Things to do in Zanzibar Town

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House of Wonders
Forodhani Gardens
Old Fort
House of Wonders
Old Fort
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Zanzibar Town must see attractions

1. Forodhani Gardens

Known for its exciting food market, the Forodhani Gardens is a picturesque park that overlooks the Indian Ocean. It is an ideal place to learn about local culinary traditions and the region’s succulent seafood. Barter with vendors in the evening for food ranging from squid and lobster to Nutella pizza.
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Forodhani Gardens

2. Old Fort

As the oldest building in the Stone Town district, the Old Fort is among the most popular attractions. The Omani people built this protective fortress in the late 1600s to ward off attacks from Portuguese fleets. Take a tour of the high-walled structure and courtyard to learn about its many uses over the centuries.
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Old Fort

3. Slave Market

The Slave Market of Stone Town has been inactive for decades, but memorials provide remembrance of the horrific acts that once took place here. Visit this site and reflect on the atrocities of the past as you stand in the shadow of the Anglican Church.
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Slave Market

4. House of Wonders

Stone Town’s House of Wonders houses the Beit El-Ajaib National Museum. Learn about the history of this structure on a walking tour.
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House of Wonders

5. Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral, also known as the Anglican Cathedral, is a historic 19th-century remnant of early Christian architecture in East Africa. Made mostly from coral stone, the cathedral has a fascinating design that is a blend of Gothic and Islamic details. Learn about the intriguing history of the church, which was built on the location of the island’s biggest slave market to celebrate the abolition of slavery.
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Anglican Cathedral featuring heritage elements

What to do in Zanzibar Town

Discover the most popular places to visit in Zanzibar Town

Forodhani Gardens

Forodhani Gardens

Relax in this scenic tree-filled oceanside park that transforms into a lively and busy seafood market after the sun goes down.

Forodhani Gardens
Jaws corner is a place where the locals gather to discuss politics and other things or just drink a cup of coffee. This corner is located somewhere in the maze like streets of Stone Town, on Zanzibar. It is a pleasure getting lost in all the tiny alleys while talking to some locals and looking at all the amazing doors and buildings. #zanzibar #tanzania #streetart

Shangani Beach

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Shangani Beach during your travels in Zanzibar Town? Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Shangani Beach
Old Fort

Old Fort

Browse the stalls of the courtyard market and attend festivals in the amphitheater in the oldest site in the historic center.

Old Fort
Slave Market

Slave Market

An Anglican cathedral now stands on this site where slaves once suffered before being sold into harsh servitude.

Slave Market
House of Wonders

House of Wonders

See one of the early buildings of Zanzibar’s modern development, with wide verandas overlooking the ocean and relics from the late 1800s.

House of Wonders
Anglican Cathedral showing heritage elements

Christ Church Cathedral

Admire the coral stone design and see the museum and memorial of this church that was built to celebrate the end of slavery.

Christ Church Cathedral
One of the best things to do in Zanzibar is to watch the sunset from the shore. Every evening, crowds of tourists sit on the benches and walk on the beach sand or on the coastal streets just to watch this wonder of nature. Bars and restaurants along shore offer strategic places and

Zanzibar Ferry Terminal

Explore the waterfront in Zanzibar Town with a trip to Zanzibar Ferry Terminal. Visit the area's shops or amble around its beautiful beaches.

Zanzibar Ferry Terminal
The Darajani Baazari gathers the most impressive non-beach features of Zanzibar. It is still the place where locals buy groceries and thus present much of their way of living. As unsanitary as it looks, the market is full of fishes and meat conserved far from any Western hygiene standard and makes tourists hope restaurants acquire their products elsewhere. It is usual to face scenes like the one in this photograph. #market #colorful See this photo in https://flic.kr/p/onz4Qz Gallery: www.flickr.com/ddfcarvalho

Darajani Market

You can find out about the history of Zanzibar Town with a trip to Darajani Market. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the shops in the area.

Darajani Market

Hamamni Persian Baths

Learn about the local history of Zanzibar Town with a stop at Hamamni Persian Baths. Stroll along the seaside or visit the shops in the area.

Hamamni Persian Baths

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Zanzibar Town

Old Fort

Stone Town

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Stone Town is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Slave Market and Old Fort while you're in town.

Stone Town

Popular day trips from Zanzibar Town

Bububu

Bububu

Frequently asked questions

Is Zanzibar Town worth visiting?
With a blend of culture and coastal beaches, there's no shortage of things to do in Zanzibar Town. When you're here, check out Shangani Beach, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Zanzibar Town?
Shangani Beach and House of Wonders are two excellent places to start your getaway adventures. Remember to check out the dining and shopping options in Zanzibar Town while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Zanzibar Town?
The top tourist attraction in Zanzibar Town is Shangani Beach, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Zanzibar Town?
You can easily visit top attractions like Shangani Beach, House of Wonders and Beit el-Sahel with a three-day escape to Zanzibar Town. On average, most travelers book three days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stick around longer and venture to East Coast Zanzibar.
Is Zanzibar Town a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to do and see in Zanzibar Town. Several attractions, like Shangani Beach and House of Wonders, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Zanzibar Town's best neighborhoods, Stone Town is 0.80 kilometers away from downtown, while Ng'ambo is 0.32 kilometers away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Zanzibar Town with kids?
Planning what to do in Zanzibar Town with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're taking a trip with toddlers or teenagers, there are many family-friendly sights to keep them happy here.

What to do in Zanzibar Town for adults?
Jaw's Corner and Malindi Mosque are just a few of the things to do in Zanzibar Town. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Zanzibar Town?
From visiting parks to strolling around vibrant neighborhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Zanzibar Town. If you're in need of ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Shangani Beach is a must for anyone looking to save on their traveling adventures.