Stone Town is the historical core of Zanzibar Island. Stone Town has been a unique meeting spot, fusing African, Indian, Arabian, and European cultures for more than a millennium as a primary trading post on the spice, silk and slave trade. It is one of the few ancient towns still standing in Africa. Due to its aesthetic appeal and historical significance, it has earned a welldeserved spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Your senses will be overpowered by the aroma of the sea and spices, as well as the calls to prayer ringing from the minarets, in this city, which is also physically stunning with its old colonial buildings and wonderfully carved Zanzibari gateways. Some of the sites to visit on a stone town tour are listed below:

• Forodhani Garden Markets
  This market, which opens in the late afternoon at 5 pm and is open until 9 pm, is arguably one of the most well-liked things to do in Stone Town. Both locals and visitors congregate here for some outdoor street dining. Kebabs, regional fish, coconut bread, grilled cassava, roasted maize, sweet potato chapatti, and fresh fruit drinks are available from the vibrant kiosks and grills. One of the busiest parts of town, with delicious food that is also quite reasonably priced.
• Darajani Market
  This market is popular in Stone Town and is great for spices, fresh meat, fruit, and veggies. It is advisable to visit early in the morning when the vendors are still setting up and the produce is fresh for those who prefer more sedate market experiences.
• Hamamni Persian Baths
  Hamamni Persian Baths were the first public baths in Zanzibar, built between 1870 and 1888, the and were used as such until 1920. The name „Hamamni‟ means „the place of baths,‟ and it was called „Persian‟ because it was built by Shirazi architects. Although they are no longer in use, it is possible to see many of the rooms for a small fee. Just ask the caretaker across the alley to unlock the gate for you to see this interesting area.
• Malindi Mosque
  One of the earliest mosques in Stone Town is Malindi Mosque. This mosque, one of three that include cone-shaped minarets that rest on a square platform, was constructed by the Sunni sect in a straightforward design. You have to stand on a baraza (a bench found on the side of most Swahili-style buildings), which is a lovely building in its own right and worth exploring, to see them. Given its handy location directly across from the town center, the mosque is definitely worth a visit while you’re in Stone Town.
• St. Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral
  St. Joseph‟s Cathedral was built between 1893 and 1897 by French missionaries in the Romanesque style, and the plans were drawn by the same architect who designed the cathedral in Marseilles. Its twin spires can be spotted from anywhere in town, and make up a distinctive feature of Stone Town‟s skyline. St. Joseph‟s main doors are only opened during mass, but when those are closed, it is possible to enter through the back. While you‟re here, stop in to admire the intricately carved wooden chests at the workshop across the street.
• The Old Dispensary
  First built as a dispensary during colonial times, this impressive four story building has a long and interesting history. After serving as a charitable institution as well as a series of apartments, it fell into a state of disrepair during the revolution, but was successfully restored to become a respected, thriving cultural site. Located right on Zanzibar‟s seafront, The Old Dispensary is now the town‟s cultural center and houses its own restaurant along with several shops and offices. There‟s also a hookah bar on the second floor for those looking to explore the night life. This symbol of multi-cultural Zanzibari architecture is not to be missed in your travels to Stone Town.

Menai Bay is a great location for learning about marine ecology and seeing dolphins, whales, and sea turtles in their natural environment. Over 400 different fish species and other marine life can be found in the protection area, which has a surface area of about 470 square kilometers.

Adventuresome tourists can go on boat cruises to discover the marine life and mangrove forests that line the shore, which is a different and thrilling experience. The region is a haven for birdwatchers because it is home to several bird species, such as mangrove kingfishers and pied kingfishers.

If you love trying new flavours, a spice farm tour is for you. You will love getting to see how all of your favourite spices are grown. Visitors to the trip are taken through an active spice farm where they can see and smell a variety of spices, including nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves. Visitors can discover more about the medical benefits of these herbs and spices as well as how they are utilized in Zanzibari cuisine.

Pemba, which is roughly 50 km north of Zanzibar, is a lesser-known ecotourism location that is worthwhile visiting. The island is home to a variety of animals, including the Pemba flying fox, thick mangrove forests, and pristine coral reefs. In addition to visiting traditional villages and learning about the island’s rich cultural past, tourists can take guided excursions and go on treks to explore the island.

This one-of-a-kind conservation initiative is situated in Nungwi, on the island’s northernmost point. By encouraging sustainable fishing methods and educating tourists on the significance of coral reef conservation, the project seeks to protect the coral reefs in the area.In addition to taking part in guided snorkeling tours to explore the beautiful coral reefs, visitors may witness a variety of fish and other marine species in their natural habitat.

Uninhabited Chumbe Island, which is 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) south of Zanzibar Town, was made Zanzibar’s first marine reserve, and it now offers an amazing underwater experience within the bounds of highly regulated eco-tourism. The pristine shallow-water reefs are home to 370 different species of fish, unique birds, and turtles. The Chumbe coral reef is a protected sanctuary which is famous for its coral diversity, holding over 80% of the coral diversity found in East Africa

Prison island is one of those places that you may find it somewhat too touristy, but I would recommend that you don’t skip a visit. The island got its name back in 1890 when a prison was built, where slaves would be imprisoned. However, upon the completion of the construction, the plan was never put into action. Instead, it was used as a place to quarantine people who were diagnosed with yellow fever. The island is also home to giant tortoises which were brought to Zanzibar years ago from the Seychelles. The oldest one is known to be 192 years old!

There are different areas of Zanzibar where you may go for your holiday and what to expect at each:

• Zanzibar East Coast:
  Home to the island’s best and most idyllic beaches, the east coast is home to a wide range of lodges and hotels but the tidal aspect of the Indian Ocean may mean you have walk to go swimming or snorkelling. The east coast is much more tide dependent compared to the rest of the island and is also windier. This makes it great for those wanting to kitesurf.
  Where to Stay:
  Midrange Hotel: Pongwe Beach Hotel, Pongwe Bay Resort, Uroa Bay Beach Resort, Paradise Beach Resort
  Budget Hotel: Palumbo Reef Beach Resort, Samaki Lodge, Seasons Lodge
• Zanzibar North Coast:
  The further north on Zanzibar you go, the more private and less crowded the beaches are. The north coast is also least affected by the tidal range. Popular beaches include Nungwi in the northernmost tip which hosts great diving spots, and Kendwa, which is known for its full moon and evening parties.
  Where to Stay:
  Luxury Hotels: Mnemba Island, Hideaway of Nungwi, Star of the East, Kilindi, Essque Zalu
  Midrange Hotels: Myblue Hotel, Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort, Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa, Double Tree by Hilton, Diamonds La Gemma Dell’est
  Budget hotels: Sunset Kendwa, Langi Langi Beach Bungalows, Amani Bungalow, Mnarani Beach Cottages, The Z Hotel
  
• Zanzibar North-east Coast:
  This part of Zanzibar’ is prime due to top-end accommodation set on the north-east beaches. The diving is excellent here, there’s not much tidal variation and the archipelago’s best reefs of Mnemba Island lie about a kilometre or half a mile offshore.
  Where to Stay:
  Luxury Hotels: TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar, Melia, Matemwe Retreat, Tulia
  Midrange Hotels: Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa, Neptune Pwani Beach, Ocean Paradise Beach Resort, Sunshine Marine Lodge, Azanzi Beach Hotel
  Budget Hotels: Green and Blue Ocean Lodge, Matemwe Beach Village
  
• Zanzibar South Coast:
  The further south you go on Zanzibar, the more populated it becomes. And with people, comes culture – head south for cultural and spice tours along with more opportunities to engage with the locals.
  Where to Stay:
  Luxury Hotels: The Residence
  Midrange Hotels: Fruit & Spice Wellness Resort, Unguja Lodge, Swahili Beach Resort
  Budget Hotels: Karamba Resort
• Zanzibar South-East Coast:
  There are plenty of beaches and resorts on the south-east of Zanzibar but the tidal range is more marked than other regions.
  Where to Stay:
  Luxury Hotel: Zanzibar White Sand Luxury, The Palms, Baraza Resort & Spa, Konokono Beach Resort
  Midrange Hotel: Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa, PiliPili Anna of Zanzibar, Breezes Beach & Club, Hakuna Majiwe Beach Lodge, Kisiwa on the Beach
  Budget Hotel: Zanzibar Ocean Blue, Michaimvi Sunset Bay, Arabian Nights Suites Hotel, Dongwe Ocean View, Kichanga Lodge
  
• Zanzibar West Coast:
  There are fewer lodges on Zanzibar’s west coast and it feels a little more remote but it is, of course, home to Stone Town, located on the island’s central-west coast.
  Where to Stay:
  Hotels: Sea Cliff Resort & Spa, Zanzi Resort, Chumbe Island Resort, Hakunamatata Lodge, Fumba Beach Lodge