Stone Town, Zanzibar (2024) - Images, Timings

Stone Town, Zanzibar Overview

Stone Town, or Mji Mkongwe, in Zanzibar City, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the capital of the Zanzibar archipelago. This historic town is perfect for history and culture enthusiasts, reflecting its rich past through architecture, markets, and museums. In the 19th century, it thrived as a hub for trading spices, silk, and slaves, blending African, Indian, Arabian, and European cultures.

The town's narrow streets tell stories of Zanzibar's past with the scent of the sea and spices. These narrow alleys are filled with old sultans' palaces, fortifications, churches, mosques, markets, and finely crafted limestone houses. The architecture, mostly from the 19th century, showcases a mix of cultural influences. The town gets its name from the coral stone used in buildings, giving it a unique reddish colour. To get the most out of the experience, take it slow, explore on foot, and be respectful of local customs.

Must Know Before You Visit Stone Town

Shopping Tip : In Stone Town, markets generally prefer US dollars and Euros to Tanzanian Shillings, but be sure your bills are no older than the year 2000. Always carry cash as most shops don’t accept cards.

Walking in Stone Town : Walking is the perfect way to discover Stone Town's UNESCO World Heritage magic. The narrow streets, history spots, and busy markets are all close together, making a leisurely stroll the best way to experience it all.

Things to do in Stone Town

1. Old Fort of Zanzibar

The Old Fort of Zanzibar is one of the oldest buildings in Stone Town in Zanzibar. The historical fort's courtyard now hosts curio shops selling tinga-tinga paintings, an open-air amphitheatre for dan (Read More)ce and music shows, a restaurant, and a tourist information desk. It is a key venue for events like the Festival of the Dhow Countries, Sauti za Busara, and Zanzibar International Film Festivals.

Timings : 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM

Entry Fee : Free

Time Required : 1-2 hours

Darajani Market, found on Darajani Road near the Anglican Cathedral of Christ, is the lively main bazaar in Stone Town, Zanzibar. Also called Estella Market, it has been a traditional old food market (Read More)since 1904, giving a vibrant peek into Zanzibar's culture and local life. It is best visited in the mornings when the shops are busy with fresh produce and an exciting fish auction.

Timings : 06:00 AM to 09:00 PM

Best Time to Visit : 08:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Time Required : 1.5 hours

The Old Slave Market, located in Stone Town, holds historical significance as one of the world's largest and last open slave markets. Arab traders oversaw its operations until the British shut it down (Read More) in 1873. Today, the site is occupied by The Anglican Cathedral Church of Christ. A visit here lets you learn about the gut-wrenching slave history of Zanzibar.

Entry Fee : $5 per person (includes guide)

Time Required : 1-2 hours

The Old Slave Market in Stone Town, Zanzibar, hosts the Anglican Cathedral, built in 1879 by British missionaries on the site of East Africa's last permanent slave market. Divided into three areas, th (Read More)e cathedral showcases Christian architecture and includes the Slaves Monument and Slaves Chamber, highlighting the history of the slave trade.

Entry Fee : Free but pay $5 to enter the Old Slave Market Museum (including a guide)

Time Required : 1-2 hours

Opened : 1879

The People's Palace Museum (originally called the Sultan's Palace), or Beit al-Sahel, is found on Mizingani Road in Stone Town, Zanzibar. Originally the Sultan's official residence in the 19th century (Read More), this three-story building is now a museum showcasing the history and culture of the Zanzibar Sultanate. Inside, you'll discover furniture, photographs, and personal items from the royal family.

Timings : Monday to Friday - 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM | Saturday, Sunday, and holidays – 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM

Entry Fee : $3 per person

Guide Fee : $5

Time Required : 1-2 hours

Best Time to Visit : 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

The Old Dispensary, also called Ithnashiri Dispensary, is a historic building in Stone Town, Zanzibar. It used to be a dispensary in the early 20th century and now serves as a symbol of the city's div (Read More)erse architecture. You can visit a small museum inside to learn about Zanzibar's history, and there's also a restaurant and office for tourists to explore.

Timing : 09:00 AM to 12:00 AM

Entry Fee : Free

Time Required : 1 hour

History of Stone Town

Stone Town's story began in the 9th century with Arab traders naming Zanzibar the "land of Zenj." Over time, the island became a mix of Arab, Indian, European, and African cultures. It became known for slave auctions, mainly controlled by the Omani sultanate in the 18th and 19th centuries. The British stopped the slave trade in the late 19th century, and the focus shifted to trading spices. Stone Town played a key role in the spice trade, becoming the main source of income.

The town's name comes from these historic stone houses, and it holds a strong legacy, being part of the slave trade where around 600,000 slaves were sold between 1830 and 1863. Today, Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving this rich and complex history.