Friday and Sunday in one table
| What | Friday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|
| Shops near mosques (Stone Town) | Closed about an hour around noon | Not covered by our sources |
| Offices and banks | Closed in the afternoon | Not covered by our sources |
| Ijumaa Mosque | Very busy | Not covered |
| Darajani market | No published hours found | No published hours found |
| Hotels, beaches, excursions | Usual operation | Usual operation |
Friday in Stone Town
Avoid planning a purchase or an errand between noon and 2pm. Mosques receive many worshippers: dress covered, be discreet, no photos of people praying. See also our Stone Town guide.
Sunday
No particular closing rule came out of our reading. As small-shop hours are not published, go to the market in the morning and keep the afternoon for the beach or an excursion.
Ramadan and holidays
During Ramadan hours change markedly; see travelling in Zanzibar during Ramadan.
Frequently asked questions
Do shops close on Friday? Those near mosques do, for about an hour around noon.
Can I swim on Friday? Yes, beaches and hotels run normally.
Does Darajani market open on Sunday? We found no published hours; go in the morning.
Should I change what I wear? In town, yes: shoulders and knees covered.
La rédaction Zanzibar Authority, 30 October 2026.
