Before Zanzibar became synonymous with white-sand beaches, it was one of the most important trading ports in the Indian Ocean world — the meeting point of Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian and European influence. Stone Town, the old quarter of Zanzibar City, is where that history is still standing, and it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason.

Why Visit Stone Town

Most travellers arrive in Zanzibar heading straight for the beaches of the north and east coast — and rightly so — but skipping Stone Town means missing the island's actual story. A day or two here, usually at the start or end of a beach stay, adds real depth to the trip.

Top Things to Do in Stone Town

1. Get Lost in the Old Town Alleys

Stone Town's narrow streets were built for shade, not cars — the best way to experience it is simply walking without a fixed destination, past the famous ornately carved wooden doors, small mosques, and centuries-old merchant houses.

2. The House of Wonders & Old Fort

Once the tallest building in East Africa and the former Sultan's ceremonial palace, the House of Wonders anchors the waterfront alongside the Old Fort, now home to craft stalls and occasional live music in the evenings.

3. Darajani Market

Zanzibar's main market is a full sensory experience — fish auctions at dawn, mountains of spices (this is, after all, the "Spice Island"), and the everyday commerce of the old town in full swing.

4. A Spice Farm Tour

Just outside town, working spice farms run guided walks through cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, vanilla and cinnamon — Zanzibar's original economic engine, long before tourism.

5. Sunset Dhow Cruise

Traditional wooden dhows sail out from Stone Town's harbour most evenings for sunset cruises — one of the most photographed, and genuinely worthwhile, experiences on the island.

Combining Stone Town with a Beach Stay

The most efficient approach is one to two nights in Stone Town, then a transfer (45–90 minutes depending on which beach) to Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje or Michamvi for the rest of your stay. We build this into every Zanzibar package as standard, since arriving straight from a mainland safari to a beach chair without seeing the old town means missing half the island's character.

Plan Your Zanzibar Trip

Contact us to combine Stone Town, a spice tour, and your ideal beach location into one seamless Zanzibar itinerary — often as the final leg of a mainland Tanzania safari.