Zanzibar

Stone Town is an interesting mixture of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European heritage, a testament to the different cultures that either occupied or traded with the island. Stone Town is now a UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  One day is enough to visit Stone Town, and here are a few things you shouldn’t miss:

• Get lost in the narrow streets in the heart of Stone Town. Admire the variety of architecture, look up at the intricate balconies, check out the elaborately carved doors with their heavy brass studs (the doors with a round top are of Indian style, while the Omani style ones have a rectangular top)

• Visit the Anglican Cathedral and the old slave market and museum. Zanzibar has long been a center of the slave trade and the museum gives you good insights about it, as well as the overall history of the island.

• Check out the Freddie Mercury museum. The Queens’ leader grew up in Zanzibar before moving to the UK. The museum is small but well documented and will take you from Freddy’s youth to the peak of his fame in under 15 min!

• Visit the Old Fort. Built by the Omanis to defend the island, there is nothing much left of the Fort but it is an easy stop while exploring the heart of Stone Town.

• Stop by Darajani market, a very local market filled with vendors selling fruits, vegetables, meat, fish spices, etc, and some souvenirs.

• Try Lukmaan restaurant for delicious and affordable Zanzibari cuisine.