Often overlooked in favor of the island’s pristine beaches, Zanzibar City stands as a fascinating cultural centerpiece on Tanzania’s famous archipelago. This historic port city blends Arabic, Indian, European, and African influences to create a truly unique urban experience. While most tourists rush through on their way to coastal resorts, the city’s UNESCO-listed Stone Town district and vibrant atmosphere reward those who linger. With its narrow winding alleys, ornate wooden doors, and bustling markets, Zanzibar City offers an authentic glimpse into the island’s rich trading history and multicultural heritage.
Located on the western coast of Unguja (the main island of the Zanzibar archipelago), this city serves as both the cultural heart and administrative center of Zanzibar. Perfect for travelers who appreciate history, architecture, and immersive cultural experiences, Zanzibar City provides an essential counterbalance to the island’s idyllic beach escapes.
Getting There and Away
Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ), located about 5km south of Zanzibar City, connects the island to mainland Tanzania and several international destinations. Airlines like Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways, and local carrier Precision Air offer regular flights. Most international visitors arrive via Dar es Salaam, either continuing by a 20-minute flight or taking the 2-hour ferry ride from the mainland.
The main ferry terminal in Zanzibar City operates several daily departures to Dar es Salaam, providing a more scenic—albeit longer—journey than flying. Fast ferries (Azam Marine and Fast Ferries) make the crossing in about 2 hours, while slower options can take up to 4 hours. For those island-hopping around the archipelago, smaller boats connect to Pemba Island and other nearby destinations.
Getting Around
Zanzibar City is relatively compact, especially the Stone Town district, making it ideal for exploration on foot. The labyrinthine streets of Stone Town are too narrow for cars in many places, so walking is not just recommended but necessary to discover its hidden treasures. Comfortable shoes are essential for navigating the uneven stone pathways.
For longer journeys, dalla-dallas (local minibuses) offer inexpensive transportation around the city and to other parts of the island, though they can be crowded and confusing for first-time visitors. Taxis are readily available and more convenient, with fixed rates to popular destinations—just be sure to negotiate the fare before departing. For something different, try hiring a bicycle to explore the less congested parts of the city or arrange a traditional dhow boat excursion around the harbor.
Where to Stay
The Zanzibar Serena Hotel, housed in two historic buildings overlooking the Indian Ocean, offers five-star luxury with a distinct sense of place. Its Arabic-influenced architecture, antique furnishings, and handcrafted details provide an authentic yet luxurious experience in the heart of Stone Town. The seafront restaurant and pool area offer welcome respite from the city’s heat.
For mid-range budgets, Emerson on Hurumzi captures the essence of Zanzibar with individually decorated rooms featuring traditional Zanzibari furniture, colorful textiles, and carved wooden elements. The rooftop Tea House Restaurant provides spectacular panoramic views of the city and is renowned for its sunset dinners.
Dhow Palace Hotel offers more affordable accommodation without sacrificing character. This converted merchant’s house features rooms arranged around a central courtyard in traditional Swahili style, with many original architectural elements preserved alongside modern comforts like air conditioning and private bathrooms.
Eating Out
Forodhani Gardens Night Market transforms the waterfront park into a bustling food bazaar each evening. Local vendors prepare fresh seafood, Zanzibar pizza (a savory crepe-like snack), sugar cane juice, and other street foods. This affordable, atmospheric dining experience is popular with both tourists and locals.
House of Spices, set in a beautifully restored old spice merchant’s home, serves sophisticated dishes that highlight Zanzibar’s famous spice heritage. The menu blends traditional Zanzibari recipes with contemporary techniques, offering dishes like cardamom-infused fish curry and cinnamon-spiced biryanis in an elegant setting.
The Tea House Restaurant at Emerson on Hurumzi offers a multi-course traditional dining experience on floor cushions while enjoying panoramic views of Stone Town and the Indian Ocean. Reservations are essential for this popular sunset dinner spot that combines local flavors with Arabic and Indian influences.
History and Culture
Zanzibar City’s history is defined by its role as a major trading hub, where Arabian, Persian, Indian, and European cultures melded with indigenous African traditions. Stone Town, the historic core, was established in the 19th century by Omani sultans who ruled the island as a wealthy trading center dealing in spices, ivory, and tragically, slaves.
The city is divided between the historic Stone Town and the newer Ng’ambo (literally “the other side”). Stone Town’s architecture reflects its multicultural heritage with narrow winding streets, Arabic-style houses with interior courtyards, ornately carved wooden doors, and coral stone buildings. This area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 for its cultural significance.
Zanzibari culture emphasizes community and hospitality. Music plays a significant role, with taarab (a fusion of African, Arabic, and Indian sounds) considered the traditional music of Zanzibar. During Ramadan, the city comes alive with night markets and cultural performances that showcase the island’s predominantly Muslim identity while welcoming visitors of all backgrounds.
In the City
The House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib), though currently under restoration following a partial collapse in 2020, remains Zanzibar’s most iconic building. Once the sultan’s ceremonial palace and the first building in East Africa to have electricity and an elevator, its impressive façade dominates the seafront. Nearby, the Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe) dates back to the 17th century and now houses craft shops and an open-air amphitheater hosting cultural performances.
The former Slave Market site provides a sobering look at Zanzibar’s dark history as a major slave trading port. The small museum and memorial remind visitors of the human cost of the island’s historic wealth. For a more uplifting experience, the Darajani Market offers a sensory explosion of spices, fresh produce, textiles, and everyday goods, giving insight into contemporary local life.
The Peace Memorial Museum houses exhibits on Zanzibari history and culture, from the early Swahili settlements to the revolution that joined Zanzibar with Tanganyika to form modern Tanzania. The building itself, constructed to commemorate peace after World War I, is an interesting architectural landmark.
Out of the City
Prison Island (Changuu Island), just a 30-minute boat ride from Zanzibar City, was never actually used as a prison despite its name. Today it’s home to a population of giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 150 years old, and features beautiful coral reefs perfect for snorkeling. The island makes an easy half-day excursion from the city.
Jozani Forest, about 35km southeast of Zanzibar City, protects the rare red colobus monkeys found only on Zanzibar. The national park also includes a mangrove boardwalk and nature trails through indigenous hardwood forests. Tours typically take half a day and provide a refreshing contrast to urban exploration.
For those seeking beach time, Fumba Beach is among the closest quality beaches to the city, about 30 minutes by taxi. This more secluded stretch offers white sand and turquoise waters without traveling to the island’s more distant northern or eastern shores.
Nightlife
Tatu Bar at the Africa House Hotel transforms from a relaxed sundowner spot to a lively nightspot as evening progresses. With its ocean-facing terrace and colonial atmosphere, it attracts a mix of tourists and well-heeled locals enjoying cocktails and occasional live music.
Mercury’s Bar, named after Zanzibar’s famous son Freddie Mercury (born Farrokh Bulsara in Stone Town), provides a more casual atmosphere with reasonably priced drinks and a waterfront location perfect for watching dhows sail by at sunset. The music ranges from local taarab to international pop and rock.
For a more authentic experience, seek out local music performances at the Old Fort’s amphitheater or Kendwa Rocks (particularly during full moon parties). While Zanzibar’s predominantly Muslim population means nightlife is more subdued than in other tourist destinations, there’s still plenty of evening entertainment for those who know where to look.
Shopping
Stone Town’s bazaar-like streets offer endless shopping opportunities, from touristy trinkets to genuine antiques. The narrow alleyways around Gizenga Street house numerous shops selling kangas (colorful printed fabrics), spices, wooden carvings, and local artwork. Quality varies widely, so take time to browse multiple shops before purchasing.
The Darajani Market provides a more authentic shopping experience where locals buy everything from fresh fish to household goods. The spice section is particularly fascinating, with pyramids of colorful spices and helpful vendors willing to explain their culinary and medicinal uses.
Zanzibar is known for its distinctive antique wooden doors, and while you can’t take home an original, several workshops create miniature replicas as souvenirs. Other notable local products include spices (packaged for easy transport), handmade soaps infused with local ingredients like cloves and seaweed, and intricate silver jewelry reflecting the island’s Omani heritage.
Language
Swahili (Kiswahili) is the official language of Zanzibar and Tanzania, with English widely spoken in tourist areas. Arabic influences are strong in Zanzibari Swahili, reflecting the island’s history as part of the Omani sultanate. Many older residents still speak some Arabic, particularly for religious purposes.
Though most tourism workers speak good English, learning a few Swahili phrases will enhance your experience and show respect for local culture. Common useful phrases include “Jambo” (hello), “Asante” (thank you), “Karibu” (welcome), and “Pole pole” (slowly) – this last one being a good reminder to adjust to the relaxed pace of island life that Zanzibaris call “Zanzibar time.”
Understanding English numbers may be helpful when bargaining, but learning to count in Swahili (moja, mbili, tatu…) will often earn you better prices and warm smiles from local vendors in this fascinating cultural crossroads of a city.
