Stone Town Area

Stone Town is the oldest part of Zanzibar and is full of rich history, culture, and beautiful old buildings. It’s a must-see area if you want to learn about the island’s past and experience local life. Here are the top places to visit in Stone Town with Zanzibar Starlight Tours:

1. House of Wonders

The House of Wonders is one of the most famous buildings in Stone Town. It was the first building in East Africa to have electricity and running water. Today, it’s a museum where you can learn about Zanzibar’s history and the Swahili culture.

What to see:
– Exhibits about Zanzibar’s history
– Old boats (dhows) used by fishermen
– Amazing views of the harbor

2. The Old Fort

The Old Fort is the oldest building in Stone Town, built by the Omani Arabs to protect the island. Now, it’s a cultural center where events like festivals and local markets are held.

What to see:
– Thick stone walls and historic architecture
– Shops selling handmade crafts
– The Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) held here every year

3. The Sultan’s Palace (Palace Museum)

The Sultan’s Palace was home to Zanzibar’s Sultans. Today, it’s a museum that shows what life was like for the royal family. You can see the furniture, clothes, and items they used.

What to see:
– Royal furniture and clothes
– Views of the ocean from the palace gardens

4. Slave Market Memorial and Anglican Cathedral

This is a powerful reminder of Zanzibar’s role in the East African slave trade. The Slave Market Memorial honors those who were sold into slavery, while the Anglican Cathedral was built on the site of the old slave market.

What to see:
– The Slave Memorial sculpture
– Underground chambers where slaves were kept
– The beautiful architecture of the cathedral

5. Darajani Market

Darajani Market is the main market in Stone Town, where locals buy everything from fresh food to spices. It’s a great place to experience local life and pick up some Zanzibar spices or souvenirs.

What to see:
– Fresh fruits, spices, and seafood
– Shops selling traditional Zanzibari items like clothes and wooden carvings

6. Forodhani Gardens

Right by the ocean, Forodhani Gardens is a popular spot for relaxing and trying local street food. In the evening, the Forodhani Night Market comes alive with food stalls serving fresh seafood, Zanzibari pizza, and other local dishes.

What to see:
– The bustling night market
– Beautiful views of the ocean
– A great place for an evening walk

7. Freddie Mercury’s House

Stone Town is the birthplace of Freddie Mercury, the famous singer from Queen. His childhood home is a popular stop for visitors who want to see where he grew up. It’s located on Kenyatta Road.

What to see:
– The outside of Freddie Mercury’s house
– Nearby shops selling Queen souvenirs

 8. St. Joseph’s Cathedral

Built by French missionaries, St. Joseph’s Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in Zanzibar. Its twin spires are easy to spot from far away, and the inside features beautiful stained glass and carvings.

What to see:
– French Romanesque design
– Peaceful, quiet atmosphere

 9. Hamamni Persian Baths

The Hamamni Persian Baths were built for the people of Zanzibar to bathe and relax. Although they are no longer in use, you can still visit the baths to see the unique Persian architecture and learn about life in Zanzibar during the 19th century.

What to see:
– Persian-style architecture
– A guided tour to learn about how the baths were used

10. Old Dispensary

The Old Dispensary is one of the most beautiful buildings in Stone Town. It was once a clinic but now serves as a museum and cultural center. The building is famous for its colorful stained glass windows and carved wooden balconies.

What to see:
– Beautiful architecture with intricate designs
– A small museum inside