Listed in 2000 as an outstanding Swahili trading town.
Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian and European influences in one town.
A maze of lanes, carved doors and hidden courtyards.
About 15 minutes from Zanzibar's airport, and 2 hours by ferry from Dar es Salaam.
About Stone Town
Stone Town is the old quarter of Zanzibar City, on the west coast of Unguja, Zanzibar's main island. For centuries it was one of the great trading towns of the Indian Ocean, linking Africa with Arabia, Persia and India, and its winding lanes still reflect that mix of cultures in their architecture, food and faces.
The town takes its name from the coral-stone houses built by wealthy merchants in the nineteenth century, many with ornate balconies and heavy carved wooden doors. In 2000 Stone Town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised as one of the finest surviving examples of a Swahili coastal trading town.
Today it is a lively, lived-in town rather than a museum. Children play football in the squares, men drink coffee on stone benches called barazas, and the call to prayer drifts over the rooftops at sunset. A night or two here makes a wonderful contrast to a safari and Zanzibar's beaches.
A short history of Stone Town
Trading settlements have stood on this coast for more than a thousand years, but Stone Town grew rich under the Omani sultans, who moved their capital from Muscat to Zanzibar in the 1840s. Cloves, ivory and other goods passed through its harbour, and so, tragically, did tens of thousands of enslaved people, until the slave market was closed in 1873.
Zanzibar later became a British protectorate and gained independence in 1963. A revolution followed in 1964, and later that year Zanzibar joined Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania. Each of these chapters left its mark on the town's buildings, from the sultans' palaces on the seafront to the Anglican cathedral built on the site of the old slave market.
The best things to do in Stone Town
Start with a guided walking tour. A local guide brings the lanes to life, pointing out the carved Zanzibar doors, the Old Fort, the Palace Museum, the Old Dispensary and the house where Freddie Mercury was born. You will also visit the Anglican Christ Church Cathedral and its moving memorial to the enslaved people once sold on that site.
Wander through Darajani Market, where locals shop for fish, fruit and spices, then join a spice tour on one of the farms outside town to see, smell and taste cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla growing.
In the evening, head to the Forodhani Gardens on the waterfront, where a night food market serves grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizza and sugar-cane juice. End the day with a sunset dhow cruise or a drink on one of the rooftop terraces overlooking the harbour.
Prison Island, sandbanks and the sea
A short boat trip from Stone Town takes you to Changuu, better known as Prison Island, home to a colony of giant Aldabra tortoises and a small beach for swimming. Many trips continue to a nearby sandbank for snorkelling and a seafood lunch. In the evening, a traditional dhow cruise along the waterfront is one of the most relaxing ways to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Explore Zanzibar →Where to stay in Stone Town
Stone Town has some of the most atmospheric hotels on Zanzibar, many in restored merchants' houses with carved doors, inner courtyards and rooftop restaurants. Staying in the old town lets you explore on foot in the cool of the morning and evening, when the lanes are at their most beautiful.
Most guests spend one or two nights in Stone Town, then move to the beach. We choose a boutique hotel that suits your budget and arrange the transfer to your beach resort on the east or north coast.
Tips for visiting Stone Town
Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim island, so dress modestly in Stone Town, covering shoulders and knees, and save swimwear for the beach. During Ramadan, avoid eating and drinking in public during the day, and expect some restaurants to open only in the evening.
The lanes are a maze and street signs are few, so a guide is helpful on your first day. Carry small notes in Tanzanian shillings or US dollars for markets and tips, and take care with valuables in crowded places, as you would in any town.
Best time to visit Stone Town
Stone Town can be visited all year, but the weather is most pleasant in the dry seasons, which also suit a safari and beach holiday.
June – October
Dry, sunny and slightly cooler, ideal for exploring the town on foot.
December – February
Hot, humid days and calm seas, perfect for combining with the beaches.
November
Brief showers and fewer visitors, with good-value hotel rates.
March – May
The wettest months, when some hotels close and the lanes can be muddy.
Stone Town questions
If you have a question we haven't covered, our Tanzania-based team is happy to help, so just ask.
Is Stone Town worth visiting?
Yes. Stone Town's history, architecture, food and markets make it one of the most interesting places in East Africa, and a night or two here adds real depth to a Zanzibar holiday.
How many days do you need in Stone Town?
One or two nights is ideal. That gives you time for a walking tour, a spice farm, the Forodhani night market and a sunset dhow cruise before heading to the beach.
Why is Stone Town a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
It was listed in 2000 as an outstanding example of a Swahili coastal trading town, with buildings and a culture shaped by African, Arab, Persian, Indian and European influences.
What is Stone Town famous for?
Stone Town is famous for its carved wooden doors, narrow lanes, spice trade, the Forodhani night food market, its role in Indian Ocean history and as the birthplace of Freddie Mercury.
Is Stone Town safe for tourists?
Stone Town is generally safe and welcoming. Use normal precautions, keep valuables out of sight in crowded areas and take a licensed guide or taxi at night if you are unsure of the way.
What should I wear in Stone Town?
Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, out of respect for local customs. Light, loose clothing and comfortable walking shoes are best for the heat and the uneven lanes.
How far is Stone Town from the beaches?
The main beaches on the east and north coasts, such as Paje, Matemwe, Nungwi and Kendwa, are about one to one and a half hours' drive from Stone Town.
How do I get to Stone Town?
Zanzibar's international airport is about 15 minutes from Stone Town, with flights from the safari parks, Arusha and Dar es Salaam. Fast ferries from Dar es Salaam take around two hours.
Can I combine Stone Town with a safari?
Yes, and most of our guests do. A short flight links the safari parks with Zanzibar, so you can spend a night or two in Stone Town before relaxing on the beach.
Do I need a separate visa for Zanzibar?
No. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so your Tanzania visa covers it. Visitors to Zanzibar must also hold the island's mandatory travel insurance, which we can help you arrange.