What is free
| Activity | Cost | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Walking in Stone Town | free | in the morning, before the heat; keep an offline map |
| Forodhani Gardens at sunset | free entry | dishes are paid; agree the price before eating |
| Darajani market | free entry | in the morning, when it is liveliest |
| Old Fort courtyard | free according to guides | some shows are paid |
| Beaches of Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani | free | strong tides in the east |
| Facade of the House of Wonders | free, from outside | the interior has been closed since 2020 |
Stone Town on foot, for free
A day of walking is enough: the carved doors, the seafront, the Old Fort and the House of Wonders seen from outside. Tip-based tours exist; their guides state that site entry fees are not included: see free tour of Stone Town. For a full route read Stone Town in one day.
The evening and the market
The Forodhani night market is the evening meeting point: cheap food, no alcohol. In the morning, Darajani market shows daily life: no souvenirs, but fruit, spices and fish. Keep your bag in front of you and read scams and safety in Zanzibar.
Beaches and what still costs money
Beaches can be walked freely, but some stretches run past hotels: ask for the simplest way through. Jozani, the Nungwi turtle sanctuary and the museums charge: about 10 to 12 USD for Jozani according to booking sites, no official fee found. For a guide who explains the history, the Stone Town highlights walking tour is a paid option to compare. For the overall budget see budget travel in Zanzibar.
FAQ
Are Zanzibar beaches free?
You can walk them freely; you only pay if you use a hotel's or bar's sun loungers.
Can you visit the House of Wonders?
Only from outside: the interior has been closed since part of the facade collapsed in December 2020.
Is the Forodhani market free?
Entry is free; you pay for what you eat, after agreeing the price.
