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

5
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
Old Fort

Old Fort

3.4
The Old Fort is a historic fortress originally built to protect Zanzibar from foreign invasion. Its architectural style blends Arabian, Persian, Indian, and African elements, showcasing the unique charm of the local multicultural heritage. Upon entering the Old Fort, you will be captivated by its magnificent architecture and rich historical atmosphere. The fortress is surrounded by massive stone walls and features plazas, courtyards, and leisure areas inside. You can stroll around, admiring the ancient architecture and stunning sea views. It also serves as a cultural and arts center, frequently hosting various exhibitions, concerts, and performances. Here, you can enjoy traditional local music and dance performances, and learn about the rich cultural heritage of Tanzania.Stone Town · 347m from downtown
Zanzibar Spice Community Shop

Zanzibar Spice Community Shop

3.3
Stone Town · 192m from downtown
Khalifa Tours and Safaris Zanzibar

Khalifa Tours and Safaris Zanzibar

3.2
Stone Town · 41m from downtown
Darajani Bazaar

Darajani Bazaar

3.2
Stone Town · 179m from downtown
Tortoise Sanctuary

Tortoise Sanctuary

3.1
West · 5.5km from Stone Town
Amani Stadium

Amani Stadium

3
Urban · 3.5km from Stone Town

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
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Zanzibar: Stone Town, History and Jozani Forest Guided Tour
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Duration: 5–30 hrs
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Walking in Stone Town with a Expert Tourguide
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Duration: 2 hrs
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Zanzibar: Spice Farm Tour, Stone Town & Sea Turtle Sanctuary
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Duration: 8 hrs
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Zanzibar: Stone Town Tour, Slave Market & Creek Museum
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Duration: 3–5 hrs
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Dar es Salaam: Bagamoyo Arts, History & Culture Day Trip
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Duration: 12 hrs
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Stone Town Complete Guide: History, Spice Market and Local's life
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5.0/5
· 46 reviews
Duration: 2–3 hrs
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Zanzibar: Spice Farm Tour, Cooking Class & Stone Town tour.
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Duration: 7–9 hrs
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Featured Food & drink in Stone Town

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Authentic Street Food Tours in Stone Town, Zanzibar
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Duration: 150 mins
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Zanzibar:Stone town Street food market walking tour,transfer
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Duration: 5 hrs
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Zanzibar: Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank with Lunch
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 6–7 hrs
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Zanzibar Stone Town Tour, Prison Island & Nakupenda with BBQ
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4.6/5
· 146 reviews
Duration: 7–7.5 hrs
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Zanzibar: Mnemba Island & Dolphin Snorkeling Tour With Lunch
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Duration: 5 hrs
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Zanziba: Day trip to Nakupenda Beach with Lunch & Stone Town
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Duration: 3–7 hrs
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Zanzibar: Prison Island, Stone Town Tour & Nakupenda With BBQ
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 7–7.5 hrs
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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
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Stone Town Private Walking Tour
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4.9/5
· 370 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
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Safari Blue Zanzibar – Sharing Group Tour
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Duration: 7–8 hrs
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Prison island tours
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4.5/5
· 13 reviews
Duration: 7 hrs
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Full Day Private Spice Farm Stone Town and Prison Island
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 8 hrs
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Stone Town Private Walking Tour
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5.0/5
· 31 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
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31 consecutive positive reviews
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Featured Outdoor experiences in Stone Town

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Zanzibar City: Sunset Sailing Tour with Snacks and Drinks
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Duration: 3 hrs
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Zanzibar:Stone Town Tour, Prison Island & Nakupenda with BBQ
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Duration: 7 hrs
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Zanzibar Golden Hour: Stone Town Walk & 6 Degrees Sunset
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Duration: 3.5 hrs
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Full-day Prison Island, Nakupenda and Stone Town Tour with Lunch Buffet
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4.8/5
· 6 reviews
Duration: 7–8 hrs
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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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Adina Moldovan6 August 2022
1.0
AVOID TOURS OPERATED BY GLADIATORAvoid working with this individual or the boats with the inscription GLADIATOR for excursions from Stone Town. The man speaks relatively good English and has a quite convincing speech, but he stole our money (did not return the rest), lied to us countless times and made us waste time waiting for him. During the trip we were asked for additional money, even though we had already paid a lot and everything was supposed to be included, they didn't take us snorkeling as promised, and when we tried to ask for an explanation, we found that the guide accompanying us could only say " my friend" in Eng.

Changu Island

Popular cities near Stone Town

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 Authentic Street Food Tours in Stone Town, Zanzibar.

You can give Authentic Street Food Tours in Stone Town, Zanzibar and Zanzibar:Stone town Street food market walking tour,transfer 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 27 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Stone Town is around USD 25 – USD 133.24. 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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