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A destination for honeymooners , a place to chill after climbing Kilimanjaro, and the sandy white beaches with turquoise-colored water are reasons why travelers visit Zanzibar beach in Tanzania . There is plenty to see and do on this vibrant island, with lots of history to learn about in Stone Town.
I stayed in Stone Town for three nights before heading to other parts of the island. Two nights are more than enough time; however, before going to those Zanzibar beaches, take some time to wander and discover this UNESCO town. I will highlight the best places to visit in Stone Town for one or two days.
This was the place for the East African slave trade market, now turned into a cathedral. Photo by Erin Coyle
Freddie Mercury Museum
I never knew that Freddie Mercury was born in Zanzibar. Two friends opened this museum in 2019 to showcase his legacy. While walking around and humming to ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ the song playing in the room, I admired the picture frames with quotes hanging on the white wall from former friends and classmates who greatly respected Mercury. It’s also impressive seeing handwritten lyrics on the wall. My mind immediately flashbacked to the movie and remembered how important his songs and lyrics meant to him. The room that screams Freddy has bright yellow walls with photos of him opposite the big piano on display. This museum is a highlight of Stone Town. The museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm.
One of the rooms features the piano and Freddie’s yellow leather jacket. Photo by Erin Coyle
Stone Town Walking Tour
Zanzibar was once part of Oman, so travelers will learn about the Arab history during Oman’s rule. The tour also includes a stop at the East African Slave trade exhibit. It is very sobering to look at the slave tomb with four statues chained together. Inside another building, there’s an exhibit featuring the history of slavery. While painful to read, it is still something we should not ignore. It’s always good to get re-educated with history. The tour is about two and a half hours. Most hotels can book a tour or check out Zanzibar City tours . I recommend this tour before going to Zanzibar Beach.
This memorial features chained slaves replicated in stone. Photo by Erin Coyle
Lukmaan Restaurant
I stumbled upon this restaurant when I was wandering around. I went a second time after my guide recommended it when I told him I wanted to eat at a local restaurant. He mentioned Lukmaan and replied with a big laugh, ‘You’ve already been here? How did you know about this place?’ I replied by saying I always search for local spots when traveling. Expect to see locals and tourists here. The buffet-style restaurant includes beef kabobs, falafels, kochari-potato balls, mandazi-a triangular fried donuts, chicken, pilau rice, and fresh seafood, including shrimp and kingfish. I had kochari, mandazi, and beef kabobs the first time I went. I had the chicken with rice, pickled salad, and a rice potato ball the second time. The food was a mix of sweet and spicy, with hints of cumin, turmeric, garlic, and ginger.
The food includes mandazi, falafels, beef kabobs, chicken, and rice. Photo by Erin Coyle
Visit Darajani Market in Stone Town Before Heading to Zanzibar Beach
The oldest market in Stone Town is a place where the locals shop. The market has an area for fish, fruits and vegetables, and spices. For a snack, I would suggest mangos and coconut water or milk to drink. I enjoy visiting local markets when I travel because it helps to understand better where the locals shop and what they purchase to use and eat. The products in these shops are typically fresher.
These are some spices and nuts available at the market stalls. Photo by Erin Coyle
Forodhani Night Market
The night market sells Zanzibar pizza- sweet, like Nutella and banana, or savory, with cheese, meat, and vegetables. One can find seafood, including grilled shrimp and octopus. Vendors also sell mandazi and kochari. The friendly vendors are always happy to make something, and while walking around, expect to keep hearing, “Welcome, what can I make for you? Try my fish, have some juice, and come and enjoy.”
Some vendors will be dancing and singing behind their grills. One of my favorite vendors was this tall man wearing a white shirt and green apron. He had a big grin as he said, “Do you want some sugar cane juice?” I politely passed and opted for fresh juice instead. Bring an appetite because the variety of food will tempt most people into ordering at least three dishes.
These are meat kebobs, falafels, plantain, and chapati. Photo by Erin Coyle
Walking Seaside Before Heading to Zanzibar Beach
Visitors can walk along the boardwalk or corniche, as some may call it while looking at the sea and traditional wooden dhow boats. There are a few cafes along the way, making it a great place to stop to have some spicy chai tea. The night market is just to the right of this walkway. Watching the younger boys try to outjump each other when diving into the sea is also entertaining.
This is one of the boys jumping into the sea. Photo by Erin Coyle
Zanzibar Coffee House
When entering, guests will feel the relaxed vibe and atmosphere and immediately feel at home. I stopped by the coffee house to have the African spiced coffee, a must-try, and to take a break to write. There’s also a rooftop, so visit before 5 pm because they will stop taking orders upstairs. The soft blue and pink cushion chairs are comfortable while enjoying the city views. This was the best coffee I had before heading to various Zanzibar beaches.
These are the views from the rooftop. Photo by Erin Coyle
Things to Know Before Going to Zanzibar Beach
Currency
Many shops and restaurants accept dollars, but change is returned in Shillings. Street food starts at around 2-3,000 Shillings, while some meals at restaurants start at 6,000 Shillings and can cost up to 35,000 Shillings or more. Tipping is appreciated at restaurants and for tour guides and drivers. There is no minimum amount, so some guides will say to give whatever you feel comfortable with. Five to ten percent at cafes is acceptable. Some restaurants will not take credit cards, so always have cash.
Customs
The locals are amiable and always say “jambo” when passing by; this means hello. The people are very laid back and not in a rush, so eating at restaurants can take time while they cook the food. Some may take thirty to forty minutes. Visitors should eat with their right hands, but silverware is available in restaurants. Throughout the day, it is common to hear “pole pole,” which means take it slow.
Have Patience
When walking around, practice patience because most shop owners will continue to ask visitors to keep buying something, and they are not shy when asking. When buying isn’t on the agenda, a guide said to say “no thank you” with a smile.
Extra Tips
Book accommodation early because hotels and B&Bs go fast. The high season is from June to February. Some bed and breakfasts will only accept cash payments, even from online bookings. There are banks and currency exchange offices throughout Stone Town.
Taxis
When I visited, a taxi from the airport to various hotels in Stone Town cost around $15. It is better to arrange ahead with the hotel to avoid being overcharged. One dollar is about 2,400 Shillings.
Visas
It is possible to get a visa on arrival from certain countries. However, I strongly suggest completing an online visa form before traveling to avoid long lines and multiple counters.
Enjoy Accommodations in Stone Town Before Heading to Zanzibar Beach
There are several options for accommodation while you’re visiting Stone Town. Here are a few of my suggestions.
Balcony House
Located fifteen minutes from the airport, Balcony House is about a ten-minute walk from the main square. Guests can relax in the lounge or choose between the two outside terraces. I enjoyed the sea-blue walls and sheets. They can also arrange tours and taxis. There is a kitchen for those wanting to cook. This hotel only accepts cash payments.
This is my colorful room. Photo by Erin Coyle
Shaba Boutique Hotel
The colorful yellow walls and blue carpet make Shaba Boutique Hotel a charming stay in the middle of the alleys and shops. I also liked the decor in the hallways with teapots on a shelf and lounge chairs with bright yellow cushions. Guests can refill their water at dispensers placed on each floor. This hotel is about a fifteen-minute walk to the night market.
This is some of the hallway decor. Photo by Erin Coyle
27 Cafe Zanzibar Airport Hotel
For those with early morning flights, 27 Cafe Zanzibar Airport Hotel is a good spot located about five minutes by car from the airport. The restaurant, open 24 hours, is surrounded by plants, wooden canoe-shaped bookshelves, and friendly staff.
This is my room. Photo by Erin Coyle
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A Stop in Stone Town Before Heading to Zanzibar Beach
Staying one or two nights in Stone Town offers plenty to do and see before going to Zanzibar Beach. The laid-back lifestyle, local markets, and learning about the history of Stone Town on a walking tour makes for some of the best places to visit.
For more inspiration, check out what Wander With Wonder says about other places to visit in Tanzania, discover other fabulous beach vacations , and see why Zanzibar reached number two for honeymoon destinations .
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Visit Stone Town Before Heading to Zanzibar Beach
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