with waves all year, so an afternoon surf lesson followed by drinks here at sunset is an easy pairing. Bayékou also combines naturally with a day on the island, followed by dinner at a seafront restaurant such as Le N'Gor or La Cabane du Pêcheur, or with drinks here and dinner afterwards. For a later night, the Phare des Mamelles, with its live music and club nights, is a short taxi ride south.