Stone Town (Zanzibar City) Travel Guide - Free

Explore Stone Town in Zanzibar City with Evendo's free guide. Find the best shops, historic streets, restaurants, and gems on web or mobile.

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Stone Town
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Discover Stone Town in Zanzibar City: A UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with history, culture, and vibrant local life in a maze of narrow alleys and ancient architecture.

Stone Town, the old part of Zanzibar City, is a captivating blend of Persian, Arab, Indian, and European influences. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a maze of narrow alleys, bustling bazaars, and ancient architecture that transports visitors back in time. The town's rich history is palpable, with every turn revealing a new story etched in the stone walls and ornate wooden doors.
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As you wander through Stone Town, you'll encounter the House of Wonders, the largest and tallest building in the area, offering a glimpse into Zanzibar's storied past. Nearby, the Old Fort stands as a testament to the island's resilience, having withstood various invasions over centuries. The town's numerous mosques, churches, and temples reflect its diverse cultural tapestry, providing a spiritual journey alongside the physical one.
The vibrant Darajani Market is a must-visit for those seeking an authentic taste of local life. Here, you can find fresh produce, spices, and traditional crafts. The market's lively atmosphere is a sensory delight, with the aroma of exotic spices filling the air. For a more relaxed experience, head to the Forodhani Gardens in the evening to enjoy the local seafood delicacies at the night market while watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean.

Best attractions in Stone Town

Stone Town in Zanzibar City offers a captivating blend of history and culture, with its narrow winding streets lined with intricately-carved wooden doors, bustling markets, and ancient mosques. Visitors can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old Fort, wander through the vibrant Forodhani Gardens where local vendors sell delicious street food, and take a tour of the Sultan's Palace to learn about Zanzibar's rich heritage. Don't miss a visit to the House of Wonders, the oldest building in Stone Town, which showcases the island's fascinating history through interactive displays and exhibits. With its unique architecture and lively atmosphere, Stone Town is a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic taste of Zanzibar's past and present.

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Best landmarks in Stone Town

As you wander through the narrow, winding streets of Stone Town in Zanzibar City, it's impossible not to be captivated by the rich history and vibrant culture that surrounds you. From the iconic House of Wonders to the bustling Forodhani Gardens, each landmark in this historic neighbourhood tells a story of its own. Explore the unique architecture, taste the local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Explore Stone Town on the map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Stone Town, mapped for you.

Best restaurants in Stone Town

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Best bars in Stone Town

Stone Town in Zanzibar City offers a vibrant nightlife scene for visitors to enjoy, with a mix of traditional local music venues, lively bars, and beachfront clubs. From sunset cocktails overlooking the Indian Ocean to dancing under the stars to Swahili beats, tourists can experience a unique blend of culture and entertainment in this historic neighbourhood. The narrow alleys come alive at night with street food vendors, live music performances, and bustling crowds, creating an electric atmosphere that is not to be missed.

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Best nightclubs in Stone Town

Stone Town in Zanzibar City offers a vibrant nightlife scene for visitors to enjoy, with a mix of traditional local music venues, lively bars, and beachfront clubs. From sunset cocktails overlooking the Indian Ocean to dancing under the stars to Swahili beats, tourists can experience a unique blend of culture and entertainment in this historic neighbourhood. The narrow alleys come alive at night with street food vendors, live music performances, and bustling crowds, creating an electric atmosphere that is not to be missed.

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Best shops in Stone Town

Stone Town in Zanzibar City offers a vibrant and eclectic shopping scene for visitors to explore. From bustling markets selling local spices, textiles, and handcrafted goods to charming boutique stores offering unique souvenirs, there is something for everyone. Visitors can wander through narrow alleyways lined with colorful stalls, haggle with friendly vendors, and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the area while picking up one-of-a-kind treasures to take home.

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Stone Town essentials

Getting There
Stone Town is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Zanzibar City. From the Zanzibar International Airport, you can take a taxi or a pre-arranged shuttle service to reach Stone Town, which is approximately 8 kilometers away. Local buses, known as daladalas, also operate from the airport to the city center, providing a budget-friendly option for travelers.
Getting Around
Stone Town is best explored on foot due to its narrow winding streets and rich history. Walking allows you to fully appreciate the architecture and local culture. For longer distances, you can use taxis, which are widely available. Note that there are no trains or bicycles for public use in Stone Town, but motorbike taxis (boda-boda) can be hired for quick rides.
Safety
Stone Town is generally safe for tourists, but it's wise to remain vigilant, especially at night. Areas around the Old Fort and the waterfront can be less secure after dark. Avoid displaying valuables and keep your belongings secure. Be cautious in quieter alleyways, as petty theft can occur. It's recommended to stick to well-lit and populated areas during evening walks.
Emergency Situations
In case of emergency, dial 112 for police assistance or 0786 200 200 for medical emergencies. Local hospitals, such as Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, are available for urgent care. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergency situations. For minor health issues, pharmacies can be found throughout Stone Town.
Do's and Don'ts
Fashion: Do dress modestly and respect local customs, particularly when visiting mosques. Women should avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do show respect by covering shoulders and knees in religious sites. Public Transport: Do respect local customs, give up your seat for the elderly, and avoid loud conversations. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Jambo' or 'Habari' and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings politely. Don't waste food or refuse invitations to share a meal, as this is considered rude.
Local Tips
To experience Stone Town like a local, visit the Darajani Market for fresh produce and local snacks. Engage with vendors and learn about local cuisine. Attend cultural events or traditional music performances when possible. Take time to explore hidden alleys and lesser-known sites for a more authentic experience. Consider visiting local cafes, where you can enjoy coffee and watch the world go by.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloJambo[jahm-boh]
GoodbyeKwaheri[kwah-heh-ree]
YesNdiyo[n-dee-yoh]
NoHapana[hah-pah-nah]
Please/You're welcomeTafadhali[tah-fah-dah-lee]
Thank youAsante[ah-sahn-teh]
Excuse me/SorrySamahani[sah-mah-hah-nee]
How are you?Habari gani?[hah-bah-ree gah-nee]
Fine. And you?Nzuri. Na wewe?[n-zoo-ree. nah weh-weh]
Do you speak English?Unasema Kiingereza?[oo-nah-say-mah kee-een-geh-reh-zah]
I don't understandSielewi[see-eh-leh-wee]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNingependa kuona menyu, tafadhali[nee-ngheh-pehn-dah kwoh-nah meh-nyoo, tah-fah-dah-lee]
I don't eat meatSiuli nyama[see-oo-lee nyah-mah]
Cheers!Afya![ah-fyah]
I would like to pay, pleaseNingependa kulipa, tafadhali[nee-ngheh-pehn-dah koo-lee-pah, tah-fah-dah-lee]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Msaada![msah-ah-dah]
Go away!Ondoka![ohn-doh-kah]
Call the Police!Piga simu polisi![pee-gah see-moo poh-lee-see]
Call a doctor!Piga simu daktari![pee-gah see-moo dahk-tah-ree]
I'm lostNimepotea[nee-meh-poh-teh-ah]
I'm illNinaumwa[nee-nah-oom-wah]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ningependa kununua...[nee-ngheh-pehn-dah koo-noo-noo-ah]
I'm just lookingNatazama tu[nah-tah-zah-mah too]
How much is it?Ni bei gani?[nee bay gah-nee]
That's too expensiveHilo ni ghali sana[hee-loh nee gah-lee sah-nah]
Can you lower the price?Unaweza kupunguza bei?[oo-nah-weh-zah koo-poon-goo-zah bay]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Saa ngapi?[sah-ah ngah-pee]
It's one o'clockSaa moja[sah-ah moh-jah]
Half past (10)Nusu saa kumi[noo-soo sah-ah koo-mee]
MorningAsubuhi[ah-soo-boo-hee]
AfternoonMchana[m-chah-nah]
EveningJioni[joh-nee]
YesterdayJana[jah-nah]
TodayLeo[leh-oh]
TomorrowKesho[keh-shoh]
1Moja[moh-jah]
2Mbili[m-bee-lee]
3Tatu[tah-too]
4Nne[n-neh]
5Tano[tah-noh]
6Sita[see-tah]
7Saba[sah-bah]
8Nane[nah-neh]
9Tisa[tee-sah]
10Kumi[koo-mee]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Iko wapi...?[ee-koh wah-pee]
What's the address?Anuani ni gani?[ah-noo-ah-nee nee gah-nee]
Can you show me (on the map)?Unaweza kunionyesha (kwenye ramani)?[oo-nah-weh-zah koo-nee-oh-nyeh-shah (kweh-neh rah-mah-nee)]
When's the next (bus)?Basi lifuata lini?[bah-see lee-foo-ah-tah lee-nee]
A ticket (to ....)Tiketi (kwenda ...)[tee-keh-tee (kwehn-dah)]

History of Stone Town

The Birth of Stone Town

Stone Town, the historical heart of Zanzibar City, has its origins in the late 17th century when it was established as a trading port by Arab settlers. The settlement quickly grew due to its strategic location along the Indian Ocean trade routes, becoming a melting pot of cultures, including Arab, Persian, Indian, and later European influences.

Omani Rule and Architectural Flourishing

In the 19th century, Stone Town became the capital of the Sultanate of Oman, leading to a period of immense prosperity and architectural development. The sultans built grand palaces, mosques, and public buildings, many of which still stand today, showcasing intricate coral stone architecture and Swahili influences.

The Spice Trade

Zanzibar earned the nickname 'Spice Island' due to its thriving spice trade, particularly in cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. The spice trade not only enriched the local economy but also attracted traders from all over the world, further diversifying the cultural tapestry of Stone Town.

The Abolition of the Slave Trade

The late 19th century marked a pivotal moment in Stone Town's history with the abolition of the slave trade. Zanzibar was a major hub for the slave trade, and the end of this practice in 1873 significantly impacted the local economy and social structures, leading to a reorientation towards legitimate trade.

Colonial Era and the British Protectorate

In the late 19th century, Zanzibar became a British protectorate. This period saw significant changes in governance and infrastructure, including the introduction of Western education and legal systems, which shaped the modern identity of Stone Town while also sparking nationalist movements.

Independence and Cultural Renaissance

Following independence in the 1960s, Stone Town experienced a cultural renaissance as the local population sought to reclaim and celebrate its rich heritage. The area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, recognizing its unique architectural and historical significance, and efforts have since been made to preserve its cultural identity amidst modernization.

Stone Town in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

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Neighbourhoods near Stone Town

The closest neighbourhoods to Stone Town, if you have time for more than one stop.

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