Stone Town

Stone Town – a labyrinth of narrow alleys steeped in history

Stone Town, or Stenstaden as it is called in Swedish, is a maze of labyrinthine alleys lined with small shops and beautiful, aged Arabic houses. It is a colorful and lively city where time seems to have stood almost still – much is the same as it was a hundred years ago. In the narrow alleys, everyday life goes on just as it always has.

In one alley, children are playing soccer; in another, a few men are sitting and playing Bao with stones, while someone passes by with a cart full of lime. Here, you can wander around aimlessly for hours and just soak up the atmosphere. Stone Town is a true melting pot of cultures—a unique blend of African, European, Indian, and above all, Arab influences.

The city is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many of the buildings date back to the 19th century and are recognizable by their beautifully carved wooden doors, each of which has its own story to tell.

Islam is the dominant religion in Zanzibar, and it is important to show respect for the local culture, for example by avoiding overly revealing clothing in Stone Town. The locals are usually very friendly and curious, and conversations arise easily. It won't be long before you pick up some of the most common phrases in Swahili.

Zanzibar was once a hub for the world's spice trade, but also a central location for the East African slave trade, a dark part of history that is still evident in Stone Town. At the same time, there were strong opponents of slavery here, such as David Livingstone. The Slave Museum is well worth a visit and provides a poignant insight into this period.

The food culture in Zanzibar reflects the island's international history. Menus often feature fish and seafood dishes, and influences from Indian cuisine are evident in dishes such as chapati, samosas, pilau, and mild curry. Bananas are used extensively in local cuisine, and a classic dish often served with stews is ugali, a type of corn pudding.

During the day, Darajani Market is an exciting place to visit, selling fruit, fish, meat, spices, and much more. As evening approaches, it's perfect to settle down on one of the city's rooftop terraces, have a drink, and enjoy the sunset over the rooftops.