The Place de l'Indépendance is the formal centre of downtown Dakar — a long rectangular square with central fountains, ringed by palms, the older colonial-era banks and ministries, and the Hôtel de Ville. It is where the colonial city was laid out, where official ceremonies still happen, and where the morning rush of traffic and street vendors is at its loudest.
The square is more interesting as a vantage point than a destination in itself: stand here and the IFAN Museum, Place du Souvenir, the railway station and the old Marché Kermel are all a short walk away. Stop at one of the cafe terraces along the south side for a coffee and a slow look at downtown Dakar's commercial bustle.