Things to Do in Zanzibar
39 curated spots from Zanzibar itineraries
Activities & Attractions
19 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)
Freddie Mercury Museum
Small museum in Mercury’s childhood home with photos and memorabilia about the Queen frontman’s early life in Zanzibar.[1][3][4]
1h · $8-12
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)
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park Walk
Guided walk through indigenous forest to spot Zanzibar red colobus monkeys and explore a boardwalk through mangroves.[3][4]
2h · $20-30
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
Mnemba Island Snorkeling Trip
Join a boat from Nungwi or nearby Matemwe to snorkel the coral reefs around exclusive Mnemba Island, with chances to see colorful reef fish and possibly dolphins.
4h · $60-120
Mnemba Island Snorkeling Trip (by Boat)
Join a snorkeling trip from the northeast coast to the protected waters around Mnemba Island, known for clear water and marine life.[3]
3h 30m · $40-70
Nungwi Sunset Dhow Cruise
Board a traditional wooden dhow in late afternoon for coastal sailing with music, snacks, and sundowners as the sky changes color.
2h 30m · $40-80
Old Fort and Forodhani Seafront
Explore the Old Fort courtyard, seafront promenade and harbor views, with time for casual photos along the waterfront.[4]
1h 30m · Free or small entry fee
Paje Beach Stroll & Relax
Spend time walking the wide white‑sand beach, watching kitesurfers and relaxing under shade with swims when tides allow.[3]
2h 30m · Free
Prison Island (Changuu) & Giant Tortoises
Half‑day dhow trip from Stone Town to visit the former prison, now home to Aldabra giant tortoises and small beaches, with time to snorkel nearby.[1][3][4]
3h · $30-50
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
Spice Farm Tour
Guided walk through a working spice plantation to see, smell, and taste cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and tropical fruits, usually with a traditional lunch option.
2h 30m · $25-50
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
Stone Town Orientation Walk
Guided stroll through narrow alleys to see the Old Fort, House of Wonders (exterior), and famous carved doors, with time for photos and coffee.
2h 30m · $25-50
Stone Town Sunset Dhow Cruise
Evening sail on a traditional wooden dhow with soft drinks or snacks while the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.[3]
2h · $30-50
Stone Town Walking Tour
Guided walking tour through labyrinthine alleys, historic houses, carved doors, Old Fort, and key architectural landmarks of this UNESCO World Heritage site.[3][4]
2h 30m · $20-30
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
20 local favorites
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
Lukmaan Restaurant
Casual but beloved local spot; order pilau rice, octopus curry, and fresh juices for a true Zanzibari lunch.
1h · $8-15 per person
Mr. Kahawa Cafe & Restaurant
Beachfront cafe popular with kitesurfers serving smoothie bowls, sandwiches, and good coffee.
1h 15m · $8-15 per person
6 Degrees South Grill & Wine Bar
Seafront restaurant with a mix of seafood, grills and Swahili‑inspired dishes plus sunset cocktails.
1h 30m · $20-35 per person
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
Beach House Restaurant
Casual chic spot on the seafront for Mediterranean and Swahili dishes, with shaded terrace seating.
1h 15m · $15-25 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
Cafe Foro (seafront kiosks)
Simple kiosks along the Forodhani seafront for chapati, samosas and tea in the morning.
45m · $3-6 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
Emerson on Hurumzi Rooftop Restaurant
Multi‑course Swahili‑inspired set menu on a rooftop with sunset views over Stone Town’s minarets and sea.
2h · $30-45 per personEmerson on Hurumzi Tea House Restaurant
Rooftop fine-dining with a Swahili tasting menu and sea views; aim to arrive before sunset and try the seafood platter with Zanzibari spices.
2h · $60-100 per person
Forodhani Night Food Market Stalls
Street market by the seafront serving grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizzas, sugarcane juice and skewers; walk around and pick what looks good.
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
Langi Langi Seafood Restaurant
Laid-back, elevated seafood spot set over the water; order grilled lobster or king prawns with local sides.
1h 30m · $25-50 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
Mercury’s Restaurant
Casual seaside restaurant inspired by Freddie Mercury, with simple seafood, burgers and cold drinks.
1h 15m · $12-20 per person
Mr. Kahawa Café & Restaurant
Beachfront café with healthy bowls, burgers, and excellent coffee—perfect post-activity refuel in a relaxed setting.
1h 15m · $15-25 per person