13 Best Sights in Zanzibar, Tanzania

Between the Tanzanian coast and the islands of Zanzibar, Chumbe Island is the country's first marine national park and has some of the better snorkeling around. It's home to 400 species of coral and 200 species of fish. There's scuba diving, snorkeling, island hikes, and outrigger boat rides.

The island can only be visited on an organized day trip. Price includes boat transfers, lunch, snorkeling, forest walk, and V.A.T.

This tiny island, just a 20-minute boat ride from Stone Town, was once a prison and a quarantine location, hence its more well-known name of Prison Island. Now it's a tropical paradise that's home to the giant Aldabra tortoise (you can visit the tortoises for a small fee), the duiker antelope, and a variety of birds and butterflies. There's also decent swimming and snorkeling and arranged beach barbecues by tour operators. Note that 70% of the island is private property and thus inaccessible.

You can visit Changuu Island on a tour, or arrange transport with the myriad of little boats that line the beach outside Archipelago Waterfront Cafe. There's no entry fee for the island itself.

A must-see in Stone town, this was the first Anglican cathedral in East Africa and its crucifix was carved from the tree under which explorer David Livingstone's heart was buried in the village of Chitambo. Built in 1887 to mark the end of the slave trade, the cathedral's high altar was constructed on the site of a whipping post. The moving and contemplative slave memorial and slave trade exhibit are sobering reminders of the ravages of slavery across East Africa and on the island. Nearby are underground chambers in which slaves were forced to crouch on stone shelves less than 2 feet high. It is recommended to take a guide with you as with such a poignant space you would want to get as much information as possible.

This gable-roofed structure, built in 1904 and also known as Estella Market, houses a sprawling fruit, fish, meat, and vegetable market. Goods of all sorts—colorful fabrics, wooden chests, and all types of jewelry—are sold in the shops that line the surrounding streets. To the east of the main building you'll find spices laid out in colorful displays of beige, yellow, and red. On Wednesday and Saturday there's an antiques fair. The market is most active in the morning between 9 and 11.

The scent of cloves hangs heavy in the air as stevedores load and unload sacks of the region's most valuable crops. Every day you'll spot dhows arriving from the mainland with deliveries of flour and other goods not available on the islands. Fishermen deposit their catch here early in the morning. This is a seedy area, so be cautious.

This pleasant waterfront park is a favorite spot for an evening stroll both for locals and tourists. Dozens of vendors sell grilled fish under the light of gas lanterns—not all the food is great, but the atmosphere is fantastic for a visit, especially during the evening hours.

Always try to smell the seafood before you eat it as some of it can be old, and don't be pressured by any of the vendors. You should look at everything before making your decisions.

Known as the House of Wonders, Beit el-Ajaib was the first building in Zanzibar to use electric lights, and this four-story palace is still one of the largest buildings in the city. Built in the late 1800s for Sultan Barghash, it was bombarded by the British in 1886, forcing the sultan to abdicate his throne. Due to a partial collapse in 2020, the palace is closed to the public though restoration efforts are underway. However, the building is still worth checking out for its architectural elements and historical significance.

Jozani Chakwa Bay National Park, Zanzibar's only national park, is home to this reserve where you'll find the rare Kirk's red colobus monkey, which is named after Sir John Kirk, the British consul in Zanzibar from 1866 to 1887. The species is known for its white whiskers and rusty coat. Many of the other animals that call this reserve home—including the blue duiker, a diminutive antelope whose coat is a dusty bluish-gray—are endangered because 95% of the original forests of the archipelago have been destroyed. There are also more than 50 species of butterfly and 40 bird species. The entry fee includes entrance to the forest and a circular boardwalk walk through mangrove swamps, plus the services of a guide (tip him if he's good).

Early morning and evenings are the best time to visit.

Grab some snacks and plenty of bottled water and head to this charming sandbank that's about a 30-minute boat ride from Stone Town. A lovely, sandy beach and place to snorkel make it a great day trip. You can hire a boat from the harbor to take you there on a negotiated fee for a few hours or, if you prefer to be fully catered to, go with a tour company who will provide the shade and the beach picnic with seafood and drinks as part of their price. Be warned it will get crowded in high season.  There is no shade on the island, so make sure you bring a hat and umbrella. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

With intricately carved wood balconies that make it resemble a wedding cake, this former dispensary shines again after being renovated by community groups. Built at the turn of the last century, it was donated to the city by an Indian merchant named Tharia Topan. Today it houses shops, galleries, and a small café. The views from the rooftop are lovely.

Built by the Portuguese in 1560, this bastioned fortress is the oldest structure in Stone Town. It withstood an attack from Arabs in 1754 and was later used as a jail; prisoners who were sentenced to death met their ends here. It has undergone extensive renovation and today is headquarters for many cultural organizations, including the famous Sauti za Busara and Mashariki Jazz and Folk music festival. There is also a craft market inside. Performances of traditional dance and music are sometimes staged during the week. Check the office and posters outside for details.

Built by French missionaries more than a century ago, this ornate church is based on the basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, in Marseille, France. It's now one of the city's most recognizable landmarks, with twin spires that you'll see as you arrive in Stone Town. The front entrance is normally locked—head 'round the back to find a way in. If there are no private services on it is beautiful and serene to sit in for 10 minutes.

This well-worn center is worth a stop if you're traveling with kids. It's a community development project, and your entry fee pays for local farmers to bring in cocoons (most of which are sent to museums overseas) and helps preserve the forest. Guided tours end in a visit to an enclosure filled with hundreds of colorful butterflies and some chameleons.