Stone Town
The historic heart of Zanzibar
About Stone Town
Stone Town is Zanzibar's UNESCO-listed old city: coral-stone houses, carved doors, spice markets and a working harbour. Most visitors spend one or two nights here at the start or end of a trip, then move to a beach area.
The beach
Not a swimming destination. The seafront is for sunsets, dhow trips and the Forodhani night food market.
Tides
Tides are not a factor for beach time here, as swimming happens on day trips such as Safari Blue or Prison Island.
Nightlife
Rooftop bars, live taarab music and the Forodhani Gardens food market in the evenings.
Families
Good for a short cultural stop. Narrow lanes are busy, so it suits older children better than toddlers.
Couples
A good choice for a short cultural stay in a boutique heritage hotel before heading to the beach.
Car hire
A car is not needed inside Stone Town, the old city is walkable and mostly car-free. Hire from here for island touring instead.
Getting here
About 15–20 minutes from Zanzibar Airport
The shortest transfer on the island. Private transfers can meet you inside arrivals.
Airport transfers to Stone TownThings to do in Stone Town
- Stone Town walking tour with a local guide
- Spice farm tour in the nearby countryside
- Prison Island and giant tortoises
- Sunset dhow cruise from the seafront
- Forodhani night market
- Darajani market and the old fort
Stone Town questions
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Ask on WhatsAppPopular tours from Stone Town
Safari Blue
A full day of dhow sailing, sandbanks, snorkelling and a seafood lunch in Menai Bay.
View tourStone Town Walking Tour
The old city with a local guide: markets, carved doors, history and the seafront.
View tourSpice Farm Tour
The plantations that gave Zanzibar its name, with tastings and a local lunch.
View tourJozani Forest
Zanzibar's only national park, home to the endemic red colobus monkey.
View tourPrison Island and Giant Tortoises
A short boat hop from Stone Town to Changuu island and its Aldabra tortoises.
View tourKizimkazi Dolphin Trip
An early boat trip in the south to see wild dolphins, run responsibly.
View tour