Palace Museum (Beit al-Sahel) in Stone Town: sultans' history, hours and price
The Palace Museum (Beit al-Sahel, "House of the Coast") is the former palace of the sultans of Zanzibar, on Stone Town's waterfront next to the House of Wonders. It is now a museum showing the furniture, objects and decor of the royal court up to the 1964 revolution. According to guides it opens daily from 9:00 to 18:00 (one source says 17:00) and entry costs around 4 to 6 dollars for an adult; these figures do not come from an official website. Allow one to one and a half hours.
Highlights
The reception rooms
Chandeliers, mirrors, furniture and carved doors show the court's taste in the 19th century. The rooms are furnished, which helps you picture life in the palace.
The palace seen from the garden
The white crenellated facade faces the sea. Spend a moment outside for the photo and to place the palace in relation to the House of Wonders and the Old Fort.
The royal objects
The museum shows items of the ruling family, including those linked to Princess Salme, a sultan's daughter who lived in Europe. Ask at the entrance what is on display: room layouts change.
Practical info
Tips
- Sources mention restoration work and partial closures: check on site which rooms are open before paying. The prices come from guides (an adult 4 to 6 dollars), not from the museum; carry dollars or shillings in cash. A museum guide or a town guide gives context (the spice trade, links with Oman, abolition), but agree the price first. Combine with the Old Fort, the House of Wonders and the Forodhani night market: everything is walkable. For a full route, see Stone Town in one day and the Stone Town guide.
How to get there
The palace is on Stone Town's waterfront (Mizingani Road), a few minutes' walk from the House of Wonders and the Old Fort. From the airport, allow 10 to 30 minutes by taxi, see from the airport to your hotel.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
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