Let me tell you a funny story from when I first arrived in Stone Town.
I was wandering the maze of narrow alleys totally lost, sweating in the heat, when I stumbled into a bustling market.
The sights and sounds overloaded my senses!
Ladies in colorful kanga wraps sold piles of spices while men loudly haggled prices.
Scooters zoomed by as I squeezed past stalls under awnings.
The pungent scent of cloves, cardamom and peppercorns perfumed the air.
Then a local shopkeeper smiled and offered me a taste of sweet, ripe mango. In that moment, I fell in love with the dizzying energy of Stone Town!
Now let me share the best ways to experience this magical place yourself.
With its blend of Arabic, European and African influences, Stone Town offers fascinating history, architecture, culture and cuisine.
Its mazelike alleys and bustling bazaars are best explored slowly by foot. Get ready to eat deliciously, haggle for deals, and soak up the coastal charm of Zanzibar’s historic quarter.
Top 10 Stone Town Attractions – Rated!
Rank | Why It’s Awesome | |
---|---|---|
Wander the Alleys | 10 | Discover hidden gems in the atmospheric maze of lanes. |
Sultan’s Palace | 9.5 | Lavish palace and museum with craft market. |
Sunset Dhow Cruise | 9.5 | Unforgettable sunset sail with dinner. |
Spice Tour | 9 | See, smell, and taste spice farms that made Zanzibar famous. |
Street Food Tour | 9 | Taste Zanzibar’s incredible food culture with a local guide. |
Prison Island | 8.5 | Intriguing island with giant tortoises and coral reefs. |
Darajani Market | 8 | Vibrant covered market to shop for souvenirs. |
Forodhani Gardens | 8.5 | Lively evening scene with food stands and sunset views. |
Secret Doors | 8 | Centuries-old hidden doors to slip through. |
Emerson Spice Rooftop | 9 | Panoramic sunrise views from this hotel rooftop. |
Old Fort | 8.5 | Historic fort with cultural shows and ocean vistas. |
Nearby Beaches | 9.5 | Escape to paradise at beaches like Kendwa. |
Africa House Rooftop | 8 | Prime spot for people watching over the city. |
Anglican Cathedral | 8.5 | Poignant slave memorial on site of old slave market. |
Food Tours | 9 | Taste Zanzibar’s incredible food scene with local guides. |
Dolphin Tours | 9 | Spot dolphins swimming and playing off the coast. |
Spice Shops | 8 | Shop for high quality cloves, cinnamon, pepper and more. |
Arabic Bathhouse | 7.5 | Step back in time at this 18th century bathhouse. |
Sunset Dhow Cruise | 9.5 | Breathtaking sunset views sailing along the coast. |
When Should You Visit Stone Town?
With its tropical climate, warm weather can be found in Stone Town year round. But some times are better than others for your trip. Here’s a breakdown of weather by month to help decide when go.
December to April brings hot, humid weather but less rain. Expect highs around 90°F plus intense sun and humidity. Sea breezes provide some relief. Pack light, breathable clothes. Mosquitoes may be buzzing so bring repellent. The plus side is smaller crowds and lower hotel prices than peak season.
May to mid-June sees some rainfall during the “long rains” season. Temperatures reach the mid 80s°F and humidity remains high. Periodic rain provides a respite from heat. Snorkeling conditions may be poorer but hotels are affordable. Just plan some indoor activities between beach time.
Mid-June through September is the ideal “cool” dry season for visiting. Daytime highs average a pleasant 80°F with lower humidity. Nights dip into the 70s°F. Seas are calmer for snorkeling too. It’s busier and pricier, so book ahead. Don’t miss the lively Mwaka Kogwa Festival in July!
Late October through November means another rainy period during the “short rains” before it dries up again in December. Expect occasional downpours and high humidity with temps in the mid 80s°F. Keep flexible plans. Off-season rates make it affordable to splurge on spa days between storms!
Wander the Maze of Narrow Alleys
Stone Town’s alleys reveal surprises around every corner, from kids playing street football to elaborately carved wooden doors.
Let curiosity guide your route through this atmospheric maze dotted with mosques, churches, homes and shops.
Don’t rely on maps – getting intentionally lost is part of the experience!
Pop into curio shops selling spices and antiques.
Greet locals with “Jambo!” as you pass.
Stop for juice or chai and let captivating Stone Town work its magic.
Listen for the calls to prayer echoing from mosques throughout the day.
Chat with shopkeepers and locals to gain insight into daily life.
Peek down small passages to spot hidden courtyards filled with potted plants and children playing.
Inhale the scent of incense and spice wafting through the alleys.
Admire the intricately carved wooden doors on homes and shops.
Wave back and greet the many friendly faces you’ll see.
Ask locals for tips on their favorite sites and eateries.
Pop into tiny hole-in-the-wall shops selling clothing, carvings, crafts.
Watch women pass by dressed in colorful kanga wraps.
If you get tired, hail a tuk tuk to zip you along.
Keep looking up to notice stone carvings and decorative details on facades.
Marvel at the Sultan’s Palace
Built in the late 19th century, the Sultan’s Palace is an iconic landmark.
Its broad carved doors, ornate beamed ceilings and lavish collections of Zanzibari furnishings provide a glimpse of the sultan’s luxurious lifestyle.
Wander through the expansive courtyard and imagine what grand events took place here.
Don’t miss the excellent museum exhibits on island history and the bustling craft market on palace grounds.
Walk through the inner warren of small rooms that made up the sultan’s private quarters.
Note elements of Arab, European and Indian design throughout.
Admire antique furniture pieces like giant chests for storing valuables.
See jeweled kilemba slippers gifted by foreign dignitaries to the sultan.
Look for the sultan’s Rolls Royce parked inside, a symbol of royal wealth.
Climb the tower for panoramic views over Stone Town’s red tile roofs.
If possible, time your visit for one of the palace’s cultural performances.
Chat with craftspeople to learn about their handmade wares for sale.
Imagine wearing the heavy silver and gold jewelry reserved for royals.
Watch peacocks strut proudly through the courtyard.
Sunset Dhow Cruise
For an unforgettable Stone Town experience, feast aboard a traditional wooden dhow as it cruises past island beaches at sunset.
Swaying palm trees, crashing waves and changing hues of sky and sea create a surreal scene.
Onboard, a lavish seafood barbecue dinner is served as you sail.
Many cruises include hotel pickup, drinks, live music and dancing under the stars – an African sunset you’ll never forget!
Arrive early to secure the best outdoor seats up top for ideal views.
Order a cocktail like Tamarind Dawa to sip during the sunset.
Meet fellow travelers also soaking up Zanzibar’s magic.
Capture incredible photos of Stone Town’s waterfront fading into the dusk.
Feast on grilled snapper, prawns, lobster – fresh catches from local fishermen.
Try the spice-laden curries and coconut-infused side dishes.
Look for dolphins swimming and playing around the dhow.
Pack a jacket since it can get breezy on the water at sunset.
Don’t be shy about getting up to dance when the live band plays!
Linger on deck after dark to stargaze on the glassy sea.
Spice Tour
Gain insight into Zanzibar’s spice trade history with a walking tour of farms producing cloves, vanilla, cinnamon and other aromatic crops.
Taste freshly plucked produce, learn cultivation methods from local farmers, and discover how spices are dried and processed.
Purchase bags of quality spices straight from their source – the perfect souvenir!
Don’t underestimate the heat of raw spices!
See and smell spice plants up close on a guided tour with an expert.
Ask questions of farmers about how they grow each spice.
Note which parts of plants yield the coveted spices – bark, flower buds, seeds, etc.
Touch fuzzy vanilla orchid vines, rubbery cinnamon leaves, brittle nutmeg husks.
See where spices are first dried in the sun before processing.
Taste teas brewed from fresh ginger, mint, cloves.
Smell freshly smashed lemongrass, citronella, peppercorn.
Buy smaller pouches of different spices to experiment with later.
Understand why Zanzibar is famous as the “Spice Islands.”
Bring home new knowledge, vivid memories, and delicious spices!
Street Food Tour
Forget fancy restaurants – sampling street food lets you experience Stone Town’s vibrant food culture like a local.
Follow an expert guide as you fearlessly dig into Zanzibar classics like biryani, pilau, mishkaki, and fresh tropical fruit from food carts and hole-in-the-wall eateries.
Discuss cultural traditions as you eat.
It’s the tastiest way to explore Stone Town!
Try snacks like samosas, cassava fries, chapati, and mandazi fritters from street vendors.
Ask questions and swap recipes with the local cooks.
Sip fresh juices like tamarind, mango, passionfruit.
Eat lightly earlier if you want to fully enjoy sampling many dishes.
Avoid heavily touristed areas – let your guide show the local favorites.
Bring antacids if you have a sensitive stomach!
Chat with residents about day to day life as you wander.
Don’t be afraid to use your hands – it’s part of the experience.
Try classic spice combinations like clove, cinnamon, cumin.
Don’t miss the opportunity to actually connect through sharing food!
Prison Island Tour
A short boat trip from Stone Town, tiny Prison Island has an intriguing history as a former prison, quarantine facility, and giant tortoise refuge.
Take a guided tour of the grounds and old prison ruins, then walk the perimeter path watching tortoises plod along the beach.
Boat transfers, entrance fee and lunch are usually included.
Snorkeling excursions around the island’s coral reefs are also possible.
Pack sunscreen, hat, water since the island is small with little shade.
Splash in the turquoise waters with the resident tortoises.
Imagine being imprisoned here long ago as you explore the old cells.
Seek out the huge tortoises for some fun photos.
Keep an eye out for colorful fish snorkeling the reefs.
Chat with the boat captain and guide to learn more about the island.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the beaches.
Don’t miss swimming in the crystal clear Indian Ocean waters!
Leave only footprints on this pristine island paradise.
Shop at Darajani Market
Barter for the best deals on colorful kanga wraps, spices, wooden carvings, basketry and other souvenirs at this covered bazaar.
Wander past stalls and workshops overflowing with handmade wares and local specialties.
Haggling is expected – offer less than half the quoted price, then negotiate from there with a smile.
Don’t be shy to walk away if you can’t agree on a fair price.
Search for unique finds like handwoven baskets, stone carvings, printed fabrics.
Scope out prices at a few vendors before buying.
Make a wish while tossing coins into the large wishing well.
Sample fresh sugarcane juice and tropical fruits from produce carts.
Chat with the friendly shopkeepers as you browse.
Bring cash in small bills for easier bargaining and change.
Arrive early before the dense crowds if possible.
Catch Sunset from Forodhani Gardens
Each evening as the sun sinks over the Indian Ocean horizon, locals and tourists alike flock to Forodhani Gardens’ waterfront promenade.
Stroll past fragrant flower beds and ancient cannons, then grab grilled seafood skewers from vendors lining the seaside.
Work on your Swahili phrases while mingling with locals and beach goers as a vivid orange sunset unfolds. Magical!
Marvel at how the sky transforms through shades of red, orange, pink as the sun drops.
Faces are glowing and eyes sparkling during this special time.
Inhale aromas of fish and meat cooking over smoky grills.
Grab a fresh sugar cane juice or coconut as the perfect sunset beverage.
Soak up the laid back, celebratory vibe as day turns into night.
Wave to local kids excited to practice their English with tourists.
Choose skewers of fish, shrimp, chicken or beef seasoned with spices.
Splurge on lobster or grilled octopus for a special treat.
Find a spot to sit along the seawall and take it all in.
Slip Through Secret Doors
Keep a look out for small arched wooden doors discreetly set into walls along Stone Town’s narrow alleys.
These once served as shortcuts and escape routes during the slave trade era and Omani rule.
Some lead through tunnels between buildings or into hidden inner courtyards.
Ask locals for door locations – entering them feels like time travel back to another century!
Go through slowly and carefully since footing may be uneven beyond the doors.
Have your camera ready to capture the mysteries beyond.
Feel the history as you step into a past world through the door.
Find doors near major sites like the Old Fort and Sultan’s Palace.
Chat with residents about which doors they recommend seeking out.
Imagine yourself as an early explorer discovering these hidden portals.
Duck your head as you pass through short arched doorways into the unknown!
Watch Sunrise from Emerson Spice Hotel Rooftop
Make the early morning climb up Emerson Spice Hotel’s winding ramps worth the effort by catching a stunning sunrise over Stone Town’s red tile roofs from their rooftop lookout.
Watch the town awaken below you as the sky lights up.
Then linger over coffee or breakfast in their garden cafe surrounded by spice plants.
A perfect start to exploring the city!
See the sunrise’s rays peak over surrounding buildings first, spreading warm light.
Snap photos nonstop to document the spectacular colors and scenery.
Sip a spiced coffee like cinnamon or cardamom as you take it all in.
Listen to the Muslim call to prayer echo through the air at dawn.
Breathe in the enticing scents of tropical flowers and fruits.
Wave hello to locals heading to morning market errands.
Soak up the peaceful ambience before Stone Town springs to life.
Haggle at Darajani Market
Put your bargaining skills to the test shopping for souvenirs at this large covered bazaar filled with vendors.
Prices are high, so don’t be shy about haggling!
Browse stalls selling fragrant spices and coffees, colorful kanga wraps and dresses, handcarved doors and decor, and intricate woodwork.
Drink fresh sugarcane juice as you hunt for deals.
Scope out prices before you commit to buying.
Start bids very low, around 20-30% of asking price.
Offer counterbids in small increments until you reach an agreed price.
Smile and keep negotiations relaxed and friendly.
Be prepared to walk away if you can’t compromise on a fair rate.
Buy in bulk for steeper discounts on spices or fabrics to resell at home.
Learn to Cook Swahili Food
Immerse yourself in Zanzibar’s culinary heritage with a hands-on cooking class featuring classic Swahili dishes like biryani, pilau or mchuzi wa biringani.
Shop local markets for fresh ingredients, then head to a home kitchen to prepare your feast.
Eat the delicious results for lunch!
Take home recipes and culinary skills to show off for friends at home.
Learn proper spice combinations from expert local cooks.
Practice using a pestle and mortar to grind spice mixes.
Chop vegetables into small even pieces like they do.
Note tips for getting the perfect tenderness in rice, beans, meats.
Take your time – Swahili cooking is labor intensive.
Sweat aromatics like onions, garlic, ginger before adding liquids.
Ask about substitutions for ingredients not found back home.
Incorporate lots of fresh lemon, lime, cilantro, basil, spinach.
Night Tour
Experience Stone Town’s mysterious, romantic atmosphere on an evening walking tour by lantern light.
Follow your guide through twisting alleys hearing ghost stories and tales of Zanzibar’s slave trade past.
Sip coffee and nibble street food as you explore.
After sunset when shops close and crowds thin, Stone Town takes on a whole different vibe.
See creative graffiti and street art under cover of darkness.
Stop to observe nightly games of bao at small stands.
Admire architectural details only noticeable at night.
Weave through small passageways by lantern light.
Imagine yourself stepping back centuries into the past.
Chat with local residents about their evening routines.
Feel the ocean breezes funneling through the narrow lanes.
Pack lightly and watch your step on uneven cobblestones.
Notice how perspectives shift with landmarks hard to identify in darkness.
Stop to observe night fishermen coming ashore with the day’s catch.
Smell delicious street food sizzling at grill stands.
Weave through the maze of alleys until emerging at the waterfront.
Appreciate your guide’s knowledge to safely navigate after dark.
Savor the tranquility as hustle and noise dies down.
Visit the Old Fort
Constructed in the 17th century, the thick-walled Old Fort once protected Stone Town from invaders.
Today it hosts cultural performances like music, dance and theater.
Wander the outer ramparts overlooking the harbor and ocean as locals play football below on the grassy field.
Great photo ops!
The small museum exhibits Zanzibar artifacts plus giant sea turtle skeletons.
Imagine what battle scenes took place here centuries ago.
Pose for pictures on the massive cannons dotting the fort.
View the waterfront where dhows load and unload fish by day.
Visit the Anglican church constructed within its walls in the late 1800s.
Attend one of the cultural shows held regularly inside the fort.
Tour underground holding cells used during the slave trade era.
Enjoy breezes rolling in off the Indian Ocean.
Pack a picnic to enjoy on the grassy field inside.
Relax on a Beach
When the hustle and bustle of Stone Town streets gets overwhelming, escape to one of Zanzibar’s idyllic white sand beaches just outside the city.
Take a taxi to places like Kendwa, Matemwe, or Jambiani Beach.
Sink your toes in powdery sand, swim in warm turquoise water, feast on grilled seafood caught that morning – heavenly!
Lounge under the shade of palm trees swaying in ocean breezes.
Sip fresh coconut water straight from the fruit.
Get beachside massages from local women to loosen up tight muscles.
Go snorkeling or diving off the coast to see tropical fish and coral.
Watch local fishermen bring in the catch of the day.
Play beach volleyball or football with other travelers and locals.
Take long, peaceful walks to collect shells and Admire the expansive views.
People Watch from Africa House Hotel Rooftop
One of the best views over lively Stone Town streets and alleyways is from Africa House Hotel’s open rooftop terrace.
Order a passionfruit cocktail or coffee and watch residents go about their daily routines below as muezzin calls to prayer echo through the air.
An oasis above the action!
Observe bundled up women in kanga passing by.
See lines form outside food stalls as the breakfast rush hits.
Wave to local kids walking to school in uniforms.
Smell spices being ground and cooked into aromatic dishes.
Spot wallflowers and vines cascading down aging facades.
Notice laundry hanging to dry on rooftop clotheslines.
Glimpse glimpses of daily life through open windows.
Marvel at the intricate maze of alleyways from above.
Explore Anglican Cathedral and Slave Memorial
Built on the site of an old slave market, Christ Church Anglican Cathedral is a poignant place to reflect on Zanzibar’s history.
The moving altar is dedicated to slaves that suffered in Zanzibar.
Also see the underground slave holding cells, church museum, and historic pipe organ.
A powerful experience.
Descend into the dark, cramped cells where slaves were kept and imagine their fear and suffering.
Read the stories of their horrific treatment and sacrifice.
Pay respects at the memorial site honoring their painful history.
Light a candle in their memory and say a prayer.
View chains and shackles used on men, women and children.
Appreciate the cathedral’s peaceful sanctuary, knowing its tragic origins.
Reflect on how the slave trade shaped Zanzibar and the world.
Take a Food Tour
Eat your way through Stone Town’s incredible culinary culture on a guided food tour.
Try staples like pilau, biryani, and grilled meats and seafood as you wander through bustling markets and hole-in-the-wall eateries.
Discuss spice traditions and swap recipes with local vendors.
It’s the delicious way to explore!
Sample street foods like samosas, sweet potato fritters, chapati wraps.
Sip fresh juices extracted right in front of you.
Inhale aromas of curries and roasted meats.
Ask the spice merchants about medicinal uses for turmeric, clove, peppercorn.
Taste savory chutneys and peppery dips.
Discover your new favorite fruit – mango, jackfruit, star fruit, passionfruit.
Save room for cardamom-laced desserts and Zanzibari donuts.
Chat with local families as you uncover cultural insights.
Go on a Dolphin Tour
Cruise just offshore to spot wild dolphins playing and swimming off Zanzibar’s coast.
Early morning tours maximize sightings before the water gets too choppy.
Watching these intelligent creatures leap and splash through clear blue water is incredible.
Operators can combine dolphin watching with snorkeling stops.
Keep cameras ready to capture these beautiful animals in action.
Their playful antics like jumping and spinning will make you smile.
Listen for blowhole exhalations and tails slapping on the water.
Cry out excitedly whenever the dolphins surface nearby.
Respect rules not to swim with or touch them.
Savor the tranquility bobbing on the Indian Ocean with possible whale sightings too.
Consider booking a private charter for more flexibility.
This experience creates wonderful memories and supports conservation.
Shop for Spices
Stock up on high quality cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, turmeric, vanilla and more at dedicated spice shops around Stone Town.
Trustworthy places will let you taste products first.
Buy smaller amounts of different spices to experiment with at home.
Prices are much lower than back home for these flavorful souvenirs.
Inhale the incredible aromas as you browse eye-catching displays.
Learn uses and medicinal benefits from knowledgeable owners.
Find unique spices like tamarind, lemongrass, nutmeg, mace.
Purchase Zanzibar’s famous spice mixes to recreate dishes at home.
Chat with shopkeepers about where and how spices are harvested.
Leave room in your suitcase – these precious spices are worth their weight!
See the Old Arabic Bathhouse
Experience a remnant of old Stone Town at this historical Persian-style bathhouse.
Dating from the late 1700s, it has a cold bath, five hot rooms, and massage tables.
Now a museum, you can see the original soap dishes, aqueducts, and decor.
Imagine lounging here when it was in its heyday!
Envision wealthy traders bathing and socializing inside.
Notice how air vents and water channels delivered ventilation and hot water.
The renovated bathing pools give a sense of the original function.
Roam through steamy labyrinthine under vaults.
Appreciate how aqueducts brought in seawater for the baths.
Wander the medicinal herb garden outside.
A glimpse into Zanzibar’s cosmopolitan past as a trading hub.
Watch the Sunset on a Dhow
There’s no better place to be at sunset than on a traditional wooden dhow sailing boat with views of Zanzibar’s coast.
Many companies offer sunset dhow cruises with included drinks, snacks and even live music.
It’s a relaxing way to see surrounding islands and soak up the views.
Sip a cocktail as the sun disappears behind distant palms.
Capture incredible sunset photos from a serene perspective.
If possible, sail on a private charter for a customized experience.
Chat with the captain and crew to learn about their maritime lives.
Look out for dolphins and even whales around your vessel.
Recline on deck cushions and tune into the peaceful rhythm of waves.
This is one of Zanzibar’s quintessential activities for a reason!
See the Old Dispensary
Built in the late 1800s, the Old Dispensary’s detailed carved balconies make it one of Stone Town’s most ornate structures.
It now houses shops, restaurants, and a cultural center.
Pop in to admire the preserved decor and carved wooden door.
Grab a rooftop drink across the street for exterior photos.
Imagine what a bustling colonial era pharmacy was like inside.
Note elements of British, Indian, and Arab design in the architecture.
Step through the elaborately decorated doorway into the courtyard.
Stop to shop for souvenirs or dine at the excellent restaurants now occupying the building.
Glimpse the huge antique medicine cabinets and apothecary bottles inside.
This landmark beautifully merging cultures embodies Zanzibar’s history.
Maruhubi Palace
This ruined palace is worth a visit because of the glorious history hidden behind it. A quick stop on the way to other attractive spots is the best way to fit in some exploration of this exhibit of regional history.
Various rooms in the palace allow a glimpse of the past. Some of the ruins are still in good shape so you will be able to snap pictures.
Some of the rooms are well maintained while others need the assistance of a tour guide to understand the history associated with it.
The area surrounding the palace is far more interesting to explore than the actual palace. A variety of fishing boats, a typical village and huge hotels with attentive services make up the entire area of the Maruhubi Palace.
A good guide can tell you more about the Palace if you are looking for some research data during your trip.
Mosque in Malindi
Situated in Malindi, access to this mosque is not easy. Being the oldest mosque in the city, this place is worth visiting for those who are on a historical tour.
The Malindi Mosque is actually not the biggest one in the city, but it possesses significance for being situated in the central part of the city.
You can easily trace out hints of urbanism’s extension around the mosque. Elegant minarets make even the simple architecture marvelous.
This beautiful building can be crowded and busy.
Due to its simple yet attractive architecture and lovely minarets, the mosque has secured a special position in the list of local attractions.
Shakti Temple
By exploring this extensive Hindu Temple in the narrow, twisted streets of the town, you will be able to catch incredible views during your trip to Stone Town.
As there are very few temples in Zanzibar, this temple is a must visit as it offers a peaceful place for the faithful.
This temple represents a prominent example of the well designed Hindu temples that can be found in the city.
As the temple is situated near Emerson Green Hotel, visitors can find a good place to lodge in nearby. Finding the temple can be complicated as it is located in a hidden alleyway.
You can easily spend an hour looking at all the statues of the temple and exploring the other colorful kitsch there.
Nakupenda Beach
This excellent beach is nothing less than a jewel in Stone Town as it offers a good place for snorkeling, enjoying seafood and boating.
All these things together make your day incredible and awesome for a photoshoot. When you plan your tour of the city, you should definitely add Prison Island and Nakupenda Beach to your schedule.
Watching colorful starfish in the turquoise sea and sea urchins at the seashore can be a fantastic experience.
An utterly beautiful place full of natural beauty, the Nakupenda Beach highlights the elegant seashores of the city.
You can take your own breakfast and drinks, and hire a private boat.
This small yet attractive place in Stone Town offers the best opportunity for a family hangout watching the white sand touch the crystal clear water.
It is best to visit in the morning as the island vanishes during high tides. Don’t forget to carry your own beach umbrella if you are looking for a shady region here because you won’t find any canopy to sit under.
House of Wonders (Beit-el-Ajaib)
Situated on the way to the Palace Museum, this cultural site is worth a visit. A grand building in the city, located on the waterfront, it leaves a long lasting impression on you.
This is one of the places that receives a huge crowd of travelers who come to the city. However, layers of dust, the feeling of neglected buildings and general loneliness may disappoint you here.
The large room at the beginning of House of Wonders has display boards which seem to be old and tired but suggest that they were exciting in the past.
Text on those boards is so lengthy that it is difficult to take the required time to read them. Lots of displays and pictures can also be seen during the walk upstairs and downstairs. All the displays are about the past, culture and lifestyle of the city.
Locals choose this place as a hangout spot during bad weather. According to a story behind the name of this place, it is known as the house of wonders because it was the first house in East Africa with electrical power and an elevator.
You can even see an old British car in the garage. It has a great history, but layers of dust and dead flies covering the railings reflect the urgent need to restore the building.
Kilele Square
The actual name of the place is ‘Kelele Square’, meaning noise in Swahili.
According to the statement of an old professor, he used to play with his friends in this square and due to all the noise the place is now called Kilele Square.
Situated opposite of the Serena Hotel, this small and charming square offers shady, hang-out spots for several taxi drivers who wait for their business.
A picturesque scene to travelers, it is actually more for functionality, as the Kilele Square provides shade from the sun.
Although this place is nothing more than a square with some greenery, due to its natural feature of a place of peace and calmness, it has been listed as an attraction of Stone Town. This is the best spot to find a taxi or a place to sit and relax.
Even listening to the chirp of birds here offers excellent relaxation. You will also be able to find good dinners and the occasional jazz performance.
Hamamni Persian Baths
A perfect example of interesting bathrooms, lovely space, ingenious lighting mechanics and beautiful buildings, The baths are now derelict as they are no longer in use. The place is so attractive that people often wish it was open.
The building is lovely and does an excellent job of representing the baths of yesteryears, a vast conservation face lift is required.
Hamam, which is located at the center of the town, is really impressive when imagined with ancient civilized Swahili folk bathing and chatting in the water stream.
An adventurous walk through narrow paths where even getting lost becomes fun makes your visit in this charming building memorable.
Hiring a guide for a visit here is a good idea if you want to know the whole story of this building and the purpose of building each room in this white stone bath building. You can ensure a great view of a part of the city by going on the roof.
The locals can also tell you more about the history and set up of this building if you understand their language.
Peace Memorial Museum
This gorgeous building is worth seeing even if you don’t want to enter. The entrance fee for entering the museum is 1500 shillings.
Inside the Peace Memorial Museum , walls are covered with old pictures of historical importance.
You may not find it worthwhile to pay that much money to discover whatever is available there.
So, it is also a good idea to pass by the building, check out the lovely architecture and forget checking out the interior.
You will not want to pay 1500 shillings just to see pictures of the past presidents of Zanzibar and some other historical photos.