Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's biggest metropolis and economic hub, is one of East Africa's busiest ports. Despite the fact that "Dar," as it is known, lacks traditional tourist attractions, visitors like it for its coastal location, unexpectedly laid-back attitude, and diverse influences owing to its blend of African, Arabic, and Indian cultures.

Dar's name, which means "haven of peace" in Arabic, was more appropriate for the city's previous position as a quiet fishing town than for its current one as a bustling metropolis. Dar es Salaam seaport is Tanzania's major port, straddling several of the world's most significant maritime routes. Kivukoni Front, on the northern end of the port, is home to a busy fish market where dhows arrive every morning before dawn to unload the night's catch.
Dar was structured by German colonists who laid up a grid system of streets radiating out from the harbor. On the riverfront, the Lutheran Church and St. Joseph Cathedral are noteworthy buildings, and the city also boasts a good museum. The architecture of the city is influenced by Swahili, German, Asian, and British influences.
If you're looking for beaches in Dar es Salaam, day excursions to picturesque Mbudya or Bongoyo Island are a great way to get away from the city and relax on their white-sand beaches.
Read our list of the best attractions and places to see in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania for additional sightseeing ideas. Due to recent worldwide health and safety concerns, certain companies may be temporarily shuttered.
1. National Museum and Cultural Center
Tanzania's rich history is explored in the National Museum and House of Culture. The museum, which was opened in 1940 as a monument to King George V, now houses significant fossils of some of humanity's oldest relatives discovered during the Leakey excavations in Olduvai Gorge. You may also learn about Tanzania's tribal history, as well as the slave trade and colonial eras' effects.
Ethnographic exhibits on traditional crafts, traditions, decorations, and musical instruments, as well as a modest collection of antique vehicles, including the Rolls Royce used by former President Julius Nyerere, are among the museum's other attractions.
Address: Dar es Salaam, Shaaban Robert Street
2. Museum of the Village
The Village Museum, located about 10 kilometers north of the city center, displays traditional homes from some of Tanzania's 120 ethnic groups. You may learn about ancient traditions and crafts while wandering through reconstructions of tribal homesteads spread over 15 acres.
The majority of tourists go on a self-guided tour since each hut includes interpretive signage explaining how the huts are built and the materials used. If you want additional information, you may hire a guide. Tribal dances and other cultural events are also held in the museum. The various houses and cultural items fascinate children in particular.
Bagamoyo Road, Kijitonyama is the address.
3. Mbudya Island Day Trip
Mbudya Island, located in the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve, seems to be a world apart from the noise and bustle of the city. Sunbathers go to the white-sand beaches of the island, where they may snorkel and swim in the turquoise seas. On the beach, bandas (thatched huts) may be rented, and residents offer fresh grilled fish and cool beverages.
It's a short speedboat journey from the White Sands Resort & Conference Centre to one of the most popular day excursions from the city.
4. Bongoyo Island Day Trip
Bongoyo Island, located off the coast of the Msasani Peninsula, is an ideal day or half-day excursion from the city. Relaxing beneath thatched umbrellas on the white-sand beach and cooling down in the beautiful waters are popular activities here.
Snorkeling is another popular activity. Amid the marine creatures, you may see among the coral are angelfish, starfish, clownfish, and sea urchins. Nature paths run through baobab trees behind the beach to the island's other coast. Cold beverages and freshly grilled fish are served in the open-air snack bar.
Bongoyo is approximately four miles north of the city, and a boat may be rented from the Slipway dock to get there. It takes approximately 30 minutes to get there.
5. Dar es Salaam Shopping
Are you looking for gifts for your friends and family while you're in town? Dar es Salaam has a wide range of shopping opportunities. The Slipway Retail Center on the waterfront, with its palm-lined Swahili-inspired shopping complex, is a wonderful place to start. Everything from colorful clothes to local artwork, sculptures, masks, and hand-made bags may be found here.
Tanzanite is one of the most popular items to purchase in Dar es Salaam, and a shop selling it can be found here. Only discovered in Tanzania, this blue or violet-hued stone makes a one-of-a-kind present for someone special. The Slipway is also a stop on the Dar es Salaam nightlife circuit, with live music emanating from some of the waterfront establishments, and it's a great place to watch the sunset after a day of shopping. This is also a famous dining destination in Dar es Salaam. There are many restaurants here, some of which have beautiful views of the lake.
Kariakoo Market is the place to go if you want to be surrounded by color and commotion. This indoor/outdoor market spans many city blocks and is bustling at all hours of the day and night. This is where the locals shop, and it's a great location to take in the atmosphere while snapping some colorful pictures. Kaleidoscopic textiles, towering stacks of baskets, aromatic spices, and fresh vegetables abound among the stalls. Do you want some delectable seafood? The catch of the day is sold fresh from the boats at Kivukoni Fish Market, which is located on the riverside.
If you're searching for a premium shopping experience, Oyster Bay has trendy shops and art galleries. The bright Tinga Tinga painting style developed here, and the Tinga Tinga Arts Cooperative Society sells these colorful works of art.
6. Kivukoni Fish Market
Kivukoni Fish Market is a great place to get a glimpse of everyday life in Dar es Salaam. Visiting Dar es Salaam's bustling port front is one of the most popular things to do, particularly if you like seafood. Early in the morning, fishing boats come to unload their catch, which is then auctioned off to local eateries and the general public.
If you're looking for some fish, haggle hard. You'll be able to select from a wide range of options, and you can also have a seafood dinner while you're here.
Early in the morning is the ideal time to visit the market.
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