Curator’s statement
Zanzibar is one of those places I’d see in a magazine and add to my wish list, but was never fully sure I’d get to experience. After going on a safari in the Serengeti, it only seemed right to visit the island—I mean, we were as close as we’d ever been, right? While we spent a few days relaxing on the beach in Jambiani before our long flight home to the states, we opted to spend three days in Stone Town as well. The fusion of cultures, the long and layered history, and the incredible food and captivating streets were impossible not to fall in love with. You can see and experience most of what Stone Town has to offer in a few days, and it is absolutely worth the visit.
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Things to do in Zanzibar
Surrounded by water on three sides, Stone Town offers incredible views of the Indian Ocean. Credit: Jessica Newberry
Visit the Darajani Bazaar: For the local market experience, take a walk through the Darajani Bazaar. Mainly a food market, walk through to see everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to fresh fish, meats, and spices.
Get lost in the maze of streets and admire the doors: Famous for its gorgeous doors, spend an afternoon walking through the winding streets of the city and admiring the beauty of the city. Be sure to visit Jaws Corner, the heartbeat of the community.
See the Old Fort: The oldest building in Stone Town, the Old Fort serves now as more of a cultural center. Peruse the souvenir shops and the cultural arts gallery.
Plan to visit Prison Island: Much nicer than the name would have you believe, the island known for housing the ruins of a historical prison is now home to a large population of giant tortoises. Observe and interact with them for as long as you want, tour the prison ruins, or go snorkeling before taking the 30-minute boat ride back to Stone Town.
Take a Spice Farm tour: One of the standout activities I did was a guided tour around a Spice Farm. Zanzibar grows SO many spices, and it blew my mind to see what they look like long before they’ve made their way to my kitchen. Cinnamon, coffee, nutmeg, some spices I’d never heard of—this place has everything, and it is fascinating.
Visit the Jozani Forest: Head to the Jozani Forest to see the rare red colobus monkey, only found on the island of Zanzibar. You can also expect to see bushbabies, blue monkeys, and elephant shrews while you’re there.
Christ Church Cathedral: For a sobering look at Stone Town’s dark history, and the reckoning that comes with it, visit the Christ Church Cathedral. Built atop the grounds of what was East Africa’s largest slave market, the Cathedral today serves as a memorial and symbol of emancipation. The former slave chambers underground have been preserved, and are open for visitors to observe the scale and depth of the inhumanity that took place.
Places to eat & drink in Zanzibar
I cannot stress this enough: get the Zanzibar pizza from Mr. Chocolate. Credit: Jessica Newberry
Lukmaan Restaurant: Offering a huge variety of Swahili cuisine, Lukmaan Restaurant has something for everyone. The staff is friendly and attentive, and will help to explain the local dishes on the menu. If you’re in Stone Town, this place is a must visit!
Stone Town Cafe: I found this to be a great lunch spot, centrally located, and a convenient place to grab a coffee when you need a little pick-me up.
Beach House Zanzibar: Enjoy a relaxing dinner overlooking the water, listening to the waves crash onto the shore, with an excellent cocktail in hand. Of everywhere I ate in Stone Town, this was definitely the prettiest spot.
Forodhani Gardens Night Market: From 6 pm onwards, the park is home to an open-air food market with tons of delicious foods to choose from (and admittedly is where I went for most of my dinners). While I loved everything I tried, my favorite stall was Mr. Chocolate for some Zanzibar Pizza. When you stop by, tell him I sent you!
Emerson on Hurumzi Tea House Restaurant: For 360 degree views of Stone Town, and one of the most popular dining experiences in the city, go to Emerson on Hurumzi Tea House. Be sure to make reservations early, and plan to be there to watch the sunset—you won’t regret it.
Need to know
When visiting a new place, it is important to respect the culture and cultural norms of the locals. When in Stone Town, dress modestly—meaning keep your shoulders and knees covered, to show respect for the Muslim majority culture. Swimwear is fine on the beach, but make sure you have a cover-up handy for when you leave the beach area. Additionally, avoid any public displays of affection as they are considered disrespectful. Otherwise, be sure to stay hydrated and wear plenty of sunscreen!
Travel Advisor
Jessica Newberry
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Zanzibar page.