October 31, 2026
Stone Town Travel Guide
A practical Stone Town travel guide: what to see, the old slave market site, markets, Forodhani food market, dress code, how long to stay and tours.
Stone Town is the old heart of Zanzibar City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its narrow lanes, carved wooden doors, mosques, churches and markets tell the story of a trading port where African, Arab, Indian and European cultures met. This guide covers what to see, how long to stay and how to get the most from your visit.
What to see in Stone Town
The site of the old slave market
Zanzibar was once the centre of the East African slave trade. The Anglican Christ Church Cathedral was built on the site of the last slave market after the trade ended, and the memorial and exhibition there are a moving and important visit.
Darajani Market
The town’s main market is where locals buy fish, fruit, meat and spices. It is busy, noisy and one of the best places to see daily life.
The Old Fort and the seafront
The Old Fort, built by the Omanis, stands on the seafront next to the House of Wonders and the Sultan’s Palace. Restoration work affects some buildings along the waterfront, so your guide will tell you what is open on the day.
Forodhani Gardens
Every evening the waterfront garden turns into a street food market. Try grilled seafood, sugar cane juice and the famous Zanzibar pizza while the sun sets over the harbour.
Carved doors and hidden lanes
Stone Town is known for its heavy carved wooden doors, many with brass studs. Wandering the lanes between them is part of the experience, although it is easy to get lost without a guide.
Freddie Mercury
The Queen singer was born in Stone Town in 1946, and the house linked to his childhood is a popular photo stop.
Day trips from Stone Town
- Prison Island: giant Aldabra tortoises, a short boat ride away
- Nakupenda sandbank: white sand that appears at low tide
- Spice farm tour: taste the spices that made Zanzibar famous
- Jozani Forest: red colobus monkeys found only on Zanzibar
How long to stay
A half day is enough for a guided walk, but one or two nights let you see the town at a slower pace, enjoy Forodhani in the evening and take a boat to Prison Island. Many visitors spend their first or last nights in Stone Town, close to the airport and port, and the rest of their holiday at the beach.
Practical tips
- Dress modestly. Stone Town is a conservative, mostly Muslim town. Cover shoulders and knees when walking around, and keep swimwear for the beach.
- Ask before taking photos of people. Most people are happy to say yes if you ask first.
- Go with a guide the first time. A guide explains the history behind what you see and keeps you from getting lost in the lanes.
- Be ready to say no politely. Street sellers and unofficial guides approach visitors; a friendly “no, thank you” is enough.
- Cash is useful. Many small shops and Forodhani stalls take cash only.
Our Stone Town tours
- Stone Town Walking Tour: a half-day walk with a local guide
- Stone Town, Spice Farm and Prison Island: three highlights in one private day
- Jozani Forest, Spice Farm and Stone Town Private Day
- 5 Days Discover Old Stone Town and 4 Days Stone Town, Spice Farm and Sunset Dhow packages
Planning a stay in Stone Town? Message us on WhatsApp at +255 773 963 024 or use our contact page.
