Stone Town Zanzibar is where the scent of cloves meets the sound of the call to prayer. It is the historic heart of Zanzibar City, on the west coast of Unguja Island. Here, a tangle of narrow lanes runs between tall coral stone houses, and every few steps you pass a massive carved door. In fact, few places in Africa tell the story of the Indian Ocean trade so vividly. So, this guide explains what to see in the old city, where to eat and how to plan your Zanzibar travel.
Quick Facts About Stone Town Zanzibar
| Country | Tanzania |
| Region | Unguja Island, Zanzibar Archipelago, in the Indian Ocean |
| Known For | Carved doors, Swahili and Omani architecture, spice trade history and the Forodhani night market |
| UNESCO Status | UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 |
| History | A major Swahili trading port, and capital of the Omani sultanate from the 1840s |
| Best Time to Visit | June to October, and December to February |
| Getting There | Fly into Zanzibar airport or take a ferry from Dar es Salaam |
Where Is Stone Town Zanzibar?
Stone Town Zanzibar lies on a small peninsula on the western shore of Unguja, the main island of the Zanzibar Archipelago. The archipelago belongs to Tanzania and sits about 35 kilometers off the East African mainland. As a result, it is easy to combine a visit with a safari in Tanzania or Kenya. Meanwhile, the island’s famous white-sand beaches are only an hour or so away by road.
Why Visit Stone Town Zanzibar?
First, the history here is extraordinary. For centuries, Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian and European traders passed through this port. Later, the Sultan of Oman moved his capital here in the 1840s. Because of this mix, the architecture blends Swahili, Omani, Indian and British styles, and UNESCO listed the town as a World Heritage Site in 2000.
Second, Stone Town is fascinating to explore on foot. You can easily get lost in the lanes, and that is half the fun. Finally, the food scene is excellent, from street snacks to rooftop restaurants with ocean views. If you enjoyed our guide to Essaouira in Morocco, you will love the same mix of sea air and history in Stone Town, Tanzania.
Things to Do in Stone Town Zanzibar
See the Old Fort
The Old Fort, also called Ngome Kongwe, is the oldest building in Stone Town. Omani Arabs built it around 1700 after driving out the Portuguese. Today, the courtyard hosts craft stalls, a small café and an open-air amphitheater used for concerts and festivals. It is a good first stop, since it sits right by the seafront.
Admire the House of Wonders
Next door stands the House of Wonders, or Beit al-Ajaib. Sultan Barghash built this grand palace in 1883. At the time, it was the first building in East Africa with electricity and an elevator, hence its name. Part of the building collapsed in 2020, and it has been under restoration since then. Even so, its tiered balconies and clock tower still dominate the waterfront.
Look for the Famous Zanzibar Doors
Stone Town Zanzibar has hundreds of carved wooden doors. Some have square tops in the older Arab style. Others have rounded tops with Indian influence. Many feature brass studs, which may come from an Indian tradition of protecting doors from elephants. Above all, each door was a status symbol, so the richer the merchant, the grander the carving.
Visit the Anglican Cathedral and Slave Market Memorial
The Anglican Christ Church Cathedral stands on the site of the last open slave market in East Africa, which closed in 1873. Inside, the altar marks the place where the whipping post once stood. Beside the church, a museum and a moving sculpture tell the story of the East African slave trade. Therefore, plan to spend at least an hour here.
Eat at the Forodhani Gardens Night Market
Every evening, food vendors set up their grills in Forodhani Gardens on the seafront. You can try seafood skewers, sugarcane juice and Zanzibar pizza, a stuffed and fried pancake that is sweet or savory. Prices are not always posted, so agree on the price before you order.
Explore Darajani Market and the Lanes
Darajani Market is the main local market, full of spices, fruit, fish and household goods. It is busy, noisy and colorful. Afterwards, wander back through the lanes, look for Freddie Mercury’s childhood home, and stop for strong coffee from a street vendor.
Day Trips From Stone Town Zanzibar
Take a Spice Tour
Zanzibar is nicknamed the Spice Island. On a spice farm tour, guides show you cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and pepper growing in the wild. Most tours also include a fruit tasting and a traditional lunch.
Visit Prison Island
Prison Island, or Changuu, lies a short boat ride from the seafront. Despite its name, it was never really used as a prison. Today, it is home to a colony of giant Aldabra tortoises. In addition, the surrounding reefs are good for snorkeling.
One Historical Fact About Stone Town Zanzibar
In 1896, Stone Town was the setting for the Anglo-Zanzibar War. It lasted less than an hour, which makes it the shortest war in recorded history. British ships bombarded the palace complex on the seafront until the sultan’s forces surrendered.
How to Get to Stone Town Zanzibar
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is only a short drive from Stone Town. It has direct flights from several African, Middle Eastern and European cities. Alternatively, fast ferries run several times a day from Dar es Salaam and take about two hours. Once you arrive, explore Stone Town Zanzibar on foot, since cars cannot enter most of the lanes.
Best Time to Visit Stone Town Zanzibar
The best time to visit Stone Town Zanzibar is during the dry season, from June to October. December to February is also a good choice, although it is hotter. On the other hand, the long rains fall from March to May. Also, remember that Zanzibar is largely Muslim. So, dress modestly in town, and be respectful if you visit during Ramadan.
Is Stone Town Zanzibar Worth Visiting?
Yes, without a doubt. Stone Town Zanzibar combines history, culture, food and ocean views in one compact, walkable town. Spend at least two nights here before heading to the beaches. For another historic walled town on the water, read our guide to Old San Juan in Puerto Rico.
Final Thoughts on Stone Town Zanzibar
In short, Stone Town Zanzibar is far more than a stopover on the way to the beach. Take your time in the lanes, watch the dhows at sunset and eat your way through Forodhani. Before long, the spice-scented magic of this old city will have you planning a return trip.
Image Credits
Wikimedia Commons
- This Photo was taken by Timothy A. Gonsalves. Feel free to use my photos, but pl: Sail Boat Sunset Stone Town Zanzibar Oct26 OM3 1123, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Diego Delso: Fuerte Viejo, Stone Town, Zanzíbar, Tanzania, 2024-05-31, DD 32, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Matthias Zirngibl from Germany: House of Wonders Zanzibar Coast, CC BY 2.0
- Richard Mortel from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Carved wooden door, Stone Town, Zanzibar (21) (28817507760), CC BY 2.0
- Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada: Food Vendor in Forodhani Gardens at Night – Stone Town – Zanzibar – Tanzania (8868676141), CC BY-SA 2.0
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