Stone Town is a maze of winding lanes and beautiful old buildings, and even with a map it can be a challenge to navigate. So don’t even try! Let yourself get lost and explore this wonderful city. You never know where you might end up, or what you may find. When it starts to get dark and all of the cavernous shops begin to close, I would take some time to enjoy the sunset from one of Stone Town’s many roof terrace bars or restaurants.

Take a trip to Prison Island - it’s nicer than it sounds! This island owes its name to a time when it was used for the confinement of slaves, and later as a hospital for Yellow Fever patients. If you’re staying in Stone Town it’s just a short walk down onto the beach to take the 30 minute boat trip over to the island. Nowadays, the only permanent island residents are the giant Alabra tortoises, four of which are over 150 years old. Be sure to take some time to admire these majestic creatures, have some lunch and snorkel off the island.

During the day, Forodhani Gardens is a place to relax, take in the sights and atmosphere of Stone Town, and admire the Arabic and European influenced architecture of the waterfront. As evening descends, the gardens transform into a huge open-air food market, with rows of vendors selling fresh seafood and kebabs, all cooked to order, along with roasted corn, garlic chapattis and the famous Zanzibar pizza. Eat as much as possible, but ensure your meal is accompanied by a freshly squeezed sugar cane juice. I would travel back to Zanzibar just for that!

Once home to the Sultan of Zanzibar, the Palace Museum is an imposing building in a prominent position on the waterfront. After the revolution, the Sultan left many personal belongings and royal paraphernalia behind and they are now on display. Be sure to check out the classic cars in the back garden. The guides here are fantastic and worth every shilling in order to get the full experience.

While Zanzibar was once an important trade route, it also has a dark history of slavery. To stand in front of the altar in the Anglican Cathedral, situated on the original the site of the whipping tree, and seeing where slaves were held, is a moving and poignant experience. It’s here on my list because it’s essential to understand the full history of Zanzibar and its history as a trading post. After you’ve visited, everything else seems to make sense; the British influence and naval intervention, Prison Island, the Sultan and the slaves. They are all part of one big story and it’s all summarised here.

Pay tribute and visit the childhood home of Freddie Mercury! Just a few steps from the beach in Stone Town you’ll find his childhood home. The Queen star visited Zanzibar frequently, even after hitting the big time, and would stay in this very building.

Take a day tour to the centre of Zanzibar and see what else this island has to offer. Accompanied by an expert guide, visit one of many spice plantations; they have played an integral part of the islands culture and history for thousands of years, and earned Zanzibar its nickname as ‘the Spice Island’.

Even if you went on safari prior to your arrival in Zanzibar, you will be totally missing out if you don’t take a tour in the exciting Jozani National Park. Take a walk along one of many walkways, through the lush vegetation and mangroves, and spot rare endangered Red Columbus monkeys or bush babies. In addition, you’ll also have the opportunity to spot many species of birds and butterflies.

If you want the ultimate fine white sand beaches, combined with crystal clear waters and azure blue seas, make sure you head to one of Zanzibar’s beach resorts. Take your pick of luxurious beachfront resorts, many featuring spas and Padi dive centres, and while away the end of your trip. I stayed at the Breezes Beach Club & Spa for their highly rated on-site dive centre; diving, reef walking and snorkelling were definitely highlights of my trip! This dive centre is shared with the neighbouring Baraza Resort, where I enjoyed the most incredible spa facilities.

For more inspiration, visit our Zanzibar Holidays pages.