Zanzibar, Tanzania — Things to Do
Shopping in Zanzibar
Shopping in Zanzibar is a varied, cheap and cultural experience. The best shopping is available in Stone Town, where local goods and items imported from other African nations, as well as India, Arabia and the Far East, are good value provided you bargain. Most Zanzibar shops are open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 12pm, and then from 2pm to 6pm.
There are a number of shops on Gizenga Street and Kenyatta road that sell quality local artifacts, clothing, jewelry, massage oils and spices - everything Zanzibar! Here visitors can find colorful kangasor kikoys(sarongs), a great souvenir. Wooden chests and tinga tinga paintings are also sought after Zanzibar souvenirs. Look out for street-side stalls with Masaai women sell curios, jewelry and batik fabrics.
The silver shops on Gizenga, as well as in Sokomohogo Square, trade in antique or handcrafted silverware and jewelry, while gold is offered in stores on Tharia Street. One Way on Kenyatta Road sells a vast selection of 100% cotton leisure wear, and on Darajani Street visitors can buy almost anything, including fresh produce from the Central Market.
Zanzibar Nightlife
Zanzibar is strongly influenced by Muslim culture and therefore has a fairly subdued nightlife. There are however a couple of places, especially in Stone Town, where visitors can go to enjoy a holiday sundowner, and even a bit of dancing! Blues, at the Forodhani waterfront, and Pichy's Pizzeria and Bar are good for drinks with an ocean view, while the roof-top bar at Africa House and the Serena Inn's Msasani Bar are also quite popular. Serena Inn puts on a great 'Swahili Night', with Taarab music and an African buffet, and the Old Fort is also good for local music performances. Trendy late-night venues include the Starehe and Garage clubs on Shangani Street, and the Bwawani Hotel's Komba Disco.
