7 days
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsStone Town, Zanzibar
Zanzibar · UNESCO World Heritage
Stone Town is the historic heart of Zanzibar City, a maze of narrow lanes, coral stone houses and mosques shaped by centuries of African, Arab, Persian, Indian and European trade. UNESCO listed it in 2000 as an outstanding example of a Swahili trading town.
Things to do
- Forodhani Gardens: The waterfront park with a street food market every evening.
- The Old Fort: Built by the Omanis in the 1600s.
- Former slave market: Christ Church Cathedral and a memorial and exhibition on the East African slave trade.
- House of Wonders: The sultan's ceremonial palace, under restoration after part of it collapsed in 2020.
- Darajani Market: Spices, fruit and fish in the main market.
- Carved doors: Walk with a local guide to learn what the Arab and Indian styles mean.
Practical information
| Getting around | On foot; lanes are too narrow for cars |
| Where to stay | Boutique hotels in restored merchants' houses |
| Day trips | Prison Island's tortoises, spice farms, Jozani Forest |
| Dress code | Modest clothes away from the beach; fines apply for inappropriate dress |
Tip: Hire a guide for your first walk: the lanes are confusing, and the stories behind the buildings bring the town to life.
Who it suits
History lovers, food lovers and anyone combining a safari with Zanzibar. One or two nights are enough before heading to a beach. See our Zanzibar travel guide.
A short history
Stone Town grew from a fishing village into the capital of an Omani sultanate in the 1800s, when Zanzibar dominated the clove trade and, tragically, the East African slave trade. Merchants from Oman, India and Persia built tall coral stone houses with carved doors and wide balconies. The town remains a living community, with families in many of the historic houses.
When to go
June to October and December to February are the driest and most comfortable months. April and May bring heavy rain. During Ramadan, whose dates move each year, the town is quieter by day and comes alive after sunset.
Where it is
Multi-day tours that visit Stone Town, Zanzibar
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Stone Town, Zanzibar: questions
Is Stone Town worth visiting?
Yes, for at least a night: its history, architecture and food market are the cultural highlight of Zanzibar.
How long should I spend in Stone Town?
One or two nights, before moving to a beach.
Is Stone Town safe?
Generally yes with normal precautions. Use a guide or taxi at night and keep valuables out of sight.
What should I wear in Stone Town?
Clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Zanzibar is mostly Muslim and fines apply for inappropriate dress in public.