Things To Do Zanzibar Island Old Slave Market

The slave market in Stone Town was quite shocking to see. Stepping down into a damp basement, the first thing you notice are heavy chains attached to the supporting pillars. This is where all the slaves were kept in numbers that far surpassed the capacity of the room. The Anglican Church was built on this site.

Things To Do Zanzibar Island

There are a lot of things to do and see in Stone Town and they're all within walking distance of the Warere Hotel, where I stayed. I loved the hotel because all the staff were super friendly.  As I mentioned regarding the Palace Hotel in Cairo, where you stay can sometimes make or break your vacation.

Across the street from the House of Wonders is Forodhani Gardens, where you can taste the various food, made on the spot. A barbeque! And it's all fresh.

The Old Fort is one of the premier attractions to Stone Town.  It was built in the 17th century by the Omanis to protect the island from the Portguese.
It's beautiful and inside there are arts and crafts available along with an art museum. 

Inside the Old Fort

Zanzibar Island

Stone Town, a city of major historical and cultural importance, was the main exporting hub in the 19th century for slaves and spices headed to the Middle East and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.   Stone Town is predominantly Muslim, with over 50 mosques, but there are also two cathedrals and a couple of Hindu temples.  There are over 1,000 coral 'stone' buildings and more than 200 carved doors.  The streets are narrow, linking homes, shops, workshops and schools.  Most people sit outside in the hot afternoons playing board games and drinking coffee.  There is a wide variety of food at every imaginable type of restaurant, but the night market at Forodhani Gardens offers an opportunity to sample simple, affordable food that's prepared as you wait.

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The alleyways of Stone Town, Zanzibar