“Spice Island”, as Zanzibar is tastily nicknamed, attracts the masses to its beaches year-round. With so many water sports and posh resorts, it's easy to ignore that you’re visiting one of the oldest continuously-inhabited areas of the world.

Steep yourself in Zanzibari culture for a few hours. The island’s layers of history and traditions are best explored with a guided stroll through ancient Stone Town. Take a break from the beaches with a free walking tour in Zanzibar City.

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the most captivating sightseeing tours in Zanzibar City.

How do free walking tours work?

Free walking tours differ from standard walking tours in Zanzibar City in that they are offered completely free by local guides. These have become a popular way of discovering the city in recent years. While you don't pay for the tour itself, it's a courtesy to tip your guide at the end at the rate you wish.

How much should you tip?

How much you tip your guide is all dependent on how you experienced the tour and your overall level of enjoyment.

Guides for free walking tours in Zanzibar City customarily receive tips from US$10 per person to US$15 per person, depending on your satisfaction with the tour. If you feel your guide gave an exceptional tour, you can tip as high as US$50.

What are the best free walking tours in Zanzibar City?

Stone Town walking tours

Get to know ancient Zanzibar City’s oldest section with a passionate guide. Explore the historic buildings, vibrant markets, seaside parks and distinctive architecture of Stone Town. Expert guides will help you navigate the lanes while regaling you with legends and facts about your surroundings.

As one of eastern Africa’s oldest living cities, you will absorb daily life as well as years of history. Take in the city’s famed carved wooden doors and filigree-trimmed buildings. Mingle among Zanzibari as they go about their day, and get tips from your guide on other must-see spots in town.

Spice farm tours

Zanzibar’s spices are the stuff of legends. Cinnamon, cloves, turmeric and nutmeg were the catalyst for world exploration, and the island’s products and location were a magnet for foreign opportunists. No visit to Zanzibar is complete without a chance to see how these coveted products are grown.

Follow your guide along wooded paths, making stops to inspect blossoms and bark to see the origins of our favorite flavors. Spice farms typically cultivate fruits as well. Sample papayas, breadfruit, starfruit and more while watching farmers defy gravity climbing coconut trees for harvest.

Village tours

Not far from the seemingly eternal buildings of Stone Town are traditional villages. Mud-walled and leaf-roofed dwellings make a striking contrast to the hulking stone structures of Zanzibar City.

Witness life in a village that seems unchanged over time as you wander among homes, schools and community gathering places.

Which places are visited?

Old Fort

The centuries-old walls of the Old Fort in Stone Town encapsulate eons of Zanzibar’s history. The late 18th-century Arab fort surrounds Portuguese colonial buildings as well as archeological evidence of early Swahili peoples. The fort’s central location makes it an ideal meeting point for walking tours of Stone Town.

House of Wonders

Zanzibar City’s palaces flaunt the wealth of the past. Stone Town’s House of Wonders is a former palace of Zanzibar’s second sultan. The palace is the tallest and largest structure in the city and was the first building in eastern Africa to feature electricity and an elevator.

The House of Wonders now serves as a museum, but recently suffered serious damage after a collapse. You can still see it and its continuing reconstruction.

Former slave market

Located inside the walls of the Anglican Church is the city’s former slave market. Stone Town’s slave market was notoriously brutal and one of the last in the world to close. Here, you can process the harrowing stories of the people that passed through Zanzibar from the mainland and reflect on this dark period of history.

City Market

Zanzibar City’s Darajani Market has been supplying locals with fresh ingredients for over 100 years. Let your guide orient you to the maze of stalls and give you tricks for haggling. The market features more than good eats. Here you can also find souvenirs ranging from spices to textiles to handicrafts to commemorate your time in Zanzibar.

Forodhani Gardens

Stretching along the seafront in Stone Town are Forodhani Gardens, the social center of Zanzibar City. Its European-style layout paired with tropical foliage and ocean views makes an idyllic backdrop for a pause on a park bench.

In the evenings, food vendors convert the park into a street food market complete with live entertainment. Sample tantalizing local specialties that meld flavors from Europe, India, mainland Africa and the Middle East while acrobatic and musical acts enhance the moment.

What is included?

Free tours in Zanzibar City are led by expert guides with years of experience. They escort you on an information-packed excursion to the area’s highlights.

Where does it start?

Stone Town and village free walking tours start at centrally-located meeting points. Common starting locations are Forodhani Gardens, the Old Fort, Darajani Market or in front of a hotel or restaurant. Free spice farm tours start in the village of Dole.

How long does it last?

Free walking tours in Zanzibar City last from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the itinerary. Longer tours take place at a nearby spice farm or village.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Some Zanzibar city free walking tours advertise that they are wheelchair friendly. Check with your tour provider at the time of booking to make sure your needs will be met.

When is the best time for a free walking tour in Zanzibar City?

The best time for a walking tour in Zanzibar City is during the cooler months between June and October. During this dry season, you're likely to have clear skies and lower humidity, making walking around more comfortable. It's also a great time because it's outside of the heavy tourist season, meaning fewer crowds.

Should you book your tickets online?

It's highly advisable to book your free walking tour tickets online. Some tours may have limits on the number of attendees, and spots can fill up quickly. Others may also require a minimum amount of attendees. It's important for your guide to know in advance how many people may join in order to determine if the tour will continue or not.

Which other sightseeing tours can you enjoy in Zanzibar City?

Travel tips

Arriving a bit early allows you to interact with the guide and secure a good spot where you can hear the guide clearly.
The streets of Stone Town are cobbled and uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Carry a bottle of water, use sunscreen and wear a hat or use an umbrella for protection from the sun.
Ask your guide for any additional tips or insights about what to do or see during your stay in Zanzibar City.

Free Walking Tours in Zanzibar City