Stone Town
Coral-stone alleys, dhow-sail sunsets, and spice market aromas.
Why visit
01 / 10The 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
02 / 10Ways to spend a day
Activities €50–100 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)
Book activities & tickets
Coral-stone alleys, dhow-sail sunsets, and spice market aromas.
Where to stay
03 / 10The right base
Accommodation €40–90/night
In Stone Town
Mji Mkongwe
the old town's coral-stone maze
Shangani
a seafront old-town corner, sunset bars
In Zanzibar North
Nungwi
the northern beach base, dhows and diving
Find a place to stay
How to get there
04 / 10Easiest way in
Fly into:
- Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International ZNZ
Plan the journey
How to get around
05 / 10Once 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.
Get around
What to eat
06 / 10Order this
Food €15–30/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
07 / 10Cards on the table
Safety index
72/100
General guide, not advisory data
Best seasons
Summer · Winter
When it's at its best
Stay for
5 days
The sweet spot
Daily spend
$$
Mid-range
How to fit in
08 / 10Read 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
09 / 10What 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
10 / 10The boring bits
Three things worth sorting before you fly.
Tomorrow's detour
One place worth the trip.
Hand-picked, one a day.