Things to do in Zanzibar City
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Top 10 attractions in Zanzibar City
Zanzibar Island
Zanzibar Island is an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Tanzania, known as the "Spice Island" due to its historical abundance of spices like cloves. Since ancient times, it has been an important stopover for African, Arab, Indian, and Persian merchants traveling across the Indian Ocean, where diverse cultures have converged and blended over centuries to form the unique Swahili culture. The island's core historical area is Stone Town, where winding, narrow coral stone alleys resemble a maze, lined with intricately carved wooden doors and ancient buildings with ornate balconies. These wooden doors, known as "Zanzibar doors," are made from African ebony, and their carvings blend Arab motifs with Indian brass studs, serving as a microcosm of the cultural fusion in Stone Town. The city is also dotted with historical landmarks such as the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, and the Palace Museum, as well as the Anglican Cathedral, which once served as a hub for the slave trade. Beyond its rich history and culture, the coastline of Zanzibar Island is equally impressive. Palm-fringed white sand beaches stretch for several km, and the surrounding waters feature well-preserved coral reefs, making the area a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving, with opportunities to swim with dolphins in the clear water. The island is also home to Jozani Forest, where the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey resides, making it a great destination for travelers who enjoy nature and ecology.Kati · 14.9 km from Zanzibar City
Stone Town
Stone Town is located on a headland jutting into the Indian Ocean on the west coast of Zanzibar Island and is a well-preserved ancient trading town on the Swahili Coast of Eastern Africa. Over a thousand years of monsoon trade have layered the cultures of Africa, Arabia, India, and Europe into this district: old houses built of coral stone, Arab stone bench terraces, and Indian carved wooden balconies with veranda-style facades often stand side by side in the same narrow alley. The old town still has hundreds of carved wooden doors, studded with brass nails and engraved with intricate patterns, known as Zanzibar doors. Walking around and looking up to spot these doors is a joy in itself when exploring Stone Town. During the day, it is perfect for wandering into the alleys, where the scent of cloves and cardamom from spice shops, the chatter of old men playing chess, and the dazzling array of craft shops make up the fabric of life in the old town; after dark, the seaside Forodhani Gardens turn into a lively open-air night market, filled with the aroma of grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizza, and freshly squeezed sugarcane juice.Tanzania · Stone Town
Nungwi Beach
Nungwi Beach is located at the northern tip of Zanzibar Island. Its long stretch of white coral sand and clear turquoise waters make it a popular vacation beach in Zanzibar. Unlike many beaches on the east coast, it is less affected by tides, allowing for swimming during most of the day. In the evening, you can also enjoy the sunset view of fishermen returning to port in dhows. Nungwi village, where the beach is located, is a traditional dhow-building center in Zanzibar. It still preserves the craft of hand-building wooden dhows, and you can watch artisans at work in the village's boatyards to experience the fishing village's maritime traditions. There are also many options for excursions: during the day, you can go snorkeling or scuba diving, where you have the chance to encounter sea turtles, stingrays, and schools of tropical fish in the nearshore coral reefs. Some dive centers also offer night dives, allowing you to see a different side of the coral reefs at night. In the evening, you can join a sunset dhow cruise to look back at the entire beach from the sea.Nungwi · 50.2 km from Zanzibar City
Nakupenda Beach
Located on Pemba Island in Tanzania, I Love You Beach is an ideal tourist destination named for its romantic atmosphere and natural beauty. The white sand and clear waters attract tourists who are looking for tranquility and relaxation. The beach gets its name from its romantic setting and is a popular choice for couples and newlyweds. Here, visitors can sunbathe or take a dip in the warm Indian Ocean. Due to the clear water, this is also an ideal spot for snorkeling and diving, where visitors can explore the rich marine life and coral reefs. It is recommended to bring snorkeling equipment to better experience the underwater world. There are small restaurants and bars near the beach, serving fresh seafood and local specialties, making it a great place to enjoy lunch or dinner. It is recommended to try the local coconut water and tropical fruits to experience the authentic Tanzanian flavor.West · 5.6 km from Zanzibar City
Changu Island
Changu Island, also known as "Prison Island", is a tourist destination full of historical and natural charm located near the Zanzibar Archipelago in Tanzania. Despite the word "prison" in its name, it has never actually been used as a prison, but was once a slave detention center and isolation ward. Today, Changu Island attracts many tourists with its rich historical relics and natural landscapes. One of the popular attractions on the island is the giant tortoise sanctuary, which was introduced from the Seychelles. Visitors can observe and feed these long-lived creatures up close. In addition, there are well-preserved colonial buildings on the island, which visitors can explore and learn about the historical background of the island. The waters around Changu Island are crystal clear and are ideal for snorkeling and swimming. Visitors can enjoy the rich marine life and beautiful coral reefs here. The island is well-equipped with dining and rest areas, suitable for day trips. For history lovers and nature explorers, Changu Island offers a rich experience and is a good place to learn about the history of Zanzibar and enjoy the natural scenery.West · 6.2 km from Zanzibar City
Paje Beach
Paje Beach is located on the southeast coast of Zanzibar Island, Tanzania, in the Kusini district (southern Unguja), and is a pristine, charming white sand beach on the Indian Ocean. Its white sand blends with the shallow, turquoise waters, and when the tide recedes, wide sandbars are revealed as the water slowly retreats to form shallow bays, making it perfect for walking, taking photos, or observing marine life. Paje Beach has stable wind conditions with breezes blowing year-round, making it a famous kitesurfing destination that attracts both beginners and experts. Numerous kitesurfing schools and equipment rental shops line the coast, making it easy for water sports enthusiasts to get started. In addition to kitesurfing, Paje Beach is also well-suited for snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking due to its calm waters. At low tide, visitors can also see seaweed farms and the daily lives of local fishermen, a unique cultural experience that brings people closer to the traditional lifestyle of Zanzibar.Paje · 39 km from Zanzibar City
Jambiani Beach
On the southeast coast of Zanzibar Island, Tanzania, there is a pure beach forgotten by time - Jambiani Beach. This 2-kilometer-long white sand beach has become an ideal destination for travelers seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle with its pristine natural scenery, quiet rural atmosphere and unique tidal landscape. Jambiani Beach is eye-catching for its snow-white and delicate sand and colorful sea water. The sand is as fine and soft as flour, and the underwater landscape is rich and diverse. Jambiani Beach represents the authentic side of Zanzibar Island and even the East African coast. Here, time seems to slow down, giving visitors the opportunity to reconnect with nature, experience different cultural rhythms, and find inner peace. For those who are tired of commercial beach resorts and desire a real travel experience, Jambiani Beach is undoubtedly a hidden paradise worth exploring.Jambiani · 42.3 km from Zanzibar City
Old Fort
The Old Fort is a historic fortress originally built to protect Zanzibar from foreign invasion. Its architectural style blends Arabian, Persian, Indian, and African elements, showcasing the unique charm of the local multicultural heritage. Upon entering the Old Fort, you will be captivated by its magnificent architecture and rich historical atmosphere. The fortress is surrounded by massive stone walls and features plazas, courtyards, and leisure areas inside. You can stroll around, admiring the ancient architecture and stunning sea views. It also serves as a cultural and arts center, frequently hosting various exhibitions, concerts, and performances. Here, you can enjoy traditional local music and dance performances, and learn about the rich cultural heritage of Tanzania.Stone Town · 347m from downtown
Zanzibar Spice Community Shop
Stone Town · 192m from downtown
Khalifa Tours and Safaris Zanzibar
Stone Town · 41m from downtown
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What travelers say about Zanzibar City
YoYo_0T9A3B0LJuly 3, 2025
5.0
桑给巴尔岛的确是一个值得一游的梦幻之地。我踏上这片土地的那一刻，就深深被其独有的魅力所吸引。这里不仅有如画的海岸线和丰富的自然景观，更有深厚的文化底蕴和热情好客的居民。每一个角落都透露出一种宁静与和谐，让人流连忘返。对于寻求精神满足和自然美景的旅行者来说，桑给巴尔岛无疑是一个不可多得的目的地。无论是海滩上的悠闲时光，还是探索当地文化的兴奋之旅，这里的每一刻都让人难以忘怀。
Zanzibar Island
长脸张少侠February 25, 2026
4.0
Stone City, Zanzibar
Stone City is one of the oldest districts of Zanzibar, located on the west coast of Anguga Island, the main island of the Zanzibar archipelago. Formerly the capital of the Sultanate of Zanzibar, it was historically a center of the spice trade and the 19th-century slave trade. Primarily influenced by Swahili culture, it also saw influences from Moorish, Arabic, Persian, Indian, and European cultures. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000.
Stone Town
_We***66September 5, 2019
5.0
nugwi beach is my good place to relax with my family and to enjoy my Holliday
Nungwi Beach
李sir588August 2, 2020
5.0
The scenery here is beautiful. The taste is unique, the scenery is beautiful, and the environment is elegant. It gives people a sense of elegance, satisfaction and accomplishment. Give a thumbs up, and hope everyone can come here to play
Nakupenda Beach
Adina MoldovanAugust 6, 2022
1.0
AVOID TOURS OPERATED BY GLADIATORAvoid working with this individual or the boats with the inscription GLADIATOR for excursions from Stone Town. The man speaks relatively good English and has a quite convincing speech, but he stole our money (did not return the rest), lied to us countless times and made us waste time waiting for him. During the trip we were asked for additional money, even though we had already paid a lot and everything was supposed to be included, they didn't take us snorkeling as promised, and when we tried to ask for an explanation, we found that the guide accompanying us could only say " my friend" in Eng.
Changu Island
E26***96September 19, 2023
5.0
A resort on Zanzibar Island with a wide white beach. Tourists have returned and marine activities are thriving. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants.
Paje Beach
Pepita09January 25, 2024
5.0
Jambiani Beach is the real deal – authentic vibes and stunning beauty. The rhythm of life here syncs with the high and low tides, creating a unique coastal experience. What sets it apart? The friendly locals weaving their daily stories into the sands. If you crave a beachy escape with genuine charm, Jambiani nails it.
Jambiani Beach
