For a full recap of Zanzibar, read my other blog Things to Know Before Traveling to Zanzibar.
If you prefer video content, check out my Instagram story highlights for a video recap.
Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is incredible. It’s the hub of where the spice, and unfortunately eastern slave trade, occurred, so the town is rich in history, culture, and food! A visit to Zanzibar is incomplete without at least 2 days spent in Stone Town. I spent 2 days and easily could’ve enjoy an extra day exploring.
Where to Stay in Stone Town
Stone Town is full of Arabic, Indian, and Portuguese influence. The influence of architecture and design from the three cultures shows in the unique boutique hotels. I highly recommend staying at a boutique hotel and opting for a traditional Swahili room. We stayed at the Dhow Palace Hotel in their deluxe suite which had an outdoor shower we thoroughly enjoyed.
Other boutiques to consider: Emerson Spice, Emerson on Hurumzi, and Tembo House Hotel. If boutique and traditional Swahili rooms isn’t your vibe, then check out more modern hotels such as Park Hyatt and the Double Tree by Hilton.
Things to Do in Stone Town
- Walking Tour of Stone Town. The #1 thing you must do is take a walking tour of Stone Town. There is so much rich history to learn, it really helps to better understand the makeup of the country. You can hire Aiysha Mohammed, one of few female tour guides in Zanzibar, and a job she had to fight to have due to the gender inequality of the country. She is extremely knowledgeable; she will cover important sites around town and also take you to the slave trade museum. She can be reached via WhatsApp +255 716 199 415.
- Spice Tour. A trip to Spice Island without a tour of a spice farm. There’s an option to do a walking tour of the spice farm and end it with a cooking class, or simply enjoy the fruits they cultivate. I opted to do the walking tour and top it off with some fruits. Aiysha booked and did the walking tour for us. If you want a tour with a cooking class, see here.
- Day Trip to Prison Island and/or Mnemba Island. Prison island is known for being occupied by huge tortoise that you can interact with and feed. Mnemba Island is known for snorkeling, incredible clear waters, and swimming with dolphins. Normally, it’s a tour you can do while staying in the north coast of Nungwi, but I opted to do it while in Stone Town since I didn’t head to the north coast. Aiysha booked my private tour. It included a delicious seafood lunch and private transportation and boat ride.
- Sail a Dhow for Sunset. Take a luxury dhow with Vanora Zanzibar.
- Shop. Walking around Stone Town is awesome. It’s a maze that never ends with each side street offering different shops. You’ll find a plethora of things from spice, to woven baskets, coffee, clothes, and wooden goods. I highly recommend doing your shopping in Stone Town as you’ll be directly supporting the locals, especially if you’re buying artwork. If you shop outside of Stone Town, you’ll run the risk of buying items imported from China. And don’t forget to barter, everything is negotiable!
Transportation
The main mode of transportation when staying inside Stone Town are your own two feet! Everything is walking distance, so there are no need for taxis.
Restaurants
Heaven for any foodie, Stone Town has something for everyone.
- Foroghani Gardens – my favorite meals came from the night market at Forodhani Gardens where market vendors gather to sell a variety delicious food. You must try both sweet and savory Zanzibar pizza, as well as the Sugar Cane juice. But make sure you only eat at the vendors that have the longest line and ask how fresh their seafood is to avoid food poisoning.
- Zanzibar Coffee House – has the best coffee I have ever had in my life (and I’m not a coffee drinker!). Order the spiced coffee and thank me later. They also serve a good breakfast.
- Luukman Restaurant – where the locals and tourists come together for a delicious lunch. I went for lunch and had a delicious meal and freshly made juice for under $10.
- Rooftop Restaurant at either Emerson Spice or Emerson on Hurumzi – Each restaurant offers a 5-course dinner with a magnificent view of Stone Town for roughly $40/PP. They require a deposit, which you can make in person by a certain time the day of, and reservations well in advanced. I only dined at Emerson Spice because Emerson on Hurumzi was booked for the week, which was sad because it had an authentic Swahili setting i.e., having meals on cushions.
