All citiesZanzibar (Stone Town) Things to do and walking itinerary
Tanzania Zanzibar travel guide
8 things to do in Zanzibar, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Zanzibar
- House of Wonders — landmark building in Stone Town, Zanzibar (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Malindi Mosque — mosque in Zanzibar, Tanzania (visit ≈ 30 min)
- St. Joseph's Cathedral, Zanzibar — building in Tanzania (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Old Fort of Zanzibar — building in Tanzania (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Palace Museum — museum in Zanzibar (visit ≈ 120 min)
- HMS Pegasus — 1897 Pelorus-class protected cruiser (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Christ Church, Zanzibar — anglican cathedral in Zanzibar, Tanzania (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Forodhani Gardens — Garden on Zanzibar (visit ≈ 45 min)
1-day Zanzibar walking itinerary
Starting point: Shangani. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 5.1 km · 6,940 steps · 1 h 8 min on the way): St. Joseph's Cathedral, Zanzibar → Christ Church, Zanzibar → Malindi Mosque → HMS Pegasus → Palace Museum → House of Wonders → Old Fort of Zanzibar → Forodhani Gardens
Where to stay in Zanzibar
- Shangani: Boutique hotels and sunset bars by the sea.
- Forodhani: Next to the night market and the Old Fort.
- Malindi: Close to the ferry port, practical and cheaper.
Getting from the airport to Zanzibar
- Abeid Amani Karume (ZNZ): Taxi ≈ 15 min
Getting around
Stone Town’s narrow lanes are for walking; reach the rest of the island by dala-dala minibus or taxi.
Classic places to eat
- Lukmaan Restaurant: Zanzibari home cooking picked from the counter.
- Emerson Spice Tea House: A rooftop dinner with a view.
- Africa House: A sunset drink on its terrace is a tradition.
- Mercury’s: A seafront bar and restaurant.
- Zanzibar Coffee House: Local coffee and spiced tea.
- Forodhani Gece Pazarı: Grilled seafood and Zanzibar pizza every evening.
Romantic views
- Forodhani Gardens (Sunset): Sunset by the sea followed by the night market.
- Old Fort (Evening): Evening events and crafts in the fort courtyard.
- Mizingani Seafront (Sunset): A seafront walk past the sultan’s palace.
Good to know before visiting Zanzibar
- Fine: Plastic bags are banned and can be confiscated on arrival.
- Fine: Photographing military sites, airports, bridges and government buildings is prohibited.
- Warning: Since October 2026 government travel insurance is mandatory for all foreign visitors.
- Warning: Same-sex relations are criminalised; check official travel advice.
- Warning: Traffic drives on the left.
- Warning: Malaria is a risk; ask your doctor about prevention and use repellent.
Extra rules for Zanzibar
- Warning: Zanzibar has required mandatory travel insurance since October 2024; one policy covers the mainland too.
- Warning: In Stone Town cover shoulders and knees; swimwear only at beaches and hotels.
- During Ramadan avoid eating or drinking in public by day; some restaurants close.
- Emergency: police 112, ambulance 115, fire 114
- Plugs: D/G, 230V
- Tap water: Don't drink tap water; use bottled.
- Tipping: About 10% is customary.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Tanzania, Wikivoyage — Tanzania, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Zanzibar travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Zanzibar?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 1 day at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel.
- What are the top things to do in Zanzibar?
- Highlights: House of Wonders, Malindi Mosque, St. Joseph's Cathedral, Zanzibar, Old Fort of Zanzibar and Palace Museum. The map has 8 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Zanzibar?
- Shangani: Boutique hotels and sunset bars by the sea. Other options: Forodhani and Malindi.
- How do you get from the airport to Zanzibar city centre?
- Abeid Amani Karume (ZNZ): Taxi ≈ 15 min
- How do you get around Zanzibar?
- Stone Town’s narrow lanes are for walking; reach the rest of the island by dala-dala minibus or taxi.
- What is the emergency number in Zanzibar?
- Emergency: police 112, ambulance 115, fire 114.
- Do you tip in Zanzibar?
- About 10% is customary.
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