1. Explore the Old Streets of Stone Town

Traversing the intersecting streets of Stone Town, flanked by colonial architecture, is likely one of the most notable experiences of visiting Zanzibar. Stone Town, owing to its strategic significance as the epicentre of the spice and slave trade historically, has been governed by multiple authorities, including the Portuguese Empire, the Sultanate of Oman, and the British Empire, before ultimately achieving independence.

The power struggles throughout its history facilitated the unique construction and development of Stone Town.

In one area, you may encounter subtle Arab/Persian influences, while another may reveal traces of Portuguese/British heritage, alongside Indian components, all interspersed throughout Stone Town, inviting exploration.

The tight streets may be rather challenging to navigate, and it is probable that you will become disoriented at some juncture; nonetheless, do not be very concerned. Becoming disoriented in Stone Town is unavoidable, and it contributes to the charm of exploring the area on foot.

One moment, you may traverse a vibrant market; the next, you could find yourself before the exquisite 19th Century Old Dispensary, embellished with European and Indian architectural elements. Stone Town is replete with concealed treasures, and the key to uncovering them is in immersing oneself in its labyrinthine streets and embracing spontaneity.

2. Check Out Old Fort

The Old Fort, a 17th-century stone stronghold constructed by the Omani Arabs following the expulsion of the Portuguese, is a prominent feature in Stone Town that warrants a visit. It is regarded as the oldest edifice in Zanzibar.

The Old Fort was initially constructed as a defence for the Sultanate, but it was subsequently repurposed numerous times for various roles, including a prison, a station for Zanzibar Railways, and a club. An amphitheatre was subsequently constructed and designated as the headquarters for the Zanzibar International Film Festival.

At the centre of the Old Fort’s courtyard, there exists a substantial stone amphitheatre, accompanied by a series of souvenir stores lining the fortress wall. Although there is little visibility within, the absence of an entry fee renders it worthwhile to explore if you are in Stone Town. The Old Fort operates daily from 8 AM to 6 PM.

3. Admire the Beauty of St Joseph’s Cathedral

It is very astonishing that, in a city with a Muslim majority exceeding 95%, one of the most remarkable edifices in Stone Town is not a mosque but a Roman Catholic church constructed in the late 19th century, dominating the skyline of Stone Town.

St Joseph’s Cathedral is a historical church constructed by French missionaries from 1893 to 1898, reportedly inspired by a cathedral in France, including two notable twin spires like to those of Marseille Cathedral.

To view the interior, you may attend one of the regular masses held every weekday at 6 AM and 6:30 AM, as well as three times on Sunday at 7 AM, 9 AM, and 11 AM. Regrettably, I was not present during its hours of operation, hence I can only appreciate its aesthetic appeal from the exterior.

4. Spot the Stunning Century-Old Zanzibar Wooden Doors in Stone Town

The distinctive and intriguing aspect of Stone Town is its doors. Indeed, you have understood correctly. Numerous antique wooden doors located here exceed a century in age, each possessing distinctive characteristics and aspects unparalleled elsewhere globally.

Zanzibari doors, named for their elaborate craftsmanship in Stone Town, are often carved from robust wood sourced from either jackfruit or mango trees, both of which are plentiful on the island.

The distinctive feature of these doors lies in their unique carvings and patterns, frequently inspired by traditional Swahili style. Nonetheless, they incorporate numerous features from Arab, Indian, and European traditions, resulting in a distinctive appearance for the doors, unparalleled by any wooden doors previously encountered.

These doors frequently feature vine and flower motifs, characteristic of Swahili design, alongside Arabic inscriptions and brass studs, an element directly derived from Indian fortress gate design, intended to deter war elephants from breaching the doors.

Numerous exquisite wooden doors are concealed throughout the labyrinthine streets of Stone Town, awaiting your discovery. Be vigilant for these remarkable designs while in Stone Town.

5. Hangout with the Locals at Jaws Corner

As you navigate the tiny alleyways of Stone Town, you may encounter a small area where locals frequently gather. Congratulations, you have discovered Jaws Corner, one of the premier locations in Zanzibar for observing people, forging new friendships, and engaging with the locals.

As you navigate the tiny alleyways of Stone Town, you may encounter a small area where locals frequently gather. Congratulations, you have discovered Jaws Corner, one of the premier locations in Zanzibar for observing people, forging new friendships, and engaging with the local community.

This place is populated by a diverse array of intriguing individuals, including Arabs, Indians, the elderly, the youth, tourists, and locals, all eager to tell their life narratives. You may also sit at the coffee stall, savour a 100 TSZ cup of coffee, and see the daily life of the local populace.

I strongly suggest visiting Jaws Corner in the early morning, approximately at 8 AM, when the square is most crowded. You will have the opportunity to observe and engage with intriguing individuals while enjoying a cup of coffee.

6. Learn More About the Terrible History of Slave Trade in Zanzibar

While in Stone Town, one should not overlook the East Africa Slave Trade Exhibition, a museum committed to narrating the harrowing accounts of the slave trade and the arduous journey to liberation.

Historically, Stone Town served as the capital of the spice and slave trade in the region. Numerous adverse events transpired here, and to fully comprehend Zanzibar, including the origins of its populace and the reasons for its cultural diversity, one must begin with its tumultuous history.

The exhibition is organised chronologically, with each panel narrating a sequence of events about the inception and conclusion of the slave trade. The descriptions are provided in both English and Swahili, and they are highly extensive. At times, it caused me discomfort to discover the extent of the inhumane treatment mankind inflicted against one another in the past.

For those seeking to deepen their understanding of Zanzibar’s history, the East Africa Slave Trade Exhibition is the ideal destination. Adjacent to the museum, one may locate the Anglican Cathedral, an aesthetically pleasing stone cathedral, as well as the disconcerting slave monument.

The East Africa Slave Trade Exhibition operates daily from 8:30 AM to 6 PM, with an admission cost of 15,000 TZS (6.5 USD) per individual. The exhibition can be conducted independently, without a guide. Simply disregard those who assert that a guide is necessary at the entrance, proceed to the ticket office, purchase a ticket, and enter the exhibition.

7. Spend a Night in a Colonial-style Hotel

If you intend to spend a night in Stone Town, I strongly advise you to seize the opportunity to stay at a hotel situated within a colonial edifice. This will allow you to experience the historical context of becoming a sultanate in Zanzibar.

If you intend to spend a night in Stone Town, I strongly advise you to seize the opportunity to stay in a hotel situated within a colonial edifice. This will allow you to feel the historical essence of being a sultanate in Zanzibar.

If finances are not a concern, the premier accommodation in Stone Town is the Emerson Spice Hotel, renowned as one of the most exquisite hotels in the area. They include an appealing rooftop bar where one may relax and appreciate a breathtaking view of Stone Town. Emerson Spice Hotel is an unequivocal choice.

8. Attend a Local Youth Music Group Concert

During your visit to Stone Town, if you seek an enjoyable evening activity, I strongly recommend visiting the Dhow Countries Music Academy to explore their scheduled shows and performances.

The Dhow Countries Music Academy frequently organises performances by local youth music ensembles. These performances often showcase an abundance of traditional dance and theatrical displays, coupled by exhilarating music that is certain to elevate your adrenaline levels.

The performances often occur between 8:00 and 8:30 PM, concluding about 10:00 PM nearly every day. A sign will be prominently displayed in front of the building promoting the day’s entertainment, and typically, the ticket price is approximately 15,000 TZS (6.5 USD) per individual.

If you are interested in African and Arab music and wish to witness local musicians and dancers playing live, I strongly recommend visiting the Dhow Countries Music Academy to discover the day’s scheduled performances.

9. Try Zanzibar Street Food at Forodhani Market

In Zanzibar, you must experience Swahili street food, a unique fusion of Bantu, Arab, and Indian flavours, available at Forodhani Market.

Each evening at Forodhani Park, residents congregate along the coastal promenade at sunset to establish their food stalls, offering a variety of culinary options to both tourists and locals until late at night.

It is an excellent and economical venue to sample the distinctive street cuisine of Zanzibar, such as the renowned Zanzibar Pizza, which bears little relation to traditional pizza except from its shape and nomenclature.

Zanzibar Pizza employs freshly fried chapati, prepared to order with your preferred topping (chicken or Nutella), folded into a package, and subsequently sliced into a chequerboard design for consumption with a toothpick.

Skew’s beef sticks or Mishkaki are recommended if you seek a more substantial choice. Urojo, a Swahili-inspired Indian stew incorporating potatoes, chickpeas, and a variety of spices that impart a distinctive flavour, is another meal I strongly urge you sample.

10. Visit Prison Island

Prison Island offers a pleasant half-day boat excursion from Stone Town, renowned for its tortoise population and the historical significance of its foreboding name.

jail Island, a small landmass situated off the west coast of Zanzibar, is not an island that houses a jail, despite previous attempts to establish one.

Initially, the island was intended to function as a slave prison complex; however, no inmates were ever accommodated there. Consequently, it was designated as a quarantine island for yellow fever patients for a brief duration.

Subsequent to its utilisation as a quarantine island for a brief period, it was transformed into a state-operated hotel, thereafter evolving into a favoured tourist destination. On the island, there exists a slightly dilapidated hotel, which may lack allure, although the surrounding fauna will captivate many of you.

Surrounding the hotel on Prison Island, one can encounter numerous gigantic tortoises, some reaching ages of up to 200 years, with opportunities for intimate interaction. It is an enjoyable experience for individuals who have never encountered these magnificent creatures in proximity.

The boat excursion from Stone Town to Prison Island typically costs approximately 30 USD for a single passenger and 15 USD per person for multiple passengers. The entry ticket for Prison Island must be purchased individually, costing around 4 USD per individual.

The tour features a guide who will accompany you during your visit to the island, elucidating the history of tortoise conservation and the former prison complex.

The tour is expected to require approximately 2 to 3 hours for completion. A pleasant beach is available for swimming; nonetheless, it was somewhat congested, with numerous individuals present, primarily awaiting boats and observing swimmers. It was unequivocally not the pinnacle of the island.