Stone Town is the old town of Zanzibar's island capital. Often perceived as merely a stopover point, very few tourists take the time to discover it. Yet, this charming town reveals many historical and architectural treasures. With Swahili, Indian, Arab, Persian, Omani, and Western influences… it's safe to say this is a cosmopolitan city! Discover everything there is to see and do during a stay in Stone Town on the island of Zanzibar.

1. The sculpted doors of Stone Town

Hunt for the superbly sculpted doors that have made Stone Town's reputation. There's a great idea! A little fun fact: doors once characterized the social status of residents. Doors with a square cornice decorated with a frieze are Arab in influence while those with a rounded and flowery cornice are Indian in influence. As for the sculpted designs, they can tell much about the professions of the owners… While new doors sometimes replace the most damaged original ones, nearly 500 are still counted. Plenty of material to keep you entertained for a few hours while discovering the little streets of the city…

2. The colonial architecture of the old town

A medina with unique architecture, the old town of Stone Town is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is the result of incredible cultural blending. The little streets intertwine without coherence and resemble a labyrinth. And beyond its sublime sculpted doors, the city offers many architectural gems that allow you to trace the history of the different peoples who inhabited it. There are about thirty mosques, a Catholic church, an Orthodox church, and remnants that still testify to a heavy colonial past.

Must-see during your walk: the House of Wonders and the sultan's palace, the old Portuguese fort which today houses an open-air performance venue and a cultural center, the infamous slave market and the Anglican Cathedral, the Hamamni Persian baths, the Forodhani gardens… Music lovers, remember to stop by the house of Freddy Mercury, who was originally from Zanzibar!

3. The bustle of the markets

Nothing quite like the hustle and bustle of markets to immerse yourself in local culture! In Stone Town, it all happens at the Darajani market. This is the city's main fresh produce market that operates daily throughout the day. You'll find vegetables and fruit, meat, fresh catch as well as electronics and clothing… In short, it's a delightfully chaotic bazaar! Take the opportunity to stock up on spices. Zanzibar isn't nicknamed the spice island for nothing! Cloves, pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, saffron, cocoa, vanilla… All your senses will be awakened by so many colors and fragrances. In the evening, head to the Food market to taste local specialties in an incredibly lively atmosphere!

4. A sunset overlooking the sea

And to end the day beautifully, there's nothing better than settling onto a terrace overlooking the sea to watch the sunset. Fortunately, Stone Town has many terraces—including some rooftop terraces—tucked into old houses or palaces and converted into restaurants and bars. Among the trendiest spots, we can mention the terraces of the Africa House, Emerson, Park Hyatt, and Serena hotels. For those preferring a more laid-back atmosphere, we recommend the Maru-Maru terrace!

Florine Dergelet