Stone Town

Zanzibar

Mesmerizing architecture and foodie haven

We quickly lost ourselves wandering the narrow streets of Zanzibar’s cultural heart: Stone Town. Strolling through the maze of winding alleys, you will experience a colorful hustle and bustle. In addition to the hundreds of small shops, historical architecture seems magical. Zanzibar is so different from mainland Tanzania. It even could be an entirely different country. We’ll probably forever remember Stone Town’s impressive buildings and the most delicious food. Despite beautiful beaches, Zanzibar offers plenty of things to do.

SIGHT SEEING
CULTURE
ACTIVITIES
NIGHTLIFE

The former trade hub is a melting pot of African, Arab, Indian, and European cultures. Of course, the heavy influence of the Middle Eastern is still present today, not just in architecture and food. But, contrary to the rest of Tanzania, most Zanzibaris are Muslim. The UNESCO World Heritage Site and its maze seem to hold a secret at every corner. Tall white buildings constructed by Arabs stand next to romantically latticed balconies built by Indians. As a result, stone Town looks like a kaleidoscope of colors, flavors, and people.

  • In Stone Town, responsible accommodation is not only about eco labels. It is also about preserving historic buildings, supporting local teams and artisans, reducing waste where possible, and treating the old town as a living community rather than a beautiful backdrop.
Our recommendations

Best places to stay in Stone Town

Stone Town is one of those places where the right hotel can change the way you experience the city. I would not look for a stay that removes you from the old town, but one that brings you closer to it — through restored architecture, Zanzibari design, local craft, food, music, rooftop views and a stronger sense of cultural context.

Emerson Zanzibar is the strongest choice if you want your stay to feel deeply connected to Stone Town’s history and atmosphere. With its heritage buildings, rooftop dining, carved details, old-world interiors and cultural programming, it feels less like a hotel and more like a doorway into the city’s layered past. I would choose Emerson if you care about architecture, storytelling, food, music and staying somewhere that takes the spirit of Stone Town seriously.

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Sharazād Wonders is a softer boutique option in the heart of Stone Town. It feels stylish without being too detached from place, with a focus on design, calm interiors and a more conscious hospitality approach. I would recommend it for travelers who want the beauty of a boutique stay, but still prefer something smaller, more thoughtful and rooted in the old city rather than a large hotel experience.


Upendo House is the more contemporary choice — polished, social and design-led, with one of the best rooftop settings in Stone Town. It works well if you want comfort, atmosphere and a modern Zanzibari feel, while still staying within walking distance of the city’s lanes, markets and seafront. I would choose it for travelers who want a stylish base, good food and a little more energy without leaving the old town behind.

Wander through the maze of alleys

We loved exploring Stone Town on foot. The deteriorated buildings tell the stories of past times. But, if you pay attention, you’ll notice Zanzibar’s tolerance. Mosques, Hindu temples, and churches can often be found nearby. Time has eaten up the grand architecture from past times. We spent our days strolling around the maze of alleys, admiring beautiful cravings, balconies, and doors. The buildings date from the 19th century and are primarily coral stone. Because of the material’s sensitivity, many buildings are now in deplorable condition and form a vivid, dramatic image. Besides the massive, multi-story stone buildings with flat roofs and tiny windows from Arab architecture, one finds houses with romantically decorated, open balconies that bear the signature of Indian architecture. Today, many transformed buildings are home to museums that elaborate on Zanzibar’s history. With no goal and nowhere to be, it was beautiful to imagine life in those buildings
back in the day.

Admire the world-famous Zanzibar doors

With its unique architecture, Stone Town is a living monument to its past cultural fusion and trade, which shaped the nation. The magnificent Zanzibarian doors offer an understanding of the homeowner’s place of origin, profession, and economic status. There are two types of doors in Stone Town:

Arabic doors

Secondly, Arabic doors with elaborate Arabic inscriptions – most likely a phrase from the Holy Qur’an – are at the top. Arabic doors are richly decorated around the frame. The lotus, chain, and pineapple are common cultural motives that can often be found on Arabic doors. You’ll find the oldest ones close to the Old Fort.

My favorite things to do downtown

Gujrati doors

As you stroll along the bazaar, you’ll spot Indian entries or “Gujarati doors,” which indicate that Indian businessmen used to settle here. Gujarati doors were crafted from Indian teak, imported from Asia, and ornated by skilled Indian craftsmen. Typically one can witness large brass studs which have their origins in India, where they were used as a defense against war elephants. However, in Zanzibar, the studs were only a symbol of wealth.

Arabic doors

Secondly, Arabic doors with elaborate Arabic inscriptions – most likely a phrase from the Holy Qur’an – are at the top. Arabic doors are richly decorated around the frame. The lotus, chain, and pineapple are common cultural motives that can often be found on Arabic doors. You’ll find the oldest ones close to the Old Fort.

Watch the sunset at the waterfront

Every afternoon Stone Town’s waterfront comes to life as young people come together to hang out, play and challenge each other’s acrobatic skills. We loved the vibe, which was bursting with energy. The waterfront is an excellent spot to immerse into local life and enjoy breathtaking sunsets.

Experience a sunset Dhow cruise

Arab traders used Dhows for centuries to travel the Indian Ocean to the Swahili Coast. The wooden vessels vary in size. Of course, it’s very touristy thing to do, but a sunset Dhow cruise is a beautiful way to enjoy the sunset.

Feast at Forodhani Gardens -Stone Town’s food market

While we have grown accustomed to goat and Kuku (=chicken), rice and beans, our taste buds were ready for some stimulation.

Many vendors are illuminated by oil lamps and sell mostly seafood in front of the Old Fort. After sunset, the square is buzzing with life as hungry tourists and locals alike come to enjoy the delicious dishes. We enjoyed a lovely dinner there. It’s perfect for hanging out with locals and learning about their cuisine.

Shop for spices and soaps at Darajani Market

Darajani Market is located right next to the former slave chambers. The market is buzzing with local life—a firework of noise, smells, different colors, and people. We loved discovering fruits, produce, and spices from all across Zanzibar. So step up your haggling game and get some spices and handmade soap. The small alleys leading away from the Darajani market disclose small stores where all kinds of products invite you to a shop. People were eager to explain and sell us their products. While shopping for clothes, we made friends with local women and enjoyed getting to know them better.

Visit the former slave market

Zanzibar has an adverse and sinister claim to fame: Enslaved people from the African mainland were transported here, mistreated, and sold before being shipped to the Middle East and even North America. While the Portuguese first introduced the slave trade, it reached its peak under the Omani sultanate. To get a deeper understanding of the history, it’s worth visiting the world’s only open slave market. It’s a profoundly important site. Nowadays, an Anglican cathedral is there as a symbolic triumph over inhumanity

Go on a spice tour

The Zanzibar archipelago is also known as “Spice Island.” In the past, Arabs, Indians, and Persian brought spice plantations to the island. Until today, you’ll find spice plantations across Zanzibar. Of course, those tours are touristy, but they are exciting and educational.

Popular tours in Stone Town

Practical Travel Tips for Zanzibar

Swahili (Kiswahili) is the national language and spoken everywhere — it’s what connects daily life across regions and ethnic groups. English is widely used in tourism, government, and higher education, but outside hotels and safari lodges, Swahili is what people actually use. I found that learning even a few basic phrases made interactions noticeably warmer and more natural.

The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is used everywhere. Cash is essential — I relied on it daily for transport, food, and small purchases. ATMs exist in cities and larger towns, but they’re not always reliable. Cards work mainly in higher-end hotels and lodges.

I would plan one to two nights in Stone Town. One night gives you a first feeling for the old town, especially if you arrive before sunset and take a guided walk the next morning. Two nights are better if you want to move more slowly, visit the market, learn about the city’s history, enjoy rooftop dining and still have time to simply wander without rushing to the beach.

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You don’t need to, but learning basic Swahili changed my experience noticeably. Even simple greetings made interactions warmer and more human, especially outside hotels and safari lodges. English works in tourism settings, but Swahili opens doors elsewhere.

Stone Town can be visited year-round, but the most comfortable months are usually during the drier seasons. I especially like Stone Town in the early morning and late afternoon, when the light is softer and the lanes feel less hot. Midday can be heavy, so plan museums, cafés or a shaded hotel break when the heat builds.

Stone Town is not only a historic site; it is a living town. People live, work, pray, shop and go to school inside the same streets visitors come to photograph. Its culture is shaped by Swahili, Arab, Indian, Persian, Omani and European influences, but it is not a museum version of those histories. Come with curiosity, but also with respect: greet people, ask before taking photos, and remember that the most beautiful doorway may also be someone’s home.

Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim, and religion is part of everyday life in Stone Town. You will hear the call to prayer from the mosques, see people dressed modestly, and notice that daily rhythms can shift around prayer times and religious holidays. As a visitor, you do not need to overthink every step, but you should move with awareness. Around mosques, residential lanes and local markets, respectful dress and behavior matter.

Stone Town is not the place to walk around in beachwear. I would wear light, loose clothing that covers shoulders and knees: linen trousers, long skirts, loose dresses, shirts or kaftans work well in the heat. You do not need to cover your hair, but dressing modestly makes the experience more comfortable and respectful, especially away from hotel rooftops and tourist restaurants.

Most mosques in Zanzibar are not open to non-Muslim visitors. You can still appreciate their presence from the outside: the call to prayer, the minarets, the movement of people before and after prayer, and the way religious life shapes the rhythm of the town. Be especially mindful around mosque entrances, avoid photographing worshippers without permission, and keep your voice and clothing respectful.

Stone Town Sansibar

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