Walking through Stone Town in Zanzibar is like a storybook coming alive as stories from a bygone era unravel. Stories about an Omani princess who eloped with a German merchant, tales of the slave trade and its abolition, and the story of a young Parsi boy who went on to become a rockstar! As you walk through the narrow alleys lined with homes, shops and restaurants, you will experience a mix of Arabic, African, Indian and European cultures. The bustling markets, gardens overlooking the harbour, and multifaith places of worship are all waiting to be experienced. A heritage walk isn’t just about seeing the sights; it’s about experiencing the culture, the people, and the heartbeat of Zanzibar. Join us as we take you on a Stone Town, Zanzibar Heritage Walk.
Our Trip to Zanzibar
On a four-day trip to Zanzibar, out of which we had only one day in Stone Town and three days in Naugwi for a family wedding, we decided to explore Stone Town. We land in Zanzibar late in the evening and check into our hotel in Stone Town. It is a boutique-style hotel, beautifully styled to preserve the character of Stone Town, with a mix of Arabic, African, Indian, and European influences. Moroccan lamps, wood carvings reminiscent of India, a rooftop restaurant are some of its noteworthy features. We retire to bed early, as the next day we will be exploring the town and then heading to a resort at Naungwi Beach for a family wedding.
Where is Stone Town?
Stone Town is on the western coast of Zanzibar, a beautiful archipelago off Tanzania’s shores. It is called Mji Mkongwe (Old Town in Swahili) and is the old part of Zanzibar City.
Why is Stone Town so called?
When wealthy Arab and Indian merchants came to the Old Town, they built their houses not by using traditional wood or mud, but rather by using coral stone harvested from the sea. These stone houses, decorated with intricately carved doors and ornamental balconies, gave the town a distinctive character and led to the nickname ‘Stone Town.’ Most of the buildings are two storeys with whitewashed walls, wooden doors, and brown rooftops.
History of Stone Town, Zanzibar
Stone Town has been shaped by centuries of traders, sultans, and settlers. African tribes inhabited it before the 10th century. Persian and Arab merchants arrived between the 10th and 15th centuries and built the first stone houses and mosques, establishing it as a hub for the trade of spices, ivory, and slaves. The Portuguese arrived around the 15th century, holding power until the 17th century, when the Omanis arrived. The Omani Sultans built palaces and mosques, bringing wealth and grandeur.
Around the 19th and 20th centuries, Indian traders also came and settled. In the 19th century, Europeans, especially the British, influenced Zanzibar through trade agreements and made efforts to end the slave trade. It is precisely for these encounters with different rulers that Stone Town is multicultural, and one witnesses a confluence of Swahili, Arab, Indian, and European influences today. This diversity is evident in its architecture, cuisine, languages spoken, and faiths practiced. This is also why Stone Town received its UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 2000.
Heritage Walks
As travellers and heritage hunters, one of the experiences we strive to have is to explore a town or city up close, and what better way than through heritage walks? We have done the Blue City Walk in Jodhpur, the Ekamra Kshetra Walk in Bhubaneshwar, the Ahmedabad Heritage Walk, and the Fontainhas Heritage Walk in Goa. We are looking forward to the Stone Town Heritage Walk in Zanzibar.
Breakfast at Rooftop Restaurant in Zanzibar
We rise next morning and head to the rooftop restaurant for breakfast. We catch our first glimpse of the ocean, with sailing boats and the rooftops of other Stone Town buildings. This view reminds my husband, Rafiq, of a James Bond movie shot in Africa, complete with a chase down the alleys and the hero and villain jumping over the rooftops. I finish breakfast and head down to arrange for our Stone Town tour.
Meeting Our Stone Town Heritage Walk Guide
Our guide, Mahmoud, meets us at the hotel lobby and will take us around Stone Town. I tell him we are travel bloggers and how we love visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the globe and documenting our experiences. We have only two or two and a half hours at hand, and he should ensure we get the best experience. I show Mahmoud some of our travel blogs, and we begin our Stone Town Heritage Walk.
Things to See and Do in Stone Town, Zanzibar Heritage Walk
Freddie Mercury Museum
Our guide, Mahmoud, leads us as we walk through narrow alleys lined with homes and shops to the Freddie Mercury Museum. Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the group Queen, was born in this very house in Stone Town, Zanzibar, which has now been transformed into a museum. We grew up listening to his songs in India, but our guide tells us that in Zanzibar, nobody knew Freddie Mercury as a child, and the locals wonder why foreigners are so crazy about him.
Shree Kutchhi Swetamber Jain Temple
We walk through the narrow lanes dotted with shops selling an array of products. Soon, we are near the Kutcchi Swetamber Jain Temple or Derasar. Our guide tells us that there are three temples around Stone Town. Not just temples, but there are also mosques and churches, as individuals of various faiths live in peace and harmony.
Jamiul Istiqama Mosque
We continue to walk, and our guide, Mahmoud,points to the Jamiul Istiqama Mosque, where the faithful gather for Friday prayers. We can see the towering minaret. He tells us there are fifty mosques in Stone Town.
Salme’s Last Abode
En route to the Old Fort, Mahmoud points to a building called ‘Salme’s Last Abode.’ Who was Salme? Princess Salme was the daughter of Sultan Sayyida of Zanzibar, born in 1844. The building is her last residence before she fled Zanzibar in 1866 to marry her German merchant husband. She became well-known for her memoir, “Memoirs of an Arabian Princess from Zanzibar.”
Stone Town Old Fort
We are now in Old Fort, the oldest building in Stone Town, which is now a cultural centre. Nasir, an intern training to be a guide, joins us on the walk. So now we have not one, but two tour guides. The Omani Sultans built the fort in the 17th century as a defence against the Portuguese. The ramparts of the fort were built with coral rag stones. There are stalls selling a variety of local art and handicraft products. The place is buzzing with tourists and shoppers. There is even an open-air amphitheatre for performances.
Forodhani Gardens
We leave the Old Fort and cross the road to explore the Forodhani Gardens overlooking the harbour. Forodhani in Swahili means ‘at the port’ or ‘customs area.’ In a bygone era, the Forodhani Gardens was the area where customs duties were paid by the ships and boats that anchored in the harbour and offloaded their goods. There were warehouses as far as the Old Fort.
In 1935, Forodhani was transformed into Jubilee Gardens by the Sultan of Oman to commemorate the silver jubilee of King George V. (Queen Elizabeth II’s grandfather). The gardens were renovated in 2009 by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, giving them a fresh, landscaped look. As we stroll through the gardens, we see canons and a fountain. We can see the Floating Restaurant, which was initially a jetty built to welcome Princess Margaret in 1954.
In the evening, as the sun sets, food stalls are set up at Forodhani Gardens, offering a diverse cuisine, including Zanzibar Pizza, fresh grilled seafood, sugarcane juice, spiced teas, and much more.
Zanzibar Islands
Mahmoud points to the four islands that can be seen from the Forodhani Gardens. Prison Island, which served as a prison in the 19th century, is now famous for its giant Aldabra tortoises. Grave Island, renowned for its colonial-era war graves, has been transformed into a private eco-resort. Mahmoud tells us that the Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896 was the shortest war in history, lasting barely 45 minutes, but many lives were still lost. The dead were buried at Grave Island. Bawe Island, with its coral reefs, was once used as a telegraph station. Chumbe Island is a marine sanctuary crowned by a historic lighthouse. Tourists plan island-hopping trips to these islands.
House of Wonders /Beit Al Ajaib
We next head to the ‘House of Wonders’ or ‘Beit al Ajaib’ opposite the Forodhani Gardens. It was built in 1883 by Sultan Barghash bin Said as a ceremonial palace and reception hall. But why was it called ‘House of Wonders’? It was one of the only buildings that had electric lights and even an elevator, and hence it was so called. Later, it was converted into a ‘Museum of History and Swahili Culture.’ In 2020, it suffered a partial collapse and was under renovation at the time of our visit in Sept 2025. Scaffolding covered the building, and we could barely see anything, but we did get a sense of the enormousness of the building. It is commendable to see the government making an effort to restore its historic and culturally significant buildings and monuments.
People’s Palace Museum/Beit-el-Sahel
Ahead of the ‘House of Wonders’ is the ‘People’s Palace Museum’ or ‘Beit-el-Sahel’, meaning ‘Palace of Sea.’ It was built in the 19th century as a residence of the Sultan, but after the 1964 Zanzibar Revolution, it was renamed ‘People’s Palace’ and subsequently converted into a museum. We have decided that since we only have two hours available, we will not visit the museums. However, if you have the time, please plan a visit.
Stone Town Doors
We again head back to the narrow lanes of Stone Town, passing souvenir shops, restaurants and spas. My husband, Rafiq, cheekily points to a door on which is written, ‘No Life Without Wife!’ Throughout the Stone Town Zanzibar Heritage Walk, we encounter a diverse array of door styles. Stone Town is sometimes referred to as a ‘City of Doors.’ There are more than 500 elaborately carved wooden doors, many of which are over a century old. They are in various styles, blending Arab, Indian, Swahili, and European influences. The doors of Stone Town, Zanzibar, are symbols of the identity, faith, and wealth of the families that live in these homes. You would have seen several social media reels and posts featuring the doors of Stone Town as influencers pout and pose in front of them.
Ram Mandir
Strolling through the alleys of Stone Town, our guide, Mahmoud, takes us to the Ram Mandir. It serves as a reminder of Zanzibar’s Indian diaspora, specifically the Gujarati traders who settled on the island during the 19th and early 20th centuries, when it was a thriving hub of trade. This small yet lively temple, dedicated to Lord Ram, still hosts daily prayers and festivals. We pay our respects, smile at the pujari and continue our walk.
Ismaili Jamatkhana
Mahmoud now takes us to the Ismaili Jamatkhana. It was built in 1938 by a wealthy Khoja Ismaili trader who had migrated from Gujarat, India. The Ismailis are followers of the Aga Khan. The Jamatkhana was expanded in 1905, marking its formal inauguration as a darkhana by Imam Sultan Mahomed Shah on August 16, 1905. We love the woodwork on the door and are happy to get a chance to visit the Jamatkhana.
Bohara Mosque
Bang opposite the Jamatkhana is the Bohara Mosque, where the Dawoodi Bohras gather for prayers. Not just temples, mosques, and jamatkhanas, there are even churches in Zanzibar, which we will soon be seeing, informs Mahmoud. Seeing so many multifaith places of worship in close proximity is a lesson in pluralism and peaceful coexistence that Stone Town teaches.
Shops in Stone Town, Zanzibar
As we walk along the streets, the shopkeepers cajole us to shop. They even use Gujarati phrases like, ‘Kem cho? Majama Cho?’ meaning ‘How are you? Hope you’re fine?’ Another shopkeeper rattles off a dialogue from the Bollywood movie ‘Don’ starring both Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan in the titular role. ‘Don ko pakdna mushkil hi nahi na mumkin hain.’ We smile, politely refuse, as we don’t want to spend time shopping and want to make the most of the heritage walk. Our children decide they will shop after the heritage walk, while we will be doing the checkout. There is a separate blog on shopping in Stone Town, Zanzibar which you can read here.
Emerson Spice Hotel
One of the striking features of the hotels in Stone Town is the elaborately carved wooden balconies. An example is the Emerson Spice Hotel, which we pass through next—a boutique hotel housed in a restored 19th-century merchant’s mansion. The hotel’s rooftop has a restaurant with sweeping views of Stone Town and the ocean.
Swahili House
Another boutique hotel with wooden balconies and a courtyard is Swahili House. What was the purpose of the balconies? They were not just architectural flourishes, but also provided privacy for the women to watch the goings-on of the bustling streets below. If you get a chance, be sure to have a meal at the terrace restaurant, which offers aerial views of the town and harbour.
Darajani Market
We stroll through the lanes of Stone Town, passing provision stores, perfume shops and head to Darajani Market. The market is busy and chaotic, with locals trying to shop for produce, vendors cajoling shoppers by promising the best prices, and bewildered tourists like us trying to make sense of what is going on. From fresh vegetables and fruit to aromatic spices and fresh catch of fish to halal meat, everything is up for grabs. Nasir, the intern guide, warns us that the sights and smells of the meat and fish market sections may be a tad too overwhelming, and whether we want to visit it. My husband agrees, saying that since we need pictures for the blog, he will go, and I can stay back. But I have visited several such markets and am up for the challenge.
Fish Market
Octopus, shellfish, tuna and other big and small fish and sea creatures whose names we don’t know are all for sale. There is a designated area where the fish auction is underway. Nasir tells us that restaurant owners and home chefs usually come here early in the morning to get the best catch at competitive rates.
Meat Section
The meat section features halal meat, as Zanzibar has a sizable Muslim population. The Darajani Market doesn’t sell pork, as it is forbidden in Islam, Nasir informs us. Everything else is available.
Spice Market
We next head to the spice market, where assorted spices in whole and ground form in packets or loose are up for sale. Cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, turmeric, nutmeg and more; the very products that earned Zanzibar its nickname, ‘Spice Island.’
The sights, smells, and noise of the Darajani Market may be a bit of a sensory overload for Americans or Europeans. Still, for us coming from India, they bore a striking resemblance to the Indian bazaars and markets.
Christ Church Anglican Cathedral
We next head to the Christ Church Anglican Cathedral, which is constructed on the site of Zanzibar’s old slave market. Nasir explains that the Anglican Cathedral’s construction began in 1873, soon after the slave trade was abolished in Zanzibar. In the church grounds is a Jujube tree, which in Swahili is called Mkunazi. The street where the Church lies is hence called Mkunazini Street.
We enter the cathedral, and I am stunned by the architectural details: the stained-glass windows, wooden pews, high vaulted roof and altar framed by stone arches. I ask my family to excuse me for a couple of minutes so I can be by myself. Churches hold a special significance in my life due to my upbringing in a convent school. I sit quietly on a pew, breathe and absorb the aura of the place. I feel a sense of gratitude and peace for all the good things I have.
Whipping Post
I head back to the guides who explain how Bishop Edward Steere, who oversaw much of the cathedral’s construction, is buried behind the altar. The altar is at the site of the whipping post. The slaves were whipped at the time of the auction to test how strong and resilient they were. If they cried or squirmed in pain, it meant they were weak and would therefore not fetch a good price. A white marble circle surrounded by red stone symbolizes the whipping post. I want to see the whipping post, but the guides tell me it is out of bounds for visitors. They show us the picture frames of the whipping post and the grave of Bishop Edward Steere near the cathedral entrance.
Slave Monument
We head to the cathedral grounds, which have a slave monument of five chained slaves in a pit. Sculpted by Swedish artist Clara Sörnäs, it commemorates the thousands of men, women, and children who suffered here.
Slave Chambers
We then head to the underground slave chambers in the cathedral grounds. There are two small, dark stone cells with slits in the wall, allowing some light and air to trickle in. There are other tourists, and we feel claustrophobic and suffocated. But these very cells had close to 50 slaves chained and barely any space to move. How many slaves must have died here in pain and agony is anyone’s guess. We are relieved as we exit the slave cells.
Slave Exhibition Museum
We next head to the Slave Exhibition Museum. It features photographs, documents, and personal testimonies tracing the history of slavery in East Africa.
It is only when you stand in places like these that one realizes how easily we take freedom for granted. We often cry and complain about the smallest of inconveniences. These slaves were deprived of the most basic human needs like food, dignity and fundamental rights. Their suffering is a reminder of how blessed we are and need to be grateful for the life we have.
Hamamni Baths
We continue our Stone Town heritage walk and head to the Hamamni Persian Baths. They were built in the late 19th century during the reign of Sultan Barghash. Designed by Shirazi architects, they were the first public baths of their kind in Zanzibar and served the community until the 1920s.
Spas are not a new phenomenon, and the hamamni baths are the spas of an erstwhile era. Men and women (in separate areas) spent a day receiving oil massages, steams, and baths at the hammams. It was a time to meet, relax, exchange news and gossip. At the time of our visit, the hamamni baths were under repair, so we didn’t go inside. We continue walking and do see some modern spas which offer a time-honoured tradition of the hamamni baths.
It’s been close to two hours since we began our heritage walk, and our guide, Mahmoud, tells us that there are still more spots to visit, and whether we are up for it. Since we need to attend a family wedding in Nungwi, we decide to call it a day and head back to the hotel. Mahmoud tells us that we will skip the dispensary, but will be able to see the Jaws Corner and another church since they are on our way to the hotel. We happily agree and follow him.
Jaws Corner
A square formed by the intersections of lanes is the perfect spot for the locals to catch up over coffee. One such square is the Jaws Corner, which gets its name from a painting of the movie poster for ‘Jaws.’ Since it’s afternoon, there are few locals and mostly tourists, but Nasir tells us that come evening, the locals will gather here for some coffee and gossip about everything and anything. Shops are selling handcrafted products, bohemian clothes and lots more.
Catholic Museum St. Joseph Cathedral
We then walk to the St. Joseph Cathedral, built by French missionaries between 1893 and 1898. Built in Neo-Gothic style, its most striking feature is its twin spires. Tucked within the cathedral is the Catholic Museum. We admire the cathedral from the outside, though we would have loved to go inside, but time is not on our side. Our Stone Town Zanzibar Heritage Walk has come to an end, and we are beaming.
Final Word on Stone Town Zanzibar Heritage Walk
Walking in Stone Town, Zanzibar, is like walking through a museum, where you are transported back into the past. Every door, alley and structure has a story hidden waiting to be unravelled. Stone Town is a tapestry woven tightly of multiple ethnicities, cultures and religions. We learnt lessons in pluralism and harmony as multifaith locals peacefully coexist. Whether it’s the sensory immersions of the Darajani Market, the stunning harbour views of Forodhani Gardens, or the stoicism of the Slave Quarters, we were impressed. The city is also clean and well maintained, and the locals and government take great care to ensure the town is welcoming to tourists. And yes, getting lost in Stone Town, both in a literal and metaphorical sense, is part of the heritage walk experience.
Getting There:
Nearest Airport to Stone Town, Zanzibar:
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar is the nearest airport to Stone Town.
Where to stay in Stone Town, Zanzibar?
We stayed at the Spice Tree by Turaco hotel in Stone Town. You can do a net search for options based on budget and comfort.
Can you do a Stone Town Zanzibar Heritage Walk on your own?
Well, you can, but if it’s your first time, please engage the services of a tour guide. The streets are very narrow and look similar so it can be very confusing. Our grown-up children went to Stone Town on their own to do some shopping immediately after the Heritage Walk and still got lost trying to search their way back to the hotel. GPS, as well as Google Maps, don’t work too well in Stone Town.
Stone Town Zanzibar Heritage Walk Price:
The Stone Town Heritage Walk cost us 25 USD per person, including entry to the church and slave quarters. Admission to the Freddie Mercury Museum is an additional $10 per person.
Stone Town Zanzibar Heritage Walk Duration:
It will take you at least 2-3 hours to see most of Stone Town. This does not include the time spent exploring all the museums.
Stone Town Zanzibar Heritage Walk Contact:
Exotic Tours and Safari. Guide: Mahmoud: 0678525052