Tanzania

Dar es Salaam

Tanzania's steamy coastal hub of trade, spice and Swahili rhythm.

Local time: UTC+3
Population: 7.4M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$

Affordable

Food$$$$$About $14 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $56 a night for two
Transport$$$$$About $1.0 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇹🇿 TZS =

Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

DARJulius Nyerere International AirportTanzania's main gateway, about 10 km from the centre.

How	Cost	Time
DaladalaPosta, city centre	under TSh 1,000	45-75 min
Walk out to the main road for the stop; expect detours.
BajajiCity centre	TSh 15,000-20,000	30-60 min
About half a taxi fare; fine for light luggage.
TaxiCity centre	TSh 30,000-50,000	25-50 min
Higher at night; allow extra time in rush hour.
Ride app (Bolt/Uber)City centre	TSh 20,000-35,000	25-50 min
Meet the driver at the marked pickup point.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Dar es Salaam

Getting around

Ride apps or taxis for most trips; DART buses for cheap cross-city runs.

MetroNo metro. DART is a bus rapid transit system, not rail.
BusDART buses run on dedicated lanes; Phase 1 links Kimara to Kivukoni Ferry via Posta. Daladala minibuses are cheap (under TSh 1,000) but slow and crowded; look for POSTA signs.
Taxi / ride apps ★Taxis are everywhere; agree the fare first, as meters are rare. Bolt and Uber work in Dar and often beat street-taxi prices.
Rental carDriving is on the left. Traffic is heavy, especially at evening rush hour.
WalkingWalking suits the compact centre. Cycling is possible but risky on busy roads.
FerryFerries from Kivukoni cross to Kigamboni in the south.

Recommended stay★ 1 night (2 days)

One night suits you: a day covers the National Museum, the central markets and the waterfront, so a second night is hard to justify.

Best for

CultureMarkets, museums and Swahili city life.
BeachIndian Ocean swims and sunset dhow trips.
FoodStreet grills, spice markets and coastal cooking.

Weather by month

31°26°Jan🌧 15d

31°26°Feb🌧 12d

31°25°Mar🌧 20d

29°24°Apr🌧 26d

29°23°May🌧 16d

29°22°Jun🌧 8d

28°22°Jul🌧 6d

29°22°Aug🌧 9d

30°22°Sep🌧 11d

30°23°Oct🌧 14d

30°24°Nov🌧 20d

30°25°Dec🌧 21d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Tropical coastal climate: hot all year, with a long rainy season around April and short rains late in the year.

Best time: June to SeptemberDriest and coolest months, with highs near 28–29°C and few rain days. Ideal for beaches and walking.
Long rains in AprilAbout 26 rain days, the wettest month. Expect heavy showers and plan indoor sights.
Short rains in November and DecemberAround 20–21 rain days. Showers are often short but frequent; carry an umbrella.
Hot and humid all yearHighs stay around 28–31°C and lows 22–26°C. Drink water and take midday breaks.
Sea breezes helpCoastal spots like Oyster Bay and the islands feel cooler than the city centre.
What to packLight clothes, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent. Add a rain jacket for April and November–December.

Landmarks 4

Must-see · 4

1
National Museum of Tanzania
The country's main museum, covering Tanzanian history, archaeology and the famous fossil finds of early humans. A good introduction before any safari or coastal trip. Go on a weekday morning to avoid crowds; it is a short taxi ride from the city centre.
2
Kariakoo Market
The city's bustling heart, a sprawling market where you can buy produce, fabrics and everyday goods alongside locals. Come in the morning when it is liveliest and coolest, and keep valuables close in the crowds.
3
Askari Monument
A central statue commemorating African soldiers who served in the World Wars, standing at a busy roundabout in the downtown area. It is a quick photo stop and a handy orientation point; visit by day and combine it with a walk through the surrounding streets.
4
Coco Beach
The city's best-known public beach, popular for sunset walks, local food stalls and a lively evening atmosphere. Go in the late afternoon for the sunset; swimming is not recommended at all times, so check with locals first.

Cultural

Statue 1

Market 1

Museum 1

Natural

Beach 1

Plans

Dar es Salaam rewards visitors with a lively waterfront, markets and easy island escapes. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

How long?

What do you enjoy most?

Day trip · Culture

One full day of museums, markets and old-city streets, all close together.

Stay: City Centre (Posta). Walk to markets, the ferry and DART buses. Best base for a short first visit.

Tickets & tours: ≈ TZS 0
Taxis: ≈ TZS 50,481

Day 1

Museums and the old city centre

Tickets ≈ TZS 0 pp · taxis ≈ TZS 50,481

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ TZS 8,158
1

09:30–11:00 · Small entry fee in TZS; confirm the current rate at the gate

National Museum of Tanzania Landmark quest

Start when it opens. Weekday mornings are calmest.

Open Daily roughly 09:30–18:00; check on the day
Taxi · 990 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TZS 6,486
2

11:15–11:45 · Free or small fee; check on the day

Dar es Salaam Botanical Garden

Short walk nearby. A green breather in the middle of town.

Open Daylight hours
3

12:00–12:20 · Free; donations welcome

St Joseph's Cathedral

Check service times before you go in. Dress modestly.

Open Open around services; check on the day
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 25 min · ≈ TZS 14,155
4

13:00–14:00 · Pay per plate; budget-friendly in TZS

Nyama choma and local food spots

Lunch. Ask your driver for a busy local spot.

Open Mainly lunch and evening; check on the day
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 26 min · ≈ TZS 14,502
5

14:30–14:45 · Free

Askari Monument Landmark quest

Quick photo stop at the roundabout.

Open Always open
5

15:00–17:00 · Free self-guided; guided tours priced per group, check locally

City centre heritage walk

Walk the old streets on foot. Carry water and stay in daylight.

Open Daylight hours
Taxi back to your hotel · 1454 m · ≈ 10 min · ≈ TZS 7,181

Day trip · Food

Markets, grills and coastal cooking from morning to night.

Stay: Msasani Peninsula. Restaurants, cafés and malls close by; a short ride to the beaches.

Tickets & tours: ≈ TZS 0
Taxis: ≈ TZS 73,070

Day 1

Markets and local eating

Tickets ≈ TZS 0 pp · taxis ≈ TZS 73,070

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 11 km · ≈ 43 min · ≈ TZS 22,207
1

08:00–09:00 · Free to enter; pay for what you buy

Kariakoo Market

Arrive early. Keep valuables close and haggle politely.

Open Busy from early morning to late afternoon; quieter on Sunday
Taxi · 8 km · ≈ 33 min · ≈ TZS 17,597
2

10:30–11:15 · Free to enter; pay for purchases

Mikocheni local market

Taxi across town. Good for fruit and snacks.

Open Morning to early evening
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ TZS 8,633
3

13:00–14:00 · Pay per plate; budget-friendly in TZS

Nyama choma and local food spots

Lunch of grilled meat with rice or ugali. Ask for prices first.

Open Mainly lunch and evening; check on the day
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 24 min · ≈ TZS 13,595
4

16:00–17:30 · Pay per meal or drink

The Slipway waterfront

Coffee and a wander by the water. Shops may close early.

Open Shops and restaurants roughly 10:00–23:00; check on the day
Taxi · 211 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TZS 5,316
5

19:00–20:30 · Pay per dish; mid to higher range in TZS

Seafood dinner by the water

Finish with fish by the ocean. Check on the day for opening times.

Open Evening, roughly 18:00–23:00; check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 482 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ TZS 5,722

1 night · Culture ★ Recommended length

A compact city-centre day for first-time visitors who want history and Swahili street life.

Stay: City Centre (Posta). Walk to markets, the ferry and DART buses. Best base for a short first visit.

Tickets & tours: ≈ TZS 0
Taxis: ≈ TZS 75,231
Hotel: TZS 120,000–350,000

Day 1

City centre heritage and markets

Tickets ≈ TZS 0 pp · taxis ≈ TZS 75,231

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ TZS 8,158
1

09:30–11:00 · Small entry fee in TZS; confirm the current rate at the gate

National Museum of Tanzania Landmark quest

Start early to beat the heat. Check opening hours on the day.

Open Daily roughly 09:30–18:00; check on the day
Taxi · 671 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ TZS 6,007
2

11:15–13:15 · Free self-guided; guided tours priced per group, check locally

City centre heritage walk

Walk past the Askari Monument and old buildings. Carry water.

Open Daylight hours
2

13:15–13:30 · Free

Askari Monument Landmark quest

Quick photo stop on the walk.

Open Always open
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 26 min · ≈ TZS 14,502
3

13:45–14:45 · Pay per plate; budget-friendly in TZS

Nyama choma and local food spots

Lunch of grilled meat and local sides.

Open Mainly lunch and evening; check on the day
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 25 min · ≈ TZS 14,055
4

15:00–16:00 · Free to enter; pay for what you buy

Kariakoo Market

Busy and lively. Watch your belongings.

Open Busy from early morning to late afternoon; quieter on Sunday
Taxi · 8 km · ≈ 30 min · ≈ TZS 16,329
5

16:30–18:00 · Modest entry fee in TZS; check on the day

Village Museum (Makumbusho)

Outdoor huts and crafts. Check closing time on the day.

Open Roughly 09:30–18:00 daily; check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 7 km · ≈ 30 min · ≈ TZS 16,181

1 night · Beach ★ Recommended length

Ocean air, a ferry ride and a sunset on the peninsula.

Stay: Msasani Peninsula. Restaurants, cafés and malls close by; a short ride to the beaches.

Tickets & tours: ≈ TZS 0
Taxis: ≈ TZS 70,843
Hotel: TZS 200,000–600,000

Day 1

Ferry, beach and sunset

Tickets ≈ TZS 0 pp · taxis ≈ TZS 70,843

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 12 km · ≈ 45 min · ≈ TZS 22,852
1

08:30–09:15 · Free to walk through

Kivukoni Fish Market

Most active early morning. Go before the heat.

Open Most active early morning; check on the day
Taxi · 603 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ TZS 5,905
2

09:30–10:15 · Low fare in TZS per person; check on the day

Kigamboni Ferry crossing

Short crossing. Check times on the day.

Open Runs through the day, roughly 05:00–23:00; check on the day
Taxi · 12 km · ≈ 45 min · ≈ TZS 23,021
3

11:00–12:30 · Free

Coco Beach

Swim and snacks. Liveliest late afternoon.

Open Always open; liveliest late afternoon and evening
Taxi · 651 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ TZS 5,977
4

18:30–20:00 · Pay per dish; mid to higher range in TZS

Seafood dinner by the water

Dinner by the water on the peninsula.

Open Evening, roughly 18:00–23:00; check on the day
Taxi · 859 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TZS 6,288
5

20:15–20:45 · Free

Msasani sunset viewpoint

Evening stroll. Sunset is earlier, so come for the sea air.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 1201 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ TZS 6,801

1 night · Food ★ Recommended length

Markets, grills and coastal seafood in one easy day.

Stay: Msasani Peninsula. Restaurants, cafés and malls close by; a short ride to the beaches.

Tickets & tours: ≈ TZS 0
Taxis: ≈ TZS 66,805
Hotel: TZS 200,000–600,000

Day 1

Markets to seafood

Tickets ≈ TZS 0 pp · taxis ≈ TZS 66,805

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 11 km · ≈ 43 min · ≈ TZS 22,207
1

08:30–09:30 · Free to enter; pay for what you buy

Kariakoo Market

Go early for produce and spice stalls.

Open Busy from early morning to late afternoon; quieter on Sunday
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 25 min · ≈ TZS 14,055
2

12:30–13:30 · Pay per plate; budget-friendly in TZS

Nyama choma and local food spots

Lunch of grilled meat. Ask what is fresh.

Open Mainly lunch and evening; check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ TZS 8,633
3

14:30–15:15 · Free to enter; pay for purchases

Mikocheni local market

Local market on the peninsula. Morning to early evening.

Open Morning to early evening
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 18 min · ≈ TZS 10,873
4

16:00–17:30 · Pay per meal or drink

The Slipway waterfront

Waterfront shops and cafes. Check hours on the day.

Open Shops and restaurants roughly 10:00–23:00; check on the day
Taxi · 211 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ TZS 5,316
5

18:30–20:00 · Pay per dish; mid to higher range in TZS

Seafood dinner by the water

Fresh fish by the water. Book ahead if you can.

Open Evening, roughly 18:00–23:00; check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 482 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ TZS 5,722

2 nights · Culture

First-timers who want museums, markets and the old city on foot, with sunsets on the peninsula.

Stay: City Centre (Posta). Walk to markets, the ferry and DART buses. Best base for a short first visit.

Tickets & tours: ≈ TZS 0
Taxis: ≈ TZS 120,575
Hotel: TZS 240,000–700,000

Day 1

City centre heritage and markets

Tickets ≈ TZS 0 pp · taxis ≈ TZS 49,493

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ TZS 8,158
1

09:30–11:00 · Small entry fee in TZS; confirm the current rate at the gate

National Museum of Tanzania Landmark quest

Start when it opens. Weekday mornings are calmest.

Open Daily roughly 09:30–18:00; check on the day
Taxi · 671 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ TZS 6,007
2

11:15–13:15 · Free self-guided; guided tours priced per group, check locally

City centre heritage walk

Walk the old centre at your own pace. Carry water and a hat.

Open Daylight hours
2

13:15–13:30 · Free

Askari Monument Landmark quest

A short stop on the walk. Good meeting point.

Open Always open
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 26 min · ≈ TZS 14,502
3

13:45–14:45 · Pay per plate; budget-friendly in TZS

Nyama choma and local food spots

Lunch of grilled meat and sides. Ask for the day's price.

Open Mainly lunch and evening; check on the day
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 25 min · ≈ TZS 14,155
4

15:00–15:20 · Free; donations welcome

St Joseph's Cathedral

Open around services. Dress modestly and keep quiet.

Open Open around services; check on the day
5

15:45–16:15 · Free or small fee; check on the day

Dar es Salaam Botanical Garden

Shady break before the evening.

Open Daylight hours
Taxi back to your hotel · 1115 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ TZS 6,672

Day 2

Kariakoo, Village Museum and sunset

Tickets ≈ TZS 0 pp · taxis ≈ TZS 71,082

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 688 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ TZS 6,032
1

08:30–09:30 · Free to enter; pay for what you buy

Kariakoo Market

Go early for the full buzz. Watch your bag and agree prices first.

Open Busy from early morning to late afternoon; quieter on Sunday
Taxi · 8 km · ≈ 30 min · ≈ TZS 16,329
2

10:30–12:00 · Modest entry fee in TZS; check on the day

Village Museum (Makumbusho)

Outdoor huts and craft displays. Take a taxi between the two.

Open Roughly 09:30–18:00 daily; check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ TZS 7,782
3

13:00–13:45 · Free to enter; pay for purchases

Mikocheni local market

Local market stop on the way to the peninsula. Lunch nearby.

Open Morning to early evening
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ TZS 10,144
4

17:30–18:30 · Free

Oyster Bay shoreline walk

Shoreline walk in daylight, then stay for sunset.

Open Daylight hours
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ TZS 9,131
5

19:00–20:30 · Pay per dish; mid to higher range in TZS

Seafood dinner by the water

Book ahead on weekends.

Open Evening, roughly 18:00–23:00; check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 11 km · ≈ 42 min · ≈ TZS 21,665

2 nights · Beach

Sun, sea and sunsets: peninsula beaches, a ferry crossing and a boat trip.

Stay: Msasani Peninsula. Restaurants, cafés and malls close by; a short ride to the beaches.

Tickets & tours: ≈ TZS 0
Taxis: ≈ TZS 132,735
Hotel: TZS 400,000–1,200,000

Day 1

Ferry, fish market and Coco Beach

Tickets ≈ TZS 0 pp · taxis ≈ TZS 63,476

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 12 km · ≈ 45 min · ≈ TZS 22,852
1

08:00–08:45 · Free to walk through

Kivukoni Fish Market

Most active early. Go with a guide if you want to chat to traders.

Open Most active early morning; check on the day
Taxi · 603 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ TZS 5,905
2

09:15–10:00 · Low fare in TZS per person; check on the day

Kigamboni Ferry crossing

Walk on, cross and come back. Cheap and quick.

Open Runs through the day, roughly 05:00–23:00; check on the day
Taxi · 12 km · ≈ 45 min · ≈ TZS 23,021
3

16:30–18:00 · Free

Coco Beach

Arrive late afternoon. Swim only where locals swim and watch your things.

Open Always open; liveliest late afternoon and evening
Taxi · 651 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ TZS 5,977
4

19:00–20:30 · Pay per dish; mid to higher range in TZS

Seafood dinner by the water

Dinner by the water nearby.

Open Evening, roughly 18:00–23:00; check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 482 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ TZS 5,722

Day 2

Boat trip and peninsula beach day

Tickets ≈ TZS 0 pp · taxis ≈ TZS 69,259

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 12 km · ≈ 45 min · ≈ TZS 23,081
1

09:00–11:00 · Priced per boat or per person; agree the price first

Harbour and islands boat trip

Morning departures. Confirm the time and price the day before.

Open Daytime departures; check on the day
Taxi · 14 km · ≈ 50 min · ≈ TZS 25,300
2

12:30–15:30 · Hotel day passes vary; check on the day

Beach day on the peninsula

Day pass or lunch at a beach spot. Weekdays are quieter.
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ TZS 8,567
3

17:45–18:15 · Free

Msasani sunset viewpoint

Sunset viewpoint. Bring insect repellent.

Open Always open
Taxi · 869 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TZS 6,304
4

19:00–20:30 · Pay per meal or drink

The Slipway waterfront

Shops and restaurants. Check closing times on the day.

Open Shops and restaurants roughly 10:00–23:00; check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 672 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ TZS 6,007

2 nights · Food

Eat your way through markets, street grills and waterfront seafood.

Stay: Msasani Peninsula. Restaurants, cafés and malls close by; a short ride to the beaches.

Tickets & tours: ≈ TZS 0
Taxis: ≈ TZS 125,957
Hotel: TZS 400,000–1,200,000

Day 1

Markets and street food

Tickets ≈ TZS 0 pp · taxis ≈ TZS 86,008

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 11 km · ≈ 43 min · ≈ TZS 22,207
1

08:30–09:30 · Free to enter; pay for what you buy

Kariakoo Market

Produce, spices and snacks. Eat where it looks busy and freshly cooked.

Open Busy from early morning to late afternoon; quieter on Sunday
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 25 min · ≈ TZS 14,055
2

12:30–13:30 · Pay per plate; budget-friendly in TZS

Nyama choma and local food spots

Lunch grill. Point at what you want and confirm the price.

Open Mainly lunch and evening; check on the day
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 27 min · ≈ TZS 14,797
3

14:00–15:30 · Small entry fee in TZS; confirm the current rate at the gate

National Museum of Tanzania Landmark quest

Air-conditioned break from the heat.

Open Daily roughly 09:30–18:00; check on the day
Taxi · 780 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TZS 6,170
4

16:30–17:15 · Free to walk through

Kivukoni Fish Market

Quieter than morning but still lively. Ask before taking photos.

Open Most active early morning; check on the day
Taxi · 12 km · ≈ 45 min · ≈ TZS 23,058
5

19:00–20:30 · Pay per dish; mid to higher range in TZS

Seafood dinner by the water

Book ahead. Ask what is fresh that day.

Open Evening, roughly 18:00–23:00; check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 482 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ TZS 5,722

Day 2

Peninsula markets and beach eating

Tickets ≈ TZS 0 pp · taxis ≈ TZS 39,948

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 19 min · ≈ TZS 11,182
1

09:00–09:45 · Free to enter; pay for purchases

Mikocheni local market

Morning market. Good for fruit and local snacks.

Open Morning to early evening
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ TZS 8,513
2

11:00–11:45 · Free to browse; pay for purchases

Local art and craft galleries

Craft and art shops. Check opening hours on the day.

Open Roughly 10:00–18:00; check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ TZS 7,956
3

13:00–14:30 · Free

Coco Beach

Beach food stalls and drinks. Busiest in the evening.

Open Always open; liveliest late afternoon and evening
Taxi · 861 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ TZS 6,291
4

18:00–19:30 · Pay per meal or drink

The Slipway waterfront

Waterfront dinner. Check restaurant times on the day.

Open Shops and restaurants roughly 10:00–23:00; check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 672 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ TZS 6,007

Swap in instead

Take the Kivukoni ferry to Kigamboni for a cheap half-day across the harbour.
Add a boat trip to Bongoyo or Mbudya island for a beach day; check boat times on the day.
History fans can swap a city afternoon for Bagamoyo's old town and slave-trade sites up the coast.

Getting around

DART bus rapid transit runs on dedicated lanes; Phase 1 links Kimara to Kivukoni Ferry via Posta.
Daladala minibuses are cheap (under TSh 1,000) but slow and crowded; look for POSTA signs.
Taxis are everywhere; agree the fare first, as meters are rare.
Ride apps like Bolt and Uber work in Dar and often beat street-taxi prices.
Driving is on the left; traffic is heavy, especially at evening rush hour.
Walking suits the compact centre; cycling is possible but risky on busy roads.
Ferries from Kivukoni cross to Kigamboni in the south.

Where to stay

City Centre (Posta) · ≈ TZS 120,000–350,000 a night
Walk to markets, the ferry and DART buses. Best base for a short first visit.
Kivukoni · ≈ TZS 150,000–400,000 a night
Quiet waterfront near the ferry to Kigamboni and the fish market. Good for early starts.
Msasani Peninsula · ≈ TZS 200,000–600,000 a night
Restaurants, cafés and malls close by; a short ride to the beaches.
Oyster Bay · ≈ TZS 250,000–800,000 a night
Seafront hotels and calm evenings. Popular with business travellers and couples.

Food & drink

Try Swahili coastal dishes: pilau rice, urojo soup and grilled fish with coconut.
Mchikichini and Kariakoo markets are good for spices, fruit and cheap local meals.
Seafood is best near the water: Msasani and Oyster Bay have many fish restaurants.
Street food is cheap: mishkaki skewers and chips mayai often cost under TSh 5,000.
Tap water is not for drinking. Stick to bottled or filtered water, even in hotels.

Tips

Traffic is very heavy; plan significant buffer time for any road travel
Use reputable ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt rather than navigating Daladalas
Take a ferry to Zanzibar for world-class beaches and history
Dress conservatively in town, though the coastal areas are more relaxed
Eat local Swahili dishes like Pilau or various fresh seafood at the night markets

Sources for prices and hours

Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

Tours & activities

Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

Askari Monument

Kariakoo Market

Walk the city centre at your own pace
Stop at the Askari Monument and Kariakoo Market
135 reviews · 4.8 rating

CustomizableLocal guide

Dar es Salaam City Center: Customizable Walking Tour

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (135)

$33View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Askari Monument

Explore the historic old town on foot
See the Askari Monument and colonial-era streets
37 reviews · 4.9 rating

Small groupHidden gems

Historic Old Town & Hidden Gems Walking Tour

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (37)

$15View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Kariakoo Market

Taste local street food in the old town
Browse Kariakoo Market with a guide
30 reviews · 4.8 rating

Food tastingsTransfers included

Old Town Walking and Food Tour With Transfers

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (30)

$49View tour

Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

Askari Monument

Kariakoo Market

Zip through the city in a tuk tuk
Cover the centre and market in a short tour
14 reviews · 4.6 rating

Female driverTuk tuk

City tour in a tuk tuk with female driver

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.6 (14)

$79View tour

Souvenirs

Kanga cloth

TZS 15000–35000a pair of 2 pieces · estimate

A printed cotton cloth worn by women across East Africa. Many kangas carry Swahili proverbs, which is why they are a favorite souvenir of Dar es Salaam.

Where: Kariakoo fabric shops

Check that the cloth was made in East Africa before you buy.

Tinga Tinga painting

TZS 30000–100000original, about 20 to 30 cm · estimate

A Tanzanian painting style with bold colors and animal scenes. It was made famous by artists in Dar es Salaam.

Where: Tingatinga Arts Cooperative, Oyster Bay

Ask if the canvas can be rolled for transport.

Tanzanite

USD 50–1000one small to medium stone · estimate

A blue-violet gemstone found only in Tanzania. It is a local treasure, and Dar es Salaam is a main place to buy it.

Where: Certified TanzaniteOne dealers

Insist on a certificate, because fake stones are common on the street.

Flights

Hotels

Search all Dar es Salaam hotelsHotels.com

Popular hotels

eSIM

Get an eSIM for Dar es SalaamStay connected in Tanzania from day one · Airalo

1 GB3 days$4.5 USDSelect plan →5 GB30 days$15.5 USDSelect plan →10 GB30 days$26 USDSelect plan →

Compare all 5 plans · choose data and duration

Check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Data-use estimates are a guide; verify coverage, activation rules and the final price on Airalo.

Luggage storage

Store your bags in Dar es SalaamDrop luggage at nearby shops and hotels · Bounce

Cost of a day

Exchange rate

Getting in

Getting around

Weather by month

Climate

Landmarks 4

Must-see · 4

National Museum of Tanzania

Kariakoo Market

Askari Monument

Coco Beach

Cultural

Statue 1

Market 1

Museum 1

Natural

Beach 1

Plans

National Museum of Tanzania Landmark quest

Dar es Salaam Botanical Garden

St Joseph's Cathedral

Nyama choma and local food spots

Askari Monument Landmark quest

City centre heritage walk

Kivukoni Fish Market

Kigamboni Ferry crossing

Mikadi Beach

Seafood dinner by the water

Kariakoo Market

Mikocheni local market

Nyama choma and local food spots

The Slipway waterfront

Seafood dinner by the water

National Museum of Tanzania Landmark quest

City centre heritage walk

Askari Monument Landmark quest

Nyama choma and local food spots

Kariakoo Market

Village Museum (Makumbusho)

Kivukoni Fish Market

Kigamboni Ferry crossing

Coco Beach

Seafood dinner by the water

Msasani sunset viewpoint

Kariakoo Market

Nyama choma and local food spots

Mikocheni local market

The Slipway waterfront

Seafood dinner by the water

National Museum of Tanzania Landmark quest

City centre heritage walk

Askari Monument Landmark quest

Nyama choma and local food spots

St Joseph's Cathedral

Dar es Salaam Botanical Garden

Kariakoo Market

Village Museum (Makumbusho)

Mikocheni local market

Oyster Bay shoreline walk

Seafood dinner by the water

Kivukoni Fish Market

Kigamboni Ferry crossing

Coco Beach

Seafood dinner by the water

Harbour and islands boat trip

Beach day on the peninsula

Msasani sunset viewpoint

The Slipway waterfront

Kariakoo Market

Nyama choma and local food spots

National Museum of Tanzania Landmark quest

Kivukoni Fish Market

Seafood dinner by the water

Mikocheni local market

Local art and craft galleries

Coco Beach

The Slipway waterfront

When are you there?

What kind of trip?