Things to do in Zanzibar this weekend
A locals-first shortlist of what's worth your time in Zanzibar this weekend — from outdoor escapes to standout food and live music.
Top spots in Zanzibar
Nungwi Beach
OutdoorsNungwi
Northernmost tip — soft white sand, dhow sunsets, snorkel boats to Mnemba Atoll.
Prison Island & Tortoise Sanctuary
OutdoorsChanguu Island
30-minute boat with snorkel stop — meet 100-year-old giant tortoises.
Forodhani Night Market
Food & DrinkStone Town
Sundown grills along the seafront — Zanzibar pizza, octopus skewers and sugarcane juice.
Spice Farm Tour
Food & DrinkKizimbani
Half-day to a working farm — cloves, vanilla, cardamom and a Swahili lunch under a palm.
Stone Town Walking Tour
CultureStone Town
UNESCO Swahili-Arab-Indian-European port — carved doors, mosques, market alleys and Freddie Mercury's house.
Tatu Lounge
NightlifeStone Town
Rooftop cocktail bar over the seafront — Swahili-jazz nights, mojitos, sunset call to prayer.
Where to eat
6 Degrees South
$$Bistro / Bar · Stone Town
Seafront cocktail bar and grill — sundowner Dawa cocktails, sushi, harbour views.
Emerson Spice Tea House
$$$Swahili tasting menu · Stone Town
Sunset rooftop, five Swahili-influenced courses, live taarab music nightly.
Lukmaan
$Local Swahili · Stone Town
Cafeteria-style local lunch — biryani, octopus curry, fresh-pressed juices.
Tea House Restaurant (Emerson on Hurumzi)
$$$Set Swahili menu · Stone Town
Cushioned rooftop dining under the stars — barefoot, communal, Swahili wedding-feast energy.
The Rock
$$$$Seafood · Michamvi Pingwe
Restaurant on a single coral rock in the lagoon — wade or boat at high tide, lobster and views.
Live & on stage
Eid al-Fitr Celebrations
City-wide · Mar 20 · Cultural / Free
Mwaka Kogwa
Makunduchi · Jul 22–25 · Shirazi New Year
Sauti za Busara
Old Fort · Feb 13–15 · Pan-African / Free
Zanzibar International Film Festival
Old Fort · Jul 4–12 · Cinema / Music
Frequently asked
- Locals' favourites right now: Stone Town Walking Tour, Forodhani Night Market, Spice Farm Tour. The full list is curated weekly and balances outdoor, food, culture and live music picks.