Stone Town Zanzibar — What to See and Do

Stone Town is unlike anywhere else on Earth. This ancient city on the western coast of Zanzibar Island has been a crossroads of cultures for over a thousand years — Swahili, Arab, Indian, Persian and European influences have all left their mark on its architecture, cuisine, culture and people. In 2000 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is easy to see why.

Whether you have a few hours or a full day, Stone Town will captivate you completely.

Getting Lost in the Maze of Streets

The most authentic Stone Town experience requires no plan at all — simply walk into the narrow winding streets and let yourself get lost. The medina is a labyrinth of alleyways, hidden courtyards, crumbling facades and sudden openings onto beautiful squares.

You will stumble upon carved wooden doors — a signature of Stone Town architecture with over 500 unique examples throughout the city. Each door tells a story. Arab doors are traditionally distinguished by their pointed tops while Indian doors have square tops and protruding brass studs. The more elaborate the door, the wealthier the original owner.

The Sultan's Palace — Beit el-Sahel

The Palace Museum on the seafront was once the residence of the Sultan of Zanzibar. Today it is a museum displaying the lavish furniture, personal belongings and royal history of the Omani Sultans who ruled Zanzibar from the 18th century. The rooftop views over the Indian Ocean are spectacular.

The House of Wonders — Beit el-Ajaib

The most iconic building on Stone Town's seafront is the House of Wonders — so named because it was the first building in East Africa to have electricity and an elevator when it was built in 1883. The enormous carved doors are among the finest in Stone Town and the building's clock tower is a landmark visible from across the harbour.

The Old Fort — Arab Fort

Built by the Omani Arabs in the late 1600s to defend against Portuguese attack, the Old Fort is the oldest surviving building in Stone Town. Today it hosts an open-air amphitheatre, craft market and restaurants. The fort walls offer excellent views over the town and harbour.

The Slave Market and Anglican Cathedral

One of the most sobering and important sites in Stone Town is the former slave market — the last open slave market in the world, closed by the British in 1873. The Anglican Cathedral was built on the exact site of the market as a symbol of its abolition. The altar stands where the whipping post once stood. Underground chambers used to hold enslaved people before sale have been preserved and can be visited.

Forodhani Gardens and the Night Market

Every evening the Forodhani Gardens on the seafront transform into one of East Africa's most spectacular street food markets. Dozens of vendors set up grills offering freshly cooked Zanzibar pizza, grilled seafood, sugar cane juice, urojo soup and Zanzibari mix. Eating here at sunset with the dhow boats on the harbour behind you is one of the great Zanzibar experiences.

The Spice Market

Zanzibar was once the world's largest producer of cloves and the spice trade defined the island's economy for centuries. The central market in Stone Town is still a wonderful sensory experience — mountains of cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, vanilla and black pepper fill the stalls. Buying spices directly from the market is far cheaper and more authentic than tourist shops.

Darajani Market

The main covered market in Stone Town is a wonderfully chaotic and authentic experience. Fresh fish from the morning catch, tropical fruits, vegetables, meat and the sounds and smells of a real working market. Visit early in the morning for the best atmosphere.

Tips for Visiting Stone Town

Wear comfortable shoes — the streets are cobblestone and uneven. Dress modestly out of respect for the predominantly Muslim community. Bargaining is expected in the markets. Hire a local guide for the best experience — they will show you hidden corners and share stories that transform what you see into something deeply meaningful.

Our Stone Town day tour includes a professional local guide, entry fees to the main sites and a street food tasting at Forodhani. Contact our team on WhatsApp at +255 688 686 983 to book.