Location: Dar es Salaam
Top Things to do in Dar es Salaam
The 10 Best Things to Do in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Nestled along a natural harbor on the Indian Ocean, Dar es Salaam is a multicultural city, home to African Tanzanians, Arabic and South Asian communities, British and German expatriates, Catholics, Lutherans and Muslims. This diversity in people is reflected in the culture: the city boasts international cuisine ranging from traditional Tanzanian barbecue and Zanzibari food to Thai, Chinese and American restaurants. Its vibrant music scene has witnessed a rise in Bongo Flava, a form of hip hop.
Restaurants in Dar es Salaam
1. Mbudya island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 352 reviews
Reviewed By Dennisk2006 - Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania
This place has an amazing scenery we had lobster was so delicious,its nice,cool,have good spectacular view.where you can hang out with your friends in week end.their services was so great and prices was reasonable,see food,swimming,beach and deep sea diving was my favorite with my friends.we will back to such fun fun place!!
2. Bongoyo Island
Overall Ratings
4 based on 319 reviews
Reviewed By Dennisk2006 - Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania
When we decided to go there with friends it was worth for us.sea foods,white sends,prawns,wonderfully beach was amazing to us.its small but not crowded.there some equipment you have to hire,eg umbrella. Beaches clean water,also stuffs were fully of information and food was so great.i can recommend for every one to have a time there!
3. Slipway Shopping Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By TravelProNewYork - New York
On the last day in Tanzania trip, went here for souvenir shopping. Located different part of the city, more high end residential area, enjoyed nice relaxing afternoon. You can do souvenir shopping in this complex, but we ended up buying all souvenirs at the adjacent shack. many small stores and various things to buy. Negotiation was a part of fun with friendly people there. There were some nice restaurants and cafe inside and outside this complex. Glad to visit here.
4. Azam Marine and Coastal Fast Ferries
Overall Ratings
4 based on 159 reviews
Reviewed By PKDenton - Denton, Texas
There are several classes of ferry service ranging from Economy, Business, VIP to Royal. We chose the VIP class. From what we could tell, the Royal class had a small meal offered and had a larger TV screen in each seat. For most folks, the VIP class should be fine. You will need to have paid for your tickets in cash before attempting to board. I’d recommend you do this in advance of your trip. They prefer USD to Tanzanian currency and it’s $50USD each way. They have a luggage limit both for number and weight but it was reasonable. We took our carry on luggage to our seat. When you arrive at the ferry terminal, you will be surrounded by Porters. They should all be wearing a badge. Be sure to negotiate your price before giving luggage to them. We found it’s about 10,000 Tanzanian shillings per large bag which is about $5USD per bag. You might get by with less if your luggage isn’t very heavy. The Porters do take your bags a long way and will secure them in a baggage cage. They will then tell you the cage number so that when you arrive, you know what to look for. If you are travelling VIP or Royal and perhaps Business – you get an air conditioned lounge to rest in before they call for boarding. They usually leave a little late but they seem to make up the time in transit. You’ll need a taxi to your destination upon arriving and your porter can find a taxi for you. We found the ferry to be comfortable and a good way to get to Zanzibar or Dar Es Salaam.
5. Masai Tribe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 303 reviews
Reviewed By Vedant95
I would recommend against visiting a Maasai tribe. First of all, it is very overpriced for what you are being offered. Our guide who was the son of the village chief initially answered our questions enthusiastically but the minute we refused to buy their handicrafts which we were pestered to do almost constantly, he started giving us one word answers and seemed uninterested. Even the other villagers were constantly asking us for money to buy their handicrafts. If you’re fond of spending “pity money”, then I guess this could be worth it, if not however, then do avoid it and spend your money elsewhere.
6. Tanzania Centre for Cultural Heritage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
'Culture is rooted in people; people who are beautiful, and people who create art; Art that not only pleases the eye, But stays with the soul. Forever' Tanzania Centre for Cultural Heritage (TCCH) is an honest effort to preserve and promote art and craft created by people of Tanzania.Be it Makonde - the wood sculpture art or Tinga Tinga Paintings or even the Maasai Bead Art, there is lot more!!
Reviewed By Ralitsa_nbg - Nuremberg, Germany
I am a business traveller so whiel travelling I am looking for something quick and easy to see, because usually there is a so little free time.
I learnt about the TCCH from Tripadvisor, so I gave it a try. It is a bit off the beaten touristic path, but with an Uber ride quite cheaply to access.
The shop is supporting local craftsmen and farmers, which for me is the biggest plus and argument to go there and shop there.
Friendly service, fair prices, you can also take photos and spend easily an hour there. The prices are also fix so no need to bargain.
The shop is located within a mall, which is rather dirty and average, but don't let that discourage you.
7. Kivukoni Fish Market
Overall Ratings
4 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By PrajwalSN - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Visit this place only if you:
1. are ok with fishy smell
2. have nothing else left to do in Dar es Salaam
3. are near Kigamboni ferry terminal
4. love to see varieties of fish and sea creatures
Early morning is the best time to visit and have a look on the boarding of huge quantities of fishes. From the size of a python to the size of a chocolate, one of each kind of fish can be found here. Be careful, especially of you are a foreigner. A ferry ride nearby is much better thing to do. Anyways, enjoy the ocean :)
8. Village Museum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 143 reviews
Traditional dance, farming methods and homesteads are on display at this open-air living museum.
9. Kigamboni Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By Hermes_NL - The Hague, The Netherlands
Taking the bridge route from the Kigamboni peninsula (Kipepeo beach village) to the airport is a good alternative to the Kigamboni ferry. The bridge itself and its immediate roads are very modern - Chinese built. However on the Kigamboni side, one still has to navigate a bumpy dirt road to reach the bridge, and on the Dar es Salaam side one ends up in very heavy harbour traffic. Our taxidriver had to take another dirt road again to make us reach the airport in a total of 75 minutes leaving from Kikepeo at 19:30.
10. St. Joseph Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By PKDenton - Denton, Texas
The Cathedral was opened in 1902 from German missionaries. The Cathedral took about 5 years of construction. The Germans had a strong influence in the town as did the Arabs. The Cathedral is only open during church services so don’t expect to get in unless you plan. It’s still a great photo and a sense of history. Germany declared a protectorate in East Africa in 1885 and established the colony of German East Africa (which included Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi) in 1891. They lost all of their "colonies" after WWI. So, it's easy to imagine the German influence on this church. You can easily appreciate the church from the outside or a peek inside. If you do travel inside, you should wear appropriate and respectful clothing.
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