Zanzibar is more than just a tropical paradise—it’s a place where cultures meet, history breathes through ancient streets, and every corner holds a story. Off the coast of mainland Tanzania, this Indian Ocean archipelago is a dream destination for travelers drawn to spice-scented breezes, pristine beaches, rich heritage, and endless opportunities for exploration. Whether you’re wandering the timeworn alleys of Stone Town, diving into coral reefs teeming with marine life, or watching the sunset from a dhow boat, the island captures your senses and your imagination.
If you’re planning a trip and wondering about the most unforgettable things to do in Zanzibar, you’re in for a journey that goes far beyond the beach. This is a place where adventure and culture blend seamlessly—from swimming in sacred caves and feasting at lively night markets to visiting centuries-old ruins and learning to cook with cloves and cardamom. There’s always something meaningful, exciting, or unexpected to do, no matter what kind of traveler you are. Every visitor finds their own rhythm here, whether it’s the thrill of kite surfing along the southeast coast or the quiet magic of watching red colobus monkeys leap through ancient forests.
This guide takes you through 25 of the most rewarding, fascinating, and iconic things to do on the island. Some are famous, others are hidden gems, but each one offers a unique window into the soul of Zanzibar. Let this be your starting point for exploring a destination that continues to surprise, enchant, and inspire all who visit.
Table of Contents
1. Explore Stone Town
Stone Town isn’t just the historical center of Zanzibar—it’s the soul of the island. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient maze of alleyways and coral-stone buildings holds centuries of layered history. As you walk its narrow streets, you’re tracing the footsteps of Omani sultans, Portuguese traders, African merchants, and colonial governors. Every door tells a story, with ornate carvings, brass studs, and symbols indicating wealth or cultural origins.
The atmosphere is intoxicating: the scent of spices lingers in the air, the call to prayer echoes from minarets, and the sound of children playing drifts through lattice windows. Key sites include the House of Wonders, a once-grand palace with sweeping balconies; the Old Fort, built by the Portuguese in the 17th century and now a venue for local events; and the Anglican Cathedral, constructed on the site of a former slave market. There’s so much to see, learn, and to do here that even a full day can feel like just a glimpse.
But the real magic of Stone Town is in the details—the antique shops selling carved chests, the elders playing bao in shaded courtyards, the rooftop cafés where the breeze carries stories from the sea. Whether you’re interested in architecture, history, photography, or simply soaking in the ambiance, wandering Stone Town is one of the most immersive things to do in Zanzibar.
2. Visit Prison Island (Changuu Island)
Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, lies just off the coast of Stone Town and makes for an ideal half-day escape. Despite its ominous name, the island never fulfilled its original purpose as a prison for rebellious slaves. Instead, it became a quarantine station for yellow fever and other diseases during the British colonial era. Today, its dark history has given way to peaceful beaches, snorkeling spots, and one of the island’s most beloved attractions: the giant Aldabra tortoises. Originally gifted from the Seychelles in the late 19th century, these gentle giants roam the sanctuary freely.
Some weigh over 200 kilograms and are more than 150 years old. Visitors can feed them leafy greens and gently stroke their ancient shells. Beyond the tortoises, Changuu offers fantastic snorkeling opportunities with coral gardens just offshore, teeming with colorful fish and sea urchins. The island also has a short nature trail, remnants of colonial architecture, and a quiet beach perfect for swimming or relaxing under palm trees. The boat ride itself is part of the charm—traditional dhows glide across crystal-clear waters, offering stunning views of the Stone Town skyline. For travelers looking to combine wildlife, history, and ocean beauty in one afternoon, Prison Island is one of the top things to do in Zanzibar.
3. Take a Spice Tour
Zanzibar earned its nickname “The Spice Island” thanks to its fertile soil and centuries-old trade routes that connected it to Arabia, India, and beyond. Taking a spice tour is not only a sensory adventure but also a deep dive into the island’s agricultural heritage and culinary culture.
Guided tours take you into the lush interior of the island, where farms are bursting with clove trees, cinnamon bark, nutmeg fruit, vanilla orchids, cardamom pods, and more. You’ll learn how each spice is cultivated, harvested, and used—not just in Zanzibari cuisine, but in medicine, cosmetics, and traditional rituals. You’ll smell crushed herbs, taste exotic fruits straight from the tree, and watch locals scale palm trees for fresh coconuts. It’s a refreshing change of pace and something truly enjoyable to do between beach days or historical sightseeing.
Many tours include tastings of teas, fruit platters, or even a home-cooked Swahili lunch featuring spice-laden dishes like pilau and coconut curry. You may also see demonstrations on how locals make products like spice soap or natural perfumes. Spice tours often include cultural stories passed down through generations, offering insight into how central spices are to Zanzibari identity. Whether you’re a foodie, a gardener, or simply curious, a spice tour is one of the most enriching things to do in Zanzibar—and you’ll likely leave with a small pouch of cloves and a head full of unforgettable aromas.
4. Relax on Nungwi Beach
Located on the northern tip of Unguja (Zanzibar’s main island), Nungwi Beach is arguably the most popular beach on the island—and for good reason. Its fine white sand, calm turquoise waters, and full-day swimmability (thanks to minimal tidal variation) make it a dream spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beach walks. Beyond relaxing, Nungwi is also a hub for diving, snorkeling, and sunset cruises. Restaurants and beach bars line the shore, and the vibe here is lively and social, especially in the evenings.
5. Swim with Dolphins in Kizimkazi
If the idea of swimming with wild dolphins excites you, then head to the southern village of Kizimkazi. Early morning boat trips take you out to sea to spot pods of bottlenose and humpback dolphins. Some tours allow for respectful and safe swimming alongside them, though sightings aren’t always guaranteed. The experience is exhilarating—floating in clear waters as dolphins glide nearby is something you’ll never forget. It’s a wildlife lover’s dream and among the most popular things to do in Zanzibar for marine enthusiasts.
6. Snorkel or Dive at Mnemba Atoll
Mnemba Atoll, a marine conservation area located off the northeast coast, is Zanzibar’s premier snorkeling and diving destination. The underwater visibility is excellent, and the coral gardens are alive with tropical fish, sea turtles, and vibrant marine life. Dive trips here are offered daily from Matemwe, Nungwi, and Kendwa. Whether you’re snorkeling on the surface or diving deeper down, Mnemba is a highlight of any visit to the island.
7. Take a Sunset Dhow Cruise
One of the most iconic Zanzibar experiences is sailing the Indian Ocean on a traditional wooden dhow. These graceful boats depart around sunset from Stone Town, Nungwi, or Kendwa. As the sails catch the evening breeze, you’ll drift along the coast while enjoying snacks, music, and a golden sunset on the horizon. It’s romantic, peaceful, and visually stunning. Couples, photographers, and dreamers alike will find it one of the most magical things to do in Zanzibar.
8. Visit Jozani Forest
Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, often simply called Jozani Forest, is the largest indigenous forest in Zanzibar and the only official national park on the island. This biodiverse sanctuary is most famous for being home to the rare and endangered Zanzibar red colobus monkey, a species found nowhere else on earth. These playful primates, with their tufted crowns and expressive eyes, are often seen leaping between treetops or lounging along the footpaths, making them a favorite subject for wildlife photographers. But Jozani offers more than just monkeys.
Visitors can walk along elevated wooden boardwalks that snake through dense mangrove swamps, discover medicinal plants used in local healing practices, and spot other wildlife such as bush babies, duikers, and over 40 species of birds. The forest also holds cultural significance for the surrounding communities, many of whom believe it’s protected by ancestral spirits. The lush greenery, filtered light, and chorus of birdcalls create an almost otherworldly ambiance. Guides from the local area share not only ecological insights but also stories passed down through generations. A visit to Jozani Forest is one of the most unique things to do in Zanzibar, combining conservation, culture, and the quiet magic of untouched nature.
9. See the House of Wonders (Beit al-Ajaib)
The House of Wonders, or Beit al-Ajaib, stands as one of Stone Town’s most iconic and historically significant buildings. Constructed in 1883 by Sultan Barghash bin Said, it was originally designed as a ceremonial palace and a showcase of modernity. It earned its name because it was the first building in Zanzibar—and one of the first in East Africa—to have electricity, an elevator, and running water. Its wide verandas, massive carved doors, and cast-iron columns blend Swahili, Arab, and European architectural influences, making it a marvel even by today’s standards.
Although the building has been closed for renovations due to structural issues, its grand façade still dominates the Stone Town skyline. In the years before closure, it housed a museum of Swahili and maritime history, filled with traditional dhows, antique maps, and royal relics. Plans are underway to restore the building, and make it a major cultural hub once again. Even now, pausing in front of the House of Wonders is a fascinating thing to do while exploring Stone Town. While you can’t currently go inside, standing before it and learning about its legacy still ranks among the most culturally important things to do in Zanzibar, especially for those fascinated by the island’s royal past and architectural heritage.
10. Visit the Former Slave Market and Museum
One of the most sobering and historically vital things to do in Zanzibar is a visit to the site of the old slave market in Stone Town, now home to the Anglican Cathedral and the Slave Market Museum. This location once served as one of the largest slave markets in East Africa, where thousands of men, women, and children were bought and sold under brutal conditions. A visit here is emotionally powerful, offering deep insight into the human cost of Zanzibar’s position in the Indian Ocean slave trade. The underground chambers where slaves were held before auction remain intact and can be visited; they’re dark, cramped, and hauntingly silent—a chilling testament to suffering.
The museum features moving exhibits, including historical accounts, maps, photographs, and personal stories of those affected by the trade. The Anglican Cathedral, which now stands above the former market, was built by missionaries in the late 1800s as a symbol of redemption. Its altar is said to rest on the exact spot where the main whipping post once stood. The contrast between the quiet beauty of the church and the dark history beneath it is stark and unforgettable. Visiting this site isn’t easy—but it’s essential. It connects you to Zanzibar’s past in a deeply human way and makes it one of the most important things to do in Zanzibar for travelers seeking more than just beaches and sunsets.
11. Go Kite Surfing in Paje
Paje, on the island’s southeast coast, is a water sports haven. Consistent trade winds and shallow, warm waters make it perfect for kite surfing. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a total beginner, several schools offer equipment rental and lessons. Even if you don’t ride, watching dozens of colorful kites dance across the sky is a spectacle in itself.
12. Experience a Local Cooking Class
Want to take a piece of Zanzibar home with you? of the most delicious things to do on the island is join a Swahili cooking class to learn how to make local delicacies like pilau, coconut curries, chapati, and grilled seafood. Classes often include a market visit to pick out ingredients and are led by local chefs who offer insight into Zanzibar’s food culture.
13. Visit the Mtoni Palace Ruins
These haunting ruins were once the grand palace of Sultan Seyyid Said and birthplace of Princess Salme, an early feminist and author. Located just north of Stone Town, Mtoni is now a crumbling shell of its former self, but offers a window into Zanzibar’s royal past. Some evenings even feature cultural performances in the ruins’ amphitheater.
14. Swim in Zanzibar’s Secret Cave Pools
Beyond its famous beaches and coral reefs, Zanzibar hides a world of natural wonders inland—including freshwater cave pools perfect for adventurous swimming. These limestone caverns, shaped by centuries of water erosion, offer cool, crystal-clear waters in serene and otherworldly surroundings. One of the most popular spots is Kuza Cave, located in Jambiani on the southeast coast. This sacred site is tucked into the jungle and features a large, swimmable pool inside a dramatic limestone chamber.
Sunlight filters through the trees and into the entrance, creating a magical play of light on the water. The cave is managed by a local cultural foundation that also runs a small museum, making it more than just a swim—it’s a cultural immersion. Another stunning cave pool is Maalum Cave in Paje, where visitors enter through a stone stairway and swim in a blue underground lagoon. The atmosphere is quiet and intimate, and the water stays refreshingly cool all year round. Further north, you’ll find the Mangapwani Coral Cave, once used by locals for washing and ritual bathing. Exploring and swimming in these hidden caves is one of the most unique things to do in Zanzibar.
15. Dine at The Rock Restaurant
The Rock Restaurant is not just a place to eat—it’s one of Zanzibar’s most iconic and surreal experiences. Perched atop a solitary coral outcrop in the Indian Ocean near Michamvi Pingwe on the island’s southeast coast, this tiny structure appears almost dreamlike as it rises from the sea. At low tide, you can walk to it across the sand; at high tide, you’ll need a short boat ride. Either way, the journey to The Rock sets the tone for what’s to come—an unforgettable dining experience surrounded by endless water and sky.
The menu focuses on fresh seafood, with dishes like octopus salad, grilled lobster, seafood pasta, and Swahili curries, all prepared with locally sourced ingredients and a Zanzibari twist. The open-air dining area offers panoramic views of the turquoise sea, and when the tides shift or the sun sets, the entire atmosphere changes with it, making every visit unique.
Taking time to dine here is one of the most memorable things to do during your stay, especially for those who seek out destination dining.
Despite its remote appearance, The Rock is highly sought after, especially during peak travel months, so reservations are essential. It’s not just a meal—it’s a moment, a memory, and a must for anyone who appreciates dining in extraordinary locations. For travelers looking for the perfect blend of cuisine, setting, and photo-worthy ambiance, eating at The Rock is one of the most unmissable things to do in Zanzibar.
16. Eat at the Forodhani Market
When the sun begins to set over Stone Town’s seafront, Forodhani Gardens transforms into a vibrant open-air food market that captures the spirit and flavor of Zanzibar in every sense. Eating at Forodhani Market is a must for anyone who wants to taste the island’s local street food and experience the social heartbeat of the capital. Dozens of stalls are set up along the waterfront, their grills sizzling with Zanzibar’s famous seafood skewers—lobster, prawns, calamari, octopus—all marinated in spices and flame-grilled to perfection.
You’ll also find beef mishkaki, Zanzibar-style pizza, samosas, cassava chips, coconut bread, sugarcane juice, and fresh fruit topped with chili and lime. It’s the kind of place where you grab your food, find a bench near the ocean, and watch dhows drifting by as locals and tourists mingle in the fading light. The market comes alive with energy, the aroma of grilled seafood fills the air, and the hum of conversation makes it feel like a nightly celebration.
It’s affordable, casual, and deeply rooted in Swahili culinary culture. Be sure to try urojo soup—Zanzibar’s famous tangy street-side dish made with potatoes, mango, chili, and crunchy toppings. Forodhani Market is more than just a place to eat—it’s a communal ritual, a living tradition, and one of the tastiest things to do in Zanzibar.
17. Shop at Darajani Market
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in local life, Darajani Market in Stone Town is the place. Open daily, it’s a chaotic and colorful explosion of fresh produce, fish, spices, and street snacks. It’s the perfect place to pick up vanilla pods, cloves, or handmade souvenirs.
18. Explore the Mangapwani Caves
Located a short drive north of Stone Town, the Mangapwani Caves are natural limestone formations with dark ties to the island’s slave trade. Exploring these hauntingly beautiful caves is one of the more sobering things to do in Zanzibar. The Slave Cave was allegedly used to hide slaves after the trade was officially abolished. Nearby, the Coral Cave features a freshwater pool and can be explored with a local guide.
19. Take a Seaweed Farming Tour in Jambiani
Jambiani, a tranquil village on Zanzibar’s southeast coast, is home to one of the island’s most important and underappreciated industries: seaweed farming. At low tide, the lagoon reveals rows of ropes where women—known as “seaweed mamas”—carefully tend their crops. Seaweed farming began in Zanzibar in the 1980s and has since become the island’s third-largest economic activity, after tourism and cloves.
The majority is exported and used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products. Guided visits allow you to walk along the shore with a local farmer, observe how seaweed is grown and harvested, and learn how it’s dried and prepared for export. Some cooperatives offer short workshops where you can see how seaweed is used to make soap or body scrubs. The experience provides a meaningful look into sustainable livelihoods and women-led enterprise. For travelers interested in culture, sustainability, and the quiet rhythms of coastal life, visiting a seaweed farm is one of the more authentic things to do in Zanzibar.
20. Go Stand-Up Paddleboarding or Kayaking
Whether it’s in the calm lagoon near Michamvi or the mangrove-lined estuaries of Chwaka Bay, paddleboarding and kayaking offer a tranquil way to explore Zanzibar’s coastline. You’ll glide over seagrass beds and coral patches, often spotting starfish, urchins, and crabs below.
21. Attend a Full Moon Party in Kendwa
Once a month, Kendwa Beach erupts into one of the wildest parties on the island. With DJs, fire dancers, beach bars, and dancing until dawn, it’s the perfect way to let loose and something truly fun to do while you’re on the island. It’s a great way to meet fellow travelers from around the world.
22. Visit the Persian Baths in Kidichi
Built by Sultan Said for his Persian wife in the 1850s, the Persian Baths in Kidichi are a hidden historical gem. The architecture blends Arab and Persian styles, with domed ceilings, ventilation shafts, and separate bathing rooms. Though now empty, the structure remains an elegant relic of Zanzibar’s opulent past.
23. Wander the Streets of Makunduchi
In southern Zanzibar, the village of Makunduchi offers a more traditional, untouched experience of island life. The village is especially lively during the Mwaka Kogwa festival—a Persian-origin New Year celebration featuring symbolic fights, songs, and rituals. Outside festival season, it’s still a peaceful place to explore local crafts and rural landscapes, and a meaningful place to go if you’re looking for something different to do beyond the beaches.
24. Ride a Bicycle through Rural Zanzibar
Trade the beach for the backroads and hop on a bike to explore spice plantations, thatched villages, and coastal trails. Many guesthouses and tour companies offer guided bike tours that include stops at coconut farms, local schools, and hidden beaches far off the tourist trail.
25. Explore the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre
Located near Jozani Forest, this charming sanctuary is part conservation project, part eco-tourism attraction. Walk through lush tropical enclosures filled with hundreds of fluttering butterflies, many of which are bred on-site by local farmers as part of sustainable community livelihood programs. The centre plays a key role in promoting environmental education and biodiversity awareness, especially for school groups and curious travelers.
You’ll learn about the life cycle of butterflies, see chrysalises up close, and get the chance to observe species native to Zanzibar and East Africa. It’s a calm, enchanting place that invites slow exploration—something delightful to do when you want a peaceful change of pace from the coast. The Butterfly Centre is especially great for families, nature lovers, or anyone looking to support meaningful, low-impact tourism while enjoying something truly beautiful.
Final Thoughts
Zanzibar is more than just beaches and sunshine—it’s a living mosaic of cultures, histories, flavors, and adventures waiting to unfold. From swimming in coral-ringed lagoons to tracing the island’s ancient trade routes and witnessing the everyday rhythms of Swahili life, Zanzibar will reward the curious and the bold. Each village, each cove, each spice-scented breeze tells a story—one that invites you to be part of it.
So whether you’re after serenity, discovery, or adrenaline, there are countless things to do in Zanzibar that will stay with you long after your tan fades. This island doesn’t just offer a holiday—it offers a journey into something real and unforgettable.
Ready to start your adventure? HelloZanzibar.com is your trusted guide for local insights, curated experiences, and insider travel tips. Discover the best things to do in Zanzibar—and let your story begin. Karibu Zanzibar!
