Best Travel Guide Zanzibar | ArrivalGuides.com

ZanzibarGuide was updated: 2025-01-08

Hakuna matata is Swahili for "no worries", and this is exactly the spirit that fills the atmosphere of Zanzibar —the Spice Island of Tanzania. A heavenly world sprinkled with charming colonial buildings, white sandy beaches, colourful markets, and flavours of exotic cuisines from all over the world.

Do & See

Discover Zanzibar's eventful colonial past, and immerse yourself into the colourful marine world embracing the island.

House of Wonders (being restored)

One of the most important landmark buildings in Stone Town, the House of Wonders had been closed due to disrepair, with large sections collapsing in 2012, 2015 and 2020. The former palace and museum used to showcase European and Omani influence not only in appearance, but also through the various exhibitions.

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Darajani Market

If you are looking to get the most of local vibe on the island, head to Darajani Market: there's nothing you will not find here — intense flavours, fresh seafood, colourful souvenirs, and even electronic gadgets. The main structure of the market was built back in 1904.

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Old Fort

Built after the Portuguese defeat in 1698, this fort was a key structure for the Omani Arabs during the rule of the Sultanate. It served as a prison and garrison in that era, and today it functions as a visitor centre with an amphitheatre, holding various cultural events every year.

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Princess Salme Museum

This compact museum is dedicated to the eventful life of Princess Sayyida Salme. The Sultan's youngest daughter fled from Zanzibar in 1866, and later wrote the "Memoirs of an Arabian Princess from Zanzibar". Join a guided tour to learn some interesting details about her life.

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Old Dispensary

Originally built by Indian merchant Tharia Topan to be a hospital, the building eventually functioned as a dispensary during the 20th century. Today, it is one of the most prominent landmarks on the waterfront, housing a museum and an Ethiopian restaurant — the Abyssinian's Steakhouse. Feel free to explore the interior with a covered courtyard and ornately carved bridges connecting the floors.

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The Doors of Zanzibar

There are hundreds of doors in Stone Town, all unique and with a different story to guide you through the island's long colonial history. Arabic doors are ornamented with the symbols of the Quran, Swahili doors stand out in their elegant simplicity, while Indian doors are equipped with a brass knob, with the original purpose of protecting doors from elephants back in India. Pick your favourite!

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