Things To Do In Zanzibar
Things To Do In Zanzibar
Discover Zanzibar's eventful colonial past, and immerse yourself into the colorful marine world embracing the island.
Ciprian23/Shutterstock.comHouse of Wonders (being restored)
One of the most important landmark buildings in Stone Town, the House of Wonders had been closed due to disrepair, with large sections collapsing in 2012, 2015 and 2020. The former palace and museum used to showcase European and Omani influence not only in appearance, but also through the various exhibitions.
Natalya Ovchinnikova/Shutterstock.comDarajani Market
If you are looking to get the most of local vibe on the island, head to Darajani Market: there's nothing you will not find here — intense flavors, fresh seafood, colorful souvenirs, and even electronic gadgets. The main structure of the market was built back in 1904.
Mattia Tomasi/Shutterstock.comOld Fort
Built after the Portuguese defeat in 1698, this fort was a key structure for the Omani Arabs during the rule of the Sultanate. It served as a prison and garrison in that era, and today it functions as a visitor center with an amphitheater, holding various cultural events every year.
Pearl-diver/Shutterstock.comPrincess Salme Museum
This compact museum is dedicated to the eventful life of Princess Sayyida Salme. The Sultan's youngest daughter fled from Zanzibar in 1866, and later wrote the "Memoirs of an Arabian Princess from Zanzibar". Join a guided tour to learn some interesting details about her life.
margo_1778/Shutterstock.comOld Dispensary
Originally built by Indian merchant Tharia Topan to be a hospital, the building eventually functioned as a dispensary during the 20th century. Today, it is one of the most prominent landmarks on the waterfront, housing a museum and an Ethiopian restaurant — the Abyssinian's Steakhouse. Feel free to explore the interior with a covered courtyard and ornately carved bridges connecting the floors.
Public Domain/WikimediaThe Doors of Zanzibar
There are hundreds of doors in Stone Town, all unique and with a different story to guide you through the island's long colonial history. Arabic doors are ornamented with the symbols of the Quran, Swahili doors stand out in their elegant simplicity, while Indian doors are equipped with a brass knob, with the original purpose of protecting doors from elephants back in India. Pick your favorite!
Gil.K/Shutterstock.comSultan's Palace — People's Palace Museum
This impressive waterfront building adjacent to the House of Wonders was the residence of the Sultan's family in the 19th century, and today it houses a museum about the sultanate showcased through the lives of prominent rulers such as Sultan Khalifa bin Harub, and princess Sayyida Salme.
Gimas/Shutterstock.comSpice Tour
Since the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, Zanzibar has been a leading exporter of spices such as clove, nutmeg and lemongrass. A visit to an original shamba (spice farm) will give you insight into Zanzibar's spice culture. Tours usually include fruit tasting, as well as the opportunity to stock up on your favorite spices.
Ciprian23/Shutterstock.comKitesurfing
Move off those well-stocked fish platters with some kitesurfing lessons: Zanzibar is a top-notch waveriders' paradise.
mcherevan/Shutterstock.comPrison Island
Prison Island is a peaceful haven just 30 minutes away from the ever-bustling city centre. Once an important site of 19th-century slave trade — the island was used as a prison for rebellious slaves in 1860s. The island also functioned as a coral mine, but today it serves as home to adorable giant Aldabra tortoises.
danm12/Shutterstock.comMercury House
A small museum with a photography collection paying homage to the most famous person ever born on this island, Farrokh Bulsara, better known as Freddie Mercury.
Adam Jones/cc by-sa 2.0/Wikimedia (expanded)Christ Church Cathedral
Owing to its strategic position, Zanzibar was a long-dreaded slave market site throughout the 19th century. This Anglican cathedral, neighboring the popular Darajani Market, was built in the late 19th century to mark the end of slavery on the island.
Mike/cc by-sa 2.0/Wikimedia (cropped)Malindi Mosque
Islam is still the largest religion in Zanzibar, and there are over 50 mosques adorning the island's skyline. Located in the neighborhood of the same name, this 15-century mosque is one of the oldest landmarks of the rich Arabic heritage.
Lucy Mbungo/cc by-sa 4.0/WikimediaHamamni Persian Baths
Although the public baths were in use until 1920 and are now open for a short visit only, it's worth stopping by to absorb some of the island's Middle Eastern heritage.
Mustafa Elmas/Shutterstock.comMnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond
An NGO rescue centre dedicated to protecting the local Hawksbill turtle population, which is heavily hunted for the attractive shells. They're a friendly local community who does not only give shelter to baby turtles in threat, but also holds educational classes for anyone interested.
Andrey Armyagov/Shutterstock.comJozani Forest
Zanzibar's only national park represents the island's diverse indigenous flora and fauna, such as the emblematic red colobus. The 50-square km reserve also includes Chwaka Bay with its extensive sea grass beds, and neighbors on the Zala reptile park as well as the Butterfly Centre. Join a tour at the entrance, and learn about the mythical Zanzibar leopard!
Hasin Shakur/hasin@ask.or.tz/Wikimedia