Dar es Salaam
Visited in August 2019
At a glance
- Country
- Tanzania
- Region
- Dar es Salaam Region
- Population
- 4.7 million
- Best time to go
- June to October
- Main airport
- Julius Nyerere International (DAR)
- Coordinates
- 6.82°S, 39.31°E
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Overview
Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's largest city and commercial engine, a sprawling harbour town where Swahili, Arab, Indian and European influences meet. Its name means "haven of peace", though the traffic might suggest otherwise.
Most visitors pass through on the way to Zanzibar or the safari parks, but it is worth a day or two for its markets, seafood, art and the islands just off the coast.
Things to see
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Photo: User:Digr, CC BY-SA 3.0 National Museum
Covers Tanzania's history from early human fossils found at Olduvai Gorge to the independence era.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Development Planning Unit University College London, CC BY 2.0 Kariakoo Market
The city's huge central market, an overwhelming, fascinating maze of produce, spices, fabrics and hardware.
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Photo: Development Planning Unit University College London, CC BY 2.0 Kivukoni Fish Market
Watch the morning catch auctioned on the waterfront, then eat it fried at the stalls nearby.
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Photo: aj82 , shifted by Rabanus Flavus, CC BY-SA 2.0 St Joseph's Cathedral
A Gothic Revival cathedral built by German missionaries, facing the harbour.
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Photo: Mangapwani, CC BY-SA 4.0 Village Museum
An open-air collection of traditional houses from across Tanzania, sometimes with dance performances.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Mbz1 assumed (based on , CC BY-SA 3.0 Ferry to Zanzibar
Fast boats cross to Stone Town in around two hours, the easiest way to reach the island.
Find tours -
Photo: Guojun Yang, CC BY-SA 4.0 Day trip to Bongoyo Island
A short boat ride from Msasani for clear water, snorkelling and grilled fish on the beach.
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Photo: Ingo Koll (scan) - Rubuni Rashid Said (artist), CC BY-SA 4.0 See Tingatinga painting
Visit the artists' cooperative in Msasani where this bright, playful style of painting began.
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Photo: Tcg1111, CC BY-SA 4.0 Eat mishkaki at night
Grilled beef skewers, chips mayai and fresh juice from roadside grills are the city's favourite evening snack.
Where to stay
Msasani Peninsula
Masaki and Oyster Bay are leafy and safer-feeling, with the best restaurants.
Hotels in Msasani PeninsulaCity centre
Practical for the ferry port and museums, though quiet at night.
Hotels in City centreKigamboni
Beach hotels across the harbour for a slower pace.
Hotels in Kigamboni
Getting around
Traffic is heavy. The rapid bus lanes help along main roads, and ride-hailing apps are the simplest option for getting around.
The airport is about 12km from the centre; allow 30 to 60 minutes by taxi depending on traffic.
When to go
The cooler, dry months from June to October are the most comfortable. December to February are hot and humid, while the long rains fall from March to May.
Plan your trip to Dar es Salaam
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.