Flanked by the sea on two sides, Zanzibar’s capital, Stone Town is exotic, exciting and steeped in history. It is characterised by bustling bazaars, the exotic scent of spices, winding alleyways, and intricately carved wooden doors with brass studs and heavy locks doors which are overhung by intricate Arabic balconies. Much of Stone Town was built in the 19th Century and remains a living monument to the culture and histories of its curious mix of East African, Arab, Indian, Persian and European conquerors, traders and seafarers.
There is much to see and do in Stone Town, with ancient forts, cathedrals and museums to explore, tiny bazaars to browse and superb Zanzibari restaurants to sample. As the sun sets street vendors light fires and braziers on which they grill squid, octopus and lobster and heavily laden dhows sail in and out of port.