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Zanzibar offers many exciting tours that show its natural beauty, rich history, and decent culture. Are you trying to find the Best things to do in Stone Town, Zanzibar? So you do not need to waste more time! I am here if you want to visit Vacation in Zanzibar and continuously want to see the Best Things to do in Stone Town, Zanzibar.
Let’s connect! You will get a good Answer in this detailed blog. Stone Town is also known as Mji Mkongwe. The oldest parts of Zanzibar are located on Unguja Island in the Western Area.
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In the remaining blog post, we will discuss some things in detail, so do not skip out on reading!
Best 20 Things to Do in Stone Town, Zanzibar
The Historic Stone Town Streets
Passing through the narrow winding streets of Stone Town to experience its great, rich culture and history, Zanzibar’s cultural heart, is like walking back in time. The narrow, winding ways are lined with impressive architecture, featuring similar carved wooden doors and old stone buildings affected by African, Arab, Persian, and European styles.
Crowded markets, spice shops, and historic places like the Old Fort and the House of Wonders attract visitors. Walking through this UNESCO World site shows the island’s rich history and culture at every corner.
What to See:
- Narrow, winding streets
- Traditional Zanzibari architecture
- Historical landmarks like the Old Fort and the House of Wonders
Why It’s Special:
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site with rich historical and cultural significance.
What to Do:
- Take a guided walking tour
- Visit spice shops and local markets
- Capture photos of the beautiful architecture
What to Buy:
- Traditional spices
- Hand-carved wooden souvenirs
- Local crafts
Visit the House of Wonders
One of the most interesting Things to do in Stone Town, Zanzibar, is the House of Wonders, into Zanzibar’s history. It was built in 1883 in East Africa and has electricity and elevator facilities.
Its beautiful architecture and large porch make it more attractive. However, Zanzibar’s culture and history are explored through more exhibitions. Some parts are under construction, but it must be a place where some lovers.
What to See:
- Grand architectural design
- Historical exhibitions (some areas are under renovation)
Why It’s Special:
- Symbolizes Zanzibar’s modernization and historical significance
What to Do:
- Learn about Zanzibar’s history through exhibitions
- Explore the large porch for panoramic views
What to Buy:
- Books and souvenirs related to Zanzibari history
Discover the Old Fort
The history of the fort has been converted into a cultural center and is one of the oldest places in Zanzibar. The old fort in Port Elizabeth is a historic place known for its impressive or attractive architecture and several views.
Visitors can see its high walls, amazing grounds, and enjoy the strolls more. This tour of the fort provides mind-blowing historical significance and natural beauty.
What to See:
- High defensive walls
- Cultural exhibitions
Why It’s Special:
- A symbol of Zanzibar’s rich historical past
What to Do:
- Enjoy cultural performances
- Explore the grounds and architecture
What to Buy:
- Local artwork and crafts at the on-site shops.
Visit the Zanzibar Spice Tour
Take a great tour to learn the history and production of Zanzibar’s famous spices. The Zanzibar Spice Tour is a fun and great experience. Zanzibar is also known as “Spics Island” due to its great history and growing spices.
During this tour, you can see, smell like the smell of cloves, cinnamon, or vanilla. It’s a great way to show island culture and its natural beauty.
What to See:
- Spice plantations
- Exotic spices like cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla
Why It’s Special:
- Offers insight into Zanzibar’s spice trade history
What to Do:
- Take a guided spice tour
- Smell and taste different spices
What to Buy:
- Fresh spices and spice-infused products
Relax at Forodhani Gardens
Forodhani Gardens is a beautiful seaside park in Stone Town, great for a relaxing mood. In the evening, it converts the lovely food market into fresh Seafood, yummiest grilled food, and snacks like Zanzibar Pizza.
The peaceful ocean views and peaceful atmosphere make it more great place to unwind and enjoy more delicious flavors here.
What to See:
- Ocean views
- Evening food market
Why It’s Special:
- A great place to unwind and enjoy local flavors
What to Do:
- Sample fresh seafood and Zanzibar pizza
- Enjoy the peaceful ambiance
What to Buy:
Local snacks and handmade treats.
See the Sultan’s Palace Museum
Another best thing to do in Stone Town, Zanzibar, is the Sultan Palace Museum, which is a historic place built in the 19th century during the royal residence. After the 1964 Zanzibar uprising, it became the people’s place and later a museum in 1994. The museum shows the history of the Zanzibari Royal Family. The princes of Sayyida Salme show 19th-century royal life.
What to See:
- Historical artifacts from the Zanzibari royal family
Why It’s Special:
- Provides a glimpse into the royal lifestyle of the 19th century
What to Do:
- Explore the museum exhibits
- Learn about Princess Sayyida Salme’s life
What to Buy:
- Historical books and souvenirs
The Freddie Mercury Museum
The Freddie Mercury Museum is officially partnered with Queen Productions Ltd. in the United Kingdom, which has loaned us exclusive pictures of Freddie Mercury throughout different stages of his life.
What to See:
- Exhibits on Freddie Mercury’s childhood and career
Why It’s Special:
- Offers a unique window into the life of one of the greatest rock stars
What to Do:
- Explore exhibits about Freddie Mercury’s life
- Learn about his Zanzibari heritage
What to Buy:
- Music-themed memorabilia
- Freddie Mercury merchandise.
Visit the Old Slave Market
The Old Slave Market, a well-known site in Stone Town, Zanzibar, is famous for buying and selling. Slaves. It is now an attraction and educational facility.
The church constructed on the market grounds and the underground rooms where slaves were kept are open to visitors. The location increases awareness of human rights and acts as a powerful reminder of the past.
What to See:
- Underground chambers where slaves were kept
- The church was built on the market grounds
Why It’s Special:
- A powerful educational site that raises awareness about human rights
What to Do:
- Take a guided tour to learn about the slave trade history
- Visit the memorial and church
What to Buy:
- Educational books and artifacts
Take a Sunset Dhow Cruise
The place of sunset in Zanzibar is very beautiful. Things to do in Stone Town, Zanzibar, when the sun sets, one should travel in a boat. The sky presents a wonderful view.
The blue sky presents a magical scene that helps in relaxing and enjoying the waves of the sea. Some people drink water there and sing music. This is how the day ends.
What to See:
- Stunning ocean views during sunset
Why It’s Special:
- Provides a magical and relaxing experience on the Indian Ocean
What to Do:
- Enjoy the cruise with music and refreshments
- Take breathtaking photos
What to Buy:
- Handcrafted dhow boat souvenirs
Never Forget To Visit Zanzibar National Museum
An important part of the museum shows Zanzibar’s role in the slave trade in East Africa. It shows the rule of the Omani Sultanate and British rule.
Additionally, some show what life was like in Zanzibar using traditional clothes, household objects, and cultural objects.
What to See:
- Exhibits on Zanzibar’s history and culture
- Traditional household objects and artifacts
Why It’s Special:
- Highlights Zanzibar’s historical significance in the region
What to Do:
- Explore exhibits on the slave trade and local culture
- Attend special exhibitions
What to Buy:
- History books and cultural souvenirs.
Prison Island
Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, is located in Zanzibar. It was mostly used as a quarantine station, and became a popular tourist destination
What to See:
- Giant Aldabra tortoises
- Historical prison ruins
- Stunning ocean views
Why It’s Special:
- This is the world’s best place for tortoises and offers a great history of nature.
What to Do:
- Visit the tortoise haven.
- Explore the historical damage.
- Snorkel in the clear waters surrounding the island.
Stroll Through Jozani Forest
The Jozani Forest is a pretty well-known spot in Zanzibar, and it’s smooth to see! You probably may have seen snapshots on distinctive social media of vacationers with lovely Red Colobus Monkeys playing with them in the forest. In this 3-hour excursion, you may revel in it for yourself!
This vicinity is the best home of these lovely creatures in the world, where you can move and see them. On our Jozani Forest tour, you’ll get a chance to discover and play with these monkeys and hopefully, you will get a few remarkable pics for your Zanzibar memory.
What to See:
- Rare red colobus monkeys
- Mangrove boardwalks
- Exotic flora and fauna
Why It’s Special:
- This forest is the last place for the endangered red colobus monkey.
What to Do:
- Take a nature walk with a guide.
- See red colobus monkeys in their early environment.
- See the boardwalk of mangroves.
Dive at Mnemba Atoll
Mnemba Atoll is a marine protection area, one of the famous Zanzibar’s head-diving and skin-diving points. Create a remarkable underwater paradise at Mnemba Atoll.
What to See:
- Vibrant coral reefs
- Colorful marine life, including dolphins and sea turtles
- Crystal-clear waters
Why It’s Special:
- The area is teeming with diverse marine species and offers unparalleled underwater experiences.
What to Do:
- Scuba dive or snorkel
- Spot dolphins and sea turtles
- Enjoy a beach picnic on Mnemba Island
Enjoy at Nungwi Beach
Its place is on the northern point of Zanzibar. You only need to enjoy the white sands with the clear water of Nungwi Beach. Nungwi Beach is an excellent spot for enjoying swimming and the beachfront scene.
What to See:
- white sands
- Clear turquoise waters
- Traditional dhow boats
What to Do:
- Swim in the clear waters
- Join a dhow cruise
- Enjoy beachfront dining and nightlife
Discover Paje Beach for Kite Surfing
Paje Beach is a great place for adventure people and beach spot lovers. At Paje Beach, you must experience the joy of kite surfing over waves. All the Adventurers and fans of water sports will love this fantastic location.
What to See:
- Endless sandy beach
- Clear, shallow waters
- Vibrant beach scene
Why It’s Special:
- The steady winds and shallow lagoon make it one of the best kite surfing spots in the world.
What to Do:
- Try kite surfing or paddleboarding
- Relax on the beach
- Visit beach bars and cafes
Enjoy Kendwa Beach Sunsets
Kendwa Beach is famous for its peaceful environment and sunset. Relax on the golden sands of Kendwa Beach when set against the horizon. Known for its vibrant sunsets, Known for its sunsets scene the beach is ideal for a beautiful evening.
What to See:
- Golden sunsets over the Indian Ocean
- Soft white sands
- Clear blue waters
Why It’s Special:
- Kendwa Beach offers a peaceful escape with some of the best sunsets in Zanzibar.
What to Do:
- Watch the sunset
- Swim in the calm waters
- Enjoy beach bonfires and nightlife
Visit the Mtoni Palace Ruins
It’s a royal residence famous for its historic significance. This place offers a beautiful view of the seaside. Mtoni Palace Ruins is one of the famous places from the 19th century.
Why It’s Special:
This site was once the royal residence of Sultan Seyyid Said and offers a glimpse into Zanzibar’s royal past.
Experience Local Culture at Darajani Market
Darajani Market is the heart of Stone Town’s noisy trade and local life. Connect yourself to the gathering atmosphere of Darajani Market.
Shop for fresh produce, spices, and handicrafts while experiencing everyday Zanzibari Spice Farm Tour and Cooking Class Prices & Inclusions life.
What to See:
- Fresh produce and spices
- Traditional crafts and textiles
- Vibrant market atmosphere
What to Do:
- Shop for spices and souvenirs
- Try local snacks
- Experience the vibrant market scene
At the Peace Memorial Museum
The Peace Memorial Museum is the history and culture of Zanzibar. Enjoy the spot of Peace Memorial Museum with its great history and old traditions.
What to See:
- Historical artifacts
- Exhibits on Zanzibar’s culture and history
- Colonial architecture
Why It’s Special:
- It offers a deep insight into the island’s history, including its colonial past and independence.
What to Do:
- Explore the museum exhibits
- Learn about Zanzibar’s historical events
- Attend cultural exhibitions
Savor Swahili Cuisine in Stone Town
Enjoy classic Swahili food enhanced with unique spices. With its small regional restaurants, seafood dishes, and street meals, Stone Town provides an appealing food experience.
What to See:
- Bustling local restaurants
- Street food vendors
- Traditional spice-infused meals
What to Do:
- Try local dishes like biryani and Zanzibar pizza
- Enjoy fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants
- Visit the Forodhani Night Market for street food delights
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Stone Town, Zanzibar, is a destination brimming with rich culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you are exploring the ancient streets, learning about Zanzibar’s royal past at the Sultan’s Palace Museum, or savoring the unique flavors of Swahili cuisine, there is something for every type of traveler.
The island’s blend of cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and scenic landscapes makes it an unforgettable vacation spot.
From guided tours of historic forts to relaxing sunset dhow cruises and adventure-filled beach activities, Stone Town offers a wide range of experiences that highlight the best of Zanzibar. So, if you’re planning your next getaway, Stone Town should undoubtedly be on your list for an enriching and memorable experience!