Was this page helpful?
Last update: 26 Oct 2026
* We earn a commission from some links on this page.
Zanzibar City Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Tanzania – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type D , Type G
Type D:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) £1 ≈ TZS 3,520.45 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 3/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common in Tanzania’s larger cities, but cash is still the most widely accepted form of payment. Credit cards are accepted in some establishments.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is appreciated in Tanzania, typically around 5-10% in restaurants. Taxi fares should be rounded up, and small tips for hotel staff are common. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not common in Tanzania, and alcohol is typically consumed in licensed venues like restaurants and bars. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is allowed in outdoor public spaces and designated indoor areas. Many restaurants and public spaces have non-smoking sections. |
| Independence Day (9 December) |
Celebrates Tanzania’s independence from British colonial rule |
|---|---|
| Saba Saba (7 July) |
Industry Day |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber, Bolt |
| Other: | Tanzania is famous for its stunning wildlife, including safaris and Mount Kilimanjaro. The coast also offers beautiful beaches, particularly around Zanzibar. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Zanzibar City, Tanzania
Long rains April to May: some beach hotels and restaurants close, ferries can be disrupted
Ramadan: daytime food options limited, many restaurants closed until sunset, modest dress expected
Don't miss
- 🏘️ Wander through the historic alleys of Stone Town
- 🏰 Visit the old Sultan’s Palace and explore its museum
- 🛍️ Shop for spices at Darajani Market’s vibrant stalls
- ⛵ Sail into the sunset on a traditional dhow cruise
- 🕯️ Tour the haunting ruins of the former slave market
- 🐠 Dive or snorkel among colorful reefs off Prison Island
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Zanzibar City?
Traveling to Zanzibar City is like stepping into a storybook of spice-laden air, ornate wooden doors and the distant call to prayer echoing through winding streets. Stone Town is packed with history-palaces, forts and the birthplace of Freddie Mercury – while the city’s markets overflow with color, scents and local life. Beyond the city, pristine beaches and coral reefs beckon for relaxation or adventure. The food scene is lively, especially at Forodhani Gardens’ night market, where you can sample everything from grilled seafood to Zanzibari pizza. There are a few things to keep in mind: the midday sun can be intense, so hydration and sun protection are essential. Petty theft can occur in crowded areas, so keep your belongings secure. Tap water isn’t recommended for drinking and English is spoken in tourist areas but less so elsewhere. Still, the warmth of Zanzibar’s people and the city’s unique character make it a truly memorable destination.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
-
1
Zanzibar Butterfly Centre
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Zanzibar International Film Festival
-
Sauti za Busara Music Festival
-
Stone Town Food Festival
-
Zanzibar Cultural Festival
-
Mwaka Kogwa Festival
-
Eid al-Fitr Celebrations
-
Forodhani Night Market (year-round)
-
Zanzibar Beach & Watersports Festival
-
Stone Town Art Festival
-
Swahili Fashion Week
Knowledge before you go
- Get lost in Stone Town; alleys are a maze.
- Visit Forodhani Gardens at dusk for street food, but keep small cash and patience.
- Dress modestly around town; Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim, especially outside beach resorts.
- Do a morning Stone Town walking tour, then cool off with a quick Prison Island boat trip.
How to travel to Zanzibar City
Zanzibar City is served by Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, with direct flights from Dar es Salaam, Nairobi and some international destinations. Ferries connect Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam several times daily. The port and airport are both a short drive from the city center.
Access summary
- From Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ): 10–20 minutes by taxi, shuttle or dala-dala.
- From Dar es Salaam: 20–30 minutes by flight; 2–3 hours ferry.
- Ferry Dar es Salaam–Zanzibar: High-speed boats usually take about 2–2.5 hours.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Zanzibar City
Accommodation ranges from boutique hotels in Stone Town’s historic buildings to modern resorts along the coast. There are options for every budget, but book ahead in high season. Many travelers choose to stay in or near Stone Town for easy access to culture and nightlife.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Mizingani Seafront Hotel
Tembo House Hotel And Apartments
Dhow Palace Hotel
Maru Maru Hotel
Hotel Verde Zanzibar - Azam Luxury Resort and Spa - Dry Hotel
Golden Tulip Stone Town Boutique Hotel
The Seyyida Hotel and Spa
Madinat Al Bahr Business & Spa Resort
Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Tikitam Palms Boutique Hotel Zanzibar
How to get around Zanzibar City
Stone Town and central Zanzibar City are best explored on foot – most sights are within walking distance. For longer trips or excursions, taxis, dala-dalas (local minibuses) and organized tours are available. Bicycles and scooters can be rented, but traffic can be hectic and roads narrow in the old town.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 68% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to TZS) is 12% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is cheaper compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Zanzibar City is generally safe, but petty theft can occur in markets and crowded places. Avoid walking alone late at night, keep valuables secure and use reputable taxis or tour operators for excursions.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities are adequate for minor issues, with clinics and pharmacies in the city. For serious conditions, evacuation to Dar es Salaam or abroad may be necessary. Drink bottled water, use sun protection and bring mosquito repellent.
Accessibility
Stone Town’s narrow, uneven streets can be challenging for those with mobility issues. Some historic buildings lack ramps or elevators. Most modern hotels and resorts are more accessible, but check in advance for specific needs.
Tap water
Tap water is not recommended for drinking. Stick to bottled or filtered water, which is widely available. Most hotels provide safe drinking water for guests; use bottled water for brushing teeth as well.
Packing recommendations for Zanzibar City
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🕶️
Sunglasses
🎒
Small rucksack
🪰
Insect repellent
🧣
Scarf
🩱
Swimwear
🧣
Shawl or headscarf
👜
Anti-theft bag
🔋
Power bank
👒
Sun hat
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Related articles & guides for Zanzibar City
Nearby recommended places
Looking for inspiration?
Discover
Top street food cities and local culinary markets
The best street food destinations treat the cart, stall or hawker counter as a serious culinary format rather than a budget substitute for a real meal. In cities with strong street…
Read more
Discover
Top island destinations and tropical getaways
Island travel offers a self-contained quality that few other destination types match, with defined geography, distinct local culture and the particular atmosphere that comes from…
Read more
Discover
Markets and street shopping in Africa
North Africa's medina markets trade in spices, textiles and crafts within layouts that have changed little for centuries, often built around a single old quarter at the heart of…
Read more
Discover
Best craft destinations in Africa
Africa's craft traditions encompass some of the world's most distinctive textile, ceramic, metalwork, basketry and woodcarving cultures, with making traditions rooted in specific…
Read more
Discover
Best street food destinations in Africa
Africa's street food reflects ingredients and cooking methods that rarely make it onto restaurant menus, with grilling techniques and snack traditions operating on customs passed…
Read more
Discover
Best couple vacation destinations in Africa
For couples, Africa offers something that is getting rare in modern travel, the sense of experiencing something genuinely extraordinary together rather than ticking off sights you…
Read more
Discover
Best couple holiday destinations
Travelling as a couple sounds simple enough, yet the best couple holiday destinations mean something different to almost every pair. What feels romantic to one couple can feel like…
Read more
Discover
Top historical destinations and historic sites
The most compelling history destinations are places where the past is still physically present and legible in the landscape, the architecture and the daily life of the people who…
Read more
Discover
Best island getaway destinations in Africa
Africa's island destinations range from the Indian Ocean archipelagos off the east coast and the volcanic Atlantic islands of the west to the large culturally distinct island…
Read more
Discover
Best market destinations and street shopping
Markets are one of the most direct ways into the everyday life of a place. Where supermarkets and shopping centres smooth over local difference, a good market reflects the climate,…
Read more
Discover
Best historical destinations in Africa
Africa's historical record is the deepest on earth, encompassing the origins of humanity itself alongside the rise and fall of great empires, ancient trading civilisations and…
Read more
Discover
Top craft destinations and artisan workshops
Craft travel has developed a dedicated following built around the world's great making traditions, artisan communities and the places where specific skills, materials and cultural…
Read more
Discover
Most beautiful beaches and coastal escapes
For a lot of people, a beach is the whole point of a holiday, but what makes a beach day perfect really depends on personal taste. Some travellers want isolation and the feeling…
Read more
Discover
Stunning national parks and wilderness areas
National parks exist because someone decided that certain landscapes were too important to lose. The best of them protect ecosystems, wildlife and natural processes that would…
Read more
Discover
Intimate escapes and romantic getaways
The most memorable trips for couples tend to have less to do with luxury and more to do with the quality of shared experience. A place that slows you down, removes the usual…
Read more
