What to do in Zanzibar Town

Activities, attractions and tours

House of Wonders
House of Wonders
Forodhani Gardens
Old Fort
House of Wonders

Zanzibar Town Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Zanzibar Town has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Zanzibar Town is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Zanzibar Town to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Zanzibar Town Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Zanzibar Town.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Zanzibar Town attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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Top places to visit

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. 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

3. 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

4. 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 which includes heritage elements

5. 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

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Recommended things to do in Zanzibar Town

Number of things to do
554
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Zanzibar Unveiled From Slaves to Sultans Audio Tour: CA $10
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Zanzibar Town

Discover the most popular places to visit in Zanzibar Town

Forodhani Gardens

Forodhani Gardens

4/5(9 reviews)

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

Forodhani Gardens
Stone Town is a great place to roam and see a side of Africa that is seldom seen. A place where cultures have mixed and co-exist. It is somewhat in decay and not very well kept, but it is extremely interesting to visit the sights and experience Stone Town while looking for souvenirs and just observing the Swahili culture and Zanzibar architecture. Amazing sunsets by the harbour! #GoldenHour #blue

Shangani Beach

3.5/5(5 reviews)

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 culturally rich area.

Shangani Beach
Slave Market

Slave Market

4/5(30 reviews)

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

Slave Market
Old Fort

Old Fort

4/5(20 reviews)

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

Old Fort
Anglican Cathedral showing heritage elements

Christ Church Cathedral

3.5/5(11 reviews)

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
House of Wonders

House of Wonders

3/5(6 reviews)

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

Hamamni Persian Baths

4/5(1 review)

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

Zanzibar Ferry Terminal

3.5/5(6 reviews)

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

Malindi Mosque

5/5(1 review)

Malindi Mosque is just one of the places to see in Zanzibar Town, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the shops in the area.

Malindi Mosque

Explore areas of Zanzibar Town

Old Fort

Stone Town

4.5/5(52 area reviews)

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

Stone Town

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Zanzibar Town

a dhow

Ng'ambo

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 travellers 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 neighbourhoods, Stone Town is 0.80 kilometres away from downtown, while Ng'ambo is 0.32 kilometres away from the city centre 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 neighbourhoods, 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 travelling adventures.

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