Stone Town, Urban heritage site in Zanzibar City, Tanzania
Description
Stone Town is a historic quarter in Zanzibar City on the island of Unguja off the coast of Tanzania. The alleyways wind between multi-story houses with flat roofs and open courtyards that once caught rainwater and offered shade.
History
The quarter emerged in the late 18th century as a trading port where spices and ivory were loaded. Omani rule from 1832 brought new buildings in Arab style with large verandas and narrow windows.
Culture
The name Stone Town refers to the use of coral stone as the main building material, which has been harvested from the sea for centuries. Many homeowners still carve the elaborate wooden doors that once signaled a family's standing in the old trading networks.
Practical
The streets are often too narrow for cars, so walking is the best way to move around and comfortable shoes are recommended. The heat can be heavy at midday, so mornings and evenings are better for longer explorations.
Did you know?
Many doors still carry the old brass spikes that once kept elephants from ramming the houses. Some homes have hidden rooftop terraces overlooking the sea that were once private retreats for women.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Mjini Magharibi Region).
Tanzania provides photographers with an extraordinary range of subjects, from the Serengeti plains to Zanzibar's coastline and Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters). The country contains major wildlife reserves including Tarangire, where elephant herds move...
Old Slave Market
718 m
House of Wonders
1.1 km
Old Fort of Zanzibar
1.1 km
Palace Museum
1.1 km
Christ Church, Zanzibar
729 m
Forodhani Gardens
1.2 km
Darajani Market
627 m
Old Dispensary
999 m
Hamamni Persian Baths
912 m
St. Joseph's Cathedral, Zanzibar
1.1 km
Malindi Mosque
979 m
Tippu Tip's House
1.3 km
Ijumaa Mosque
962 mDoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Zanzibar - Stone Town
1.3 kmAga Khan Jamat Khanna Mosque
925 m
Princess Salme Museum, Zanzibar
935 mBharmal Building
813 mSlavery Memorial
698 mThe Old Dispensary
1 kmThe Big Tree
1 kmOld Cannons
1.2 kmFreddie Mercury's House
1.3 kmSunset place
1.3 kmTippu Tip's House
1.3 kmSunset Jump Spot
1.2 kmNight Food Market
1.2 kmOld Customs House
1 kmX
868 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes