Stone Town- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Stepping into Stone Town is like stepping through a portal into a bygone era. The air is thick with the scent of cloves and frying seafood, the call to prayer echoes off ancient coral walls, and the winding alleys promise a new discovery at every turn. Known locally as Mji Mkongwe (Old Town), this UNESCO World Heritage site is the historical heart of Zanzibar City and the cultural soul of the archipelago.

While many travelers flock to Zanzibar for its pristine white sands, Stone Town offers something deeper: a complex, layered narrative of sultans, explorers, traders, and everyday Swahili life. This comprehensive guide explores the history, architecture, and essential experiences that make Stone Town one of East Africa’s most fascinating urban landscapes.

To understand Stone Town, one must look beyond the crumbling plaster and peeling paint. The city is a physical timeline of East African history, where African, Arab, Indian, Persian, and European influences have fused over centuries to create a unique Swahili civilization.

Stone Town was not always the bustling hub it is today. It began as a humble fishing village but rose to prominence in the 19th century when the Sultan of Oman moved his capital here. It became a flourishing center of trade—dealing tragically in enslaved people and lucratively in spices. This duality of wealth and suffering is etched into the city's foundations.

From the shortest war in history (the 1896 Anglo-Zanzibar War) to the revolution of 1964, the streets you walk today have witnessed the rise and fall of empires.

The name “Stone Town” comes from the ubiquitous use of reddish coral stone as the primary building material. However, the true icons of the city are its doors. There are over 500 carved wooden doors throughout the town, each telling a story about the house's original owner.

• Indian Style Doors: recognizable by their arched tops and heavy brass spikes. Originally used to deter war elephants, in Zanzibar they became decorative symbols of wealth.
• Omani Arab Doors: rectangular in form with intricate carvings, often featuring Quranic passages or floral motifs.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000, Stone Town is recognized for its outstanding material manifestation of cultural fusion. Preservation remains challenging, but landmark buildings such as the House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib) are undergoing restoration.

Navigation in Stone Town is an art form. The narrow streets were designed for shade and defense. Getting lost here is not a mistake—it is part of the experience.

Begin at the Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe), the oldest building in Stone Town. Built in the 17th century, it now hosts cultural events including the Zanzibar International Film Festival.

Nearby stands the Anglican Cathedral, built on the former slave market. The adjacent East Africa Slave Trade Exhibit provides essential historical context.

Music fans can visit the Freddie Mercury Museum, located in the house where the Queen frontman spent his early years.

Darajani Market offers a raw glimpse into daily life, from fresh fish auctions to fragrant spice stalls.

At sunset, the Forodhani Gardens Night Market fills the waterfront with sizzling grills and the famous Zanzibar Pizza.

Stone Town was the center of Zanzibar’s spice trade. Small shops selling cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla remain among the most authentic souvenirs.

• Heritage Hotels: Restored merchant houses such as Emerson Spice or Dhow Palace.
• Luxury & Comfort: Modern seafront options like the Park Hyatt.

Stone Town is conservative; modest dress covering shoulders and knees is expected.

Street touts are common. A polite “Hapana asante” usually suffices. Use licensed guides when needed.

• Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS); USD accepted if dated 2009 or later.
• Seasons: Dry months (June–October, January–February) are best for walking.