Things to do in Zanzibar City

2026 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes

Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar Island is located in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Tanzania and is known as the Spice Island due to its historical abundance of spices like cloves. Since ancient times, it has been an important transit point for African, Arab, Indian, and Persian merchants traveling across the Indian Ocean, where diverse cultures have converged and blended over centuries to form the unique Swahili culture. The island's core historical area is Stone Town, where winding, narrow coral stone alleys resemble a labyrinth, lined on both sides with intricately carved wooden doors and ancient buildings with ornate balconies. These wooden doors, known as Zanzibar doors, are carved from hardwood, with facades that blend Arab motifs and Indian spike decorations, serving as a microcosm of the multicultural fusion in Stone Town. The city is also dotted with historical landmarks such as the Old Fort and the Palace Museum. In addition to its profound history and culture, the coastline here is equally impressive. Palm-fringed white sand beaches stretch for several km, and the surrounding waters feature well-preserved coral reefs, making them popular spots for snorkeling and scuba diving. The island is also home to Jozani Forest, which is inhabited by the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey, making it a great destination for travelers who enjoy natural ecosystems.

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Stone Town

Stone Town is located on a headland jutting into the Indian Ocean on the west coast of Zanzibar Island and is a well-preserved ancient trading town on the Swahili Coast of Eastern Africa. Over a thousand years of monsoon trade have layered the cultures of Africa, Arabia, India, and Europe into this district: old houses built of coral stone, Arab stone bench terraces, and Indian carved wooden balconies with veranda-style facades often stand side by side in the same narrow alley. The old town still has hundreds of carved wooden doors, studded with brass nails and engraved with intricate patterns, known as Zanzibar doors. Walking around and looking up to spot these doors is a joy in itself when exploring Stone Town. During the day, it is perfect for wandering into the alleys, where the scent of cloves and cardamom from spice shops, the chatter of old men playing chess, and the dazzling array of craft shops make up the fabric of life in the old town; after dark, the seaside Forodhani Gardens turn into a lively open-air night market, filled with the aroma of grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizza, and freshly squeezed sugarcane juice.

No. 2 of Cool Water Escapes in West

Nakupenda Beach

Located on Pemba Island in Tanzania, I Love You Beach is an ideal tourist destination named for its romantic atmosphere and natural beauty. The white sand and clear waters attract tourists who are looking for tranquility and relaxation. The beach gets its name from its romantic setting and is a popular choice for couples and newlyweds. Here, visitors can sunbathe or take a dip in the warm Indian Ocean. Due to the clear water, this is also an ideal spot for snorkeling and diving, where visitors can explore the rich marine life and coral reefs. It is recommended to bring snorkeling equipment to better experience the underwater world. There are small restaurants and bars near the beach, serving fresh seafood and local specialties, making it a great place to enjoy lunch or dinner. It is recommended to try the local coconut water and tropical fruits to experience the authentic Tanzanian flavor.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Zanzibar Island

Nungwi Beach

Nungwi Beach is located at the northern tip of Zanzibar Island. Its long stretch of white coral sand and clear turquoise waters make it a popular vacation beach in Zanzibar. Unlike many beaches on the east coast, it is less affected by tides, allowing for swimming during most of the day. In the evening, you can also enjoy the sunset view of fishermen returning to port in dhows. Nungwi village, where the beach is located, is a traditional dhow-building center in Zanzibar. It still preserves the craft of hand-building wooden dhows, and you can watch artisans at work in the village's boatyards to experience the fishing village's maritime traditions. There are also many options for excursions: during the day, you can go snorkeling or scuba diving, where you have the chance to encounter sea turtles, stingrays, and schools of tropical fish in the nearshore coral reefs. Some dive centers also offer night dives, allowing you to see a different side of the coral reefs at night. In the evening, you can join a sunset dhow cruise to look back at the entire beach from the sea.

No. 5 of Cool Water Escapes in Tanzania

Changu Island

Changu Island, also known as "Prison Island", is a tourist destination full of historical and natural charm located near the Zanzibar Archipelago in Tanzania. Despite the word "prison" in its name, it has never actually been used as a prison, but was once a slave detention center and isolation ward. Today, Changu Island attracts many tourists with its rich historical relics and natural landscapes. One of the popular attractions on the island is the giant tortoise sanctuary, which was introduced from the Seychelles. Visitors can observe and feed these long-lived creatures up close. In addition, there are well-preserved colonial buildings on the island, which visitors can explore and learn about the historical background of the island. The waters around Changu Island are crystal clear and are ideal for snorkeling and swimming. Visitors can enjoy the rich marine life and beautiful coral reefs here. The island is well-equipped with dining and rest areas, suitable for day trips. For history lovers and nature explorers, Changu Island offers a rich experience and is a good place to learn about the history of Zanzibar and enjoy the natural scenery.

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Jambiani Beach

On the southeast coast of Zanzibar Island, Tanzania, there is a pure beach forgotten by time - Jambiani Beach. This 2-kilometer-long white sand beach has become an ideal destination for travelers seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle with its pristine natural scenery, quiet rural atmosphere and unique tidal landscape. Jambiani Beach is eye-catching for its snow-white and delicate sand and colorful sea water. The sand is as fine and soft as flour, and the underwater landscape is rich and diverse. Jambiani Beach represents the authentic side of Zanzibar Island and even the East African coast. Here, time seems to slow down, giving visitors the opportunity to reconnect with nature, experience different cultural rhythms, and find inner peace. For those who are tired of commercial beach resorts and desire a real travel experience, Jambiani Beach is undoubtedly a hidden paradise worth exploring.

Old Fort

The Old Fort is a historic fortress originally built to protect Zanzibar from foreign invasion. Its architectural style blends Arabian, Persian, Indian, and African elements, showcasing the unique charm of the local multicultural heritage. Upon entering the Old Fort, you will be captivated by its magnificent architecture and rich historical atmosphere. The fortress is surrounded by massive stone walls and features plazas, courtyards, and leisure areas inside. You can stroll around, admiring the ancient architecture and stunning sea views. It also serves as a cultural and arts center, frequently hosting various exhibitions, concerts, and performances. Here, you can enjoy traditional local music and dance performances, and learn about the rich cultural heritage of Tanzania.

Zanzibar Spice Community Shop

Darajani Bazaar

Tortoise Sanctuary