Stone Town at a glance
Stone Town grew as a trading port linking Africa, Arabia and India. Its narrow lanes mix Swahili, Omani, Indian and European buildings, which is why UNESCO listed it in 2000.
Top sights in Stone Town
Most sights sit within a 20-minute walk of each other. A local guide helps you find your way and explains the stories behind the buildings.
- Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe): built by the Omanis around 1700, now home to craft stalls and an open-air stage.
- Forodhani Gardens: the seafront park where the evening food market sets up.
- Anglican Cathedral and slave market memorial: built on the site of Zanzibar’s last open slave market, with a moving exhibition beside it.
- Darajani Market: the busy central market for spices, fruit and fish.
- Carved Zanzibar doors: look for brass studs and Indian or Arab patterns on doors across the old town.
- Freddie Mercury House: a small museum about the Queen singer, who was born in Stone Town.
A one-day Stone Town walking route
This route keeps the busiest sights for the cooler morning and saves the seafront for sunset.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 8:30 am | Darajani Market while it is lively and cool |
| 10:00 am | Anglican Cathedral and the slavery exhibition |
| 11:30 am | Guided walk through the lanes to see the carved doors |
| 1:00 pm | Lunch and a rest during the hottest hours |
| 3:30 pm | Old Fort, then the seafront and the Freddie Mercury House |
| 5:30 pm | Sunset from a rooftop or a dhow cruise |
| 7:00 pm | Dinner at the Forodhani night market |
With a second day, add a spice farm tour or the boat trip to Prison Island, where giant tortoises live.
Where and what to eat
Food is one of the best parts of Stone Town. Swahili cooking here uses cloves, cardamom, coconut and fresh seafood.
Forodhani night market
Stalls open at dusk in the seafront gardens. Try grilled seafood skewers, sugarcane juice and the folded “Zanzibar pizza”.
Rooftop restaurants
Several hotels serve dinner on their rooftops, with views over the old town and the harbour at sunset.
Choose stalls that are busy and cook your food fresh in front of you. Drink bottled or filtered water.
Where to stay and how long
Stay inside the old town so you can walk everywhere. Many hotels are restored merchant houses with courtyards and rooftop terraces.
- One night: enough for a guided walk, sunset and the night market.
- Two nights: adds a spice farm or Prison Island at an easy pace.
- Then the beach: most visitors move on to Nungwi, Kendwa or the east coast. Our guide to the best time to visit Zanzibar explains which coast suits each season.
Tips for visiting Stone Town
- Dress modestly: Zanzibar is mainly Muslim, so cover shoulders and knees in town. Swimwear is for the beach only.
- Hire a licensed guide: the lanes are a maze, and a guide brings the history to life.
- Carry small cash: Tanzanian shillings or small US dollar notes are useful at markets.
- Check Ramadan dates: in 2027 it is expected to run from around early February to early March. Some cafes close during the day, but the evenings are festive.
- Buy the visitor insurance: Zanzibar requires a mandatory visitor insurance policy of about US$44, bought before you arrive or at the airport.
Zanzibar trips that include Stone Town
Each of these starts with Stone Town and finishes on the beach. Add one to the end of any safari.
- 5-Day Stone Town and Beach Escape
- 7-Day Culture, Reef and Beach Holiday
- 10-Day Kenya Safari and Zanzibar
Pairing the island with game drives? Read our guide to combining Kenya and Tanzania, or see the Zanzibar destination page.
Common questions
How many days do you need in Stone Town?
One full day covers the main sights. Two nights is ideal if you want a spice tour or Prison Island without rushing.
Is Stone Town safe for tourists?
Stone Town is generally safe for visitors. Watch your bag in crowded markets, use licensed guides and take a taxi late at night.
Can you swim in Stone Town?
There are small beaches, but the harbour water is not ideal for swimming. Most visitors swim on the north or east coast.
What should I wear in Stone Town?
Light clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. A scarf is useful for visiting religious sites.
How do I get from the airport to Stone Town?
The drive takes about 15 to 20 minutes. We include private transfers on all our Zanzibar trips.
Plan your time in Stone Town
Tell us your dates and how you like to travel. We will arrange your transfers, a guided walk and a beach stay that suits the season.
Sources and planning notes
Written by the See Safari Adventure team in Arusha, Tanzania. Reviewed November 2026 for 2027 travel. Opening times and entry rules change, so confirm them before you travel.
