Stone Town Zanzibar: Complete Guide to UNESCO Heritage 2025
Stone Town Zanzibar is the historic heart of the island: fascinating maze of cobblestone alleys, unique Swahili-Arabic architecture with 500+ iconic carved gates, centuries-old mosques, Omani sultan palaces and bustling markets. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 for fusing African, Arab, Persian, Indian and European influences, this coral stone city offers an immersive experience in the history of the Indian Ocean spice and slave trade. This guide explains must-see places, walking tours, where to eat, dress codes and practical tips.
History Stone Town Zanzibar UNESCO
Historical development
VIII-X CenturyArab and Persian traders founded settlements on the Swahili coast.
1698Sultan of Oman expelled Portuguese, built Old Fort.
1840Sultan Said bin Sultan moved Oman's capital to Stone Town, turning the city into the most important commercial center of the Indian Ocean.
XIX CenturyBoom trade in spices (cloves, vanilla) and slaves. Stone Town became the richest city in East Africa.
1964Zanzibar Revolution overthrew sultanate, thousands of Arabs/Indians exiled.
2000UNESCO declared World Heritage for "exceptional testimony of cultural exchange and fusion of African, Arab, Indian and European elements".
Meaning of the name
"Stone Town"Stone City - buildings constructed with coral stone.
Local nameMji Mkongwe (Old Town in Swahili).
Unique architecture Stone Town Zanzibar
Iconic carved doors
Most famous feature: 500+ intricately carved wooden doors.
Styles:
- Arabic: Geometric decoration, Koranic verses
- Indias: Elaborated floral motifs
- Zanzibari: Unique fusion of both styles
MeaningSize and ornamentation indicated wealth owner. Specific carvings: Fish = prosperity, chains = security.
Coral stone buildings
MaterialAdvantages: Resistant to tropical climate, natural thermal insulation, characteristic cream-white color.
Balconies and barazas
BarazaStone benches built on both sides of doors where men conversed.
Wooden balconiesElaborate projecting on narrow streets, Indian influence.
Must-see places Stone Town Zanzibar
House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib)
HistoryBuilt 1883 as Sultan Barghash's palace. First building with electricity in Zanzibar.
CurrentlyCLOSED for renovation since 2020 (partial collapse). Reopening planned for 2025-2026.
Visitable: Exterior only (photographs from the square).
Sultan's Palace (Beit-al-Sahel)
History: Sultans official residence 1834-1964.
CurrentlySultan's Palace Museum with preserved rooms, personal objects, sultanate history exhibits.
Entrance: 5,000 TZS (2 USD) adults, 1,000 TZS children
Schedule: 9:00-18:00 daily
Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe)
HistoryPortuguese fortification 1698-1701, oldest structure Stone Town Zanzibar.
CurrentlyCultural center with events patio, handicraft stores, restaurant.
Entrance: Free of charge
Best time: Sunset - often live traditional taarab music.
Darajani Market
Location: Creek Road, heart of Stone Town
SectionsFresh fish, fruits/vegetables, spices, meat, khangas/kikoys textiles.
TipsGo early 7:00-10:00 AM, bargaining expected (starts 30-40% initial price), guard valuables (occasional pickpockets).
Entrance: Free of charge
Forodhani Gardens
By day: Quiet park in front of the sea.
At night (18:00-23:00)Vibrant street food market.
What to eat Stone Town Zanzibar:
- Zanzibar pizza: 5.000-8.000 TZS
- Seafood skewers: 10,000-25,000 TZS
- Mishkaki (meat skewers): 3,000-5,000 TZS
- Urojo (Zanzibari soup): 3,000 TZS
Experience requiredBBQ smoke, lights, tourists/locals mix.
Christ Church Cathedral
HistoryAnglican Cathedral 1873-1880 on former slave market.
What to seeGothic architecture, museum moving subway chambers (former slave cells).
Entrance: 5,000 TZS incl. museum
Schedule: 8:00-18:00 daily
Freddie Mercury Stone Town Zanzibar
Mercury House (bar)Kenyatta Road - Queen memorabilia themed bar.
Monument: Small statue in front of Mercury House (2018).
Walking tours Stone Town Zanzibar
Professional guided tour
Duration: 2-3 hours
Price: 15-30 USD groups, 40-60 USD private
IncludesCertified guide, tour of the main sites, entrance to the Sultan Palace or Christ Church.
Best timeEarly morning 8:00-11:00 (avoid heat).
Self-guided tour
Suggested route (3-4 hours):
- Old Fort (30 min)
- Casa Maravillas outdoor (15 min)
- Sultan Palace museum (45 min)
- Forodhani Gardens (15 min)Christ Church Cathedral (45 min)
- Labyrinth alleys (1 hour - get deliberately lost)
- Darajani Market (45 min)
Council: Download Google Maps offline. Easy to get disoriented but fun.
Where to eat Stone Town Zanzibar
Recommended restaurants
Lukmaan Restaurant:
- Specialty: Authentic Swahili food
- Price: 8,000-15,000 TZS (3-6 USD)
- Ambience: Basic but authentic
Emerson Spice Rooftop:
- Specialty: Swahili tasting menu
- Price: 80,000-100,000 TZS (30-40 USD)
- Terrace 360° view Stone Town
- Mandatory reservation
- Forodhani Gardens: Must-try street food (described above).
Dress codes Stone Town Zanzibar
ConservativeDate of birth: 99% Muslim, modesty expectations.
WomenShoulders covered, knees covered (long skirts, pants). Avoid plunging necklines.
MenShirts, long pants or bermuda shorts at the knee.
SolutionWear a sarong to cover up quickly.
Best time to visit Stone Town Zanzibar
Dry season (Jun-Oct, Dec-Feb): Better weather, perfect walking streets.
Rainy season (Mar-May): Fewer tourists, cheaper hotels. Stone Town visitable year round.
RamadanLocal restaurants closed during the day. Forodhani Gardens special at sunset.
Accommodation Stone Town Zanzibar
Budget (20-40 USD/night)Basic hostels/guesthouses.
Mid-range (60-120 USD/night)Boutique hotels in restored historic buildings (Zanzibar Coffee House, Tembo House).
Luxury (150-300+ USD/night): Converted palaces (Emerson Spice, Park Hyatt Zanzibar).
Practical tips Stone Town Zanzibar
Orientation: Labyrinthine streets with no signposting. Getting disoriented is part of the experience. Ask locals for directions.
SecurityGenerally safe during the day. Night, keep valuables safe, avoid very dark alleys.
MoneyStone Town exchange houses with competitive rates. ATMs available. Most places cash only.
Transportation from Stone Town:
- To Nungwi: Dala-dala 2,000 TZS, cab 70,000-80,000 TZS (30-35 USD)
- To Paje: Dala-dala 3,000 TZS, cab 70,000-90,000 TZS
Unsolicited salespersonsFrequent. Firm but polite "Hapana, asante" (No, thank you).
Frequently Asked Questions Stone Town Zanzibar
What makes Stone Town Zanzibar so special and why is it a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Stone Town Zanzibar is special for being an exceptional testimony of a unique cultural fusion: a city fusing African (Swahili), Arab, Persian, Indian and European architecture and customs resulting from centuries as the main trading center for spices and slaves in the Indian Ocean. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 2000. for preserving its historic urban layout practically intact with 500+ intricately carved wooden doors (most iconic feature), 17th-19th century coral stone buildings, centuries-old mosques, Omani sultan palaces and labyrinthine alleyways. According to UNESCOStone Town Zanzibar is "outstanding testimony of cultural contact between Africa, Arab world, India and Europe resulting in unique Swahili culture". Must-see places: Casa Maravillas (currently closed for renovation), Sultan Palace museum (5.000 TZS entrance fee), Old Portuguese Fort 1698, authentic Darajani market, Christ Church Cathedral on former slave market. The city preserves virtually unchanged historical atmosphere being immersive experience traveling centuries ago.
How much time do I need to visit Stone Town Zanzibar?
To experience Stone Town Zanzibar you adequately need minimum 1 full day, ideally 2 daysDay 1 dedicated to walking tour main sites (Old Fort, Casa Maravillas exterior, Sultan Palace museum, Christ Church Cathedral, narrow streets with carved doors, Darajani market) requires 3-4 hours morning, followed by afternoon free exploration to wander through narrow streets discovering spice stores, hidden cafes, and evening. Forodhani Gardens tasting street food (Zanzibar pizza 5.000-8.000 TZS, seafood skewers 10.000-25.000 TZS). Day 2 allows relaxed pace: additional museum, spice tour half day, lunch rooftop restaurant view (Emerson Spice), souvenir shopping. If you only have half day (common for those staying on beaches), prioritizes guided walking tour 2-3 hours covering essential plus Forodhani Gardens night. According to Lonely PlanetStone Town deserves at least 2 nights to "soak up the unique atmosphere without haste and explore residential neighborhoods where local life continues unchanged for centuries".
Is it safe to walk around Stone Town Zanzibar and what precautions to take?
Stone Town Zanzibar is relatively safe for tourists with normal precautions: city depends on tourism then generally protective community, violent crimes against tourists rare. Daytime precautions(1) Keep valuables specially secured Darajani market where occasional pickpockets operate; (2) Don't show excessive cash; (3) Carry only cash needed for the day; (4) Camera/phone in zippered backpack when not in use. Night (after 22:00): Avoid very dark lonely alleys, walk on main streets with light, use cab between restaurant and hotel if considerable distance (5.000-10.000 TZS short trips Stone Town). Insistent sellers: Commoners near Old Fort, Forodhani, market - mostly just want to sell tours/souvenirs, not dangerous but annoying; respond firmly "Hapana, asante" (No, thank you) and move on. Common scamsFriends" offering to guide "free" then asking for a big tip, stores inflating prices 300-500% (bargaining essential). According to TripAdvisorMost visitors report Stone Town safe with common sense, being more of a nuisance to pushy salespeople than a real danger.