10 Best Things to Do and See in Zanzibar
Exploring Zanzibar on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Zanzibar, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Zanzibar. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Old Fort
Old Fort in Zanzibar is one of Stone Town’s most iconic sites, drawing visitors with its thick stone walls and historic atmosphere. As you explore this former fortress, you will find a lively inner courtyard, spaces often used for exhibitions, craft shops and occasional cultural performances. It is also a pleasant stop for admiring the surrounding traditional architecture and experiencing the blend of heritage, local life and maritime atmosphere that defines Zanzibar. A must-see for understanding the charm of the historic center.
2. East Africa Slave Trade Exhibition (Slave Chambers – Cathedoral Church Of Christ)
In Zanzibar, the East Africa Slave Trade Exhibition, housed in the former Slave Chambers of Christ Church Cathedral, offers a powerful visit focused on the memory of the East African slave trade. Visitors can explore underground spaces once used for detention, along with exhibits that place the site in its historical context. The visit helps explain Zanzibar’s role in this painful past and reveals a memorial site that now serves as a place of reflection and awareness.
3. Freddie Mercury Museum
Located in Zanzibar, the Freddie Mercury Museum pays tribute to one of the most famous figures in popular music, presenting documents, photos, and objects linked to his life and career. The visit lets you explore his world through exhibits that evoke his origins, his connection to the island, and his artistic legacy. This small museum appeals to fans of the singer as well as curious travelers looking for an original cultural stop, offering a simple and accessible insight into a remarkable personality.
4. Karume Monument
Karume Monument is a small memorial site in Zanzibar, Tanzania, where visitors come for a peaceful park-like setting in the heart of the city. It offers a simple and pleasant place for a shady break or a short stroll, while also recalling a part of local history through its central monument. Visitors enjoy its calm atmosphere and urban location near the lively districts of Zanzibar.
5. Tortoise Sanctuary
The Tortoise Sanctuary in Zanzibar is a place to discover tortoises up close in a peaceful setting. Learn about their behavior, diet, and conservation efforts. Depending on the season and site conditions, you may see different tortoises in adapted enclosures, making it a great stop for families and curious travelers. It is a simple, educational attraction that fits perfectly into a Zanzibar itinerary.
6. Zanzibar Park
Zanzibar Park is a park in Zanzibar, Tanzania, where visitors can enjoy a pleasant place to relax in a tropical setting. The site invites strolls and breaks, with shaded areas, local greenery, and a peaceful atmosphere valued by both visitors and residents. Depending on the exact location, the park may also offer views of the surrounding urban or natural landscape. It is a simple, refreshing stop to discover Zanzibar differently, away from the bustle of the beaches and markets.
7. Gos tour in #zanzibar. Get your guide for slave market & Stone Town city
In Zanzibar, this museum is part of a visit to Stone Town and its former slave market, a major place for understanding the island’s history and its role in Indian Ocean trade. The visit lets you explore heritage spaces tied to this memory, as well as the unique atmosphere of the old town’s UNESCO-listed alleys. It is a historical and moving site that sheds light on Zanzibar’s past while offering a glimpse of its architecture, culture, and Swahili heritage.
8. SISO SPICE FARM
SISO SPICE FARM is a tourist attraction in Zanzibar focused on spices and aromatic plants. Located in Kidichi, it offers a tropical farming setting where visitors can discover species linked to the archipelago's agricultural reputation. The visit showcases leaves, fruits, roots, or seeds depending on the plantations present, as well as the characteristic scents of a spice farm. The site is especially appealing for its local setting and for the clear insight it provides into Zanzibar's agricultural landscape.
9. St. Joseph’s Cathedral of Zanzibar
St. Joseph's Cathedral of Zanzibar offers a striking contrast with the lanes of Stone Town and the coral architecture around it. Its neo-Gothic style, spires and façade make it a major landmark in the historic centre. Inside, visitors find a sober interior, vertical volumes and decorative elements linked to Catholic worship. The site reflects Zanzibar's religious and cultural diversity, where African, Arab, Indian and European traces come together in one urban landscape.
10. Sultan’s Palace Museum
Sultan's Palace Museum is one of the best places to explore Zanzibar's political history. Set in the former sultan's palace, it reveals an architectural complex tied to power, with rooms that reflect court life and an official residence facing the sea. The visit lets you see decorative details, furniture and objects that illuminate the sultanate's past, while placing the building in the urban fabric of Stone Town. It is a useful site for understanding how Zanzibar blended Omani influences, local history and Indian Ocean trade.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
