The Enchanting Stone Town of Zanzibar
Explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Stone Town, Zanzibar, where every corner reveals a story waiting to be discovered.
Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Zanzibar, is a captivating blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture, making it a must-visit for any traveler. With winding alleys, vibrant markets, and a rich tapestry of influences, you can easily spend days exploring its hidden gems.
A brief summary to Stone Town
- Zanzibar, Stone Town, TZ
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as the streets are often uneven and best explored on foot.
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
- Don't forget to negotiate prices in markets; it's a common practice and part of the experience.
- Try the local coffee and traditional dishes like biryani or mishkaki for an authentic taste of Zanzibar.
- Keep your camera ready for the stunning architecture and vibrant street scenes throughout the town.
Getting There
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Walking
If you are in the heart of Zanzibar City, head towards the waterfront area. Follow the signs to 'Forodhani Gardens,' which is a popular public space by the sea. From Forodhani Gardens, look for the entrance to Stone Town, which is marked with signs. Walk through the narrow streets, taking in the local architecture. You will soon find yourself in the vibrant area of Stone Town, where you can explore the various shops and attractions.
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Bicycle
Rent a bicycle from one of the local vendors near the Forodhani Gardens. Once you have your bike, cycle towards the main street heading south. Keep right at the fork, and you will find a path leading directly into Stone Town. This route is relatively flat and easy to navigate. Be sure to lock your bike at one of the designated parking areas when you arrive in Stone Town.
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Public Transport (Dala-Dala)
Locate a Dala-Dala (local minibus) station near your location. Look for a Dala-Dala heading towards 'Stone Town' or 'Mkunguni.' Board the Dala-Dala and pay the fare (usually less than a dollar). The ride will take you directly to Stone Town, where you can disembark at the main bus station. From there, you can walk into the streets of Stone Town and explore.
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Tuk-Tuk
Find a Tuk-Tuk driver in your vicinity; they are commonly found near hotels and tourist attractions. Tell the driver you want to go to 'Stone Town.' The ride will be short and should cost a small fee. Enjoy the views as you travel to Stone Town, and once you arrive, the driver can drop you off at a central point, making it easy to start your exploration.
Discover more about Stone Town
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Masjid Barzakh
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Vicoli e Porte di Stone Town
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Tanzania Attractions
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Secret Garden
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Treffpunkt Guru Walk
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Shia Ithna Asheri Mosque Nai masjid
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Stone town market
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The Zanzibar Curio Shop
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The Beautiful Eyes
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The 189 Gizenga House Stone Town Zanzibar
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Explore Zanzibar local tour guides
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Wonderful Zanzibar Tours
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Jafferji House
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Stone Town
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Stone town Zanzibar
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Zanzibar Coffee House
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Old Slave Market/Anglican Cathedral
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Stone Town Koi and Goldfish Farm
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Christ Church Cathedral
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Cultural Arts Centre Zanzibar
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Hamamni Persian Baths
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Hamam Persian Baths
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East Africa Slave Trade Exhibition (Slave Chambers - Cathedoral Church Of Christ)
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Chetu's Gemstones & Jewelries
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Essential places to dine
Tasty Bite BBQ
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Lukmaan Restaurant
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T&B BBQ RESTAURANT
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Anadolu-Anatolia Turkish Restaurant
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Seven Spice Restaurant
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Café Africano
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Friendi's
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Maija's Restaurant
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Green Lagoon
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Zenji Food Lovers Joint
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Green Garden Lounge Zanzibar
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Mama Robert Restaurant
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The Train's House Restaurant
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Annex of Lukmaan Restaurant
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Starah restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
KITABWALLA BAGS, STATIONARY & TOYS SHOP.
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Upendo Womens Store & House
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Treasures of Zanzibar
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Hussein Art. Banana leaves pictures
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Fadhili Original
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Masomo Bookshop
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Fivestar Zanzibar
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Mahanjumati Spice
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Mwanzo Mpya
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Swahili coffee shop
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SARIA CREATIONS
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Geraldz Fabric & Cultural Shops
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Shabbir Store
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The African boutique
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Baraza Shisha Bar
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KARAOKE COFFEESHOP AT SPICE
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Meeting Point Cafe
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The Rooftop Stone Town
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The best local breakfast bar
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Mercury's Bar
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Kisimani Bar
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Polos Zanzibar
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Cape Town Fish Market Zanzibar
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The Sunrise Restaurant
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Floating Bar
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Livingstone Beach Restaurant
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Old Castle Zanzibar
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The Sunset Bar - Africa House Hotel
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Living Room at Park Hyatt Zanzibar
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