The itinerary at a glance
| Indicative time | Stop | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 | Darajani market | 1 h |
| 9:45 | Old slave market and Anglican cathedral | 1 h |
| 11:15 | Freddie Mercury's house | 45 min |
| 12:30 | Lunch in the old town | 1 h 15 |
| 14:00 | Old Fort and House of Wonders | 1 h |
| 15:30 | Palace Museum | 1 h |
| 17:00 | Waterfront and sunset | 1 h |
| 18:30 | Forodhani Gardens night market | dinner |
These times are a suggestion: the market is livelier in the morning, the museums open during the day, and the night market takes over at dusk.
Morning: the market and the memory of slavery
Start at 8:30 with Darajani market: fruit, fish, meat and spices, free entry. Carry small change and keep your bag in front of you. Then walk a few minutes to the Mkunazini district for the old slave market and Anglican cathedral. Allow about 5 dollars with a guide according to one source (sources disagree); the visit to the underground cells is hard but enlightening. Dress with shoulders and knees covered.
Late morning and lunch
Cross the old town on foot towards the Shangani district, letting the alleys and carved doors guide you. The Freddie Mercury house museum opens 10:00 to 18:00 according to a partner hotel's page, for 10 dollars for a non-resident adult. Have lunch in the old town afterwards: the complete Stone Town guide lists the areas to eat.
Afternoon: the waterfront
The Old Fort and the House of Wonders stand side by side on the waterfront: check on site whether the House of Wonders interior is open, as this can change. Continue to the Palace Museum, the former sultans' palace, open 9:00 to 18:00 according to guides, entry about 4 to 6 dollars.
Evening: sunset and dinner
Around 17:00, settle on the waterfront to watch the sun set over the dhows. Then have dinner at the Forodhani Gardens night market: there is no price list, so agree the price before eating.
Budget and precautions
At these dates, the entries quoted total about 20 to 25 dollars for a non-resident adult (market free, slavery site 5 dollars, Mercury 10 dollars, Palace Museum 4 to 6 dollars), plus meals and an optional guide. Agree a guide's price before leaving, politely decline touts selling excursions and keep your belongings in front of you: see scams and safety in Zanzibar. In the rainy season, save the museums for the downpour: see Zanzibar when it rains and when to visit Zanzibar.
If you have more than one day
Keep the next day for a boat trip to Prison Island or a spice farm visit. The Stone Town page gives the general layout of the old town.
Pour aller plus loin
To sleep in Stone Town or elsewhere, read where to stay in Zanzibar. For arriving, see from the airport to your hotel, and for the whole stay, Zanzibar in 7 days.
