Zanzibar Town Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

House of Wonders
Forodhani Gardens
Old Fort
House of Wonders
Old Fort

Take trips to the surrounding islets and learn about the former slave markets and prisons in the impressive old Stone Town.

Zanzibar City is a historic cultural hub on the island of Unguja. It is the capital city of its namesake archipelago, with most of its exceptional structural treasures in the Stone Town historic district. Learn about the island culture and former slave trade in the museums and ecclesiastical buildings here.

The oldest structure in the historic centre is the Old FortOpens in a new window, which dates back to the late 17th century. Marvel at the tall, brown walls and enter the courtyard for the artisanal market. Attend a film festival here and learn about the fort’s use over the years as a prison and tennis club.

Adjacent is Forodhani GardensOpens in a new window, a pretty park overlooking the Indian Ocean. Visit at night for stalls selling a range of Zanzibar culinary specialties. Try the local crepe-like version of pizza alongside potato ball soup and omelets.

Among the Stone Town highlights is Christ Church CathedralOpens in a new window. Snap photos of the intriguing coral stone design and visit the museum to learn about slavery. The church was built to commemorate the abolition of slavery on the location of the old slave market. For a more modern side of the city, explore the Ng’ambo district.

Visit from June through September for the driest months. Be ready for immense tropical rainfall in April and May. Temperatures are warm to hot year-round, providing ideal sunbathing conditions on Shangani Beach. Take a ferry to one of the surroundings islets, such as Chapwani Island, Chumbe Island and Kwale Island. Prison Island is a former slave prison and quarantine station.

The city is on the western coast of the main island in the Zanzibar archipelago. Fly to Zanzibar’s international airport or arrive at Dar es Salaam Airport on the Tanzania mainland and take the 90-minute ferry to Zanzibar. Get around by rental car or taxi. Nearby landmarks include Kichwele Forest Reserve, Tumbatu Island and Tele Island.

Zanzibar City has a fascinating blend of historical artefacts and cultures in its exceptional Stone Town district.

Where to stay in Zanzibar Town

Old Fort

Stone Town

4/5(11 area reviews)

Stone Town is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Slave Market or Old Fort.

Stone Town
Tembo House Hotel

Tembo House Hotel

4 out of 5
Forodhani Street, Zanzibar Town
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Zanzibar Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (887 reviews)
"A arrived 9h30 and didn’t have to wait till 15 o’clock to go to my room. They not only gave the room earlier but gave an upgrade. Very friendly staff"

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2025

Tembo House Hotel
Maru Maru Hotel

Maru Maru Hotel

3 out of 5
Gizenga Street, Shangani, Zanzibar Town, Zanzibar
The price is AU$346 per night from 14 Oct to 15 Oct
AU$346
14 Oct - 15 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Zanzibar Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (553 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel, very comfortable, elaborate breakfast, incredibly hospitable staff"

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025

Maru Maru Hotel
Park Hyatt Zanzibar

Park Hyatt Zanzibar

5 out of 5
Shangani Street, Stone Town, Zanzibar Town
The price is AU$636 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$636
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Zanzibar Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (255 reviews)
"Great hotel, staff is excellent."

Reviewed on 25 Sept 2025

Park Hyatt Zanzibar
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Antonio Garden Hotel

Antonio Garden Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Kajificheni St, Zanzibar Town
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Zanzibar Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Hamamni Persian Baths and Jaw's ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (78 reviews)
"In Stone Town, close to restaurants, etc."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Antonio Garden Hotel
Villa Andrea

Villa Andrea

3 out of 5
Chukwani, Zanzibar Town, Mjini Magharibi Region
Stay at this 3-star beach villa in Zanzibar Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Kariakoo Amusement Park and Peace Memorial ...
Villa Andrea
AYAA LUXURY APARTMENT 4TH FLOOR

AYAA LUXURY APARTMENT 4TH FLOOR

3.5 out of 5
Kikwajuni House No 40, 40, Zanzibar Town, Mjini Magharibi Region
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Zanzibar Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Kariakoo Amusement Park ...
5.4/10 (3 reviews)
"Well equipped and beautiful view."

Reviewed on 25 Nov 2024

AYAA LUXURY APARTMENT 4TH FLOOR
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Zanzibar Town

3.6
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
1
5 - Excellent 20%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 20%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 20%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Really do your research before booking this destination. We were in the region following a safari, but wouldn’t return

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Interesting place to see

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Sad to see it such disrepair but given it's history and political situation, it's understandable. Still a stunning place to visit and hoping in the future reinvestment will come.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Exotic third world standard. Souvenir sellers everywhere pushy can be irritating. Everyone though very friendly official guides very helpful, speak English, French and Italian. US $ and Euros widely Bureau de change in Post Office

Cities near Zanzibar Town

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