Stone Town, Zanzibar’s historic heart, is a place that some tourists skip en-route to the island’s fabulous beaches.
After spending several days wandering its labyrinth of alleyways, I can confidently say that Stone Town is absolutely worth visiting. It’s chaotic, atmospheric, and extremely interesting.
Here’s what it felt like to explore the UNESCO-listed heart of Zanzibar, along with everything I recommend seeing, doing, and knowing before you go.
First, Expectations: Getting Lost Is the Point
Arriving in Stone Town feels like stepping into a living museum. The streets are impossibly narrow, often barely wide enough for two people to pass. Scooters buzz past, children weave through alleyways, and locals sit on small wooden stools outside shops.
But the first thing I noticed was the smell. It’s a mix of sea air, cloves, grilled seafood, spices, incense, and sometimes old stone after rain. Zanzibar was once the centre of the global spice trade, and that legacy still lingers in the air.
Above you, laundry hangs between buildings. Below you, centuries-old coral stone walls lean inward as if the city itself is slowly folding together.
And everywhere are the famous carved doors. Each one is different. Massive wooden frames with intricate carvings that once showed the wealth and status of the family living inside.
Within minutes I stopped trying to navigate properly and accepted that getting lost is the point of visiting here.
One of my most poignant memories of my first day in Stone Town was sneaking into a coffee shop (that I later found to be Puzzle Coffee) and enjoying one of the most delicious brews of my holiday.
And Stone Town’s Unique History is Worth Learning
Arab traders, Persian merchants, Indian financiers, Portuguese colonists, British administrators, and African sailors all shaped the city that is Stone Town today. You see varied cultural influences everywhere, from the ornate Omani balconies to the British colonial buildings.
This mix gives Stone Town a completely unique identity and it’s why the historic centre was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It’s out with the scope of this post to tell you the entire history of Stone Town, but I would highly recommend Abdul Sheriff’s 1995 History & Conservation of Stone Town if you’d like to educate yourself before your upcoming holiday.
Must-Visit Stone Town Destinations to Add To Your Itinerary
Beyond getting lost and enjoying a coffee, below are six things you must consider doing if you’re visiting Stone Town this year:
1: Visit Stone Town’s Old Slave Market
One of the most important places to visit is the former slave market site. Today it’s home to the Anglican Cathedral of Christ Church, built directly on top of the old slave trading grounds.
Beneath the church, you can still see the slave holding chambers. They’re small, dark stone rooms with almost no ventilation. Standing inside them is uncomfortable and sobering.
Outside, a powerful sculpture shows enslaved figures chained together in a pit. It’s not an easy visit, but it’s essential for understanding Zanzibar’s past.
2: Spot as Many Famous Zanzibar Doors As You Can
One of my favourite things to do in Stone Town was simply walk and photograph the doors. Many date back to the 18th and 19th centuries and were designed to showcase wealth and cultural identity.
There are two main styles: Arab and Indian doors, or so my guide informed me. You can tell the difference, too. Arab doors are characterised by curved tops and floral carvings, while Indian doors tend to have square frames and brass spikes.
3: Chill at the Waterfront & Visit Forodhani Gardens
The waterfront is lined with colonial buildings and small docks where traditional dhow boats rock gently in the tide. Locals gather along the seawall to chat, drink coffee, and watch the sunset.
But the real highlight comes after dark at Forodhani Gardens. Every evening the park transforms into a bustling street food market. Smoke rises from grills while vendors shout orders and tourists gather around food stalls.
This is where I tried some of the best food in Zanzibar. Must-try dishes include:
- Zanzibar pizza (a stuffed pancake filled with meat, egg, cheese, and vegetables)
- Grilled octopus
- Sugarcane juice with lime and ginger
- Seafood skewers
- Urojo soup (a spicy Zanzibar street food classic and my personal favourite)
4: Check out Freddie Mercury’s Birthplace
Don’t shoot me, but I’m not really into Queen. Still, music fans often visit Stone Town because of its connection to Freddie Mercury. The legendary frontman of Queen was born here in 1946 when Zanzibar was still a British protectorate.
His childhood home is now marked by a small museum and hotel. Even if you’re not a huge fan, like me, it’s a fun stop and a reminder of how globally connected this small island has been.
5: Head to the Old Fort & House of Wonders
Two of Stone Town’s most recognisable landmarks sit right by the waterfront. The Old Fort of Zanzibar is the oldest building in the city. It was built by the Omanis in the late 1600s to defend against Portuguese attacks.
Today it houses shops, small art galleries, and an open courtyard where cultural performances are sometimes held.
Next door is the House of Wonders, once the ceremonial palace of the Sultan of Zanzibar. It was the first building in East Africa to have electricity and an elevator. Although it has been under restoration for years, it remains one of the most iconic buildings in Stone Town and the perfect photo spot.
6: Take a Spice Tour Outside of Town
While Stone Town itself is historic, the countryside around it is lush and tropical. One of the most popular day trips is a Zanzibar spice tour.
Zanzibar earned the nickname “Spice Island” because it once produced huge quantities of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. On the tour I joined, we walked through small farms where guides cut open plants and handed us fresh spices to smell and taste.
Pick fresh vanilla pods, scratch cinnamon bark, and take in the smells of clove trees on a sensory tour like no other.
My Verdict: Is Stone Town Worth Visiting?
Yes, visit Stone Town without hesitation. The fact that it’s a short 20 minute drive from the island’s airport makes it an ideal stop off as you head to your resort for the rest of your holiday.
You don’t need to stay in Stone Town, as you can see most of the sites in a day. But if you do want to spend the night, there are hundreds of old Swahili-style hotels within the town’s walls, so you’ve got plenty of choice.
Oh, and a Few Visit Stone Town Tips to Consider
I’ve been to Stone Town three times, and based on my visits, these tips should help to prepare you for your visit:
- Hire a guide on day one: A local Stone Town guide is worth his or her weight in gold. Whether you’re here for half a day or a long weekend, your guide will help you find your way around and identify the points of interest. Failing that, just lose yourself in Stone Town, like I typically do, and see what you’ll discover.
- Dress respectfully: Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim, so please dress respectfully. Wear covered shirts and trousers or skirts below the knees. Don’t dress like you do in your resort elsewhere in Zanzibar, as the vibe here is different and you need to be conscious of that.
- Carry small cash: Many small shops and food stalls in Stone Town don’t accept cards. Carry some Shillings in your pocket to pay for souvenirs and snacks as you make your way around.
- Watch for aggressive sellers: Most locals are friendly, but touts can be persistent, particularly when offering spice tours and other tourist packages. A strong but polite “no thank you” should suffice, but don’t linger, as your indecision might be seen as a show of interest.
- Avoid March to May: Stone Town is usually wet from March to May, so it’s not a great time to visit. The best months to explore Stone Town are June to October, though the small streets can feel overcrowded during the summer months.
Final Thoughts: Visit Stone Town, You Won’t Regret It
The carved doors, the spice-scented air, the call to prayer drifting through coral stone alleys, and the glow of food stalls at Forodhani Gardens all combine into something unique.
If you’re planning a trip to Zanzibar and wondering “should I visit Stone Town?”
The answer is simple. Absolutely. Allow yourself to get lost and you’ll be surprised at what you might find.
Book Your Dream Zanzibar Holiday Today
Ready to visit Stone Town and the magnificent beaches of Zanzibar? Book a dream seven-day luxury beach safari, including time in Mombasa and Zanzibar, for a memorable summer holiday this year.
If you travel to Mombasa, Kenya, be sure to read up on the best dining spots in Diani Beach to enjoy exquisite meals on vacation.
