Stone Town

Stone Town 5 Stevage - The Palace Museum

Stone Town is the main city on Zanzibar. It is a city of prominent historical and artistic importance in East Africa. Its architecture, mostly dating back to the 19th century, reflects the diverse influences underlying the Swahili culture, with a unique mixture of Moorish, Arab, Persian, Indian and European elements. For this reason and the town was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000.

Travel to Stone Town

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Stone Town

Zanzibar International Airport is the only airport on the island and accessible by many domestic and international destinations. For more information see the Zanzibar#By plane|Zanzibar Muslim Friendly Travel Guide.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Stone Town

Boats to Stone Town can be boarded from Dar es Salaam or Pemba Island|Pemba. For more information see the Zanzibar#By boat|Zanzibar Muslim Friendly Travel Guide.

By Dalladalla

Most dalladalla leave from the Creek Road at the Darajani Market -6.16252, 39.19389. All have destinations signboards and numbers, what makes it quite easy to handle.

Nungwi=116; Kiwenga=117; Matemwe=118; Chwaka=206; Uroa=214; Unguja Ukuu=308; Jambiani=309; Makunduchi=310; Bewejuu=324; Kizmkazi=326; Amani=501; Bububu=502; Airport(U/Ndege)=505

How to get around in Stone Town

-6.16253|39.19139 -

What to see in Stone Town

• Old Fort -6.16139, 39.1892 - Old Fort of Zanzibar Old Fort Zanzibar, 2010 djacent to the House of Wonders, is a heavy stone fortress that was built in the 17th century by the Omani. It has a roughly square shape; the internal courtyard is now a cultural centre with shops, workshops, and a small arena where live dance and music shows are held daily.
• Palace Museum - Former Sultan's Palace ("Beit el-Sahel" in Arabic​) -6.1599, 39.1905 - Sultan's Palace, Zanzibar Palace Museum, Forodhani Another former sultan's palace, also located on the seafront, to the north of the House of Wonders. It was built in late 19th century, and now hosts a museum about the daily life of the Zanzibari royal family, including items that belonged to Sayyida Salme, a former Zanzibar princess that fled to relocate in Europe with her husband
• House of Wonders - "Palace of Wonders", commonly called "Beit-al-Ajaib" | Mizingani Road on the seafront -6.1609, 39.1896 - House of Wonders House of wonders Probably the most well-known monuments of Stone Town. It was built in 1883 and restored after the Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896. A former Sultan's residence, it became the seat of the Afro-Shirazi Party after the revolution. It was the first building in Zanzibar to have electricity and the first building in East Africa to have a lift. Since 2000, its interior has been dedicated to a museum on Swahili and Zanzibar culture.
• Livingstone's House -6.15836, 39.20224 A small palace that was built for Sultan Majid bin Said and later used by European missionaries. David Livingstone lived in the house while preparing his last expedition to the interior of Tanganyika.
• Old Dispensary -6.15839, 39.19262 - Old Dispensary (Zanzibar) Old dispensary front Built from 1887 to 1894 to serve as a charity hospital for the poor, it was later used as a dispensary. It is one of the most finely decorated buildings of Stone Town, with large carved wooden balconies, stained-glass windows, and neo-classical stucco adornments. After falling into decay in the 1970s and 1980s and the building was accurately restored by the AKTC.
• Anglican Gothic Church -6.16293, 39.19252 - US$3 Christ Church, Zanzibar Christ Church Stone Town Zanzibar Purchased by missionaries and the church sits atop the world's last slave market. The altar is said to be built over the market's whipping post.
• Hamamni Persian Baths -6.16233, 39.19098 - Hamamni Persian Baths complex of public baths built at the end of the 19th century by Shirazi architects for Sultan Barghash bin Said. These baths are not open anymore but are open to visitors. Visits are limited to some areas of the original complex because part of it (e.g. and the restaurant) has since been adapted for private residences
• Forodhani Gardens -6.160556, 39.188611 - Forodhani Gardens Forodhani jubilee gardens zanzinar A small park located in the main seawalk of Stone Town, right in front of the Old Fort and the House of Wonders. They have been restored by the AKTC. Every evening after sunset the gardens host a popular, tourist-oriented market selling grilled seafood and other Zanzibari recipes.
• Mercury - Near the port, is dedicated to Freddie Mercury who was born on the island. The only interesting thing in the place is the atmosphere and the nice view over the harbor and bay -- skip the food unless you're in for a stomach ache.

• There are a number of historically important (and frankly, just plain beautiful) buildings in Stone Town, like The House of Wonders and The Arab Fort. It is easy to arrange a simple walking tour with a local guide who can teach you some history.
• The market in Stone Town is one of the largest, most vibrant open-air markets anywhere. Here, you can find several varieties of bananas, "elephant garlic" unique to the island and the largest avocados you'll probably ever see, and more. Prices are extremely reasonable. Even if you have no intentions of purchasing food and the spectacle alone is worth a visit.
• Visit Slave Market and the site of the old Slave Market is quite an experience. Go into the holding chambers to see how this wretched piece of history played itself out in small dark dungeon-type cells. Priced at US$5 (May 2018), it's well worth it.

What to do in Stone Town

• Roam around Stone Town appreciating the Historical buildings
• Be certain to have dinner on the wharf near Blue's Restaurant in Stone Town. Every evening, for just a few dollars, you can sample local fish, food, drinks, and hear local music.
• Visit Forodhani Gardens If you are not scared of local food and then this place is definitely worth a visit. It is possibly the cheapest food you will find on the island, and value for money too. Ranging from crab claws, calamari Steaks to plain old chips done in big woks. You are well advised to try the local sugar cane juice. The curio market can be found next to the food market. Do not buy the first thing you see. First take a walk through the market, and you will see prices get progressively less. You must always haggle and bargain with the vendors or try to set the prices off against each other. This is their way of doing business and it also ensures that you get the best price.

• Tangawizi Bistro Cooking Classes -6.16379, 39.19061 close to Hanafi Sunni mosque ☎ +255 778883306 - Take Swahili cuisine home. The owner, Shara, organizes cooking classes in the morning and afternoon at Tangawizi Bistro and at Dole spice farm close to Stone Town.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Stone Town

• Mitus Spice Tour - Malindi Road ☎ +255 652581439 | Opening Hours: half day tour US$12-25 per person Offers lunch and tours.
• Halai's | Hurumzi Street Next to Emerson in Hurumzi Hotel ☎ +255 717147199 - A small shop in stone town with colorful textiles at fixed prices.

Halal Restaurants in Stone Town

• Mercury's Restaurant - Opposite the "Big Tree" and near the ferry port - This restaurant's name and theme are dedicated to Freddie Mercury and the lead singer of the band Queen, who was born in Stone Town.
• House of Spices | - ☎ +255 242231264 - US$8-15
• Tatu |

• Beyt al Chai Restaurant |

• The Silk Route |

• Mtoni Marine Restaurant -

• Hurumzi - 236 Hurumzi Street in GPS , . Earlier known as Emerson and Green and later as Emerson's Tower Top Restaurant, is well worth a visit. Amazing food and sublime atmosphere. While dinner is quite expensive and has to be booked in advance and the rooftop view of the sunset punctuated by the sound of prayer calls is not to be missed.
• Kidude - near Hurumzi GPS , . Serves traditional Zanzibari cuisine at moderate prices}} Forodhani Gardens - hours= - GPS , . Is a nightly affair by the water. You can purchase 'Zanzibari pizza' or get all sorts of grilled seafood and Meat for less than US$1 per serving. Also available are banana and Chocolates pancakes which are to die for (Note: bring an extra bar of Chocolates for them to add to your pancake) Some consider the market to be overrated -- the food quality can be mixed and there will be papasi or agents who may hassle you. The twilight atmosphere however makes for a nice setting to have a affordable meal. Amore Mio - US$10-15 per person GPS , . On Shangani Street, serves good Italian gelati ice cream, Pizzas and Pasta.
• Monsoon Restaurant - GPS , . Just to the west of the Tunnel at the edge of the harbour and the southern corner of Forodhani Gardens. Passing Show Restaurant - next to the Malindi Police Station just outside the harbor GPS , . A place where they have very decent local food, like pilau, and all sorts of stews. All the men go there in the evening to drink tea. Muslim place, so no alcohol.

• Mercury's Restaurant - A really nice bar which also serves a good variety of fruit cocktails

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• Tatu |
• Serena Hotel - Stone Town GPS , . Has a very nice restaurant with live music almost everyday. Beautiful view of the ocean and excellent, although expensive, food. Botanic Country Resort - Tunguu central region, 14 kilometers from the Stone Town towards the East Coast behind the new Tanzanian Houses of Parliament. GPS , . Taarab Plaza and Kipepeo Grill and Pub/Beer Garden with discotheque on weekends, live music on public holidays including outdoor cinema and live sports events on giant screens. Beautiful Gardens, food is from traditional Swahili & Zanzibarian dishes to International Cuisine.
• Lukmaan - GPS , . A small restaurant on the same road as the slave market does very affordable and delicious food. Point at what you want and you get it right away. The prices and convenient speed makes it a favourite for many lunchers.
• Africa House Ice cold organic juice and a huge balcony that overlooks the ocean - great at sunset.
• Taarab Plaza At the Botanic Country Resort, Tunguu Central Region offers reasonably priced spirits and drinks compared to most of the bars on the island. Live sports bars and the only outdoor cinema showing Indian, African and English movies, discotheque over weekends and live music on public holidays.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Stone Town

Stone Town - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Stone Town, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Stone Town. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Stone Town and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Stone Town. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Stone Town. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inStone Town: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Stone Town.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Stone Town: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Stone Town, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Stone Town.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Stone Town, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Stone Town, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Stone Town and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Stone Town, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Stone Town, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Stone Town without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Stone Town is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Stone Town.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Stone Town is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Stone Town, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Stone Town Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Stone Town

eHalal Group Stone Town is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Stone Town. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Stone Town.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Stone Town ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Stone Town. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Stone Town, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Stone Town are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

The cheapest hotels start from US$14 for a dorm bed. normal budget hotel prices range TSh 45,000 to 90,000 and that's during the low season, where several hotels actually stay closed due to lack of clients. The quoted prices are after bargaining: low-season is a good time to do so and not having your bags with you when doing so, will also give you a boost.

• Zanzibar Lodge( Njila guest house) - Stone Town 250 m from darajani market ☎ +255 777458584 Checkin - any time / Check-out: 10AM single US$25, double US$40 (including breakfast) (2023) The lodge has 4 rooms and can accommodate up to 8 people.
• Coco del mer -6.16223, 39.18814 double US$60 Nice and central hotel with mostly decent rooms. Ask for discount for about half price. There is also a restaurant downstairs.
• Flamingo Guest House - single US$15. double $28 dorm $15 per person. A great budget place 10 minutes from the downtown. It is simple, clean and rooms with private bathrooms are a bit more expensive. The breakfast is quite nice and substantial including fruit, a loaf of bread, eggs, and coffee/tea
• Funguni Palace Hotel | Funguni Road near to Ferry ☎ +255 777411842 | Opening Hours: 24 hrs US$35 This hotel contains 11 rooms in Zanzibar traditional style inside. Some rooms have self-contained bathrooms and some use shared bathrooms. There are air conditioners in rooms.
• Pearl Guest House - in middle Stone Town, about 5 minutes walk east of the port and Mercury's Restaurant. If your are coming from the market, it is about 2 minutes walk east of the junction of Creek Road and Malindi Street US$8-12 pp (2023) - A simple budget guest house for backpackers. Don't expect much (common bathrooms, cold water shower and without breakfast) but the owner is friendly and it offers a very good value for money.
• Malindi Guest House Hotel | Funguni Road Near the ferry - US$20 per person per day, $40 sharing with private bathroom. Check-in: any time / Check-out: 10AM It's close to the Zanzibar Port (off Malindi Street) and near the fish market (but the smell isn't so bad).
• Annex of Abdullah - south of Jaws Corner, (opposite white & green Mosque) US$15 Very basic but very affordable single rooms with shared bathrooms. Basic breakfast incl. A really decent find for the budget traveller.
• Jambo Guest House -6.16400, 39.19096 Checkout: 10AM low-season double from TSh 45,000 (2023) Simple, but nice and clean rooms with fans and shared bathrooms and a great breakfast with lots of fresh fruit make this a welcoming place that is famous with backpackers and fills up quickly. The staff is a bit disorganized, but generally friendly. Has free Wi-Fi.
• River Man Hotel -6.16252, 39.19284 Low-season double from TSh 30,000 (2023) - A cheapy, but some of rooms are really big and bright. Rooms area clean and have fans and shared bathrooms. Breakfast can be organized on request. It's next to a mosque and a busy walking street, so check which room your getting if that’s an issue for you.
• Manch Lodge - Vuga road Stone town ☎ +255 24-2231918 Checkin - 24 hours / Check-out: noon from US$14 per person A nice clean dorm with free Wi-Fi and free breakfast; also has double rooms.
• Zanzibar Dormitory Lodge - Hurumzi Street Stonetown from US$20 per bed. - Bed and breakfast.

Mid-range

• Dhow Palace Hotel - Non-residents from US$75 for a single Checkout: 10AM Slow internet connection (Wifi) available.

• Chavda Hotel is in the middle of Stone Town, 15 min by foot from the Harbour (or TSh 1,000 by taxi). Rooms are nice but without luxury. Double beds, 2 single or 3 single beds are available, all with air conditioning and mosquito drapes. Breakfast is small (it's better to eat around the junction) but the affordable hotel is on the roof of the hotel and offers nice views of Stone Town. Rate for a room with double bed US$90 incl. breakfast and taxes (10% charge when you pay by credit card).

• Kisiwa House | Baghani Street - High season: US$165-220, low: US$110-170 Check-in: 1PM / Check-out: 10AM In a nicely restored building. Big rooms, though only the more expensive ones has view of the ocean -- the cheaper rooms only have view to the street.
• Kholle House | Malindi 607/608 2 minutes walk to the ferry & Mercury's ☎ +255 779779898200 - US$90-190 Kholle House is a unique and historical hotel in the heart of Stonetown. All of its 10 rooms are different and special with Ensuite bathrooms, AC and fan. Build in 1860 by Princess Kholle, daughter of the first Sultan of Zanzibar is now one of the most authentic places in Stonetown. Enjoy the à la carte breakfast and the swimming swimmingpool by the garden, and do not miss the stunning 360° views from the terrace!
• Island View Hotel - located in Kilimani (about 2 kilometers south of Stone Town) Double US$35-40 including breakfast (2023) - A great option for budget travelers. Rooms have a TV with many channels, clean washrooms, a telephone and the option of air-conditioning. Staff are very friendly and helpful!

• Africa House Hotel - A historical building dating back to the first generation of old Arab houses at Shangani waterfont in Stone Town. Around 1900, it became the English Club for members of the British navy officers. In 1964 the club was taken over by the Tanzanian government. The building was privatised in the 1990s and offers hotel accommodation and the Sunset Bar (a popular meeting place for sundowners), a restaurant, a library and an Arabic shisha smoking lounge.

Uncategorized

• Tembo House Hotel | Checkout: 10AM

• Clove Hotel Zanzibar | ☎ +255 777-484567 - A Dutch-owned hotel
• Serena Inn |
• Manch Lodge Zanzibar | Cheap place to stay with big dorm. Breakfast included. Watch out your stuff when you put it in the luggage room (lock it) - there are trousers disappearing on a regular base.
• Zanzibar Hotel - It was the first hotel on Zanzibar island.

• Bottoms Up!, an eclectic, unusual hostel in the heart of Stone Town.

Outside Stonetown

• Furaha Resort - ☎ +255 772279353 - Checkout: 10AM Single/double occupancy rates: basic room US$50/65, standard/twin US$85/80, swimmingpool view deluxe US$75/95, Triple Deluxe (1 king size bed and 1 single bed) US$115. All taxes are included. 7 kilometers from Stone Town the way to north of Island, with a nice rooms,sunset view restaurant. Rates quoted above are on per room per day and on bed and breakfast basis. Children below 6 years old will be allowed free if no extra bed is needed. Extra bed US$20 per day. Facilities: swimming pool, en suite bathroom, AC, hot water, ceiling fan, swimmingpool garden view rooms offer cable TV and mini café.
• Pongwe Beach Hotel - A small hotel on the eastern side of the island. It is ideal for those looking for a relaxed and secluded "paradise island" experience. The food here is also excellent with half-board and bed & breakfast options available. Most rooms have sea views, some have their own splash-pools.

• Botanic Country House located in Tunguu, central region (behind the new Tanzanian House of Parliament) is a great option for budget travellers who have had enough of the beach. A night for two people goes for US$40/night which includes a tasty breakfast. Nights are cool and it is a mosquito-free environment in the nationside of Zanzibar.

• Dhow Inn | Paje Beach Turn left at the Paje junction, go for about 200 meters and then turn right ☎ +255 777525828 - 65$ Check-in: 1PM / Check-out: noon This quiet, comfortable and atmospheric hotel is small and intimate with only 6 rooms. Well equipped rooms, stylish swimming pool, free wifi, attentive staff and the hotel is active with various local NGOs. No small children.
• Tamarind Beach Hotel | Uroa Village, East Coast ☎ +255 777411191 - US$380 Bungalow hotel by the Indian Ocean on the east coast of Zanzibar.
• Fontaine Garden Village | Stone Town south east coast of Zanzibar in the village of Bwejuu ☎ +255 713419451, +255 714902618 - Offers 11 bungalows, some en-suite, some shared facilities. There is also a house that sleeps 5. 20-seat restaurant. 100 m from the beach. 45 minutes from Stonetown.
• Ras Michamvi Beach Resort | Michamvi ☎ +255 24 22 31 081 - A peaceful hotel on the northern end of the southern East Coast of Zanzibar. All 15 rooms are overlooking the Indian Ocean, with powder-white sand.
• The Zanzibari | Nungwi ☎ +255 774-323318 - A beachfront boutique hotel with 8 rooms. An adjoining restaurant is crafted out of a traditional wooden boat.
• Teddy´s Place | Paje at Paje junction turn right and after the wall of Cristal turn left ☎ +255 773 096 306 - US$12-25 Backpacker style accommodation. Zanzibari food, and café.
• Mustapha´s Place | Bwejuu at Paje junction turn left and drive for a few minutes until you see a sign for Mustapha's Place on the right - follow this ☎ +255 774 366 841 - US$15-60 Mustapha's is popular with backpackers, volunteers and families and offers rustic accommodation and reliable food about 2 minutes form Bwejuu beach
• Milele Villas - Private Holiday Villa Rental | Fukuchani ☎ +255 773-828026 - Environmental friendly and self-sufficient set of villas located on the North-Eastern tip of Zanzibar. Sleeps from 2-12 people, and includes facilities such as an infinity swimming pool, sea-view and volleyball court.
• White Beach Hotel Zanzibar | Bwejuu East Coast Bwejuu ☎ +255 772279353 - US$40 as a single and $25 sharing room double. Price includes breakfast and taxes. Check-in: any time / Check-out: 10AM This hotel contains 6 bungalows along the beach.

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