Stone Town’s Omani heritage

Where it is & how to get there

• On foot: Stone Town is a maze of narrow lanes; a guided walk helps.
• Landmarks: The Old Fort, the House of Wonders (Beit al-Ajaib, under restoration) and the Palace Museum (Beit al-Sahel).
• Dress: Zanzibar is mostly Muslim: cover shoulders and knees in town.

The story of Stone Town

In 1840, Sultan Said bin Sultan moved the capital of the Sultanate of Oman from Muscat to Zanzibar, which became a centre of the Indian Ocean trade in spices, ivory — and, tragically, enslaved people.

Stone Town's coral-stone houses, mosques, carved doors and palaces blend Arab, Persian, Indian and Swahili styles. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The call to prayer from its many mosques echoes through the lanes.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Some buildings are under restoration.
• Visit the Old Fort and the Palace Museum.
• Join a guided walk to understand the Omani history.

What's around Stone Town

• Old FortOmani fortress from the 17th century.
• House of WondersSultan's ceremonial palace.
• Palace MuseumFormer sultan's residence.
• Forodhani GardensSeafront food market.

Questions travellers ask