Stone Town is the old centre of Zanzibar City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a maze of narrow lanes, carved doors and coral-stone buildings, shaped over centuries by Swahili, Arab, Indian and European traders. Walking with a guide is the best way to understand it. This guide covers the main sights and some practical tips.
What to see in Stone Town
- The House of Wonders. A large nineteenth-century palace on the seafront and one of the best-known buildings in the town. Parts of it have been under restoration, so check what is open on the day.
- The Old Fort. A stone fort built by Omani rulers more than three hundred years ago. Today it holds craft stalls, a cafe and an open-air stage.
- Forodhani Gardens. A seafront park where food stalls set up in the evening, serving grilled seafood and local snacks.
- Darajani Market. The main market for fruit, vegetables, fish and spices, and a lively place to watch daily life.
- The Anglican Cathedral. Built on the site of the former slave market, it is a sombre reminder of this part of Zanzibar’s history.
- The carved doors. Look for the heavy wooden doors, some with brass studs in the Indian style and others with Arab-style carving.
Visiting respectfully
Stone Town is a living town, and most people who live here are Muslim. Cover your shoulders and knees when you walk through the streets, ask before you photograph people, and be discreet about eating and drinking in public during Ramadan.
How long to allow
Our Stone Town city tour is listed as about two hours. If you want time to shop, eat or stay in the markets, plan for a longer outing.
The best time of day
Mornings are cooler and the markets are at their busiest. Late afternoon is pleasant for wandering, and Forodhani Gardens is at its best in the evening. The middle of the day can be hot and humid, so take a break indoors.
Practical tips
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, because the lanes are uneven.
- Carry water, a hat and small notes for purchases.
- Watch for bicycles and scooters in the narrow lanes.
- As in any busy market, keep valuables secure.
Combine it with other trips
Stone Town is the starting point for the Prison Island boat trip and the Nakupenda sandbank picnic, and it pairs well with an evening dhow sunset cruise. See more in things to do in Zanzibar.
A little history
Zanzibar grew rich as a trading hub on the Indian Ocean, handling goods such as cloves, ivory and spices. In 1840 the Sultan of Oman moved his capital here, and Stone Town grew into the grand port you see today. It was also a centre of the East African slave trade, which ended in the late nineteenth century. The slave market was closed in 1873, and the cathedral now stands on the site. A guide helps you see how these layers fit together as you walk.
What to eat
Stone Town is a good place to try Zanzibar’s food. Look for grilled seafood, spiced rice dishes and the snacks sold at the Forodhani Gardens stalls in the evening. Ask your guide or hotel for places they trust, and choose busy stalls where the food is fresh.
Book a guide
See the Stone Town city tour for the starting price, or send us a message or write on WhatsApp.
