
Historical Stone Town Tour
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Historical Stone Town Tour worth booking?
Historical Stone Town Tour is a 3-hour experience in Zanzibar City, Tanzania, from $50 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (3)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $50 per person
This is a wonderful introduction to Zanzibar and gives you a feeling of the rich cultural heritage. One gets a comprehensive view, history and walk of the Stone Town, magnificent architecture, narrow alleys, sand and stone ancient built houses where some of them are over 200 years old and have Arab/Indian carved doors. The tour starts at the main City market which was opened in 1904, where tropical fruits, vegetables, spices and fresh fish from the island are sold. Our next stop is the Anglican Church of Christ which was built by Bishop Steers in 1873 on the site where slaves used to be auctioned. Other highlights on the historical stone town tour are visits to: • The Africa House - Formerly the English Club. • Forodhani Park - Where you can spend your evenings leisurely watching the brilliant sunset while sipping freshly squeezed sugarcane juice or enjoy charcoal barbeques and locally made dishes. • The Old Fort - Built by Arabs for defense against the Portuguese.
What you get
About this experience
This is a wonderful introduction to Zanzibar and gives you a feeling of the rich cultural heritage. One gets a comprehensive view, history and walk of the Stone Town, magnificent architecture, narrow alleys, sand and stone ancient built houses where some of them are over 200 years old and have Arab/Indian carved doors. The tour starts at the main City market which was opened in 1904, where tropical fruits, vegetables, spices and fresh fish from the island are sold. Our next stop is the Anglican Church of Christ which was built by Bishop Steers in 1873 on the site where slaves used to be auctioned. Other highlights on the historical stone town tour are visits to: • The Africa House - Formerly the English Club. • Forodhani Park - Where you can spend your evenings leisurely watching the brilliant sunset while sipping freshly squeezed sugarcane juice or enjoy charcoal barbeques and locally made dishes. • The Old Fort - Built by Arabs for defense against the Portuguese.
What's included
Included
- Pickup and drop off from your hotel
- Well experienced and professional tour guide
- All Fees and Taxes
Not included
- Lunch
- Tea and coffee
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
House of Wonders (Beit-el-Ajaib)
Known as the House of Wonders, Beit el Ajaib was built around 1883 as the ceremonial palace for the ruling sultan, Sultan Barghash. This is one of the most prominent and magnificent structures in Zanzibar and all of East Africa. It is the first building in East Africa to have electricity and an electric elevator! Beit al Ajaib can be seen from a great distance while approaching Zanzibar from the sea, and now acts as a symbol of Zanzibar’s rich history and is featured on many postcards and history books.
15 minutes here · Admission included
People's Palace Museum
The Palace Museum is a large building with castellated battlements overlooking the Indian Ocean on Mizingani Road in Stone Town. Originally called the Sultan's Palace, it was built in the late 1890s for members of the sultan's family and is the most recent of the Sultan’s palaces in Zanzibar. In 1911 it became the official residence of the Sultan of Zanzibar. After the 1964 Revolution, when Sultan Jamshid was overthrown, it was renamed the Peoples' Palace and used as government offices. In 1994 it became a museum dedicated to the history and lifestyle of the Sultans of Zanzibar.
15 minutes here · Admission included
St. Joseph's Cathedral Parish
The Roman Catholic cathedral of St. Joseph is an important historical building located in the Baghani area of Stone Town, Zanzibar. It was built by French missionaries between 1893 and 1898, and the plans were drawn by the same French architect who designed the cathedral in Marseilles, France. The defining characteristic of the cathedral are its twin spires (similar to those of Marseille’s church) which are prominent elements of the Stone Town’s skyline and can be easily spotted from a distance off the coast. Despite these prominent spires, the church itself can prove difficult to find while walking the narrow streets of Baghani.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Freddie Mercury Museum
The Freddie Mercury Museum is located in the heart of Stone Town, Zanzibar. It is located in the same house where Freddie and his family stayed until they moved to England in 1963. The Museum showcases a detailed accord of Zanzibar starting from the late 1800’s, the birth place of Farrokh Bulsara, his roots with the Zoroastrian Religion, his childhood and upbringing in Zanzibar, followed by his schooling in Panchgani, India, and then his extraordinary journey to becoming one of the greatest stars of all time. Farrokh Bulsara was born on Thursday, 5th September 1946 in Zanzibar, Stone Town to parents Bomi Bulsara and Jer Bulsara. Farrokh means; lucky and fortunate. Farrokh and his family belonged to the Zoroastrian religion, one of the world’s oldest religions.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
From Stone Town
Duration: 3 hours Pickup included
From Uroa, Matemwe & Kiwengwa
Duration: 4 hours Pickup included
From Jambiani, Paje & Michamvi
Duration: 5 hours Pickup included
From Kendwa & Nungwi
Duration: 4 hours 10 minutes Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Zanzibar Treasure Tour & Safaris
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This is a private tour and private transportation will be provided for those staying at beach hotels at an extra cost
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
1 mentionTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Physical effort
1 mentionExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Historical Stone Town Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Exceptional Service
Thank you Ally for going above and beyond to accommodate tailored excursions and being our first point of contact throughout our holiday. Ally and his team provided excellent services for multiple excursions and airport meet and greets. Everything was taken care of for a hassle free trip.
via Tripadvisor
Overpriced and not worth it
Booked through Ally who was very professional and helpful. The first shock was when he turned up for the tour and handed us over to another guide - Ally is just the front man. The guide was ok, not very informative or chatty - but tbh the stone town tour does t have much to it that’s accessible at the moment - everything (church, house of wonders etc) is under reconstruction so closed. Secondly the guide then handed us off to another guy for the slave market sub-tour section who then wanted a tip (we were straight off the plane and had no tsch as I had explained to Ally) - this was very awkward. I had hoped for more, maybe a stop for a coffee at the market or being able to actually go inside a building - this tour was $85 for 2 people - I’ve paid more for a full day tour of NYC…..I saw it advertised in tourist shops for $25 - even that is steep….but $85!! You must be joking!
via Tripadvisor
Insight into this historical town
Wear comfortable walking shoes and prepare to be intrigued with this magical town. Our guide, Mussa, was very knowledgeable about the history and provided a look into this culture that was very informative. We enjoyed a traditional lunch and felt like friends by the end of the tour.
Response from the operator: Hi Danielle Many thanks for your positive feedback, hope you enjoyed very much and we only expect you to seeing you next time I will supply your regards to Mussa as well Regards Ally
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $50 to $185
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Historical Stone Town Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Zanzibar City.
How much does Historical Stone Town Tour cost?
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Prices start at $50 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Zanzibar City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Historical Stone Town Tour take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Zanzibar City is not rushed.
Is Historical Stone Town Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Zanzibar City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Historical Stone Town Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Historical Stone Town Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Historical Stone Town Tour?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Zanzibar City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Zanzibar City and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Historical Stone Town Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Zanzibar City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Zanzibar City?
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On Outty we rank every Zanzibar City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour, Stone Town Heritage Walk with local Guide, Zanzibar Adventure Quad with Sunset and Transfer Included. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar City?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Zanzibar City?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Historical Stone Town Tour?
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Included: Pickup and drop off from your hotel; Well experienced and professional tour guide; and All Fees and Taxes. Not included: Lunch; Tea and coffee; Personal expenses; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Historical Stone Town Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 5 listed pickup locations in and around Zanzibar City. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Historical Stone Town Tour offered in?
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It is offered in German, English and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Historical Stone Town Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Historical Stone Town Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Historical Stone Town Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Historical Stone Town Tour?
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Across 3 reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
What booking options are available for Historical Stone Town Tour?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including From Stone Town, From Uroa, Matemwe & Kiwengwa, From Jambiani, Paje & Michamvi, From Kendwa & Nungwi. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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