A historic walk through Stone Town

Visit Zanzibar Towns old quarter, Stone Town on the west coast of Zanzibar. Here you will find beautiful architecture and historic buildings dating back to the 19th century, revealing the complex history of Zanzibar and its links with the slave trade.

A Historic Walk in Stone Town
Area

Zanzibar and the coast

Type

Culture & People

History

Who

Adults

Older Kids

Young Kids

Difficulty

Leisurely

Duration

Half Day

Zanzibar’s capital is on the west coast, Stone Town is known as the old quarter of Zanzibar Town, and it is classed as a UNESCO world heritage site. It is clear that this is a place steeped in history, as the dense housing mixes with the rustic mosques and palaces built in the 19th century, during its height as a trading centre.

The Beit-al-Ajaib or “Palace Of Wonders” has been converted into a museum, and gives a detailed insight to the culture in Zanzibar. On the third floor are balconies that encircle the building, allowing you to see into the Old Arab Fort, into the heart of stone town, and across the bay. This is an excellent viewing point, and whilst there is a fee for entry to the building, it is a good place to start, giving a great perspective onto Stone Town below.

Continue walking on foot, in which loosing your way through the narrow streets and alleyways is the best way to experience Stone Town. As you pass through these winding streets off from Mizingani road on the waterfront, discover the famous doors of Zanzibar. These are ornately carved wooden doors, decorated with elaborate iron and brass work, embedded within the old buildings. These doors combine a mix of Swahili, Omani and Indian influences and are a reminder of the complex history that Zanzibar contains.

Once you have found your bearings, head to the Anglican Cathedral, which is around 400m from The Palace Of Wonders. The Cathedral’s unique architecture is a mix of Islamic and gothic detailing. Built on the site of Zanzibar’s biggest slave Market, the Slave trade memorial here highlights how the history of Zanzibar, and Stone Town in particular is entangled in the stories and routes of the slave trade.


Tours Featuring This Experience

Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.


Recommended Hotels Nearby

A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.


More Experiences in This Area

Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.

Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning your holiday

Why Scott Dunn for Luxury Experiences?

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Unique
Unique to You
Unique to you

  • We listen to your travel goals and craft unique trips that are bespoke to you.
  • We’re with you every step of your life’s travel journey, from honeymoons to family trips and beyond.

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Service
Seamless Service
Seamless Service

  • Global offices in the UK, US, and Singapore for 24/7 seamless service.
  • We offer flexibility if your plans change so you can book with confidence and peace of mind.
     

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Collection
Carefully Curated Collection
Curated Collection

  • We’ve curated an elevated collection of accommodation, experiences, and guides.
  • Committed to fostering close global relationships to continue bringing you unique experiences.

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Luxury
Luxury in Every Sense
Luxury in every sense

  • We deliver a sense of luxury that matters most to you.
  • Awarded Condé Nast Traveller’s Top Travel Specialists in the World 12 years in a row.
     
     

You are on our Singapore website
We noticed that you are in US and recommend that you explore our US website instead.
switch to US website
Or continue to explore our Singapore website