10 Best Things to Do in Zanzibar

Looking for what to do in Zanzibar? This breathtaking archipelago off the coast of Tanzania is famous for its white-sand beaches, turquoise water, historic Stone Town, spice plantations, vibrant coral reefs and unique blend of African, Arab, Indian and European influences. Zanzibar offers a perfect balance of relaxation and cultural depth, where centuries-old traditions meet idyllic island scenery. Whether you’re exploring ancient alleys, diving in crystal-clear water or learning about the island’s rich heritage, Zanzibar delivers an experience unlike anywhere else in East Africa.

From historic districts and lively markets to wildlife sanctuaries, pristine beaches and world-class snorkeling, here are the 10 best things to do in Zanzibar to help you plan the perfect trip.

1. Explore Stone Town

Stone Town is the cultural heart of Zanzibar — a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with history, spices, architecture and centuries of cultural exchange. Its atmospheric alleys weave past carved wooden doors, Arab-style homes, sultan-era palaces, mosques and bustling markets where you can find spices, textiles, antiques and handmade crafts. Highlights include the Old Fort, the House of Wonders, the Sultan’s Palace Museum, Forodhani Gardens and the Anglican Cathedral built on the historic slave market site. Each landmark tells a different chapter of Zanzibar’s complex past, blending African, Omani, Indian and European influences.

Walking through Stone Town is a sensory experience: the aroma of cloves and coffee fills the air, merchants call out from their shops, and the sound of prayers echoes across rooftops. The town is best explored on foot or with a local guide who can explain the stories behind its hidden courtyards, historic buildings and cultural traditions. Sunset from Forodhani Gardens or the seafront walkway adds an unforgettable end to the day.

2. Relax on Nungwi Beach

Nungwi Beach, located at the island’s northern tip, is one of Zanzibar’s most beautiful and vibrant beaches. Its powder-soft sand and calm, crystal-clear water make it ideal for swimming at any tide — a rarity on the island’s east coast. The area is known for its spectacular sunsets, lively beach bars, water sports and friendly, energetic atmosphere. Traditional wooden dhows line the shore, and fishermen can often be seen repairing nets or setting sail at dusk.

Nungwi offers excellent diving and snorkeling, with nearby reefs teeming with marine life. Boutique hotels, restaurants and cafés line the waterfront, creating a relaxed yet sociable environment. Whether you’re seeking nightlife, water activities or simply a stunning stretch of beach, Nungwi is one of Zanzibar’s top coastal destinations.

3. Visit Prison Island (Changuu Island)

Prison Island is a short boat ride from Stone Town and is best known for its population of giant Aldabra tortoises — some over 150 years old. Visitors can walk among the tortoises, feed them and learn about conservation efforts aimed at protecting the species. The island also features the remains of a 19th-century prison complex originally built to detain rebellious slaves and later used as a quarantine station for passengers arriving from abroad.

Surrounding the island are calm, turquoise waters perfect for snorkeling, with clear visibility and vibrant coral gardens. The trip offers an ideal combination of wildlife, history and coastal relaxation, making it one of the most popular half-day excursions from Stone Town.

4. Snorkel or dive at Mnemba Atoll

Mnemba Atoll is one of East Africa’s premier marine reserves, renowned for its exceptional underwater visibility, colourful coral reefs and diverse marine species. Located off Zanzibar’s northeast coast, the atoll is home to dolphins, turtles, reef sharks, schools of tropical fish and occasionally migrating humpback whales. Snorkeling and diving trips depart from Matemwe, Nungwi and other nearby beaches, offering some of the most pristine aquatic experiences in the region.

Whether you’re floating above coral gardens or exploring deeper dive sites, the clarity and richness of Mnemba’s waters make it a must-visit for ocean lovers. Many tours include a beachside lunch or dhow cruise, adding to the sense of adventure and natural beauty.

5. Take a Zanzibar spice tour

Zanzibar is famously known as the Spice Island due to its centuries-old production of cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, turmeric and cardamom. A spice farm tour offers an immersive look into this heritage, taking visitors through aromatic plantations where farmers explain cultivation techniques and demonstrate how spices are harvested, dried and used in local cuisine and medicine.

You’ll have the chance to smell, taste and touch fresh spices straight from the plant, sample tropical fruits and learn about the island’s important role in the global spice trade. Many tours also include traditional cooking demonstrations or an authentic Swahili meal to complete the experience.

6. Explore Jozani Forest

Jozani Forest is Zanzibar’s largest and most biodiverse nature reserve, best known as the home of the rare red colobus monkey — a species found nowhere else on earth. Visitors can walk along shaded forest paths and elevated boardwalks through mangrove wetlands, spotting wildlife that includes Sykes’ monkeys, bushbabies, butterflies and an array of tropical birds.

The forest offers a peaceful contrast to the island’s beaches, showcasing Zanzibar’s ecological richness. Guided tours help visitors understand the importance of conservation and the delicate balance between local communities and the surrounding wildlife habitats.

7. Walk along Paje Beach

Paje Beach is one of the most stunning beaches on Zanzibar’s southeast coast, renowned for its wide, flat shoreline, clear turquoise water and constant ocean breeze. These conditions make it one of the world’s top destinations for kitesurfing, attracting both beginners and professionals from around the globe. Colourful kites dot the sky during windy seasons, creating an energetic yet laid-back vibe along the beach.

Paje also offers beach bars, backpacker lodges, yoga studios and boutique hotels, making it a favourite among young travellers and adventure seekers. Long walks during low tide reveal endless sand flats and shallow water that glistens in the sun — perfect for photography and relaxation.

8. Visit The Rock Restaurant

The Rock Restaurant is one of Zanzibar’s most iconic dining experiences — a small seafood restaurant perched on a rock in the middle of the ocean off Michamvi Pingwe beach. At low tide, visitors can walk to the restaurant via a sandy path, while at high tide, a short boat ride is required. Its simple design, ocean views and fresh seafood dishes make it an unforgettable meal setting.

Diners enjoy panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, with waves gently lapping around the rock. Whether you’re visiting for lunch, sunset cocktails or a romantic dinner, the location itself is truly unique and remains one of the island’s most photographed attractions.

9. Explore Nakupenda Sandbank

Nakupenda — which means “I love you” in Swahili — is a pristine sandbank located just off the coast of Stone Town. Surrounded by crystal-clear water and colourful reefs, it offers an idyllic setting for swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling. The sandbank shifts slightly depending on tides, creating a dreamy, ever-changing landscape that feels like a true tropical escape.

Most tours include snorkeling stops, fresh seafood lunches prepared on the beach and plenty of time to relax in this picture-perfect environment. Its remote and untouched beauty makes Nakupenda one of the most memorable beach experiences in Zanzibar.

10. Experience Zanzibar’s food, culture & markets

Zanzibar’s cuisine is a rich fusion of African, Arab, Indian and Persian influences. Local dishes such as octopus curry, biryani, pilau rice, urojo soup and fresh-grilled seafood reflect the island’s multicultural history and abundant spice production. The famous Forodhani Night Market in Stone Town is a must-visit, offering everything from Zanzibar pizzas to sugarcane juice and seafood skewers cooked over open flames.

Market areas such as Darajani and Mkunazini showcase the island’s vibrant everyday life, with vendors selling spices, fruits, textiles, tea blends and traditional crafts. Whether you’re sampling local delicacies, shopping for spice souvenirs or learning Swahili traditions, Zanzibar’s cultural richness is felt everywhere you go.