Located along the coast of the Indian Ocean, Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's largest city and travellers in the know love it for its seaside setting and laid-back vibe. "Dar” is known for its beaches, islands, seafood, music, and eclectic influences. Thanks to its mix of African, Arabic, and Indian cultures it’s a magical bustling city worthy of exploration, with plenty of historical and cultural attractions to wow any type of tourist. Read on to find our top things to see and do in Tanzania’s thriving metropolis.
Originally opened in 1940 as a memorial to King George V, the National Museum & House of Culture is situated in the city centre, housing many of Tanzania’s historical and cultural treasures. The museum showcases collections and exhibitions covering the fields of Archaeology, Palaeontology, Biology, Ethnography, History and Contemporary Arts. Highlights include spectacular ethnographic displays on traditional crafts, customs, ornaments, and musical instruments as well as important fossils of some of the earliest human ancestors, such as Zinjanthropus boisei “Zinj,” a hominid that lived 1.75 million years ago. There’s also a vintage car collection that includes the Rolls Royce used by the former president, Julius Nyerere.
The Village Museum is one of the most popular attractions in the heart of Dar es Salaam, where you can learn about the traditional lifestyle of the people of Tanzania. This open-air museum is comprised of a collection of traditional huts, which have been reconstructed to show how people lived in the area in the past. These huts are made of mud, wood, and grass, and each one is furnished with typical items and surrounded by small plots of crops. On a tour of the museum you can participate in a craft workshop where you can learn to make traditional items such as jewellery, pottery, and baskets. Traditional tribal dance performances also take place daily where you can experience the traditional music, dance, and storytelling of Tanzania.
Dar is a wonderful place to pick up some souvenirs and find some luxury spoils if you are looking to treat yourself.
The Slipway Shopping Centre won’t disappoint if you are looking to splash some cash. With lovely waterfront views, this palm-lined Swahili-inspired shopping mall is a beautiful place to find an assortment of wares from colourful clothing to local artwork, sculptures, masks, and hand-made bags. With a number of buzzing restaurants The Slipway is a great place to eat in Dar es Salaam and a popular spot to watch the sunset. It also boasts a vibrant nightlife scene with live music if you are looking to let your hair down after dark.
The affluent Oyster Bay is an upmarket location peppered with upscale boutiques, farmers markets and art galleries. The Tinga Tinga Arts Cooperative Society is the perfect spot to purchase some colourful pieces of art in the vibrant Tinga Tinga painting style. If you are looking for the perfect gift for someone special, Tanzanite is also one of the top items to buy in Dar es Salaam, this blue toned stone is only found in Tanzania. Oyster Bay is one of the best hangout places in Dar es Salaam — especially on the weekends. Locals and tourists alike come here to stroll Coco Beach, savour the street food, and listen to live music.
Find tranquillity in the leafy oasis within the city of Dar at the Botanical Gardens where you can marvel at a lush mix of indigenous and exotic plants, including purple bougainvillea, blue jacaranda, scarlet flame trees, and red hibiscus. The gardens are also one of the few places in the world to see the beautiful coco-de-mer palm tree outside its native Seychelles.
The National Herbarium of Tanzania is located in the Botanical Gardens and is a must-see for anyone interested in the country’s flora and fauna. The Orchid House is home to over 100 species of orchids, The Bonsai Garden is dedicated to the art of bonsai, The Reptile House is home to several varied species of reptiles, and you’ll find a delightful collection of butterflies in The Butterfly Garden.
The Gardens offer easy-going nature trails to more strenuous mountain trails, all with stunning views of the city as well as relaxing boat rides along the lake to the more adventurous boat rides that take you out to the ocean.
The best thing about Dar es Salaam is that you don’t have to go far to leave the hustle and bustle of the city and soak up the sun on its stunning beaches. Coco Beach is best known for its breathtaking sunsets and fancy restaurants and bars. It’s popular with locals and tourists alike, with a lively, holiday atmosphere.
Mbalamwezi means ‘moonlight’ and is particularly apt as this beach is best loved for its after-dark party vibe. You can spend your nights dancing on the beach under the moonlight as a live band sends music wafting over the ocean. This beach offers spectacular views of Msasani Bay and some fabulous food at a decent price.
If you’re looking for a quieter beach experience, Kipepeo Beach is an excellent choice offering a picturesque setting with sparkling turquoise waters and white powder soft sand.
Bahari Beach is also quiet and beautiful and feels like a soothing elixir after the bustle of the city. Spend long lazy days worshipping the sun while the local beach bar serves you perfectly chilled cocktails. If you are feeling a bit more active there’s also a range of thrilling water sports to try out.
If you like a good bargain and an authentic shopping experience, you’ll love the kaleidoscope of colour and chaos at Kariakoo Market. Meander through this delightful indoor/outdoor buzzing market and soak up the vibe as you browse stalls brimming with treats and trinkets. From aromatic spices, fresh produce, traditional textiles, and vibrant fabrics to intricate handcrafted jewellery and accessories, there is something to suit everyone.
Exploring Kariakoo market also offers an opportunity to indulge in the culinary delights of Tanzania. You’ll discover a wide range of local delicacies and street food with the option to snack on the go while shopping or sit down for a full meal at one of the local eateries.
If you are looking to tantalise your tastebuds, you must try the “Zanzibar Mix” which includes grilled meats, samosas, bhajias (deep-fried fritters), and various condiments. It’s a true feast bursting with flavour.
If you have a sweet tooth, make sure you try the “mandazi” – deep-fried doughnuts, and “kashata” – a coconut sweet treat.
With the blazing Tanzanian temperatures you’ll need something refreshing so do look out for vendors selling “sugarcane juice” – a sweet and refreshing drink made from freshly squeezed sugarcane.
If you are planning a holiday to Tanzania, you should definitely consider sparing few days to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this sprawling city. It’s a cosmopolitan playground that glitters along the coastline of East Africa offering the perfect balance of urban excitement and relaxation. With plenty to see and do Dar es Salaam ticks all the boxes for an authentic and unforgettable city break. If you are keen to discover “Dar” simply contact us and we’ll plan an unforgettable city escape that is guaranteed to thrill and delight.
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