Things to Do in Zanzibar
21 curated spots from Zanzibar itineraries
Activities & Attractions
7 curated experiences
Darajani Bazaar & Market Lanes
Explore the main fresh market, spice stalls, and fabric shops; great for people‑watching and photography.
1h 30m · Free (plus any food or purchases)
Jambiani Village Walk
Walk through the village lanes, visit the small harbor, and observe daily life; ask your guesthouse for a local guide.
2h · $10-15 per couple (tip to local guide)
Kendwa Beach Sunset Walk
Take a short taxi to Kendwa, then walk the long, wide beach and stay for one of Zanzibar’s best sunsets.
2h 30m · $5-10 taxi each way per couple
Relax & Swim on Michamvi / Pingwe Beach
Use the afternoon for swimming at higher tide or lounging under palms with a book and camera.
2h 30m · Free
Stone Town Historical Walking Tour
Guided walk through the Old Fort, House of Wonders exterior, Forodhani waterfront, and hidden alleys to understand Omani, Indian, and European influences.
2h 30m · $15-20 per person
Stone Town Independent Architecture Walk
Before leaving town, stroll past the seafront, admire carved wooden doors, old consulate buildings, and mosques at your own pace.
2h · Free
Transfer to Nungwi Beach (Northern Zanzibar)
Taxi or arranged transfer (about 2–2.5 hours) from the east coast to the sandy northern beaches.
2h 30m · $35-45 per coupleRestaurants & Food
14 local favorites
Badolina Secret Garden Restaurant
Garden restaurant a short walk from the beach serving Mediterranean‑leaning dishes and fresh juices.
1h 15m · $10-18 per person
Bahari Pizza Restaurant
Simple, cozy beach hut famous for thin‑crust pizzas and affordable mains.
1h 30m · $7-12 per person
Blue Reef Sport & Fishing Lodge Restaurant
Relaxed beachfront spot with pizza, seafood, and regular live music or DJ nights in high season.
2h · $10-18 per person
Cholo’s Beach Bar
Colorful bar‑restaurant right on the sand with grilled seafood, burgers, and often reggae or live bands.
2h 30m · $10-20 per person
Coccobello Zanzibar
Casual restaurant a short walk inland from the beach serving Swahili and Italian‑influenced dishes.
1h · $8-15 per person
Forodhani Gardens Night Market
Evening street food stalls along the seafront; try Zanzibar pizza, grilled seafood skewers, urojo soup, and sugarcane juice.
1h 30m · $8-15 per person
Kae Beach Bar
Casual beachfront spot with grilled seafood, chips, and cocktails during sunset sessions.
1h 30m · $12-20 per person
Kendwa Rocks Beach Restaurant
Beachfront restaurant known for lively full‑moon parties but on regular nights offers relaxed dinners with music.
2h · $10-20 per person
Local Lunch at Spice Farm
Many spice tours include a home‑cooked Swahili lunch using farm ingredients; confirm when booking.
1h · Usually included in tour price or $5-8 per person
Lukmaan Restaurant
Casual local favorite for Swahili dishes; come early for chapati, mandazi, and spiced tea.
1h · $5-8 per person
Mr. Kahawa Cafe & Restaurant
Beachfront cafe popular with kitesurfers serving smoothie bowls, sandwiches, and good coffee.
1h 15m · $8-15 per person
Passing Show Restaurant
Simple local joint near Darajani for pilau rice, biryani, and grilled fish or octopus.
1h · $6-10 per person
The Rock Restaurant
Iconic restaurant perched on a rock in the sea; reach by foot at low tide or boat at high tide; book ahead and share mains to keep it budget‑friendly.
1h 30m · $20-30 per person (with shared dishes)
Upendo Beach Club Pingwe
Chilled beachfront restaurant and bar opposite The Rock, serving seafood, curries, and wood‑fired dishes.
2h · $15-25 per person (depending on drinks)