The soulful, beating heart of Zanzibar – Stone Town.
Stone Town offers a captivating contrast to the world-famous powdery white sand beaches and azure waters. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a true melting pot of cultures, where culture is best observed alive and thriving in the streets.
The moment we stepped into the labyrinthine alleys, we couldn’t help but notice whiffs from the olden days in Portuguese’s Goa or the colonial charm of White Town in Pondicherry, but with a distinct twist. Instead of the vibrant yellows and pinks, Stone Town was painted in earthy coral tones with an unmistakably blue Indian Ocean peeking through the end of narrow passages.
While many travelers recommend spending at least two days getting lost here, we optimized our schedule to fit the highlights into a single, action-packed day.
This guide is your blueprint for that perfect day with all the things to do in Stone Town. From the history-soaked architecture to the best rooftop cafes for a sunset spritz, here is exactly how to spend a day in Stone Town without missing a beat.
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Things to do in Stone Town
Darajani Market
This is the frantic, fascinating entry point to Stone Town. As we stepped into Darajani Market, we were welcomed by a sensory overload of the sweet, sticky scent of traditional Halwa mingling with frying Sambosas and carts of fresh tropical fruits.
The lanes of Darajani Market were a chaotic symphony of trade, perfectly summarising the vibrant cultural mix of the region. From fresh seafood to towering piles of spice to colourful printed fabrics flowing at the kerbside, it was a remarkable experience just navigating through the crowd and observing the daily pulse of Zanzibar life.
Zanzibar Coffee House
Unlike most travel guides, our day doesn’t truly begin until the coffee kicks in. A quick walk through the labyrinthine lanes, while catching quick glances at the carefully carved wooden doors that the Stone Town is famous for, we were led to the unassuming entrance of the Zanzibar Coffee House.
Inside, a steep, winding staircase transported us up to a lovely rooftop terrace with 360-degrees views of the town.
My Honest Verdict: If you are a coffee purist, skip the milk. I found the Cappuccino a bit too milky for my taste. Instead, go for an Americano or a House Pour-Over to really taste the notes of the bean. It is the perfect spot to catch your breath before the heat of the day sets in.
Old Slave Market and Christ Church Cathedral
Zanzibar was once home to one of the largest slave markets in East Africa. It is arguably one of the most moving stops in Stone Town that stands as a powerful reminder of Zanzibar’s harrowing history.
You will see the Slave Chambers here where you can walk down into the remaining underground chambers. It serves as a harrowing glimpse of the conditions that the people had to go through. The complex also has a memorial where you can find the infamous Slave Monument. A pit in the garden with stone figures chained by the neck, which serves as a poignant reminder of the suffering.
Finally, the Anglican Cathedral was deliberately built over the market to celebrate the abolition of slavery.
Old Fort
Standing as the oldest building in Stone Town, the Old Fort is a massive defensive structure with high, crenelated walls.
It is completely free to enter and it an excellent landmark to understand the history of its construction initiated by the Portuguese and then re-built by the Omanis. Inside, the vibe is surprisingly lively as it has been transformed into a cultural centre for local art shops, artisans and cultural festivals to convene.
Our Take: We didn't have time to fully explore the interior, but it is considered a mandatory stop for history lovers.
Pro Tip: One of the best ways to discover the rich history tucked in the lanes of the Stone Town is to hop on a guided walking tour rather than wandering aimlessly. Check out our recommendation here.
Freddie Mercury House
Did you know the legendary Queen frontman was born Farrokh Bulsara right here in Stone Town?
Located on Kenyatta Road, his childhood home has been transformed into a museum. It houses a collection of his flamboyant red and yellow costumes, rare photographs, and even the black baby grand piano he played during his youth.
Our Experience: It was a lovely respite from the humid outdoors. We spent a couple of minutes reading the history of the Bulsara family and deciphering his handwritten song lyrics while Bohemian Rhapsody played in the background.
The Zanzibar Jumpers
You can’t miss meeting the Instagram-famous acrobats of Stone Town. Almost every evening they gather at the seawall of Forodhani Gardens.
While we peeked at the scene from our car, the jumpers rallied the crowd to record a personalised “Welcome to Zanzibar” video, and then literally somersaulted into the ocean. Needless to say, it was quite a sight.
While watching was free, the boys appreciated a tip from their performance.
Sundowner in Stone Town
There is no better way to end a day in Stone Town than with a cold drink as the sky turns fiery orange over the Indian Ocean.
The Top Picks:
- Emerson on Hurumzi (The Tea House): This is the crown jewel of rooftops. You sit Swahili-style on floor cushions with 360-degree views of the minarets and sea.
- Africa House Hotel (The Sunset Bar): A colonial classic with a bustling balcony perfect for watching the dhow boats sail by.
💡Pro Tip: These spots are not hidden gems. You must make a reservation at least 2-3 days in advance or you will be turned away at the door.
Forodhani Gardens by Night
As the sun sets, the main gardens transform into a lively night market. It is the perfect spot to taste the Zanzibari street food. From Zanzibari pizzas to Urojo to skewers, there isn’t anything that isn’t available here with an obvious Zanzibari twist.
If you are nervous about navigating the stalls, we highly recommend a Street Food Walking Tour where an expert guide ensures you taste the best (and safest) bites.
Spice Farm Tour and Culinary Experience
One of the best ways to learn about cultural nuances and history is to hop on a local Spice Farm tour, engage in conversations while plucking fresh vegetables or stone-grinding fresh spices and indulging in a soulful Swahili meal. If you have more than a day to spare, this is one of the most recommended things to do in Stone Town.
Where to Eat
Stone Town is a hub to up and coming cafe culture and there are quite a few worth checking out:
- The Box by Ashley.Maybe: A selection of salads and curries from Jamaica to Thailand.
- Yeoyum (highly recommend): Poke bowl inspired selection with a Korean twist.
- Karafuu Coffee House: Modern coffee house with light bites.
- Lukmaan Swahili Restaurant: Perfect spot to try the local authentic flavours.
Expert Tips
Zanzibar is not one of the most developed islands in Africa. While Stone Town has a lot of historical and cultural significance, it may also seem run down at a few places. You might also be hassled by a lot of people pursuing you to buy something or take a boat tour. They might even follow you for a few steps hoping you’ll change your mind.
It is the reality of the affairs and visiting the Stone Town may come with a grain of salt. Since the major population of the island practices Islam, we recommend dressing modestly in light, airy clothes.
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