Stone Town is the ancient heart of Zanzibar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where winding alleys lead past ornate carved doors, crumbling palaces, and spice-scented bazaars. For centuries, this was East Africa's most important trading hub, where African, Arab, Indian, and European influences fused into something entirely unique. Today, Stone Town enchants visitors with its labyrinthine streets, rooftop restaurants overlooking the Indian Ocean, and a palpable sense of history. Whether you're exploring the old slave market, haggling in Darajani Market, or watching the sunset from a dhow, Stone Town offers an experience unlike anywhere else in Africa.
Things to Do in Stone Town
Forodhani Gardens Night Market
Food/MarketIconic waterfront food market at sunset. Grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizza, sugar cane juice, and local delicacies.
Duration: ~2 hours
House of Wonders
Museum/HistoricThe largest building in Stone Town, once a sultan's palace. Currently under restoration after partial collapse.
Duration: ~1 hours
Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe)
Historic17th-century Arab fort, now a cultural center with craft shops and occasional performances.
Duration: ~1 hours
Anglican Cathedral & Slave Market
Historic/ReligiousBuilt on the site of the last slave market, the cathedral's altar stands where the whipping post once was. Powerful and moving.
Duration: ~1.5 hours
Spice Tour
TourHalf-day tour of spice plantations. See vanilla, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon growing. Includes fruit tasting and lunch.
Duration: ~4 hours
Freddie Mercury House
HistoricBirthplace of Queen's legendary frontman. Now a small museum for fans. The house is modest but meaningful.
Duration: ~0.5 hours
Stone Town Neighborhoods
Where to stay and explore
Waterfront / Forodhani
Very safeLively, scenic, touristy
The iconic seafront with Forodhani Gardens night market, House of Wonders, and Old Fort. The heart of Stone Town's tourist activity.
Price level: $$
Shangani
Very safeUpscale, historic, relaxed
Western tip of Stone Town with upscale hotels, restaurants, and the old European quarter. Home to many boutique hotels.
Price level: $$$
Hurumzi
SafeAtmospheric, authentic, residential
Central area with the famous Emerson Spice hotel, narrow alleys, and authentic local life.
Price level: $$
Malindi
Generally safe, more localLocal, busy, authentic
Northern area near the port with local markets, the Anglican Cathedral, and more budget accommodation.
Price level: $
Food & Restaurants
Stone Town's food scene blends Swahili, Arab, Indian, and African influences. Rooftop dining is a highlight, and the Forodhani night market is essential. Seafood is exceptional.
Must-Try Dishes
Zanzibar Pizza
Thin dough filled with meat, veggies, egg, and cheese, cooked on a griddle. Street food staple.
Urojo (Zanzibar Mix)
Tangy soup with bhajias, potatoes, mango, and coconut. Unique to Zanzibar.
Octopus Curry
Fresh octopus in rich coconut curry, a coastal specialty.
Mishkaki
Marinated meat skewers, grilled over charcoal. Often served with spicy sauce.
Top Restaurants
Emerson Spice Rooftop
$$$Swahili Fine Dining • Hurumzi
Multi-course Swahili dinner with sunset views, reservations essential
The Tea House
$$Swahili/Seafood • Shangani
Rooftop setting at Emerson on Hurumzi, excellent seafood
Lukmaan
$Local Swahili • Malindi
Authentic local food, massive portions, budget-friendly
Forodhani Gardens
$Street Food • Waterfront
Night market with grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizza, fresh juices
Monsoon Restaurant
$$$Fusion • Shangani
Creative fusion cuisine, elegant setting
Stone Town Nightlife
Stone Town is conservative and nightlife is limited. Rooftop bars, sunset drinks, and the Forodhani market are the main evening activities. For beach parties, head to Nungwi or Kendwa.
Best areas: Shangani, Waterfront
Mercury's
Bar/RestaurantShangani
Named after Freddie Mercury, lively bar with sea views and live music some nights
Africa House Hotel
BarShangani
Colonial-era hotel with the best sunset terrace in Stone Town
Tatu Rooftop Bar
BarHurumzi
Intimate rooftop bar with cocktails and ocean views
Shopping in Stone Town
Stone Town is excellent for unique souvenirs: carved doors, spices, Tingatinga paintings, antiques, and Zanzibari crafts. Bargaining is expected everywhere.
Malls
Markets
- Darajani Market - Local market
- Forodhani Craft Stalls - Tourist market
What to Buy
Safety in Stone Town
Stone Town is safe for tourists. The main concerns are petty theft and getting lost in the labyrinthine streets (which is part of the charm). Zanzibar is culturally conservative.
Safe Areas
- ✓ All main tourist areas
- ✓ Waterfront
- ✓ Shangani
Avoid
- ✗ Empty alleys late at night
- ✗ Beach after dark (robberies reported)
Safety Tips
- • Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) out of respect for local culture
- • Getting lost is inevitable; enjoy it or hire a guide
- • Don't walk on the beach after dark
- • Agree on taxi/tour prices beforehand
- • Carry small bills for market purchases
Getting Around Stone Town
Walking
RecommendedThe only way to explore Stone Town. Alleys are narrow and labyrinthine.
Free
Taxi
RecommendedFor airport transfers and beach trips. Negotiate price first.
$10-50 depending on destination
Dala-dala
Local minibuses to beaches and around the island. Cheap but crowded.
$1-3
Scooter rental
RecommendedPopular for exploring the island independently. International license required.
$15-25/day
Stone Town Weather
Tropical coastal
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| january | 32°C | 25°C | 60mm | Hot, humid, some rain |
| february | 33°C | 25°C | 50mm | Hottest month |
| march | 32°C | 25°C | 150mm | Long rains begin |
| april | 30°C | 24°C | 320mm | Heavy rain, low season |
| may | 29°C | 23°C | 250mm | Rains continue |
| june | 29°C | 22°C | 50mm | Drier, pleasant |
| july | 28°C | 21°C | 30mm | Coolest, dry |
| august | 28°C | 21°C | 30mm | Dry, pleasant |
| september | 29°C | 21°C | 40mm | Warming up |
| october | 30°C | 22°C | 80mm | Short rains begin |
| november | 31°C | 24°C | 180mm | Short rains |
| december | 32°C | 24°C | 130mm | Rains taper, hot |
How Many Days in Stone Town?
1
Minimum
2
Recommended
3
Ideal