Stone Town Zanzibar Guide 2026
Stone Town is the historic heart of Zanzibar City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Its labyrinthine narrow alleys, intricately carved wooden doors, coral stone buildings blending Arab, Indian, European, and African architecture, and rich trading history make it one of East Africa's most fascinating cultural destinations. This is where the spice trade, slave trade, and Sultanate of Zanzibar shaped centuries of Indian Ocean history.
Must-See Attractions
Anglican Cathedral (Christ Church)
Built in 1873 on the site of the old slave market, this is Stone Town's most historically significant building. The altar stands exactly where the whipping post once stood, where enslaved people were beaten to test their strength before sale. The basement preserves two cramped slave chambers where captives were held before auction. A deeply moving experience that should not be missed. Entry: $5. Allow 1 hour with guide.
Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe)
Built by Omani Arabs in the 1690s on the site of an earlier Portuguese church, this is the oldest building in Stone Town. The fort now hosts cultural performances, craft stalls, a rooftop restaurant, and the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) in July. Free entry during the day. Open-air amphitheatre with evening shows.
House of Wonders (Beit-el-Ajaib)
The largest building in Stone Town, this ceremonial palace was built in 1883 for Sultan Barghash. It was the first building in East Africa to have electricity and a lift - hence the name. Currently undergoing restoration (damaged in 2020), the exterior and surrounding area are still impressive and photographable.
Palace Museum (Beit el-Sahel)
Former Sultan's Palace on the waterfront. Exhibits cover the Sultanate of Zanzibar, the story of Princess Salme (who eloped with a German merchant in 1866 and wrote the first autobiography by an Arab woman), and the brief Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896 (the shortest war in history at 38-45 minutes). Entry: $3.
Forodhani Gardens Night Market
Every evening from 6 PM, the waterfront Forodhani Gardens transforms into Zanzibar's most famous food market. Vendors set up grills and cooking stations offering:
- Zanzibar pizza: A unique street food - thin dough filled with meat, egg, cheese, and vegetables, folded and fried. $1-3.
- Grilled seafood: Lobster, prawns, octopus, calamari, and fish from $5-15.
- Sugar cane juice: Freshly pressed, served cold. $0.50.
- Mishkaki: Grilled meat skewers with spicy sauce. $1-2.
- Urojo (Zanzibar mix): A unique soup with bhajia, potato, mango, coconut chutney. $1.
Zanzibar Doors
Over 500 intricately carved wooden doors throughout Stone Town, each telling a story. Indian-style doors have rounded tops with brass studs (originally to repel elephants in India). Arab-style doors have square tops with intricate geometric patterns. The door's size and decoration indicated the owner's wealth and status. A walking tour focused on doors takes 2-3 hours.
Hammam Persian Baths
Restored 19th-century public baths built by Sultan Barghash. The architecture features domed ceilings with star-shaped light holes. Now a small museum. Entry: $3. Located near the Hamamni neighbourhood which takes its name from the baths.
Freddie Mercury House
The Queen frontman was born Farrokh Bulsara in Stone Town in 1946. His birthplace on Kenyatta Road is now marked with a plaque. A small museum/shop sells Mercury memorabilia. A popular photo stop for music fans.
Spice Tours
Zanzibar is the 'Spice Island' and a spice tour is an essential Stone Town experience:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | Half-day (3-4 hours). Depart 9-10 AM from Stone Town. |
| Cost | $25-40 per person including transport and traditional lunch |
| Location | Plantations 20-30 minutes outside Stone Town |
| What you see | Clove, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, vanilla, black pepper, turmeric, lemongrass, cocoa, jackfruit, breadfruit, and tropical fruits growing in plantation settings |
| Interactive | Taste, smell, and learn uses of each spice. Local guides demonstrate traditional uses. Children climb trees to throw down fresh coconuts. |
| Shopping | Buy fresh spices, essential oils, and spice-based products at source prices (much cheaper than Stone Town shops) |
Day Trips from Stone Town
| Trip | Duration | Cost | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prison Island (Changuu) | Half day | $35-50 | Giant Aldabra tortoises, snorkelling, history |
| Jozani Forest | Half day | $25-40 | Red colobus monkeys (endemic), mangrove walk |
| Spice Tour | Half day | $25-40 | Spice plantations, tasting, traditional lunch |
| Nakupenda Sandbank | Half day | $30-50 | Disappearing sandbank, snorkelling, seafood BBQ |
| Mnemba Atoll | Full day | $50-80 | Best snorkelling/diving in Zanzibar, dolphins |
| Dolphin Tour (Kizimkazi) | Half day | $40-60 | Swimming with wild dolphins, old mosque |
Where to Stay in Stone Town
| Hotel | Type | Price (USD/night) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emerson on Hurumzi | Heritage boutique | $150-300 | Rooftop restaurant with sunset views |
| Park Hyatt Zanzibar | Luxury 5-star | $300-600 | Waterfront, Shangani area |
| Zanzibar Serena Hotel | Upmarket 5-star | $200-400 | Restored historic building, seafront |
| Tembo House Hotel | Mid-range | $80-150 | Seafront, pool, good location |
| Dhow Palace Hotel | Mid-range heritage | $60-120 | Traditional architecture, central |
| Zanzibar Palace Hotel | Boutique | $100-200 | Individually decorated rooms, rooftop |
| Lost & Found Hostel | Budget/hostel | $15-40 | Dorms and private rooms, social |
| Local guesthouses | Budget | $20-50 | Various, some with rooftop terraces |
Stone Town accommodation is best for culture, history, and food. For beach stays, head to Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, or Jambiani (45-60 min from Stone Town).
Practical Tips
- Dress code: Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim. Cover shoulders and knees when walking in Stone Town out of respect. Swimwear is only appropriate at beaches and hotels.
- Getting lost: You will get lost in Stone Town's maze of alleys - this is part of the experience. Locals are friendly and will point you towards landmarks. The waterfront is always a good reference point.
- Guides: Hire a licensed guide for historical tours (TSh 30,000-50,000 for 2-3 hours). Avoid unlicensed "papasi" (touts) who approach tourists on the street.
- Photography: Ask permission before photographing people. Some locals expect a small tip for photos.
- Ramadan: During Ramadan (dates vary by lunar calendar), many restaurants close during daylight hours. Hotels still serve meals to guests. Evening food markets are especially vibrant during Ramadan.
- Safety: Stone Town is generally safe by day. Take normal precautions at night - avoid dark alleys, don't display expensive items. Use registered taxis or have your hotel arrange transport.
- Currency: Tanzanian shillings, but USD widely accepted. ATMs at various banks. Credit cards at larger hotels and restaurants.
FAQ
Quick Facts
- Status: UNESCO World Heritage
- Founded: 1830s (modern form)
- Famous for: History, spices, doors
- Dress: Modest (cover shoulders/knees)
- Must eat: Forodhani night market
- Born here: Freddie Mercury