Walking Tours
Expert local guides take you through the old slave market, Freddie Mercury House, the House of Wonders and the Sultan's Palace.
Tanzania Historical Sites
Stone Town, Zanzibar
A labyrinth of narrow streets, carved wooden doors, palaces, mosques and markets, Stone Town is the historic heart of Zanzibar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Location
- West coast of Zanzibar
- Known For
- Swahili architecture
- Status
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Experience
- Walking tours & food
Discover Stone Town
Get lost in history.
Stone Town is the old part of Zanzibar City, a special place that gets you lost in its labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys. Whether you are a culture enthusiast or a food lover, it is the right place for you.
Its architecture blends Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian and European influences, seen in grand houses, intricately carved doors, mosques, churches and bustling markets. Stone Town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
Why Stone Town
Culture, history and flavour.
Stone Town brings Zanzibar's rich past to life at every turn.
Darajani Market
A bustling market full of spices, fruit, fish and local life.
Carved Doors
Hundreds of ornate wooden doors tell the stories of the families who built them.
Forodhani Food
Evening street food at Forodhani Gardens, with Zanzibar pizza and fresh seafood.
Location
Where is Stone Town?
Stone Town lies on the western coast of Zanzibar Island, about 15 minutes from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. Fast ferries from Dar es Salaam arrive at the port beside the old town.
It is the gateway to Zanzibar's beaches, spice farms and islands such as Prison Island, Grave Island and Chumbe.
When to visit
Every season tells a different Stone Town story.
Stone Town can be explored year-round, with the dry season the most comfortable for walking.
Dry Season
Sunny, dry weather and calm seas, the most popular time to visit.
Hot & Dry
Hot and sunny, with clear water for swimming and snorkelling.
Short Rains
Brief showers and quieter sites.
Long Rains
The wettest months; visits are still possible between showers.
What is the best month to visit Stone Town?
The dry months are best for walking tours, but the town is lively all year.
Hot and sunny, ideal for island trips.
The hottest month, with calm, clear seas.
Long rains begin mid-month.
The wettest month; visit between showers.
Rains ease late in the month.
Dry season begins with pleasant breezes.
The coolest month, sunny and comfortable.
Dry and sunny, perfect for excursions.
Excellent weather and clear water.
Warm and dry, great for boat trips.
Short rains bring brief showers.
Hot and sunny, with festive-season visitors.
Explore the area
Discover the different faces of Stone Town.
Each corner of the old town holds a different story.
WaterfrontForodhani & the House of WondersThe seafront gardens, the Old Fort and the House of Wonders, once the tallest building in East Africa.
Old townFormer Slave Market & CathedralThe Anglican Cathedral built on the site of the old slave market, with a moving memorial.
Market areaDarajani MarketThe town's main market, full of spices, fruit and local life.
Old townFreddie Mercury HouseThe childhood home of the Queen singer, born in Zanzibar in 1946.
A Stone Town Walking Tour
Through the heart of the old town.
Our local expert guides will take you through the slave market, Freddie Mercury House, the House of Wonders, the Sultan's Palace and the Darajani food market, sharing the stories behind each building.
As the sun sets, join the locals at Forodhani Gardens for street food, or enjoy a rooftop dinner with views over the harbour.
Safaris to 中文
Zanzibar holidays
Zanzibar holidays and excursions that include Stone Town.
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6-Day Zanzibar Island Package
Zanzibar
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
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11-Day Zanzibar Island Package
Stone Town · Nungwi · Kizimkazi
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
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5-Day Zanzibar Beach Relaxation
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Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
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6-Day Exceptional Zanzibar Tour
Stone Town
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
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11-Day Wildlife Safari plus Zanzibar Beach Vacation
Ngorongoro · Serengeti · Stone Town
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania & Kenya · 12 days
12-Day Kenya & Tanzania: The Essence of East Africa Expedition
Amboseli · Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Stay in 中文
Where to stay in Stone Town
Historic hotels and boutique stays in the heart of the old town.
Silver tier
Stone Town, TanzaniaHorizon Palace HotelA relaxed city hotel in the heart of Stone Town, offering comfortable rooms, rooftop views and easy access to Zanzibar'sStone Town hotelView lodge
Gold tier
Stone Town, TanzaniaTembo Palace HotelA charming Swahili-style hotel on the Stone Town seafront, steps from the Old Fort and House of Wonders, with three poolBeachfront Swahili hotelView lodge
Platinum tier
Stone Town, TanzaniaZanzibar Serena HotelA classic five-star hotel on the Stone Town waterfront, with ocean views, a seafront pool and sunsets over the Zanzibar 5-star seafront hotelView lodge
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Planning a Stone Town visit?
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The story behind Stone Town.
Stone Town grew as a trading port linking Africa with Arabia, Persia and India. In the 19th century, the Omani sultans made it their capital, and many of the grand stone buildings date from this period.
The town was also a centre of the East African slave trade until its abolition in 1873. Today, Stone Town's preserved architecture and living culture make it one of the most important Swahili towns in the world.
What is there to see in Stone Town?
The former slave market, Freddie Mercury House, the House of Wonders, the Sultan's Palace, the Old Fort and Darajani market.
How long do I need?
A half-day walking tour covers the highlights; a full day or overnight lets you explore at a slower pace.
Is Stone Town safe to walk?
Yes, especially with a local guide, who will help you navigate the narrow alleys.
What should I wear?
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is respectful in the old town.
Where can I try local food?
Forodhani Gardens in the evening is famous for Zanzibari street food.
Can I combine Stone Town with beaches?
Yes. Most visitors spend a night or two in Stone Town before heading to the beaches.
Your safari starts here
Ready to explore Stone Town?
Let Gip Adventure guide you through the alleys and stories of Stone Town.