Stone Town
Stone Town
Stone Town

Stone Town Tours and Tickets

2,510 reviews

The oldest part of Zanzibar City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stone Town is best known for its blend of European, African, Arabic, and Asian architecture, as well as its lively food scene and coastal cool. From towering minarets and white stone houses to cobbled market streets, every turn offers something to snap, making this island old town a must-see for any new arrival.

  • Zanzibar

Tours and Tickets to Experience Stone Town

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What are people saying about Stone Town

Cherine_G, Nov 2023
Stone Town and Spice Tour
A nice day trip which allows you a decent amount of time to see Stone Town and do the spice tour. Good tour company!
Sabina_B, Oct 2023
Book it!
Great walking tour in beautiful stone town. Our guide was very nice and full of historic information. So glad we booked it, would never find this places by ourselves or get to know all the information about the town that our guide Kassim taught us. Thank you
Thabani_D, Sep 2023
Half Day Prison Island and Stone Town
We had a good time on the Prison Island and Stone Town tours. The transport pick up from and back to Nungwi was punctual and comfortable. Our Prison Island guide Abuu was friendly and provided a good experience in learning about the Island and spending time with the giant tortoises. Our Stone Town guide Said was exceptionally knowledgeable and accommodating. He is a passionate and great tour guide and we learned a lot about the intricate history of the city from him!
Joe_S, Sep 2023
Stonetown tour.
Mohamed Ali was a fabulous guide. He has tremendous knowledge of Stonetown and Zanzibar. He is polite, friendly and a credit to his company and nation. Thank you.
People Also Ask
Q:What is Stone Town known for?
A:Also called Mij Mkongwe (“Old Town” in Swahili), Stone Town is the oldest part of Zanzibar City, the capital of Tanzania’s Zanzibar Island. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its mix of Arab, Persian, Swahili, Indian, and European cultural influences, the former coastal trading town is famed for its bazaars and winding alleys.
Q:Why is it called Stone Town?
A:The town’s buildings—most dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries—are constructed with coral rag, a pinkish limestone produced from coral reef, and supported with mangrove timber. This gives Stone Town its distinctive look. Another architectural feature is the intricately carved entranceways known as Zanzibar doors.
Q:What is there to do in Stone Town?
A:Learn about the island’s Zanzibar Sultanate during a visit to the 19th-century Palace Museum, wander through the Old Fort, Stone Town’s oldest monument, observe people haggling over produce and seafood at Darajani Market, and honor the brutal fates of the people traded in Zanzibar at the Old Slave Market, once the largest of its kind.
Q:How long should I spend in Stone Town?
A:A full day here will let you tick off most of the main sights. A guided tour—options abound, including food or history-themed tours— is most convenient for day trippers, as you’ll avoid getting lost in the labyrinth of streets. To soak up the unique atmosphere, aim for two or three days.
Q:Can I drink alcohol or wear shorts in Stone Town?
A:Unless you’re at the beach, avoiding wearing shorts in Stone Town is best. Locals are used to seeing international tourists, but it’s best to show respect by covering up knees, chests, and shoulders. While alcohol is not part of Zanzibar’s culture, it is easy to find within licensed bars and restaurants.
Q:What language do they speak in Stone Town?
A:Swahili is the official language of Zanzibar. It’s the primary language throughout East Africa, so learning a few greetings or basic phrases is a good idea. That said, both English and Arabic are commonly spoken on the island. People within tourist areas usually know other European languages, such as French or Italian.