House of Wonders Travel Guide: Top Sights in Tanzania, Tours & Travel

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House of Wonders- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Historical & Cultural; Tanzania; 5 Reviews

+2 Photos

Suggested Duration: 1 hours

The House of Wonders is one of Stone Town's most iconic historical buildings, prominently situated along Mizingani Road between the Old Fort and the former Sultan's Palace. Constructed in 1883 by Sultan Barghash bin Said, it was originally designed as a ceremonial palace and symbol of technological advancement—it was the first building in Zanzibar with electricity and the first in East Africa to feature an elevator. Architecturally, it combines local coral rag with imported materials like steel beams and marble, and incorporates wide verandas supported by cast-iron columns, reflecting a blend of Zanzibari, Arab, and European styles. Over the decades, the building transitioned from royal residence to government office, political headquarters, and eventually a museum showcasing Swahili and Zanzibari culture. Its exhibits once included traditional vessels like a full-size mtepe boat, ceremonial garments, and portraits of historical figures. In recent years, structural damage—including partial collapse of the façade and clock tower in 2020—led to the closure of the museum and a major rehabilitation project. Despite its current condition, the House of Wonders remains a key reference point in understanding Zanzibar's architectural evolution and historical identity.

House of Wonders Tours

Tanzania

Historical Stone Town Tour

Tour by: Zanzibar Treasure Tour & Safaris Forodhani Gardens, St. Joseph Cathedral, Freddie Mercury Museum, Old Fort, House of Wonders, Anglican Cathedral, People's Palace, Darajani Bazaar 1 Days · Mid-range

From 28＄ pp

Operators offering tours in Tanzania

Attractions in Zanzibar

Stone Town

Forodhani Gardens

3.4

Prison Island

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

4.8

Paje Beach

4.8

Nungwi Beach

Nakupenda Beach

4.6

Rock Restaurant

Reviews of House of Wonders

Abdulghaffar ghaghro

5
Reviewed: 2025-03-29

*House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib)* History - Built in 1883 by Sultan Bargash bin Said - Served as a palace and a repository for Zanzibar's treasures - Damaged by British warship HMS Philomel in 1896 - Restored in 2010-2012 Attractions for Tourists 1. *Exhibition halls*: Showcasing Zanzibar's history, culture, and natural environment 2. *Historic artifacts*: Including furniture, jewelry, and other relics from the palace 3. *Zanzibar's oldest elevator*: Built in 1883, it's one of the oldest in Africa 4. *Panoramic views*: Of Stone Town and the harbor from the top floor Food and Beverages 1. *Traditional Zanzibari cuisine*: Including dishes like urojo (a spicy soup), mandazi (fried doughnuts), and chapati (flatbread) 2. *Seafood*: Fresh catches from the Indian Ocean, often served grilled or in curries 3. *Local fruits*: Like mangoes, coconuts, and pineapples 4. *Coffee and tea*: Served in traditional cafes and restaurants Tips for Visitors 1. *Dress modestly*: Respect local customs and traditions 2. *Remove shoes*: When entering the palace or mosques 3. *Respect local rules*: No photography in certain areas, and no touching of artifacts 4. *Haggle politely*: When shopping in local markets The House of Wonders is a must-visit attraction in Stone Town, Zanzibar. Its rich history, cultural significance, and stunning architecture make it an unforgettable experience.
Truth Meter

5
Reviewed: 2019-05-03

Palace Museum not sure if knows as House of Wonders holds the richest history's of Zanzibar in a political and historical Sense It has well reserved treaties and original painted antiques of the sultans and the queen which were given as gifts by various famous Austrian Artist and have been in place since 1800's till date hence if you planning your trip to the beautiful island of Zanzibar be sure to be able to visit the Palace museum just next to the ferry and can be seen on your entry to stone town via the ferry as well. Has a perfect view of all the four islands next to it,Prison Island being the most famous of all.
Tran Anh

4
Reviewed: 2018-05-27

The House of Wonders or Palace of Wonders is a landmark building in Stone Town, Zanzibar. It is the largest and tallest building of Stone Town and occupies a prominent place facing the Forodhani Gardens on the old town's seafront, in Mizingani Road. It is located between the Old Fort and the Palace Museum.
Michael S. Mbwambo

5
Reviewed: 2017-12-03

|The House of Wonders was once the most modern building in East Africa—it was the first building to have electricity and an elevator—and it mixes elements of European style and Zanzibari tradition by including cast iron columns, elaborate door carvings, coral rag, open central courtyards, and mangrove ceilings that together form a truly unique architectural achievement. Just next to it is the Palace Museum, built by the second sultan of Zanzibar in 1883, which is an opulent palace comprised of beautiful marble flooring, coral stone walls, and silver decorations. The palace was built in the Omani style as an extravagant Arab mansion, and holds many relics that offer a rare glimpse of a past era. The House of Wonders and Palace Museum have been converted into popular cultural destinations; the House of Wonders presents exhibitions dedicated to Swahili culture and the Palace Museum highlights its ties to Zanzibar's Omani history. | Location: Unguja Island, Zanzibar city Tanzania. #Tanzania #songosongoisland #fanjove #kilwa #lindi #fanjoveprivateisland #zanzibar #daresalaam #canoneos #5dsr #holiday #traveling #travelphotography #travel #sunset #sunrise #houseofwonder #unguja #ungujaIsland #pembaisland #SaadaniNationalPark #SaadaniSafariLodge
Chris Bowles

3
Reviewed: 2016-12-14

The House of Wonders has unfortunately seen better days it is now in desperate need of repair and lightbulbs. Many exhibits and some of the upper corridors are very poorly lit. It's still worth a visit if only for the experience of pushing open the biggest set of doors you'll ever step through. Also right outside is a guy selling cold drinks who I bargained the hire of his bicycle for $5 for an hour, an excellent way to look around the town.