Cultural Family Adventure in Historic Saint-Louis, Senegal

Saint-Louisian Souvenirs and Sacred Spaces

Today was a beautiful blend of culture, spirituality, and a little bit of nightlife – a true taste of Saint-Louis! It’s funny, back in Lisbon, Francisca always teases me about my love for collecting little trinkets and mementos, but I think it’s so important to bring a piece of the places we visit back home with us. It helps keep the memories alive, you know? And Nilton, well, he just loves anything new and shiny!

Our day began with a visit to the Village Artisanal de Saint-Louis. It’s a sprawling marketplace brimming with local craftsmanship. The moment we stepped inside, we were enveloped in a kaleidoscope of colors and textures. From intricately carved wooden sculptures to vibrant textiles and sparkling jewelry, it was a feast for the senses. I was immediately drawn to a stall showcasing traditional Senegalese drums. The artisan, a kind-faced man with calloused hands, demonstrated the rhythmic beats each drum could produce. I could almost hear the echoes of Cabo Verde in those rhythms, a comforting reminder of home. I ended up purchasing a small djembe for Nilton, hoping to spark his interest in music. Francisca, of course, found a beautiful piece of hand-embroidered fabric. Her seamstress’s eye immediately recognized the quality of the work. She plans to incorporate it into a new design, a little piece of Senegal woven into Portuguese fashion.


Discover the artistic soul of Senegal at Village Artisanal de Saint Louis, where local craftsmanship and vibrant culture come together in a unique shopping experience.

Travel is more than seeing sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.

After the Village Artisanal, we sought a different kind of inspiration at the Grande Mosquée de Saint-Louis. The mosque, a stunning example of Moorish architecture, stands as a testament to the city's rich Islamic heritage. What struck me most was the unique blend of cultures – a minaret adorned with a clock, a vestige of the French colonial influence. I learned that the mosque was built in the 19th century and has a unique architectural feature: a minaret equipped with a bell, installed to sound the hours of prayer. As a tour guide in Lisbon, I'm always fascinated by the stories behind historical landmarks, and the Grande Mosquée was no exception. The serenity inside was palpable. We observed the midday prayers, the air filled with the melodic recitation of verses from the Quran. Even though I am not Muslim myself, I felt a deep sense of peace and respect in that sacred space. Nilton, ever curious, whispered questions about the rituals, which I did my best to answer respectfully. It was a valuable lesson in understanding and appreciating different cultures.


Discover the Grande Mosquée de Saint-Louis, a breathtaking masterpiece of Islamic architecture and a symbol of Senegal's rich cultural heritage.

For breakfast, we stopped at Nice Burger. It wasn't exactly traditional Senegalese fare, but Nilton was clamoring for a taste of home. The burgers were surprisingly good, a welcome change of pace. Lunch was a completely different story. We ventured to Restaurant Sant Yalla, a local gem known for its authentic Senegalese cuisine. I decided to be adventurous and ordered the thieboudienne, the national dish of Senegal – a flavorful rice dish with fish and vegetables. Francisca opted for the yassa, a chicken dish marinated in lemon and onions. Both were bursting with flavor, a testament to the vibrant spices and fresh ingredients used in Senegalese cooking. Nilton, surprisingly, loved the thieboudienne, although he did pick out the vegetables with his usual precision.


Experience the best gourmet burgers at Nice Burger in St. Louis – where local flavors meet culinary creativity.


Discover the vibrant flavors of Senegal at Restaurant Sant Yalla in Saint-Louis - a delightful culinary experience awaits you.

As evening approached, we found ourselves at Siki Restaurant, Gallery for dinner. Located in the Siki Hotel, the ambiance was chic and artistic, with local artwork adorning the walls. The menu was a fusion of Senegalese and international flavors. I savored some delicious tapas while Francisca enjoyed a seafood platter. The experience was delightful, with very friendly staff. It was the perfect setting to reflect on the day's adventures.


Experience authentic Senegalese cuisine at Siki Restaurant in St. Louis—where food meets art in a vibrant cultural setting.

But the night wasn't over yet! After dinner, I decided to experience a bit of Saint-Louis's nightlife. Francisca, tired from the day's explorations, decided to stay back at our accommodation with Nilton. I ventured out to Nulle Part Ailleurs (NPA), a popular nightclub along Quai Roume. The atmosphere was electric, with a mix of locals and tourists dancing to Afrobeat and international hits. The music was infectious, and I found myself caught up in the energy of the crowd. It was a fun, lively experience, a chance to let loose and soak in the vibrant Senegalese culture. I even met a few locals who were eager to share stories about their city, offering insights and recommendations for the rest of my trip.


Experience the vibrant nightlife of St. Louis at Nulle Part Ailleurs, a premier night club where music, dancing, and fun come together for an unforgettable night.

Tomorrow is our last day in Saint-Louis, and we plan to make the most of it. We’re hoping to visit Les Comptoirs - Le MuPho, and Maison d’Hôtel Sunu Keur. I also want to pick up a few last-minute souvenirs at Gallerie Touba Gouyembinde before we head back to Dakar. I can’t believe our adventure is almost over. Saint-Louis has truly captured my heart, a city where history, culture, and community intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. I am sure I will remember this trip for years to come, and I hope to bring back more than just memories, but also a deeper understanding of the world around me.

As I sit here writing this, the sounds of Saint-Louis still echo in my ears – the rhythmic beats of the drums, the melodic call to prayer, the infectious laughter of the locals. These are the sounds I will carry with me, a reminder of the beauty and richness of this vibrant city. I am already looking forward to sharing these stories with my tour groups back in Lisbon, inspiring them to explore the world with open hearts and curious minds. Perhaps I can even convince Francisca to incorporate some Senegalese embroidery into her next collection. Who knows, maybe Nilton will even start his own drum circle!

For our last breakfast here, we'll be trying Restaurant De La Residence. Lunch will be at Restaurant Maman Kine, and for a farewell dinner, we are booked at Le Kalise. I am already excited for what tomorrow will bring!

Until then, boa noite from Saint-Louis!