Overview

Zanzibar City's historic center, Stone Town, is located in the archipelago's capital. It is among East Africa's oldest continuously inhabited Swahili settlements. The most acceptable section is a triangle spit of ground on the island's west coast. Arabic, Persian, Indian, European, and African styles are incorporated into its Swahili architecture. It's one of the continent's last ancient settlements.
Since the 1830s, only stone buildings have been built on the site, inhabited for at least three centuries. Before the late 1800s, when the mainland was colonized, the town served as a crossroads for trade between Asia and Africa on the East African coast.
There are many wonderful old buildings on its winding streets. The vast and intricately carved doors and other distinctive characteristics, such as covered wooden verandas, make Arab houses stand out. These lovely homes have received much-needed renovations thanks to UNESCO's designation as a World Heritage Site.
In addition to the stunning colonial structures and intricately carved Zanzibari doors, the city's scents of the ocean and spices and the calls to prayer ringing out of the minarets will enthrall your senses.

Zanzibar's historic center, Stone Town, is a network of streets and passageways that encircle Zanzibar Town's western edge. Strolling around Stone Town's labyrinth of winding lanes, you'll be awestruck by the local artisans' incredible creations.
It has remained untouched throughout the previous two centuries by modern society. UNESCO just designated it a World Heritage Site for this very reason. As a result of its ancient 19th-century architecture, Stone Town retains a mix of cultures from throughout Africa and the Middle East. There are several restaurants and pubs in Stone Town to choose from for your dining experience.
In no way, shape, or form can Stone Town be considered a town. Located in the heart of Zanzibar City, also known as Mji Mkongwe, it is the cultural center and the oldest portion of Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous province of Tanzania. It is the place to go if you want to get a real taste of traditional African towns.

Things to Do & See in Stone Town

Visit Forodhani Gardens (Now Called Forodhani Park)

In Zanzibar's old Stone Town, a tiny park called Forodhani Gardens is located. The gardens were designed in 1935-1936 to commemorate King George V's and Sultan Khalifa's silver jubilees. For Princess Margaret's 1956 visit, a bandstand was built in the middle of the park, as well as a white concrete pirouettes arch was created on land near the sea.
Until the Revolution of 1964, the park was renamed Jubilee Gardens. The gardens were repaired by the Aga Khan Historic Cities Program between 2002 and 2009. A rebuilt seawall, cafes, a playground, and vegetation were added to the original pattern.
Stopping by this public place is an excellent opportunity to get a feel for Zanzibar life. Visitors and locals alike flock to the area with a vast restaurant, two smaller cafes with outdoor tables, seats under lush greenery, a children's local park, and food sellers.
Tens of nighttime food alfresco vendors serve excellent traditional Zanzibar cuisine right on the seaside, where you may catch a lovely breeze.

Visit Old Fort(Arab Fort), A Popular Tourist Destination

The Old Fort, also known as the Arab Fort, is a fortification in Stone Town, Zanzibar's capital (Ngome Kongwe). A renowned tourist attraction, it is Stone Town's highest building.
Between 1698 and 1701, the Busaidi clan of Omani Arabs constructed this enormous dark brown building. As a fortification against the Portuguese and the Mazrui, the top of the structure features castellated battlements. Built-in the seventeenth century and rebuilt in the eighteenth century, Stone Town's Old Fort is one of Stone Town's oldest buildings.
It is a must-see for everyone traveling to the area. A brief overview of Zanzibar's past can be found in this place. Visitors are welcome today, and since 1994, an open-air theatre has been used to present traditional and modern music, dance, and theatre.
Cultural events and festivals are frequently held in the fort's inner courts, open to the public. A Cultural Arts Gallery, part of the Culture Arts Centre Zanzibar, is located here and allows visitors to see local artists at work and participate in hands-on workshops.

See giant tortoises on Prison Island(Changuu Island)

Visitors visiting Zanzibar can take a trip to Prison Island, a barrier community in the Indian Ocean located 5.6 kilometers north of Stone Town. It is also known as Changuu Island, which is now a popular tourist destination.
Unguja Prison Island, despite its idyllic appearance, has a dark past. It was formerly a spot where enslaved people were held and quarantined.
You'll be able to see an enormous colony of giant tortoises brought from Seychelles in the late nineteenth century when you visit the tortoise sanctuary. It's estimated that many of these creatures are over 150 years old, and they weigh an average of 200 kilograms. Touching the tortoise is allowed, like a photograph. Peacocks have a haven on the island as well.
There are several options for the duration of your stay, including snorkeling and sunbathing on prison island's coral reefs or relaxing on the beach in Stone Town.

Shopping at Darajani Bazaar

Stone Town's Darajani Bazaar, or Darajani Market, is one of the city's most important markets. Vendors selling various things, including plastic toys and other novelty items, may be found in this area.
Dajani Bazaar is known for its extensive food court. Spices, fresh fish and seafood, pork and poultry — it's got it all. Darajani Bazaar is Stone Town's most important commercial center, providing souvenirs and gifts to everyday necessities. You can purchase a variety of trinkets and souvenirs to commemorate your experience in Stone Town at various stands.
The Darajani Market is a popular place to buy and sell spices. Zanzibar spices are available from various vendors.
Shops offering mobile phones, clothing, and plastic buckets are also available. It is an incredible cultural event that should not be overlooked if one wants a genuine East African market experience.