Stone Town

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Stone Town
Selected for Best Things to Do in Tanzania

Stone Town

6.6
4.5/5
51 reviews
Stone Town is located on a headland jutting into the Indian Ocean on the west coast of Zanzibar Island and is a well-preserved ancient trading town on the Swahili Coast of Eastern Africa. Over a thousand years of monsoon trade have layered the cultures of Africa, Arabia, India, and Europe into this district: old houses built of coral stone, Arab stone bench terraces, and Indian carved wooden balconies with veranda-style facades often stand side by side in the same narrow alley. The old town still has hundreds of carved wooden doors, studded with brass nails and engraved with intricate patterns, known as Zanzibar doors. Walking around and looking up to spot these doors is a joy in itself when exploring Stone Town. During the day, it is perfect for wandering into the alleys, where the scent of cloves and cardamom from spice shops, the chatter of old men playing chess, and the dazzling array of craft shops make up the fabric of life in the old town; after dark, the seaside Forodhani Gardens turn into a lively open-air night market, filled with the aroma of grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizza, and freshly squeezed sugarcane juice.Tanzania · Stone Town
Zanzibar Island
2026 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes

Zanzibar Island

7.5
4.8/5
104 reviews
Zanzibar Island is an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Tanzania, known as the "Spice Island" due to its historical abundance of spices like cloves. Since ancient times, it has been an important stopover for African, Arab, Indian, and Persian merchants traveling across the Indian Ocean, where diverse cultures have converged and blended over centuries to form the unique Swahili culture. The island's core historical area is Stone Town, where winding, narrow coral stone alleys resemble a maze, lined with intricately carved wooden doors and ancient buildings with ornate balconies. These wooden doors, known as "Zanzibar doors," are made from African ebony, and their carvings blend Arab motifs with Indian brass studs, serving as a microcosm of the cultural fusion in Stone Town. The city is also dotted with historical landmarks such as the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, and the Palace Museum, as well as the Anglican Cathedral, which once served as a hub for the slave trade. Beyond its rich history and culture, the coastline of Zanzibar Island is equally impressive. Palm-fringed white sand beaches stretch for several km, and the surrounding waters feature well-preserved coral reefs, making the area a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving, with opportunities to swim with dolphins in the clear water. The island is also home to Jozani Forest, where the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey resides, making it a great destination for travelers who enjoy nature and ecology.Kati · 15.6km from Stone Town
Nakupenda Beach
No. 2 of Cool Water Escapes in West

Nakupenda Beach

4.9
5.0/5
1 reviews
Located on Pemba Island in Tanzania, I Love You Beach is an ideal tourist destination named for its romantic atmosphere and natural beauty. The white sand and clear waters attract tourists who are looking for tranquility and relaxation. The beach gets its name from its romantic setting and is a popular choice for couples and newlyweds. Here, visitors can sunbathe or take a dip in the warm Indian Ocean. Due to the clear water, this is also an ideal spot for snorkeling and diving, where visitors can explore the rich marine life and coral reefs. It is recommended to bring snorkeling equipment to better experience the underwater world. There are small restaurants and bars near the beach, serving fresh seafood and local specialties, making it a great place to enjoy lunch or dinner. It is recommended to try the local coconut water and tropical fruits to experience the authentic Tanzanian flavor.West · 4.9km from Stone Town
Changu Island
No. 5 of Cool Water Escapes in Tanzania

Changu Island

4.2
3.0/5
2 reviews
Changu Island, also known as "Prison Island", is a tourist destination full of historical and natural charm located near the Zanzibar Archipelago in Tanzania. Despite the word "prison" in its name, it has never actually been used as a prison, but was once a slave detention center and isolation ward. Today, Changu Island attracts many tourists with its rich historical relics and natural landscapes. One of the popular attractions on the island is the giant tortoise sanctuary, which was introduced from the Seychelles. Visitors can observe and feed these long-lived creatures up close. In addition, there are well-preserved colonial buildings on the island, which visitors can explore and learn about the historical background of the island. The waters around Changu Island are crystal clear and are ideal for snorkeling and swimming. Visitors can enjoy the rich marine life and beautiful coral reefs here. The island is well-equipped with dining and rest areas, suitable for day trips. For history lovers and nature explorers, Changu Island offers a rich experience and is a good place to learn about the history of Zanzibar and enjoy the natural scenery.West · 5.5km from Stone Town
Saint Joseph's Cathedral

Saint Joseph's Cathedral

2.5
Stone Town · 375m from downtown
Big Body Spice Farm

Big Body Spice Farm

2.5
West · 10.5km from Stone Town
Sultan's Palace Museum

Sultan's Palace Museum

2.5
5.0/5
2 reviews
Stone Town · 296m from downtown
Old Dispensary

Old Dispensary

2.4
Stone Town · 445m from downtown
Old Portuguese Arch

Old Portuguese Arch

2.4
Stone Town · 528m from downtown
House of Wonders

House of Wonders

2.4
5.0/5
14 reviews
The House of Wonders is one of the most iconic buildings in Stone Town, Zanzibar. This palace, built by Sultan Bargash in the late 19th century, was once one of the most magnificent buildings in East Africa, attracting tourists from all over the world with its unique Arabic architectural style and historical significance. The House of Wonders was named for its advanced facilities at the time and was one of the first buildings in Zanzibar to have electricity and elevators. The exterior is mainly white, and the four-story structure is particularly eye-catching on the skyline of Stone Town. Inside, there was a museum that showcased the culture and history of Zanzibar, and the building itself is worth a visit. Visitors can stroll around and admire the exquisite Arabic carvings and spacious balconies. The House of Wonders is located in the heart of Stone Town, surrounded by many cafes and small shops for tourists to relax and shop. The House of Wonders is easily accessible on foot from anywhere in Stone Town, and it is an ideal starting point for exploring the history and culture of Zanzibar.Stone Town · 311m from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Stone Town

Featured Cultural experiences in Stone Town

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Stone Town Highlights Audio Tour: Cultural Heritage Treasures
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Duration: 1 hr
English
Free cancellation
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20% off
Limited-time sale
FromTHB 195.00THB 243.76
Zanzibar: Stone Town, History and Jozani Forest Guided Tour
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Duration: 5–30 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
FromTHB 994.86
Zanzibar: Day Mnemba, Dolphin, Stone town tour with transfer
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FromTHB 7,452.65
Zanzibar: Private Trip Stone Town and Prison Island tour with swimming
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FromTHB 5,836.02
Private tour Stone Town,Spices,Prison from The Mora Zanzibar
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FromTHB 5,272.53
Zanzibar: Stone Town Historical Cultural Walking Guided Tour
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FromTHB 4,192.55
Zanzibar : Stone Town Tour,history without transport
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Duration: 3 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromTHB 838.51
Zanzibar: 1 Day Prison Island, Nakupenda and Stone Town Tour
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Duration: 8 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
FromTHB 6,278.74

Featured Food & drink in Stone Town

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Zanzibar:Stone town Street food market walking tour,transfer
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Duration: 5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
FromTHB 4,427.32
Authentic Street Food Tours in Stone Town, Zanzibar
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Duration: 150 mins
English
Free cancellation
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FromTHB 1,341.62
Zanziba: Day trip to Nakupenda Beach with Lunch & Stone Town
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Duration: 3–7 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromTHB 634.41THB 667.8
Zanzibar Stone Town Tour, Prison Island & Nakupenda with BBQ
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4.6/5
· 118 reviews
Duration: 7–7.5 hrs
Free cancellation
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25 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromTHB 2,480.16THB 2,610.7
Zanzibar: Spice Farm Tour, Stone Town & Sea Turtle Sanctuary
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Duration: 8 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromTHB 3,020.72THB 3,179.71
Zanzibar: Nakupenda Sandbank with Seafood BBQ & Fruits
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Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromTHB 3,020.72THB 3,179.71
Zanzibar: Stone Town Tour, Slave Market & Creek Museum
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Duration: 3–5 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromTHB 856.33THB 901.41
Zanzibar: Prison Island, Nakupenda Beach BBQ & Salaam Cave
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Duration: 9–10 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromTHB 5,882.65THB 6,192.27

Featured Day tours in Stone Town

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Nakupenda Sandbank + Prison Island + Stone Town Tour Full Day Experience Include Lunch
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Duration: 12.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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FromTHB 2,981.36
Stone Town Private Walking Tour
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4.9/5
· 370 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
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34 consecutive positive reviews
FromTHB 838.51
Full Day Private Spice Farm Stone Town and Prison Island
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 8 hrs
Free cancellation
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FromTHB 3,689.43
Stone Town Private Walking Tour
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5.0/5
· 31 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
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31 consecutive positive reviews
FromTHB 1,006.21
Prison island tours
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4.5/5
· 13 reviews
Duration: 7 hrs
Free cancellation
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FromTHB 2,347.82
Zanzibar Stone Town Walking Tour
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4.8/5
· 94 reviews
Duration: 2–3 hrs
Free cancellation
29 consecutive positive reviews
FromTHB 670.81
Safari Blue Zanzibar – Sharing Group Tour
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Duration: 7–8 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromTHB 2,702.80THB 2,845.06

Free things to do in Stone Town

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What travellers say about Stone Town

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长脸张少侠25 February 2026
4.0
Stone City, Zanzibar Stone City is one of the oldest districts of Zanzibar, located on the west coast of Anguga Island, the main island of the Zanzibar archipelago. Formerly the capital of the Sultanate of Zanzibar, it was historically a center of the spice trade and the 19th-century slave trade. Primarily influenced by Swahili culture, it also saw influences from Moorish, Arabic, Persian, Indian, and European cultures. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000.

Stone Town

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YoYo_0T9A3B0L3 July 2025
5.0
桑给巴尔岛的确是一个值得一游的梦幻之地。我踏上这片土地的那一刻,就深深被其独有的魅力所吸引。这里不仅有如画的海岸线和丰富的自然景观,更有深厚的文化底蕴和热情好客的居民。每一个角落都透露出一种宁静与和谐,让人流连忘返。对于寻求精神满足和自然美景的旅行者来说,桑给巴尔岛无疑是一个不可多得的目的地。无论是海滩上的悠闲时光,还是探索当地文化的兴奋之旅,这里的每一刻都让人难以忘怀。

Zanzibar Island

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李sir5882 August 2020
5.0
The scenery here is beautiful. The taste is unique, the scenery is beautiful, and the environment is elegant. It gives people a sense of elegance, satisfaction and accomplishment. Give a thumbs up, and hope everyone can come here to play

Nakupenda Beach

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Noel15 September 2020
5.0
It's not bad. The entrance fee to the island is 4 US dollars. Now the price has increased. Everything in Africa has increased in price very quickly. I didn't expect to come here, but I had nothing to do and suddenly decided to come and see it. I didn't expect it to be so special. It's really fun to watch the big turtle

Changu Island

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M32***231 December 2019
5.0
While it would have been interesting to take a guided tour thru here, I opted to self guide myself. The palace is beautiful, certainly showing some age, but fairly well kept. I enjoyed seeing the paintings of the old Sultans and princesses, plus there are many old photographs and tidbits to see. The upstairs furniture in the living quarters were very nice, plus the old chests. Certainly well worth the time to spend an hour or more here.

Sultan's Palace Museum

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nj荇菜21 December 2021
5.0
This magnificent building has 40 thick columns, under each of which 60 black slaves were buried alive.

House of Wonders

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Stone Town?

Don't miss these attractions in Stone Town: Stone Town, Zanzibar Island, and Nakupenda Beach. If you like Cultural experiences, try Stone Town Highlights Audio Tour: Cultural Heritage Treasures. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Zanzibar:Stone town Street food market walking tour,transfer.

You can give Zanzibar:Stone town Street food market walking tour,transfer and Authentic Street Food Tours in Stone Town, Zanzibar a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Nakupenda Sandbank + Prison Island + Stone Town Tour Full Day Experience Include Lunch, 1-day tour to Prison Island and Nakupenda Island from Stone Town in Zanzibar, Tanzania, and Stone Town Private Walking Tour. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 16 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Stone Town is around THB 670.81 – THB 4,453.58. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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