Stone Town

Where to stay in Stone Town : complete guide

Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Stone Town, a historic pearl nestled at the heart of Zanzibar. Its narrow alleys wind between ochre houses with carved doors of precious wood, witnesses to a past blending Arab merchants, Indian navigators and European colonists. The Indian Ocean borders this living labyrinth scented with spices, cloves and tropical fruit. Minarets pierce the sky while the setting sun bathes the facades in golden and orange hues. Every step reveals a unique sensory tableau, inviting rich and intimate cultural immersion.

Safety score: 8/10midHoneymoon couplesHistory enthusiastsTravelling photographersCultural explorers

Pros

  • Preserved UNESCO heritage
  • Authentic picturesque alleys
  • Rich Swahili culture
  • Spectacular sunset
  • Spiced local gastronomy

Cons

  • Strong heat and humidity
  • Sometimes crowded alleys
  • Expensive hotels in high season

The 5 best hotels in Stone Town

Mbirimbi Airport Malazi - Vue d'ensemble
1

Mbirimbi Airport Malazi

3-star hotel
8.350 reviews
Top pick

Located in Stone Town, Mbirimbi Airport Malazi offers a practical stay for transit travellers. The property provides an airport shuttle and free parking. Its restaurant allows guests to enjoy local dishes. Wi-Fi is available in all rooms. Room service completes the basic amenities.

Navette aéroportConnexion Wi-Fi gratuiteService d'étageRestaurantWi-Fi disponible partoutParking gratuit
From ~89EUR / night
Book on Booking
Zanzibar Town Nest Hotel - Vue d'ensemble
2

Zanzibar Town Nest Hotel

3-star hotel
7.5220 reviews
Excellent

Zanzibar Town Nest Hotel is situated in the heart of Stone Town. This address offers an airport shuttle and parking. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. The hotel provides a simple setting for exploring the old town. Travellers appreciate its central location.

Wi-Fi disponible partoutParkingNavette aéroportConnexion Wi-Fi gratuite
From ~69EUR / night
Book on Booking
Kisiwa House - Vue d'ensemble
3

Kisiwa House

4-star hotel
8.8482 reviews
Recommended

Kisiwa House is a 4-star hotel located in Stone Town. The property stands out for its traditional architecture and attentive service. It includes a restaurant and Wi-Fi in all rooms. The airport shuttle facilitates arrivals. Highly rated, it suits cultural stays.

Navette aéroportConnexion Wi-Fi gratuiteService d'étageRestaurantWi-Fi disponible partout
From ~554EUR / night
Book on Booking
Zanzibar Palace Hotel - Vue d'ensemble
4

Zanzibar Palace Hotel

4-star hotel
8.7242 reviews

Zanzibar Palace Hotel offers refined accommodation within Stone Town. This 4-star hotel features a spa and a restaurant. The airport shuttle and room service ensure optimal comfort. Wi-Fi is available throughout. Highly rated, it appeals with its elegant atmosphere.

Navette aéroportConnexion Wi-Fi gratuiteService d'étageRestaurantSpa et centre de bien-êtreWi-Fi disponible partout
From ~394EUR / night
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Bawe Island Zanzibar - Vue d'ensemble
5

Bawe Island Zanzibar

5-star hotel
9.273 reviews

Bawe Island Zanzibar is a 5-star hotel by the sea near Stone Town. The property offers a pool, a fitness centre and direct beach access. The airport shuttle and room service complete the amenities. Exceptional rating, it suits exclusive stays. Wi-Fi is available in common areas.

1 piscineEn bord de plageNavette aéroportConnexion Wi-Fi gratuiteCentre de remise en formeService d'étage
From ~1703EUR / night
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Complete guide

Ambiance & landscapes

Stone Town unfolds a timeless charm with its shaded alleys lined with colonial buildings and ancient mosques. Warm air laden with spices mingles with distant market sounds and muezzin calls. Facades weathered by time feature wrought-iron balconies and mashrabiya windows that filter tropical light. At dusk, the vibrant colours of sunset over the Indian Ocean create shimmering reflections on corrugated iron roofs. Secret gardens hidden behind walls offer oases of freshness with their mango trees and bougainvillea. This dense, lively atmosphere reveals the Swahili soul blended with multiple influences, perfect for strollers seeking visual and olfactory discoveries.

Things to see and do

Discover the Palace of Spices for an immersive visit on the history of clove trade. Explore the House of Wonders Museum, former sultan's palace with exhibitions on the colonial period. Stroll along the waterfront at sunset and watch traditional dance performances. Visit the fish market to sample local specialities and observe daily life. Take an excursion to Stone Town Fort for open-air concerts. Don't miss the emblematic carved doors on a guided walk through the historic alleys.

Where to eat and drink

Stone Town restaurants offer authentic Swahili dishes such as spiced pilau and fresh grilled fish. Enjoy chapati with vegetable curry or the famous Zanzibari biryani. Terrace cafés serve passion fruit juice and mint tea. Lively evenings around the fruit market allow you to taste banana fritters and spicy samosas. Seafront bars offer cocktails made with local rum while admiring the marine horizon.

Transport & access

Zanzibar international airport is about twenty minutes by taxi from Stone Town. Ferries from Dar es Salaam arrive directly at the central port, convenient for travellers. Within the old town, walking remains the best way to explore the narrow alleys. Local taxis and tuk-tuks reach peripheral sites. Hiring a scooter or car with driver facilitates excursions to nearby beaches.

Who is it for?

Stone Town appeals to couples seeking a romantic and historic atmosphere. Culture and history enthusiasts find fascinating UNESCO heritage on every corner. Solo travellers appreciate the authentic atmosphere and local encounters. Families enjoy educational visits and lively markets suitable for all ages.

Other neighborhoods in Zanzibar

Côte Nord (Nungwi & Kendwa)

Honeymoon couplesSnorkelling enthusiastsFamilies with children

Zanzibar's North Coast reveals its treasures between Nungwi and Kendwa. Immaculate white sand stretches caress a sparkling turquoise sea, while palm trees sway gently in the warm breeze. Sunsets set the horizon ablaze with vibrant colours, creating living tableaux. Lively villages blend authenticity with refinement, with dhows gliding across the waves and coral reefs inviting exploration. This area embodies tropical luxury, between absolute tranquillity and marine discoveries.

Côte Nord-Est (Matemwe & Kiwengwa)

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Zanzibar's North East Coast reveals its treasures between Matemwe and Kiwengwa, where white sand meets a sea of turquoise and emerald hues. Fishing villages retain their authenticity while refined lodges nestle discreetly beneath the palms. Trade winds caress the foliage and coral reefs reveal a fascinating underwater world. At dawn, golden light bathes the colourful pirogues and coconut groves stretch as far as the eye can see. This preserved coast offers a rare balance between wild nature and contemporary elegance, ideal for escaping the beaten track.

Côte Est (Paje & Bwejuu)

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Zanzibar's East Coast, between Paje and Bwejuu, unfolds like a living tableau where immaculate white sand caresses the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Palms sway to the rhythm of trade winds while lagoons emerge at low tide, revealing infinite sandbanks. This area blends authenticity and refinement with its Swahili villages, lively beach bars and discreet resorts. Flamboyant sunsets paint the sky in gold and pink, inviting contemplation. The atmosphere is serene, punctuated by the lapping of waves and scents of local spices.

Côte Sud-Est (Jambiani)

Honeymoon couplesKitesurfersFamilies with children

Nestled on Zanzibar's south-east coast, Jambiani reveals infinite white sand beaches bordered by coconut palms swaying in the sea breeze. Turquoise waters caress coral reefs where colourful marine life thrives, while coral stone Swahili villages preserve rare authenticity. Far from crowds, this peaceful spot offers flamboyant sunsets painting the horizon in oranges and pinks. The atmosphere invites slowness and contemplation, between spice scents and tropical bird songs. Jambiani charms with its unique blend of preserved nature and vibrant local culture.

Côte Sud (Kizimkazi & Menai Bay)

Honeymoon couplesSnorkelling enthusiastsCultural travellers

Zanzibar's South Coast, between Kizimkazi and Menai Bay, reveals a haven of wild beauty where turquoise waters caress immaculate white sand beaches. Bordered by lush mangroves and authentic fishing villages, this region invites peaceful immersion away from the crowds. Vibrant coral reefs shelter abundant marine life, while the setting sun paints flamboyant skies. Kizimkazi, with its historic atmosphere, and Menai Bay, a paradise for nature lovers, offer an enchanting blend of Swahili culture and oceanic serenity. Perfect for travellers seeking authenticity and idyllic landscapes.