The city was founded by Majid bin Said, the first Sultan of Zanzibar, in 1865 or 1866. It was the main administrative and commercial center of German East Africa, Tanganyika, and Tanzania. The decision was made in 1974 to move the capital to Dodoma and was officially completed in 1996 but Dar-es-Salaam still retains as the business capital of the country to this day
The city has so many hidden treasures that are worth seeing which includes;
1. Coco Beach at Sunrise (Oysterbay)
While Coco Beach is widely known as an evening hangout, sunrise reveals its most authentic and meaningful side—one that many visitors never see. In the early hours, before the city awakens, the shoreline becomes a stage for daily life. Fishermen return from night fishing, carefully pulling in nets as the first light touches the water. Joggers, yoga groups, and elders walking quietly along the sand create a peaceful rhythm that contrasts sharply with Dar es Salaam’s daytime energy. The air is cooler, the ocean calmer, and the environment far cleaner than later in the day. From a local guide’s perspective, this moment offers insight into how the ocean supports livelihoods, wellness, and community life. It’s also one of the safest and most photogenic times to visit.
Local insight: Sunrise is the safest, cleanest, and most meaningful time to visit. It’s also the best moment to observe daily routines without crowds or noise.
2. Tingatinga Arts Cooperative Society Tingatinga Paintings are Tanzanian traditional paintings created using layers of bicycle paint representing physical features and landmarks drawn in a canvas material. Formerly they were locally drawn on Masonite and ceiling boards and later Canvases added using several layers of glossy enamel paint which turned its noticeable outlook brilliant, and very attractive representing local people’s activities, Landscape with its exotic animal. Bicycle paint is a good material to use on making clear, vibrant colored paintings that contain sharp contrasts and still gives the ability to work with shades surfaces. The name Tingatinga was derived from the founder of the painting style, a Tanzanian named Edward Said Tingatinga who passed away in 17th May 1972, he left behind his art flying his name to the world, a wife, two children (Daudi & Martina) and six painters who later taught many more other painters
3. Askari Monument It is located at the center of a roundabout between Samora Avenue and Maktaba Street, unveiled in 1927 to honor the African Soldiers who fought in the first World War and to the memory of the Native African Troops who fought, to the carriers who were the feet and the hands of the army, and to all men who fought, served, died for the King and the Country in the East Africa in World War 1”. The former statue was unveiled in 1911 to celebrate the Germans victory in 1888, represented Major Herman Von Wissmann, a German explorer and soldier, who became Governor of German East Africa in 1895. British entered Dar es Salaam in 1916 and removed this statue along with those of Karl Peters and Otto von Bismarck.
4. Village Museum Tanzania has about 124 ethnic tribes in which the main 16 are chosen to represent all, by displaying their old ways of living before colonial and industrial revolution. Among the chosen tribes, each display their home structure with houses built by natural materials to show the old life reality, inside each house you will find some of the equipment used including cooking stoves, pots, bowls, water cooling pot, spears & arrows for hunting, defensive & protection. Each house include rooms divisions and allocation to the family members accordingly. At each house information are provided in a well printed and laminated paper to give visitors more details about the customs of their people, lifestyle, and equipment discovered & used before the modern world. To-date there are still tribes in the rural areas who lives one hundred percent in their old ways of life. Under the big tree at the museum yard, a general traditional tribal dance performances take place daily, whenever there is demand.
5. Msasani Bay Cliff Viewpoints
Hidden among quiet residential neighborhoods in Msasani are elevated cliffside viewpoints that provide sweeping panoramas of the Indian Ocean. These spots are unmarked and rarely visited by tourists, making them ideal for travelers seeking tranquility and perspective. From the cliffs, you can observe fishing boats dotting the horizon, container ships approaching the harbor, and waves crashing far below—revealing Dar es Salaam’s identity as a working coastal city. These viewpoints also tell a geographical story, showing how the city developed along the coastline and how neighborhoods relate to the sea.
Local insight: Late afternoon is ideal, especially just before sunset, when temperatures cool and the sea reflects deep blue and silver tones.
6. Slipway Backstreets and Coastline Paths
Slipway is often associated with restaurants and souvenir shopping, but behind the polished façade lies a quieter, more authentic coastal world. Narrow paths extend along the shoreline where fishermen mend nets, children play, and small vendors sell snacks to locals. These backstreets reflect everyday life rather than curated tourism experiences.
Walking here allows visitors to slow down and observe natural interactions—conversations, routines, and livelihoods shaped by the sea.
Local insight: Walking these backstreets gives you a chance to interact naturally with locals and discover simple coastal life hidden behind a polished tourist front
7. Kariakoo Market Constructed by the architect B.J. Amuli, the Kariakoo market in Dar es Salaam was officially opened in December 1975 by Julius Nyerere, Tanzania’s founding father. The market derived its name from the African porters and casual laborer, "the Carrier Corps", of the First World War when the British Army chose the area as their camping site but today its the largest market in East Africa taking over any city block
8. Botanical Garden Ruins
Hidden behind Dar es Salaam’s busy commercial center are the remnants of an old botanical garden established during the colonial period. Though largely forgotten, the space still provides shade, mature trees, and moments of calm in a fast-moving urban environment. It’s a reminder that the city was once designed with green spaces to support health and leisure. This location offers insight into urban planning history and how modern Dar has evolved.
Local insight: Few people know this spot exists, making it ideal for short breaks during a walking tour of downtown Dar.
9. Little Theatre Club (Oysterbay)
The Little Theatre Club is one of Dar es Salaam’s most important yet overlooked cultural institutions. It serves as a platform for local actors, musicians, poets, and storytellers to express modern Tanzanian identity. Performances often explore social issues, humor, tradition, and change—providing a window into contemporary urban life. Unlike traditional cultural displays, this space reflects how Tanzanian culture continues to evolve today.
Local insight: Attending a show here helps visitors understand contemporary Tanzanian creativity and thought beyond traditional performances.
10. Seacliff Village Local Food Corners.
Beyond Seacliff’s upscale restaurants are small, locally favored food spots that preserve authentic Swahili coastal flavors. These informal eateries focus on freshness rather than presentation—grilled fish, coconut sauces, mishkaki, and seasonal dishes prepared daily. Dining here is about connection and tradition, not luxury.
Local insight: If a place is full of locals, the food is usually excellent. Ask what’s freshly cooked rather than ordering from a menu.
11. Mjimwema Fishing Village (Kigamboni)
Just across the Kigamboni ferry lies Mjimwema, a fishing village that feels worlds away from the city center. Life here revolves around the ocean—boats are repaired by hand, nets dried in the sun, and fish traded daily. This village offers a powerful glimpse into traditional coastal livelihoods still practiced today. The contrast between urban Dar and Mjimwema highlights Tanzania’s social and economic diversity.
Local insight: Visiting in the morning allows you to see fishing activities, boat repairs, and local markets in action.
12. Kigamboni Local Beaches
Beyond hotel areas, Kigamboni’s coastline opens into quieter beaches favored by residents. These areas remain largely undeveloped, preserving a natural feel. Coconut sellers, small food stalls, and families enjoying the shore create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. These beaches offer a slower pace and a sense of escape without leaving the city.
Local insight: Carry small cash and enjoy fresh coconut water (madafu) straight from the shell—one of the simplest local pleasures.
13. Pugu Hills Forest Reserve
Pugu Hills is one of Dar es Salaam’s most underrated natural spaces. Located just outside the city, it offers forest trails, caves, birdlife, and cooler air. Historically, the hills played roles in trade routes and local traditions, adding cultural depth to their natural beauty. The reserve provides a rare opportunity to experience nature close to an urban center.
Local insight: Always visit with a guide to navigate trails safely and learn about the area’s history and ecology.
14. Local Rooftop Sunset Spots (City Center)
Scattered across Dar es Salaam’s city center are modest rooftops offering views of the harbor and skyline. These informal spaces allow visitors to watch ferries cross, ships arrive, and the city slow down as the sun sets.
They provide perspective on Dar’s role as a regional trade hub.
Local insight: These rooftops are best discovered through local knowledge, as they change frequently and remain hidden from online listings.
15. Mwenge Woodcarvers Market.
Mwenge Woodcarvers Market is one of Dar es Salaam’s most authentic artistic spaces and a living center of Tanzanian craftsmanship. The market is home to a large cooperative of over 200 skilled woodcarvers, most of whom specialize in Makonde carvings—an art form internationally recognized for its intricate detail and storytelling. Using hardwood such as ebony, artisans carve expressive figures, spirit trees, family scenes, and abstract forms that reflect African heritage, beliefs, and daily life.
What makes Mwenge special is not just the finished artwork, but the opportunity to watch the creative process unfold. Visitors can observe carvers shaping wood by hand, polishing surfaces, and explaining the meanings behind each piece. The market functions both as a workspace and a cultural classroom, where traditions are passed from one generation to the next.
.Local insight: Take time to talk to the artists. Prices are often negotiable, and understanding the story behind a piece adds lasting value to the artwork you take home.
16. Kivukoni Fish Market.
Kivukoni Fish Market is one of the most vibrant and important markets in Dar es Salaam, serving as a major distribution hub for seafood across Tanzania and neighboring landlocked countries. Located along the harbor, the market comes alive in the early morning as fishing boats arrive with fresh catch from the Indian Ocean. The variety is impressive—ranging from octopus and squid to tuna, prawns, and many lesser-known marine species. Beyond trade, Kivukoni offers a powerful glimpse into the economic heartbeat of coastal life. Porters move swiftly with baskets of fish, traders negotiate prices loudly, and buyers from restaurants and export companies select the day’s best catch. The atmosphere is intense, energetic, and entirely authentic.
Local insight: Visit at dawn for the most activity, but be prepared for strong smells and crowds. Closed shoes and a local guide greatly enhance the experience and safety.