Things to do in Stone Town on a dream vacation
If you have a similar traveling style to ours, chances are you won’t choose to stay in Zanzibar’s capital during your holiday. However, you should spend at least one day exploring the city, ticking off your list of the many things to do in Stone Town.
We explored the whole island during our vacation in Zanzibar, and its capital is quite unique. It might be the narrow streets, the impressive doors, the walls made of coral, or the smell of food and joy in the air.
No matter where you stay on the island, make sure to go on a day trip to Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This might not sound as exciting as climbing Kilimanjaro, but you won’t regret it!
This post contains affiliate links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you. Read more about this on our disclosure page here.
Table of Contents
- Things to do in Stone Town, Zanzibar
- Sample the local cuisine at Forodhani Gardens Food Market
- Stay at a traditional hotel
- Explore the alleys of Stone Town
- Learn about the sultans at the Palace Museum
- Visit the Freddie Mercury House
- Shop at Darajani Bazaar
- Changuu Island (Prison Island)
- Visit the Old Fort
- Spend some time at the beach
- Admire the famous Zanzibari doors
- Where to stay in Stone Town
- How long do you need in Stone Town?
- What should you wear in Stone Town?
- Is it safe to walk around Stone Town?
- Visa requirements for Zanzibar (Tanzania)
Things to do in Stone Town, Zanzibar
Sample the local cuisine at Forodhani Gardens Food Market
As night falls, head to the seafront, where tens of tents with delicious food will lure you in.
Try delicious local dishes, from freshly caught seafood to pilau or biryani packed with spices, meats, and dried fruit. Take your food to go, and enjoy it by the sea, with the salty breeze in your hair.
Stay at a traditional hotel
If you spend the night in Stone Town, book a room in one of the traditional Swahili hotels for an authentic experience.
Explore the alleys of Stone Town
That’s the best way to experience the city.
We went on a Stone Town walking tour with a guide and learned a lot about the local traditions and history.
Learn about the sultans at the Palace Museum
Built in the 19th century as the residence of the Sultan’s family, the Palace was transformed into a museum years later.
Visit the Freddie Mercury House
While my husband is a lifelong fan, I was surprised to hear that Freddie Mercury was born in Stone Town.
While there isn’t much to see but a two-window display honoring the famous artist, this is a must-see on any list of things to do in Stone Town.
Shop at Darajani Bazaar
The unofficial heart of Stone Town, the market is where you can experience the authentic life in Zanzibar.
Countless types of fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish are on display, waiting for you to barter with the sellers. If you cannot handle the strong smells at the meat and fish market, head directly to the area where they sell spices.
Changuu Island (Prison Island)
Easily reached by a small boat from the harbor in Zanzibar’s capital, Changuu Island, also known as Prison Island, should be on anyone’s list of things to do in Stone Town.
The island that once served as a starting point for those sold as slaves in the West has now been turned into a sanctuary for giant turtles. Over a century ago, the British governor of Seychelles gifted the turtles.
Additionally, the water surrounding the island is one of the bluest I’ve seen, and the small beaches are stunningly beautiful.
Visit the Old Fort
Erected in the 17th century on the site of the original Portuguese fort, the For is nowadays the cultural heart of Stone Town.
Every year, everything related to culture, including music, fashion, and movie festivals, takes place here. Additionally, you can shop for souvenirs to bring home and even get traditional henna tattoos done by local women.
Spend some time at the beach
While you won’t come to Stone Town for the beach, with so many other dreamy destinations for this, spending a few hours by the sea is always a good idea.
Mingle with the locals, watch them dance, feel the breeze in your hair, take pictures with the colorful fishing boats, and simply relax.
Admire the famous Zanzibari doors
These ornate wooden doors, some dating back hundreds of years, are unique to Stone Town. They feature intricate carvings depicting scenes from local folklore or religious beliefs. The best ones are at the Old Fort, St Augustine’s Anglican Cathedral, the House of Wonders Museum, and the Slave Lodge.
Where to stay in Stone Town
If you choose to spend the night in Zanzibar, the best option is to stay in a traditional Swahili hotel.
Those are not only beautifully designed but also infused with history. Arabic-style arches, carved doors, and colorful decorations are ideally located in the city’s heart.
Here are a few hotels worth looking at:
Booking.comHow long do you need in Stone Town?
While we only went on a day trip to Stone Town, I think it would have been better to spend 48 hours and stay overnight in the island’s capital.
This way, you will have enough time to experience all the best things to do in Stone Town without rushing from one thing to the other.
What should you wear in Stone Town?
As a woman in a mostly Muslim destination, I decided to respect their local traditions and dress rather conservatively. That doesn’t mean having to cover from head to toe, it is a warm destination, after all, but following some simple guidelines:
- Cover your shoulders;
- Wear a skirt or dress over the knees;
- I chose colors, and you’ll see that most people in Zanzibar love colors, so that would be just fine.
For more information, check out our post about what to pack for Zanzibar.
Is it safe to walk around Stone Town?
The short answer to this question is yes, definitely!
We didn’t feel unsafe for a minute. People on the island are friendly and open to help you, and at any step of the way, you can feel the laidback, relaxed “Hakuna Matata” vibe.
Still, consider booking a guided tour of the city for your peace of mind.
Visa requirements for Zanzibar (Tanzania)
You will most likely need a visa, depending on where you are traveling from. Check your Visa requirements here!
The good news is that you can easily apply online for your tourist visa and get it in no time. The visa is valid for one year and costs circa 100 USD.
The process is done online, and you get all the necessary information (related to any testing, quarantine, or insurance required).
Check your Visa requirements here!
PIN FOR LATER!
