Location: Dar es Salaam
Top Things to do in Dar es Salaam
Top 10 Things to do in Dar es Salaam, Dar Es Salaam Region
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 466 reviews
Reviewed By TakeMeWithYouPlz - Weymouth, United States
O. M. G. I loved it here! The beach and sand were absolutely pristine! There were minimal people on the island and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a place so beautiful in my life. The water was completely clear and see-through and there were little silver fishes jumping out of the water in the distance. An absolutely perfect setting. The beach also had a kiosk where fresh seafood was served and that was just as phenomenal as everything else in the atmosphere. It’s clean, uninhabited and an absolute paradise. I’m so glad this gem was recommended to me. It was the highlight of my visit to Tanzania, even better than Zanzibar in my opinion.
2. Village Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 186 reviews
Traditional dance, farming methods and homesteads are on display at this open-air living museum.
Reviewed By SanaH2017N - Toronto, Canada
We're visiting from Canada! Wow-what an extraordinary experience my husband and I had at the Village museum! We paid extra for the tour guide which was very beneficial. Our tour guide shared an immense history knowledge on the Tanzanian culture. It's a cute village setup they have, you get to see how the local Tanzanian's used to live before the civilization. We paid extra for the local dance by the awesome group, which was pretty cool! They did an epic job with the setup of the village.
3. Kivukoni Fish Market
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 111 reviews
Reviewed By CaliGuy01 - San Francisco, United States
This is a must see if you have the stomach for it. I think this is a very important place in the city you see the fisherman and crew bringing the days catch from boat to market. There is also kitchens to cook the food. It is a very interesting place to see.
4. Bongoyo Island
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 392 reviews
Reviewed By robertlI3049WD - Bydgoszcz, Poland
Amazing place not so far from Der Es Sallam. There you can find a small restaurant and amazing beach. I strongly recommend to go on the island tour (by on your own way)
5. Mwenge Woodcarvers Market
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By borisd491 - Durham, United States
This is the best place to purchase tourist cultural souvenirs in Dar es Salaam. The prices are negotiable. There are some inexpensive statues, jewelry artwork and etc. The vendors are Tanzania friendly! Mwenge has been in operation for over 30 years.
6. Azam Marine and Coastal Fast Ferries
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 318 reviews
Reviewed By WamburaWM - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
It's worth the money to purchase the business class tickets as the experience is quite luxurious- akin to business class on a flight with reclining large cubicles, blankets, on-board entertainment, snacks and drinks. Very pleasant experience and would highly recommend.
7. The Slipway Shopping Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 189 reviews
The Slipway is a stylish shopping complex inspired by the Swahili coast and culture. Based on the Dar es Salaam Peninsula with beautiful views across the bay. Shopping || Restaurants || Arts and Crafts Souk || Island ferry tours || Bank and bureau de change || Hotel and Conferences || Supermarket || Diving || Kids playing area ||
Reviewed By EMoyo
Went round, window shopping and sat down to a nice evening meal by the sea. the ambiance was perfect.
8. National Museum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 348 reviews
This natural history museum exhibits numerous bones and other fossilized remains, including a cast of one family’s footprint trail left in volcanic ash over 3.5 million years ago.
Reviewed By cybertroner - Vyazma, Russia
I think it is a bad idea to visit a country and skip its national museum, so I decided to go there and didn't regret! The museum is small, but very nice. There was an employee, who agreed to show everything for me and another foreigner just for 4$ per person. His english was perfect and he explained us many pictures and photos and without him the museum wouldn't be so good! I learned a lot about history of Tanzania, about slavery, ivory trade and getting the independence. I even have seen David Livingstone's belongings! And one of the most ancient human remains (3 mlns years old). The museum has interesting collection of african art and good exposition about natural history. Certainly must visit!
9. Kariakoo Market
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By Mmazipan
I visited as a tourist. I spent about 2 hours here but 45 mins would be enough. Great experience of Tanzanian culture or also to purchase items. I bought some clothes. The market is spread across many many streets. Inside the structure there are baskets and farming supplies. In the surrounding streets you find everything else - fresh fruit and vegetables, clothes, accessories, makeup, cosmetics, fabric, electrical items, even sewing machines. I was warned to keep my belongings close to me as there may be pickpockets around so I wore a bumbag but it is also safe to wear your rucksack on the front of you - I saw many locals doing this. It is very busy, loud, crammed and can be overwhelming so make sure you are in the mood for it. I visited on a Sunday and I was told it was quieter but it was still very very busy. If you are worried about COVID-19 it is best to avoid this place as social distancing is not possible. I visited as a solo woman and people tried to get my attention but if ignored them or said I wasn’t interested they tended to leave me alone. I felt people were generally respectful which is not my experience in many market’s across the world! If you have visited similar markets in other parts of the world or in other parts of Africa you know what to expect but if you haven’t it is an experience. Just visit with an open mind, be prepared to haggle but also remember it is people’s livelihoods.
10. Coco Beach
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 211 reviews
Reviewed By tulikag2017 - Canada, null
Very nice local beach, Local casava fry you can try. Local people are very friendly. But maybe not good for swimming. We did not swim.
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