Zanzibar Stone Town Adventure: history and culture on foot

Stone Town is the old part of Zanzibar City, right on the Indian Ocean. The lanes are narrow and winding, the walls are built of coral stone, and many houses still have their centuries-old carved doors. You smell cloves and cinnamon in the air and hear people chatting in Swahili in the doorways. It feels like a living museum.

Africa, the Middle East, India and Europe all left their mark here, and you see it in the buildings, the food and the faces. History lovers, food lovers and people who just like to wander without a map all tend to like it straight away.

Why Stone Town is worth a visit

Historic stone buildings in Stone Town, ZanzibarStone Town, the historic centre of Zanzibar City, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike a lot of famous old towns, it still feels like a place where people live and work, not a stage set for tourists. The buildings mix Arab, Persian, Indian and European styles, and almost every street has a story.

Many visitors say the best way to see Stone Town is to get a little lost, and we agree.

Top places to see in Stone Town

Street food stalls at the Forodhani Gardens night market in Stone Town

You don’t need a strict plan here, but a few places are worth putting on your list:

1. House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib)

This big, well-known building was once the sultan’s palace. It was later the first building in East Africa with electricity and a lift. Today it is a museum about Zanzibari history and Swahili culture. You can’t miss it.

2. The Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe)

The Old Fort stands right next to the House of Wonders and dates back to the 17th century. It is a good stop if you like old buildings, and there are often local art, crafts and performances inside.

3. Freddie Mercury’s House

Yes, the Queen singer was born here. The house is now a boutique hotel, but plenty of fans still stop for a photo outside.

4. Darajani Market

This busy market is where locals buy everything from fish and spices to electronics. It is noisy, colourful and crowded, and it shows you everyday life in the town.

5. Forodhani Gardens

At sunset this waterfront park fills up with street food stalls. Try a Zanzibar pizza, grilled seafood skewers and a glass of sugarcane juice.

Local culture in Stone Town

Etiquette tips for visitors

  • Dress modestly. Most people in Stone Town are Muslim. Light, loose clothes that cover your shoulders and knees are polite and also keep you cool.

  • Learn a few Swahili words. A simple “Jambo” (hello) or “Asante” (thank you) goes a long way.

  • Buy local. When you shop from spice sellers and artists, your money goes straight to local families.

Best time to visit

  • Dry Season: June to October. The most comfortable time to walk around.

  • Short Rains: November to December. Short showers, but still a good time to go.

  • Avoid: Mid-March to May. This is the peak of the long rains.

Getting there and around

Stone Town is a short drive from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. You can walk to most places in town, or take a boda boda (motorbike taxi) if you don’t mind a bumpy ride.

Got more time? Take a dhow cruise, visit Prison Island, or spend a day at Jozani Forest to see the rare red colobus monkeys.