Zanzibar — Neighborhood Guide
Stone Town is one of Africa's most extraordinary urban environments — a UNESCO World Heritage Site of coral-stone palaces, carved doors, spice-scented alleyways, and rooftop sunset bars that look out over the dhow harbour.
Quick Answer
Stone Town is one of Africa's most extraordinary urban environments — a UNESCO World Heritage Site of coral-stone palaces, carved doors, spice-scented alleyways, and rooftop sunset bars that look out over the dhow harbour.
5 hotels reviewed · Price range: $$$$, $$, $$$ · Last updated March 2026
About This Guide
The heart of Zanzibar City has barely changed since the 19th century — a labyrinthine medina of 1,700 buildings bearing the marks of Arab, Persian, Indian, and Portuguese influence. The House of Wonders, the Palace Museum, the Old Fort, and Freddie Mercury's birthplace are all here. Hotels in Stone Town are atmospheric and intimate by necessity.
Insider Tips
The best dining in Stone Town is usually one street back from the main tourist thoroughfare.
Ask your hotel concierge for their personal favourite spots in Stone Town — they often know hidden gems.
Walking is the best way to experience Stone Town — most attractions are within a 15-minute stroll.
Our Picks
5 hotels · Updated February 2026
Stone Town
Occupying a beautifully restored colonial mansion on the Stone Town seafront, the Park Hyatt Zanzibar is the island's finest historic hotel — 67 rooms blending Swahili heritage with contemporary luxury and a dhow harbour panorama from every sea-facing room.
Stone Town
Zanzibar's most characterful boutique hotel occupies a beautifully restored 19th-century merchant house in the heart of Stone Town — 11 individually decorated rooms and the famous rooftop tea house with its three-storey Stone Town views.
A refined resort of private pool villas on the south-east coast — 66 villas in a coconut grove leading to a pristine beach, with one of the island's best spa programmes and a restaurant that draws guests from across the island.
Kendwa
A design-driven resort of treehouse-style chalets scattered through a forest of palms and baobabs above Kendwa Beach — Zuri's rustic-meets-chic aesthetic and beach club make it Zanzibar's most Instagram-photographed property.
Paje
A spectacular Arabic-Zanzibar palace resort of 30 private pool villas — Baraza is defined by extraordinary architectural beauty, with carved plasterwork, Arabic arches, and a beach terrace that looks like a film set.
Common Questions
Stone Town is essential for those interested in history and culture. It's not a beach destination but an extraordinary immersion in Swahili civilisation.
UNESCO-listed Swahili architecture, the spice trade history, Freddie Mercury's birthplace, rooftop sunset bars, and dhow harbour.
The most convenient option is a rideshare (Uber/Lyft), typically 30-50 minutes depending on traffic. Public transport is also available and often more economical.
More Destinations
Prices and availability change daily. Lock in the best rate by booking early — most of our top picks offer free cancellation.
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