Stone Town
Coral-stone alleys, dhow-sail sunsets, and spice market aromas.
Why visit
The case for going
Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, wears its millennia of trade and cultural exchange on its coral-stone sleeves, a place shaped by Omani sultans, Indian merchants, and African traditions.
The scent of cloves from nearby spice farms still hangs in the labyrinthine alleys, a living testament to its mercantile past, where every evening locals gather at Forodhani Gardens to grill fresh seafood under the stars.
What to do
Ways to spend a day
Activities 50-100 EUR total
- 01Wander the labyrinthine coral-stone alleys of Stone Town — book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 02Take a sunset dhow cruise around the harbour — book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 03Sample grilled seafood and local snacks at Forodhani Gardens night market — book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 04Visit a spice farm to learn about Zanzibar's aromatic history — book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 05Relax on the white sand beaches of Nungwi or Kendwa — book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
Coral-stone alleys, dhow-sail sunsets, and spice market aromas.
Where to stay
The right base
Accommodation 40-90 EUR/night
Stone Town
Mji Mkongwe
Shangani
Zanzibar North
Nungwi
How to get there
Easiest way in
How to get around
Once you land
Stone Town is best explored on foot. For longer distances to spice farms or northern beaches, shared minibuses (dala-dalas) offer a local experience, or taxis are readily available. Dhows operate coastal trips.
What to eat
Order this
Food 15-30 EUR/day
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Zanzibar pizza
savory stuffed pancake
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Octopus curry
creamy coconut stew
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Pilau
spiced rice with meat
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Urojo
mango and potato soup
By the numbers
Cards on the table
Safety index
72/100
General guide, not advisory data
Best seasons
Summer · Winter
When it's at its best
Fly into
ZNZ
Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International
Daily spend
$$
Mid-range
How to fit in
Read the room
Experience the rhythm of Stone Town in the late afternoon, as the heat breaks and locals gather for conversation at Jaws Corner before the Forodhani Gardens night market comes alive with grills and hawkers. Evenings are for leisurely strolls and fresh juice.
How to pack
What goes in the bag
Best in Summer
Summer: dry, sunny, and warm around 25-30C, with refreshing ocean breezes perfect for beach days.
- light, breathable clothing
- sturdy sandals for uneven streets
- reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
- insect repellent for evenings
- a small backpack for day trips
How to prepare
The boring bits
- Open (opens in a new tab)
Get a local eSIM
Airalo
- Open (opens in a new tab)
Travel insurance
SafetyWing
- Open (opens in a new tab)
Check entry requirements
Visa & vaccinations
Tomorrow's detour
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