Senegal

On the hilltop in front of Dakar's iconic lighthouse, this open-air bar draws a dance-loving crowd on Friday nights, when it hosts live music jams. On Saturday nights DJs rule the roost (the cover for either...

Head upstairs to this stylish, open-sided drinking den near the beach for well-made cocktails, delicious sharing plates (including a tangy red tuna ceviche) and breezy views over the shore. There's also a...

One of the anchors of the Dakar club scene, Duplex draws a well-dressed crowd who come to show off their moves on the dance floor. Although it's mostly DJs on rotation here, the occasional live band here takes...

A great option in the Plateau, Calypso has a little of everything – sports matches on the big screen, billiards tables, happy-hour specials, Belgian beers and dance parties (from 10pm onwards). Generally draws a...

Any night out in this town starts at the pool-adorned riverside bar and restaurant Flamingo. Always packed, it's Saint-Louis' best place for live music – and not a bad place for a meal (mains from CFA5500) around...

Black & White is the place for cold drinks served at tables right on the sands, with reggae and West African beats playing overhead. You'll have to go early to score a table before sunset.

This lively eatery and drinking space with a colourfully decorated patio draws a mix of locals and expats, and hosts quite the lively salsa parties (happens on periodic Fridays).

Sit back in a carved wooden chair and watch village life unfold from this upper-storey bar overlooking the main road. It's a laid-back spot, and a good place to catch the game.

Past the broad-shouldered bouncers and across the red carpet, this large outdoor place serves well-made cocktails within strolling distance of the nightclubs.

A lively daytime spot for drinks and snacks, with a great open-air setting over the ocean. You can also rent surfboards and bodyboards.

At this old-style, beer-scented pub, the pints spill over and the guests are red-faced. (Women will feel safer if they've come with a few friends.) Live bands play downstairs on weekends.

Smart and glittering, La Chaumière is the best and closest nightclub (and occasional live-music venue) to the town centre. Pick the right night: it's liveliest on weekends.

A friendly watering hole with decent food on hand (such as omelette sandwiches) and a back patio.

Has the most raucous party in town for nightclubbers.