Africa’s hidden gem that ‘looks like a stunning European town’ in the middle of a city

There is a place in that looks more like a than part of a . With its narrow alleys, centuries-old buildings, and a mix of cultures from around the world, it offers visitors a completely different experience from and resorts Zanzibar is famous for.

is right in the middle of and has been described by visitors as “stunning” and “like a European town, maybe somewhere like “. What’s more, the mix of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European architecture makes it feel like a place frozen in time.

The town’s buildings, many of which date back to the 19th century, were built using coral stone, giving them a distinctive, warm colour.

Once the capital of the Zanzibar Sultanate, Stone Town was a major and infamous hub for the spice and slave trades. 

Today, it is a and one of East Africa’s most historically significant cities. 

Visitors can wander through its maze-like streets, where shops, markets, and traditional houses sit alongside huge palaces and mosques.

One tourist wrote on : “We had a wonderful day in Stone Town. Good history of the slave market, House of Wonders, and the Palace Museum.

“It was really nice to walk through the narrow streets. Lots of souvenirs to buy. Amazing wooden doors. Very friendly and polite locals.”

The town’s architecture is one of its biggest attractions. The intricately carved wooden doors, some decorated with brass studs, are famous across Zanzibar. Many buildings feature large verandas and Indian-style balconies.

Many visitors start their exploration at the waterfront, where some of Stone Town’s most famous buildings are located, including the Old Fort, the Sultan’s Palace, and the House of Wonders – a  palace that was the first building in East Africa to have electricity and an elevator.

One of the most sobering places to visit is the former slave market, now a museum. Zanzibar was a big and infamous centre for the East African slave trade, and the museum tells the stories of those who were bought and sold here.

For those looking to soak up the atmosphere, simply wandering through the markets and side streets is an experience in itself.

One visitor wrote: “Stone Town is so cool! My husband and I went for part of our honeymoon, and we had a lovely time. We did not book a tour but just walked around on our own, and we had a great time!”

Stone Town is a living, breathing city, filled with cafes, rooftop restaurants, and lively markets. 

The food is a mix of Swahili, Indian, and Middle Eastern flavours, with dishes like Zanzibar pizza, spiced coffee, and fresh seafood on offer.

Many visitors stay for a night or two before heading to Zanzibar’s famous beaches. The town has a range of boutique hotels and historic villas. 

In the evenings, tourists often take sunset dhow cruises, sailing along the coast on a traditional wooden boat.

One traveler described their stay, saying: “We absolutely loved Stone Town. It has so many small shops and streets to discover. I really felt like traveling back in time, and we always found some very nice places to relax.”

Getting to Stone Town is easy, with Zanzibar Airport just 15 minutes away by taxi. 

For those on a budget, dala dalas – local minibuses – offer a cheaper but more adventurous way to travel.

The best time to visit is during the dry seasons between June and October or December and February, when the weather is warm but not too humid. 

The town can be very hot between March and May, when Zanzibar experiences heavy rains.