Zanzibar Town

Travel Guide
House of Wonders
Forodhani Gardens
Old Fort
House of Wonders
Old Fort
Take trips to the surrounding islets and learn about the former slave markets and prisons in the impressive old Stone Town.

Zanzibar City is a historic cultural hub on the island of Unguja. It is the capital city of its namesake archipelago, with most of its exceptional structural treasures in the Stone Town historic district. Learn about the island culture and former slave trade in the museums and ecclesiastical buildings here.

The oldest structure in the historic center is the Old FortOpens in a new window, which dates back to the late 17th century. Marvel at the tall, brown walls and enter the courtyard for the artisanal market. Attend a film festival here and learn about the fort’s use over the years as a prison and tennis club.

Adjacent is Forodhani GardensOpens in a new window, a pretty park overlooking the Indian Ocean. Visit at night for stalls selling a range of Zanzibar culinary specialties. Try the local crepe-like version of pizza alongside potato ball soup and omelets.

Among the Stone Town highlights is Christ Church CathedralOpens in a new window. Snap photos of the intriguing coral stone design and visit the museum to learn about slavery. The church was built to commemorate the abolition of slavery on the location of the old slave market. For a more modern side of the city, explore the Ng’ambo district.

Visit from June through September for the driest months. Be ready for immense tropical rainfall in April and May. Temperatures are warm to hot year-round, providing ideal sunbathing conditions on Shangani Beach. Take a ferry to one of the surroundings islets, such as Chapwani Island, Chumbe Island and Kwale Island. Prison Island is a former slave prison and quarantine station.

The city is on the western coast of the main island in the Zanzibar archipelago. Fly to Zanzibar’s international airport or arrive at Dar es Salaam Airport on the Tanzania mainland and take the 90-minute ferry to Zanzibar. Get around by rental car or taxi. Nearby landmarks include Kichwele Forest Reserve, Tumbatu Island and Tele Island.

Zanzibar City has a fascinating blend of historical artifacts and cultures in its exceptional Stone Town district.

Where to stay in Zanzibar Town

Old Fort

Stone Town

4.5/5(52 area reviews)

Stone Town is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Christ Church Cathedral and Slave Market while you're in town.

Stone Town
Antonio Garden Hotel
Antonio Garden Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Kajificheni St, Zanzibar Town
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Zanzibar Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Hamamni Persian Baths and Jaw's ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (70 reviews)
"this hotel is amazing especially considering the cost. my initial hotel was cancelled on me at the last minute. thank heavens for that. this place is clean, close to amenities and extremely comfortable. we loved the bed. Food: the dinner was great. we only ate it once but the chef is amazing. we ..."

Reviewed on Jan. 12, 2025

Antonio Garden Hotel
Mama's House
Mama's House
3 out of 5
Mzee khamis Street, Beit-el-raas, House 14, Zanzibar Town, Mjini Magharibi Region
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Zanzibar Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free airport pick-up. Popular attractions Masingini Forest and Chapwani Island ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
"Great place to stay, I just wished there were more places to eat and relax outside of the property"

Reviewed on Sep. 11, 2024

Mama's House
Romantic zanzibar stone house,five minutes to forodhani
Romantic zanzibar stone house,five minutes to forodhani
Zanzibar
Stay at this vacation home in Zanzibar Town. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions Shakti Temple and Beit el-Sahel (Palace ...
Romantic zanzibar stone house,five minutes to forodhani
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Zanzibar Town

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
15
" "5 - Excellent 41%
4 - Good
16
" "4 - Good 43%
3 - Okay
6
" "3 - Okay 16%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

You can get a car & driver to take you around the island for $100 for the day. We went to where to where they illegally continued slavery by secretly hold the slaves in a coral cave & in a slave built bunker. We also went to 2 beaches & swam as well

5/5 - Excellent

Anonymous

Loved this place and it’s people. Easy to do day trips to other parts of island. Staff at the tourist info office were helpful. I’m glad a took a city walking tour and allowed myself time at the Slave Museum to read through all the boards.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Last tome we were there was 1997. Has retainesd a lot of character and is woth a visit certainly but the lack of cleanliness and upkeeping makes it possible the lose their UNESCO listing.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

I enjoyed the Slave Trade Museum, fish market and central market.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Everyday we were there we found a new spot to explore and get lost within. Loved getting away from the tourist heavy alley-ways to find more unique experiences. Friendly people everywhere. Food & culture were both fantastic. Want to go back now!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Zanzibar Town is a combination of historical architecture and modern day convenience. A little piece of Heaven on Earth.

Cities near Zanzibar Town