Zanzibar City Travel Guide
City Tropical island famous for spice plantations
Stone Town’s alleyways, carved doors and the House of Wonders lure visitors to Zanzibar City for history, cloves and seafood. Nightly Forodhani market serves grilled octopus and sugarcane juice; dhows leave nearby for snorkeling and sunset sails.
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Why Visit Zanzibar City? #
Stone Town’s winding alleys, carved doors and Swahili-Arab architecture make Zanzibar City a compelling cultural hub on the Indian Ocean. Forodhani Gardens’ evening food market serves Zanzibar pizza and fresh seafood, while spice tours and historic sites like the old slave market memorial connect visitors to the island’s layered past. Close beaches and dhow sails add leisure to the mix. It’s a place for history lovers and food explorers who also want coastal charm and island culture.
Who's Zanzibar City For?
Stone Town’s narrow alleys, rooftop sundowners and boutique guesthouses create a highly romantic atmosphere. Sunset dinners at Forodhani Gardens and private dhow trips to Mnemba Atoll are memorable splurges.
Spice tours, vibrant seafood stalls at Forodhani and Swahili‑Arab fusion restaurants make Zanzibar City a delightful food destination. Try Zanzibar pizza, fresh octopus and clove‑scented dishes at market stalls and midrange restaurants.
High‑end beach resorts in Nungwi and private island options (Mnemba, Mnemba Island lodges) pair with boutique Stone Town hotels for a luxury island stay. Expect premium diving, private trips and concierge services.
Beaches, coral reefs and Jozani Forest (red colobus monkeys) provide varied nature experiences within easy reach. Snorkeling and dolphin trips depart from the harbor; marine parks protect rich underwater life.
Stone Town has budget hostels and guesthouses, cheap local eateries and ferry links to Dar es Salaam; it fits backpacker budgets if you avoid peak season. Street stalls and shared dhow trips keep costs down.
Internet in Stone Town can be hit‑or‑miss: some cafés and upscale guesthouses offer decent connections, but reliable coworking is scarce. Good for short remote stints rather than long‑term nomad life.
Top Things to Do in Zanzibar City
All Attractions ›
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- Stone Town (Historic Old Town) - Labyrinthine streets, carved doors, and centuries of Swahili culture concentrated in one district.
- House of Wonders (Beit al-Ajaib) - Tall 19th-century palace housing cultural exhibits and panoramic rooftop views over the harbor.
- Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe) - Stone fort converted into cultural venue with galleries, performances, and historic ramparts.
- Forodhani Gardens Night Market - Evening food stalls serving freshly grilled seafood and Zanzibari snacks by the sea.
- Christ Church Anglican Cathedral - Built on the former slave market site, presenting sobering history and memorials.
- Darajani Market - Bustling wholesale market where locals shop spices, fish, and everyday household goods.
- Hamamni Persian Baths - Quiet 19th-century baths with carved stonework, hidden near central Stone Town lanes.
- Jaws Corner - Small pavement café where residents debate politics over coffee and roasted peanuts.
- Emerson on Hurumzi Rooftop Terrace - Famous hotel rooftop for tea, intimate performances, and sweeping Stone Town vistas.
- Freddie Mercury House - Unassuming blue plaque marks Freddie Mercury's childhood house, popular with music-loving visitors.
- Prison Island (Changuu Island) - Short boat ride to an island sanctuary with giant tortoises and historic prison ruins.
- Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park - Home of endemic red colobus monkeys and mangrove boardwalks, about forty-five minutes away.
- Nungwi Beach - Northern fishing village known for pristine beaches, boat-building tradition, and lively beach bars.
- Nakupenda Sandbank - Sandy reef sandbank reached by short boat trips, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
- Kizimbani Spice Farm - Small spice gardens offering guided tours, tastings, and fragrant local plant demonstrations.
Where to Go in Zanzibar City #
Stone Town
The labyrinth of carved doors, narrow alleys and coastal views that visitors picture when they think of Zanzibar. Stone Town mixes history with food stalls and small shops; walk, get lost, and follow the scent of grilled seafood at night markets. Perfect for cultural exploration and short walks.
Top Spots
- House of Wonders (Beit-el-Ajaib) - Prominent former sultan’s palace and cultural site.
- Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe) - Stone fort with occasional events and skyline views.
- Darajani Market - Busy spice and produce market in the heart of town.
- Forodhani Gardens - Evening food market by the sea.
Mizingani Waterfront
The working harbor and nearby promenade where locals and visitors mingle. It’s practical for transport and good for a quick seafood plate while watching traditional dhows. Not fancy, but true to island life and a convenient place to base short stays.
Top Spots
- Ferry terminal - Where boats arrive and depart; lively waterfront activity.
- Seafront cafés - Relaxed spots to watch dhows and the harbor.
- Street-food stalls - Fresh, affordable coastal dishes.
Ng'ambo (New Town)
Across the creek from Stone Town, Ng’ambo is less touristed and more residential. You’ll find ordinary markets, local restaurants and a quieter pace. Good if you want to see how Zanzibaris live outside the historic core and to find cheaper, authentic meals.
Top Spots
- Local markets and streets - More everyday commerce than tourist shops.
- Residential areas - A glimpse of modern life on the island.
- Community eateries - Affordable home-style meals.
Plan Your Visit to Zanzibar City #
Best Time to Visit Zanzibar City #
Visit Zanzibar City in the cool, dry months from June to September for the most comfortable weather, calm seas and clear snorkeling. January-February is also popular for sun and festivals; avoid the heavy long rains in March-May if you want uninterrupted beach time.
Best Time to Visit Zanzibar City #
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1565 mm/year), wettest in April with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (159 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (402 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (279 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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September
September is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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October
October is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (148 mm).
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December
December is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (173 mm).
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How to Get to Zanzibar City
Zanzibar City (Stone Town) is reached mainly by air via Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) or by sea from Dar es Salaam's ferry terminals. Most visitors fly into ZNZ or arrive on a fast ferry from Dar es Salaam and then use taxis, shared minibuses (dala-dalas) or hotel transfers to reach Stone Town.
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ): The airport is 5-7 km from Stone Town; a metered taxi to downtown Stone Town typically costs around 20,000-35,000 TZS and takes 10-20 minutes depending on traffic. Many hotels offer private transfers (roughly 30,000-50,000 TZS) and there are cheaper shared vans at lower, variable rates if arranged in advance.
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR): Dar es Salaam is the main mainland hub for international flights; domestic carriers (e.g., Precision Air, Coastal Aviation) operate short flights to ZNZ that take about 20-30 minutes (fares vary by carrier and season). Alternatively, from DAR you can reach the Dar es Salaam ferry terminals and take a fast ferry to Stone Town (see ferry details in the Train & Bus card) - a taxi from DAR to the ferry terminals typically costs about 10,000-25,000 TZS and takes 20-40 minutes.
Train: There is no rail connection to Zanzibar - the island has no passenger train service. The nearest mainland rail services are in Dar es Salaam (Tanzania Railways Corporation), but transfers from any mainland rail must continue by road to the Dar es Salaam ferry terminals or by air.
Bus / Ferry: For the Dar es Salaam ↔ Stone Town crossing, fast ferries (operators such as Azam Marine) run from Dar es Salaam’s ferry terminal to Stone Town Ferry Terminal and take about 2 hours; fast-ferry one-way fares are commonly in the range of ~70,000-90,000 TZS (prices vary by operator and class). Conventional car/passenger ferries are slower (3-4+ hours) and cheaper when available. On Zanzibar itself, inter-town travel is mostly by dala-dala (shared minibuses) and private shuttle buses - see Getting Around for prices and tips.
How to Get Around Zanzibar City
Stone Town is compact and most visitors get around with a mix of taxis, shared dala-dalas and on foot. For short, central trips walking and bajajis work best; for longer island travel, use private shuttles or hire a car if you want flexibility.
- Taxi (20,000-50,000 TZS) - Taxis are the quickest way to move between the airport, ferry terminal and Stone Town. Expect roughly 20,000-35,000 TZS for airport → Stone Town (10-20 minutes) and higher fares for longer island trips; always agree a price or insist on the meter where available. Use official airport taxis or arrange hotel transfers to avoid overcharging.
- Dala-dala (shared minibus) (300-5,000 TZS) - Dala-dalas are the island's cheapest public transport for short and medium journeys. Fares are very low - typical in-town hops cost a few hundred to a couple thousand TZS, while longer island runs cost more; routes are informal so ask locals or drivers for the correct vehicle. Expect crowded vehicles and limited luggage space; they are best for short trips if you're on a tight budget.
- Bajaji (auto-rickshaw) (1,000-5,000 TZS) - Bajajis (three-wheeled tuk-tuks) operate around Stone Town and nearby suburbs and are handy for short runs where a taxi is overkill. Negotiate or confirm a price before starting - short trips are typically a few thousand TZS. They're useful late at night when dala-dalas run less frequently, but they carry limited luggage.
- Private shuttle / minibus (10,000-60,000 TZS) - Many hotels and tour operators run private shuttles to popular beaches (e.g., Nungwi, Kendwa) and attractions; prices are higher than dala-dalas but more comfortable and punctual. Expect single-seat or shared shuttle fares roughly from 10,000-40,000 TZS depending on distance. Book transfers in advance during high season to guarantee space.
- Car hire (from ~80,000 TZS/day) - Car hire is available on the island and gives flexibility for exploring remote beaches, but roads outside Stone Town can be narrow and sandy. Self-drive requires an international licence and attention to local driving norms; daily rates for small cars vary widely and often exclude fuel. Consider a car with local insurance and book through a reputable company if you need full-day freedom.
- Bicycle / Scooter hire (from ~10,000 TZS/day) - Bicycles and scooters are popular for short coastal trips and exploring around Stone Town at a relaxed pace. Scooter hire costs are modest but vary by season; helmets and caution are recommended - road surfaces can be rough and traffic unpredictable. Use rentals from reputable shops and check the vehicle before taking it out.
- Walking - Stone Town is compact and best explored on foot - narrow alleys and pedestrian-only lanes are common, and walking lets you see markets and architecture up close. Wear comfortable shoes for uneven stone streets, stay hydrated, and be ready for crowded market areas. Walking is the most reliable way to discover the historic centre.
Where to Stay in Zanzibar City #
- Drifting Dragon Hostel (budget) - Dorms, social vibe
- Backpackers hostels in Stone Town - Low-cost, central
- Park Hyatt Zanzibar - Waterfront, boutique luxury feel
- Tembo House Hotel - Historic location by the sea
- Melia Zanzibar (beach resort) - High-end resort, beach access
- Park Hyatt Zanzibar - Premium rooms, central Old Town access
- Park Hyatt Zanzibar - Great base for Stone Town walks
- Tembo House Hotel - Central, easy to explore
- Melia Zanzibar - Family-friendly, kids' facilities
- Zanzi Resort (examples) - Beach villas and family rooms
- Park Hyatt Zanzibar - Reliable internet, comfortable workspace
- Airbnb apartments in Stone Town - Longer stays, kitchen and workspace
Where to Eat in Zanzibar City #
Stone Town is intoxicating for the palate: narrow alleys scented with cloves, cardamom and coconut lead to Forodhani’s waterfront market, where vendors grill fish, whip up Zanzibar pizza and press fresh sugarcane juice. The local cuisine is a centuries-old mashup of Swahili, Arab and Indian flavors-pilau, biryani, and spiced seafood dominate.
Eat with your hands at the night market, take a spice tour to understand the ingredients, and linger at one of Stone Town’s rooftop cafés for sunset views and tea.
- Forodhani Night Market - Grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizza and sugarcane juice.
- Stone Town spice cafés - Spice-infused dishes and pilau rice specialties.
- Mercury's Restaurant - Seafood and Swahili-influenced plates by the seafront.
- 6 Degrees South - Seafood grill and international-friendly menu in Stone Town.
- Hotel and boutique-guesthouse restaurants - European and fusion dishes with ocean views.
- Sahari Zanzibar - Contemporary takes on local and international cuisine.
- Vegetarian stalls at Forodhani - Spiced chips, vegetable sambusas and grilled corn.
- Spice tours' tastings - Fresh coconut chutneys and vegetable curries.
- Cafés in Stone Town - Salads, hummus and vegetarian Swahili dishes.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Zanzibar City's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Zanzibar City #
Zanzibar City (Stone Town) has one of East Africa’s most atmospheric nights: a pedestrianized waterfront lined with food stalls, seafood grills and casual bars. The Forodhani Gardens night market is the iconic evening attraction; narrow alleyways off the main square hide rooftop bars and intimate restaurants. Taste local street food, watch dhows glide in the harbor, and head to rooftop spots for views. Safety is generally good in tourist areas - use common-sense precautions and expect most places to close around midnight to 1am, later on weekends.
Best Bets
- Forodhani Gardens Night Market - Iconic seaside market serving fresh seafood and local snacks.
- Emerson on Hurumzi (rooftop) - Historic hotel rooftop with sunset views and live music.
- Lukmaan Restaurant - Famous local eatery-cheap, hearty Zanzibari and Swahili dishes.
- Park Hyatt Zanzibar - Upscale hotel bar and terrace in the heart of Stone Town.
- Mercury's Restaurant - Seafront dining and drinks near the House of Wonders.
- Stone Town rooftop bars - Cluster of small rooftop bars offering harbor views and cocktails.
Shopping in Zanzibar City #
Zanzibar City (Stone Town) is a compact shopper’s maze: Darajani Market and the Forodhani Night Market are essential for food, spices and island souvenirs, while the winding streets of Stone Town host carpet sellers, silver and carved-wood workshops. Bring cash, haggle on crafts and ask for certificates on imported spices. For decent handicrafts, step away from the main tourist alleys and compare prices.
Best Bets
- Darajani Market - Bustling fresh market for spices, fish and local produce.
- Forodhani Night Market - Evening food market with grilled seafood and local snacks.
- Stone Town craft alleys - Shops offering silver, carvings and traditional kiswahili crafts.
- Spice and souvenir stalls around Old Town - Small stalls selling spices, oils and handmade goods.
- Independent curio shops - Less touristy shops for higher-quality textiles and jewelry.
- Waterfront stalls near Forodhani Gardens - Souvenir stands and local snacks after sunset markets.
