Stone Town, Zanzibar: UNESCO old town, spice tours and the ferry
Stone Town is the historic heart of Zanzibar: carved doors, Omani and Swahili architecture, Forodhani night market and the departure point for the ferry, spice farms and Prison Island.
Best for
- History and culture
- Spice farm and Prison Island trips
- One or two nights
The beach and the tide
No swimming beach in town. Guests pair a night here with a beach stay.
Where to stay in Stone Town
Stone Town questions
How many nights do you need in Stone Town?
One or two. A half day walking tour plus an evening at Forodhani market covers the highlights, then most guests move to the coast.
Planning reading
The best time to visit Zanzibar, month by month
June to October is the most reliable window: dry, warm days around 28C, calm sea and low humidity. December to February is hotter and just as dry but costs the most. April and May bring the long rains and the lowest rates of the year.
Where to stay in Zanzibar: every beach compared
Nungwi and Kendwa for swimming at any tide and nightlife, Paje and Jambiani for kitesurfing and a young budget crowd, Matemwe and Pongwe for quiet high end beach, Michamvi for sunsets, Stone Town for history and your first or last night.
Zanzibar airport transfers: what it costs and how long it takes
A private transfer from Zanzibar airport costs from about 15 USD to Stone Town and 60 to 80 USD to the far north or east coast, for the whole car rather than per person. Drive times run from 20 minutes to 1 hour 40.