Things to do in Stone Town at a glance
Stone Town is compact. The Old Fort, the waterfront gardens, the market and most historic buildings lie within a short walk of each other, and the lanes between them are part of the sight. Building materials are coral stone and lime mortar, and the old town has been a World Heritage Site since 2000. Some landmarks are being restored, so a sight on a map is not always open inside.
If you want the stories behind the doors and a sensible order for the sights, a Stone Town walking tour of 2 to 3 hours covers most of the center. Fees, hours and closures of smaller sights change, so check them on the day.
The main sights
What to expect at each, with the 2026 position.
The Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe)
The fort stands on the site of an earlier Portuguese church, and it was built between 1699 and 1780. Large changes are being discussed for 2026, so not every area may be open. Check on arrival.
Old Fort →House of Wonders
Built in 1883 for Sultan Barghash, it partly collapsed on 25 December 2020. The interior is closed during the restoration. You can see the building from the waterfront.
House of Wonders →Forodhani Gardens
The park on the waterfront is the place for the sunset and the night market, which starts at about 6:30 p.m. Typical dishes are Zanzibar pizza, mishkaki, grilled seafood and sugarcane juice.
Forodhani Gardens →Former slave market and Christ Church
The slave market closed in June 1873, and the Anglican cathedral was built on the site. It is a memorial and an active church, so interior visits can be limited during services. The price is $5 for adults.
Former slave market →Darajani Market
The main market has areas for fish, meat, fruit, grain and spices. Go in the morning, when the stalls are busiest, and ask before you photograph people.
Darajani Market →Carved doors
Omani houses have square carved doors, and shop-houses of the Indian merchant tradition have Gujarat doors. Brass studs on some doors are decoration and a sign of wealth.
Carved doors →Our picks: things to do in Stone Town
A half-day trip to Prison Island, an evening dhow cruise and a museum visit on foot cover three different sides of the town.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator and GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Stone Town and Prison Island half-day trip
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Conservation fees
- Bottled water
A guide with an art-history background leads you through Stone Town and out to Prison Island. Ask whether island entry is included before you book.
Check availability →
Sunset dhow cruise with live music
- Shared dhow
- Live music
- Snacks and soft drinks
A shared traditional dhow sails out at sunset with live music. Government fees and taxes are already in the price.
Check availability →
Stone Town walk with a Freddie Mercury Museum visit
- Local guide
- Freddie Mercury Museum visit
- Optional rooftop coffee
Two hours with a local guide, including a visit to the Freddie Mercury Museum. Museum entry depends on the option you choose.
Check availability →Stone Town sights and tours
Walking tours, boat trips, spice farms and more around Stone Town, with live prices and availability.
Museums and historic buildings
Smaller sights with a changing position.
Hamamni Persian Baths
The Hamamni baths are a historic public bathhouse from the reign of Sultan Barghash, 1870 to 1888. They are a building to look at, not a place to bathe today. Restoration and development work on the baths is planned for 2026, so check whether and when they can be entered.
Palace Museum (Beit el-Sahel)
The old palace with its clock tower is a separate sight from the House of Wonders. The People's Palace is in line for restoration in 2026, so entry, collection and access should be checked locally before you plan around them.
Old Dispensary
The building with turquoise carved balconies was restored together with the Old Customs House. It has had health care use, so treat it as a stop for the exterior and the street.
Christ Church and St Joseph's are also landmarks of the old town, and both are still places of worship. Dress respectfully and ask before you enter during services.
Sights at a glance
2026 position and the best time for each.
| Sight | Type | 2026 note |
|---|---|---|
| Old Fort | Fortress | Changes discussed; check which areas are open |
| House of Wonders | Landmark | Exterior only, interior closed |
| Forodhani Gardens | Park and night market | Stalls from about 6:30 p.m. |
| Former slave market | Memorial and cathedral | $5 for adults, active church |
| Darajani Market | Market | Best in the morning |
| Hamamni Baths | Historic baths | Check entry locally |
| Palace Museum | Palace | Check entry and access locally |
| Prison Island | Boat trip | Boat, entry and marine fee are separate |
For most visitors, a good first day is a morning walk through the lanes and sights, an afternoon on the waterfront and the night market in the evening.
Trips beyond the old town
Half-day and day trips from Stone Town.
Prison Island
Giant tortoises and a short boat ride from town.
Nakupenda sandbank
A sandbank that appears around low tide.
Spice tours
Farms at Kizimbani and Kidichi, 3 to 4 hours.
Freddie Mercury Museum
In Shangani, open daily.
For the beaches of the island, see the beaches of Zanzibar.
Things to do in Stone Town: frequently asked questions
What should I do in Stone Town?
Walking through the lanes is the core of a visit. Add the waterfront at sunset, the night market and one boat trip. A guide helps if you want the history.
How many days do I need?
One full day covers the main sights. Two or three days let you add a spice farm, Prison Island or the sandbank without rushing.
Are the museums open every day?
Do not assume so. Hours, fees and closures change, and some buildings are under restoration. Check each sight locally.
Can I visit the House of Wonders?
You can see it from the outside. The interior is closed while the restoration continues.
Is there an entry fee for the old town?
Individual sights set their own fees. Walking the lanes is part of the visit, and the prices on this page are for 2026.
What should I wear in the old town?
Light clothes that cover shoulders and knees. Beachwear belongs at the beach and in resorts.