Best things to do in Dar es Salaam
Find out more about those top places in Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam Travel Guide: The Bustling Heart of Tanzania
With over 4 million people, Dar es Salaam is not just the most populous city in Tanzania, but also the beating heart of the nation’s economy and culture. Known as “the house of peace,” this vibrant city was Tanzania’s capital until 1996, when Dodoma took the crown. Despite no longer being the official capital, Dar es Salaam (also affectionately called Mzizima) still holds onto its title as the country’s cultural and economic powerhouse.
Nestled along the Swahili coast, Dar es Salaam offers a melting pot of cultures with its five prominent districts: Llama, Kinondoni, Temeke, Kigamboni, and Ubungo. Whether you're a history buff, an adventure seeker, or someone just looking to explore new places, Dar es Salaam has something for everyone.
Ready to dive into the top attractions of this bustling city? Let's take a look at some of the best things to do in Dar es Salaam for a perfect blend of sightseeing, culture, and fun!
Top Attractions in Dar es Salaam
-
National Museum and House of Culture
A must-see for history lovers, the National Museum and House of Culture is a treasure trove of artifacts that offer insight into Tanzania's rich past. From ancient artifacts to exhibits showcasing the country’s diverse culture and colonial history, this museum is one of the best places to visit in Dar es Salaam if you want to dive deep into the country’s heritage. -
Village Museum
For a more immersive experience, head to the Village Museum, where you can explore traditional Tanzanian huts and interact with the culture through live performances and craft demonstrations. This open-air museum is the perfect place for visitors looking to experience Tanzania's local life and traditions up close. It's like traveling back in time but with fewer dinosaurs! -
Askari Monument
This historical landmark located in the heart of Dar es Salaam commemorates African soldiers who fought in both World Wars. A quick visit to this monument offers not only a glimpse of history but also some great photo opportunities. Don't forget to take a picture with this fascinating piece of history in the background! -
Kivukoni Fish Market
For a more authentic Dar es Salaam experience, a trip to the Kivukoni Fish Market is a must. Known for its bustling atmosphere, the market is a sensory overload of fresh seafood, shouting vendors, and the vibrant pulse of local life. If you're a fan of seafood, you'll love the fish stalls, but even if you're not, the experience of visiting this market is one of the top attractions of Dar es Salaam. -
Coco Beach
If you're looking for a bit of sun and sand, Coco Beach is the place to go. Located along the coastline, it offers a chill atmosphere with stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Whether you’re sunbathing, swimming, or just taking a leisurely walk along the shore, Coco Beach offers the perfect spot to relax after exploring the city. Pro tip: It's also a fantastic place to watch a sunset that will leave you in awe.
Things to Do in Dar es Salaam
-
Explore Dar's Diverse Markets
One of the highlights of Dar es Salaam is its vibrant markets. Shoppers can find everything from fresh produce and spices to art and handmade goods. Kariakoo Market, for example, is a bustling shopping haven where you can haggle for unique souvenirs or just take in the sights, sounds, and smells of this lively market. -
Take a Boat Ride to Zanzibar
For a day trip or overnight adventure, you can't miss the chance to hop on a boat and head to the Zanzibar Islands. Only a short boat ride from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar is famous for its stunning beaches, spices, and historic Stone Town. This is a perfect opportunity for some island hopping and a relaxing day on the water! -
Visit the Dar es Salaam Zoo
If you’re traveling with kids (or just a big kid yourself), the Dar es Salaam Zoo is a fun way to spend the day. Home to a variety of African wildlife, including lions, elephants, and giraffes, it’s an educational stop for animal lovers. Plus, it's a great chance to witness Tanzania's incredible biodiversity without having to brave the wilderness on a safari! -
Enjoy Dar's Nightlife
When the sun sets, Dar es Salaam comes alive with a buzzing nightlife scene. Whether you're in the mood for a cocktail bar, live music, or just a lively nightclub, the city offers plenty of options for fun after dark. Coco Beach transforms into a vibrant social hub, and Masaki is a great area for trendy bars and restaurants with stunning ocean views.
Why Visit Dar es Salaam?
Dar es Salaam may not be as well-known as Kenya's Nairobi or South Africa’s Cape Town, but it's certainly one of Africa’s hidden gems. Offering a blend of cultural diversity, historical significance, and modern amenities, it’s a city that has something for everyone.
Whether you’re interested in sightseeing, shopping, eating, or just soaking up the local atmosphere, Dar es Salaam offers an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags, embrace the warmth of this welcoming city, and get ready to explore the best things to do in Tanzania’s most exciting destination!
-
Askari Monument
Located at the center of downtown Dar is an Askari Monument. The bronze sculpture unveiled in 1927 was designed by British Sculptor James Alexander Stevenson and is a memorial to the Askari soldiers who fought in World War I for the British Carrier Corps. The Statue is a man in a soldier’s uniform holding a rifle pointed towards the Dar es Salaam harbor with both hands. It was exhibited at the Royal Academy in Britain before it was brought to Tanzania. The statue is one of three Askari Monuments, with the other two in Nairobi and Mombasa.
-
Dar es Salaam Zoo
Situated in Kigamboni Area, the Dar es Salaam zoo is one of the largest in East Africa. The zoo which is a mix of flora and fauna is a place you can visit alone or with family. The Wildlife zoo is separated into different sections to suit visitor’s desires such as the Wildlife Unit, Forest Conservation Unit and a place for kid’s entertainment. The main attractions include Lions, Crocodiles, Antelopes, Zebra and the Nguva River that provides water and natural vegetation that attracts birds for the area.
-
Village Museum
The village Museum is not a conventional style museum. The museum is an exhibition of 16 traditional huts each representing different ethnic groups in Tanzania.
Located next to the New Bagamoyo Road it was founded by two anthropologists Peter Carter and Tom Wylie in 1967. Inside the huts features different cultural collections from each of the ethnic groups depicting the way they live naturally. There is traditional music and dance performance for visitors to enjoy after the tour of the museum.
-
Bongoyo Island
For a bit of a different experience head to Bonkoyo Island, the island is inhabited but frequently visited by locals and tourists alike. Bongoyo Island is just a 30 minutes boat ride away from the city and you will often find people engaging in activities like swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. There are also bars and restaurants around for food and drinks.
-
Mwenge Woodcarvers Market
Featuring a plethora of stores, the Mwenge Woodcarvers Market is a must visit for anyone that find themselves in Dar es Salaam, even if they are not interested in arts. In the market you would find artistic works that display the rich heritage of Tanzania. Wooden masks and sculptures are the top items sold at Mwenge Woodcarvers market but you can also find goods like fabrics, sandals and jewelry.
