Planning a trip to Zanzibar and wondering about the best things to do in Stone Town?
Stone Town is the heart and soul of Zanzibar, packed with narrow winding alleyways, dreamy hand-carved doors, buzzing markets and historic landmarks that tell stories from centuries ago. It’s one of those places where culture, chaos and charm all exist in the same space.
We recently explored Stone Town ourselves, getting lost on purpose, stopping at every photo-worthy door and soaking in the markets, history and sunset views. In this guide, I’m breaking down the best things to do in Stone Town, the must-see spots and the hidden gems you shouldn’t miss.
If Stone Town is on your Zanzibar itinerary, this guide will help you explore it like a travel girl who loves adventure, good vibes and meaningful travel moments.
Get Lost in the Alleyways of Stone Town
One of the best things to do in Stone Town is simply to wander. The narrow winding alleyways are full of character, hidden cafés, small boutiques and beautifully carved wooden doors tucked into the walls.
You can book a guided tour if you want deeper insight into the history and stories behind the streets. But we chose to get lost on purpose, take the back roads and just wander freely. It feels like walking through a maze, yet somehow you always find your way back out.
There’s something special about exploring at your own pace. You can easily spend hours discovering new corners and hidden gems, so make sure you plan your time wisely and leave space for other activities too.
If you love photography or unique architecture, this is where you’ll find endless opportunities to capture the real essence of Stone Town.
Museums & Cultural Sites in Stone Town
One of the best things about Stone Town is that you don’t need a strict itinerary to see its most important landmarks. Almost all of these museums and cultural sites can be explored as part of a relaxed, walkable tour through town.
As you wander the winding pathways, get lost in the narrow alleyways, and turn random corners just to see what’s there, you’ll naturally stumble across some of the island’s most significant historical sites.
Stone Town is compact, layered, and beautifully chaotic. In one afternoon, you can move from centuries-old fortresses to powerful memorial sites, all within walking distance.
If you want to understand Zanzibar beyond the pretty doors and aesthetic backdrops, these are the cultural spots worth stepping into.
🏛 The Old Fort
The Old Fort of Zanzibar is the oldest building in Stone Town, built in the late 1600s by Omani Arabs.
Today, it’s less fortress and more cultural hub. Inside you’ll find:
Local artisan shops
Handmade souvenirs
Occasional live performances
A small amphitheatre
But stepping into the fort honestly felt like stepping into the past. Walking through the old stone walls and weathered ruins was slightly eerie and intriguing at the same time. You can almost feel the weight of the centuries in the air.
It’s the perfect mix of history and everyday island life. Pop in while exploring the alleys, it’s right in the heart of town.
🏛 House of Wonders
The iconic waterfront building known as the House of Wonders was once the grandest structure in East Africa.
It was:
The first building in Zanzibar to have electricity
The first to have an elevator
A former ceremonial palace
Although it has undergone structural damage and restoration, it remains one of the most photographed landmarks in Stone Town and a symbol of Zanzibar’s layered Arab, African, and European influences.
Standing in front of it, you can almost imagine what it must have felt like in its prime, grand, powerful, and ahead of its time. Even in restoration, it still carries that quiet confidence. It’s one of those places where you pause for a second longer, taking in the history while the ocean breeze rolls in from the waterfront.
⛪ The Former Slave Market & Anglican Cathedral
One of the most powerful and emotional sites in Stone Town is the Anglican Cathedral of Christ Church, built on the site of the former slave market.
This is not a light stop, but it is an important one.
You can visit:
The underground slave holding chambers
The memorial sculptures
The cathedral itself
Walking through the chambers is deeply moving. The space is small, heavy, and confronting. Brace yourself, this is the part of the tour where emotions can surface. It’s not dramatic for effect, it’s the weight of real history. You may want to carry tissues.
It’s a sobering reminder of Zanzibar’s role in the East African slave trade, and it adds real depth to your understanding of the island. Stone Town isn’t just beautiful, it carries stories that deserve to be acknowledged.
🎶 Freddie Mercury’s Childhood Home
Music lovers often stop by the former home of Freddie Mercury, who was born in Zanzibar before rising to fame as the lead singer of Queen.
This one was actually my favourite stop. There’s something surreal about standing outside the childhood home of someone whose voice shaped generations. It was honestly hard not to jive a little while replaying the songs in your head. You know the ones.
While it’s mostly a photo stop rather than a full museum experience, it’s such a fun piece of pop culture woven into Stone Town’s layered history.
🛍 Local Markets & Shopping in Stone Town
After exploring the historical landmarks and cultural attractions, visiting the local markets is one of the best ways to experience everyday life in Stone Town.
The markets are vibrant, busy, and filled with authentic local energy. You’ll see vendors selling fresh produce, spices, seafood, fabrics, and handmade goods. It gives visitors a deeper understanding of how locals shop and trade within the heart of the town.
Shopping here is not just about buying souvenirs. It is about walking through a space where community, culture, and commerce come together in one place.
If you want to experience Stone Town beyond the main tourist sites, the markets are a must visit.
🥬 Darajani Market
The heart of local trade in Stone Town is Darajani Market.
This is where locals shop for fresh produce, spices, seafood, and everyday household items. Walking through the market gives you a true glimpse into daily life on the island.
One of the most noticeable sections is the seafood and meat area. Fresh fish is displayed daily, and you will often see live stock and freshly caught fish being prepared on site. It is not for the faint hearted, especially if you are not used to seeing food prepared so openly and directly.
The energy is busy and authentic. Vendors call out to customers, goods are arranged in piles, and bargaining is part of the experience. If you want to see how Stone Town truly functions beyond tourism, this market is a must visit.
🌅 Forodhani Gardens Night Food Market
One of the most iconic experiences in Stone Town is visiting Forodhani Gardens, especially during sunset when the night food market comes alive.
In the evening, the waterfront transforms into a vibrant food market filled with grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizza, sugarcane juice, kebabs, chapati wraps, and other local favourites. Vendors prepare food fresh in front of you while smoke rises from the grills and people gather along the promenade.
The sunsets here are some of the most beautiful in Stone Town. Watching the sky turn golden while traditional dhow boats float across the water creates an unforgettable atmosphere. It was honestly a whole vibe, and it’s hard not to fill your plate with everything when the energy and smells are that good.
This is more than just a place to eat. It’s where locals and travellers come together to enjoy food, music, and one of the best sunset views on the island.
🌿 Spice Stalls & Local Spice Shops
Zanzibar is famously known as the Spice Island, and exploring the spice stalls in Stone Town shows exactly why.
Walking through the local markets and small spice shops, you will find vendors selling fresh and fragrant spices that are grown across the island and surrounding regions.
Some of the most common spices include:
Cloves
Vanilla
Cinnamon
Cardamom
Turmeric
Nutmeg
The aroma fills the air as soon as you step inside. The scent alone makes the experience memorable and gives visitors a true sense of Zanzibar’s agricultural history and trade heritage.
Many spice shops also package their products beautifully, making them easy to purchase as souvenirs or gifts to take home. You definitely need to take some back with you to make a good homemade curry and recreate a little piece of Zanzibar flavour in your own kitchen.
If you want to experience the essence of Zanzibar beyond the beaches, visiting the spice stalls is a must.
🍽 Food & Places to Eat in Stone Town
Food is one of the best ways to experience Stone Town. The town offers a mix of local Zanzibari dishes, fresh seafood, street food favourites, and international cuisine.
Whether you want a quick bite after exploring the markets or a relaxed dinner with ocean views, there are plenty of options to choose from.
🐟 Fresh Seafood Restaurants
Because Stone Town is located along the coast, seafood is one of the most popular meals to try.
Many local restaurants serve freshly grilled fish, prawns, calamari, and octopus prepared with traditional spices and local flavours.
Dining near the waterfront also gives you beautiful sunset views and a relaxed atmosphere after a long day of exploring.
🍛 Local Dishes You Must Try
Some traditional dishes to try while in Stone Town include:
Zanzibar pizza
Urojo soup
Grilled seafood plates
Pilau rice
Chapati wraps
These dishes reflect the island’s blend of African, Arab, and Indian culinary influences. Trying local food is part of the full travel experience.
💛 My Tip
Don’t only eat at tourist-focused restaurants. Try a mix of local street food, small family-run places, and well-known spots so you experience the real flavour of Stone Town.
🌴 Rooftop & Scenic Dining Spots
For something more elevated, there are rooftop restaurants and cafes in Stone Town that offer:
Ocean views
Sunset dining
A peaceful escape from the busy streets
These spots are perfect if you want a more relaxed or romantic setting while still staying close to the heart of town.
🚪 The Famous Zanzibar Doors
One of the most distinctive features of Stone Town is its intricately carved wooden doors. As you wander through the narrow streets and winding alleyways, you will quickly notice that no two doors are the same.
These historic Zanzibar doors reflect the island’s Arab and Indian influences, with detailed carvings, brass studs, and symbolic designs that once represented wealth and status. The brass spikes were originally designed to protect homes from elephants in India, highlighting the deep trade connections between Zanzibar and the Indian subcontinent.
This was honestly one of my favourite parts of exploring Stone Town. Every corner felt like a new photo opportunity. The textures, the colours, the craftsmanship. It is hard not to stop every few steps to take another picture.
Sometimes the most beautiful attractions are not inside museums. They are right there on the streets, quietly telling their own stories.
🧳 Stone Town Travel Tips
f you are planning a visit to Stone Town, here are a few helpful travel tips to make your experience smoother:
Stone Town is very walkable, so wear comfortable shoes. The streets are narrow and uneven in some areas.
Dress modestly out of respect for the local Muslim culture. Lightweight clothing that covers shoulders and knees is recommended.
The best time to explore is in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Carry small cash for markets and local vendors, as not all places accept cards.
Take your time. Stone Town is best experienced slowly, with no strict schedule.
XoXo Ash, see you at my next destination
