Stone Town is Zanzibar's old quarter and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built up over centuries as a trading post linking Africa, the Middle East and India. Its narrow alleys, carved wooden doors and mix of Swahili, Arab, Persian and colonial architecture reflect that layered history, alongside the more difficult history of the island's role in the East African slave trade.
Guided walking tour through the old quarter
Former slave market and memorial site
Forodhani Gardens night food market
House of Wonders and other historic buildings (subject to ongoing restoration)
Local spice market
Visitable year-round, since it's a cultural rather than wildlife destination. Early morning or late afternoon walks avoid the heat of the day.
Stone Town sits a short drive from Zanzibar's main airport, and is the usual arrival point for onward travel to the island's beach resorts.
A range of boutique hotels within Stone Town itself, many in restored historic buildings, alongside easy day-trip access from beach resorts elsewhere on the island.
Modest dress is appreciated when walking through residential areas
A guided tour adds useful context to the history that isn't always obvious from the architecture alone
Often combined with a spice farm visit just outside town
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