Zanzibar on a budget
Updated ago
2
Share
Stone Town
Immerse yourself in the small streets of Sansibar's old town with its rich cultural heritage by taking a guided walking tour or getting lost yourself before heading to the beaches on the east coast.Â
Accommodations
STONE TOWN HOUSE
@tatjanam
Super cute accommodation in the traditional style of the old town. Offers both private and shared rooms. The owner is a gem and will help with any question.
Add to
Details
Restaurants/ Cafés
Lukmaan Restaurant
@tatjanam
A must! Popular with tourists and locals alike, it offers a wide range of traditional dishes. They show you everything to choose from and explain all the dishes to you. Great introduction to Swahili cuisine. Curries and smoothies are a must! The prices for seafood are also very good.
Add to
Details
Secret Garden
@tatjanam
If you want to treat yourself to a slightly more expensive meal, this is the place for you. Located in an outdoor courtyard with an open roof and plants everywhere, it is a very romantic restaurant. There is often live music there (you have to pay an entrance fee), which is also worth it. The skewers are particularly recommended.
Add to
Details
Zanzibar Coffee House
@tatjanam
With wonderful views over the city and a glimpse of the different architectural styles, this is the right place to enjoy breakfast or just a coffee. There are also tables at the bottom, but make sure you climb the tower to the top.
Add to
Details
Harbour Indian Kitchen by Chili & Lime
@tatjanam
Cute, little restaurant hidden between all the shops, with delicious Indian food! Try the Dosas and Dahi Puri!
Add to
Details
Cafe Africa Shops
@tatjanam
Perfect stopover after souvenir shopping. They have good coffee that you can drink by the window while people watch on the street. They are also part of a charity organization. So be sure to check out the goods they sell.
Add to
Details
Karafuu Coffee House
@tatjanam
You want to enjoy a delicious cake and coffee, want a place to relax with a book or need to work from somewhere...? Look no further, this is the perfect stylish place for it.
Add to
Details
Travellers Cafe
@tatjanam
Get here before sunset! Looking out over the beach and ocean with a drink in hand while the locals swim and play football - this is the perfect place to end the day and start the night!
Add to
Details
What to do
Stone town market
@tatjanam
Just get lost at the market, buy your spices here or try different snacks or foreign fruits. It can get a bit hectic but people are friendly. Prices should be negotiated.
Also many free walking tours start from here. Check them out on Guruwalk.com.
Add to
Details
Zanzibar Street Food Market
@tatjanam
There is a food market every evening on the promenade, near the ferry pier. You can find very tasty things here, but be sure to ask about the prices beforehand (especially for grilled meat and seafood, otherwise you might get scammed). Things to try: the Swahili pizza (it's a stuffed thin dough so please don't expect anything Italian), the Urojo (a soup, personalised to your liking) and the sugarcane juice with lime.
Add to
Details
Good to know
Zanzibar Ferry Terminal
@tatjanam
Coming to Zanzibar from the mainland, this is your first stop. Most places in Stone Town are within walking distance. If you would like to use transport for your luggage, take the short distances into account when negotiating the price.
Add to
Details
Changu Island
@tatjanam
Don't go here! People will try to sell it to you everywhere, but in my opinion it's not worth it. The old prison building is interesting, but there is no information about it anywhere. The turtles also live in very small spaces, and the cage for the babies in particular is cruel. The swimming option they offer with the tour is next to all the boats and not particularly nice.
Add to
Details
NAKUPENDA BEACH
@tatjanam
If you want to take a boat trip, this is a nice opportunity. Don't be fooled because it will be crowded with other people and very touristy. If you don't mind that and are looking for the perfect white sand, crystal clear water and insane seafood, this tour is for you.
Add to
Details
Paje
With its many restaurants, cafes and bars, there is always something going on in Paje. Combined with its stunning white beaches and crystal clear waters, it is the perfect place for enjoying yourself.Â
Accommodations
B4 Beach Club
@tatjanam
Nice beach club with a good, quieter location a little further down the beach towards Jambiani. Perfect for relaxing and just enjoying the sun, but also for music and maybe even dancing. They also have an attached kitesurfing school and also offer rooms, for a very fair price in comparison to other hotels. If you're looking for an all-in-one option and/or prefer it more relaxed, go for this one!
Add to
Details
Ebb & Flow Apartments
@tatjanam
A good option if you want to stay in Paje. The rooms are nicely decorated, but everything is quite small and there is no view. I would definitely recommend the rooms on the upper floor, otherwise you are right next to the pool. If you want better value for money I would recommend staying in Jambiani instead.
Add to
Details
Restaurants/ Cafes
Mr. Kahawa Café, Restaurant & Accommodation
@tatjanam
Love this place for great and healthy food, wide variety of menu options, great coffee and delicious smoothies. Perfectly located on the beach.
They also have great rooms, although definitely more expensive.
Add to
Details
Bento - Paje food court
@tatjanam
If you can't decide what to eat in a group or want to take advantage of all the options, this is for you. A cute food court with delicious offers and beautiful sitting area.
Add to
Details
Mapacha Food Court
@tatjanam
Right next to the roundabout, this food court is perfectly located and offers dishes of all styles.
Add to
Details
HANOI HOUSE CAFE
@tatjanam
If you're tired of Swahili cuisine and craving something fresh with lots of spices, you've come to the right place. Authentic, delicious Vietnamese food at its best. Try their special coffee too!
Add to
Details
Corina pastry shop
@tatjanam
You can't go wrong here! The pastries and cakes are fantastic and all handmade, the savory options are equally delicious and a perfect treat, and even if you don't want to eat straight away you can take everything to go. Italian food culture in Zanzibar.
Add to
Details
What to do
Aquaholics Kite & Surf Center
@tatjanam
A chain of different locations around the island (there's also one in Jambiani) offering kitesurfing and surfing. They have a nice atmosphere and comparable prices. If the wind or waves are good, it's definitely a must!
Add to
Details
Mwezi Boutique Resort
@tatjanam
Definitely not your budget option, but if you can find a deal and are a larger group it may still be worth it.
However, it is recommended mainly because day visitors (like many other places when eating and drinking there) have the opportunity to hang out by the pool or on the beautiful beach. So if you want to treat yourself, you've come to the right place.
Add to
Details
Good to know
Paje Spice Shop
@tatjanam
You cannot leave Zanzibar without buying spices for yourself and/or your loved ones. You can do your shopping here. Very fair prices!
In the evening there is also a BBQ street food station on the street in front that you shouldn't miss.
Add to
Details
Jambiani
This smaller and more relaxed village south of Paje is paradise on earth. With the craziest beaches and a less touristy atmosphere, it doesn't get any better than this.
Accommodations
New Teddy's on the Beach
@tatjanam
My favorite place on the whole island. Teddy's does everything right. The staff is super friendly and helpful, the food is fantastic and there are daily specials, the drinks are delicious, the pool and lounge area are very thoughtfully designed, the beach right in front is stunning and there are both shared and private accommodation available for every budget...go here!
They also allow day visitors.
Add to
Details
Villa Juliana
@tatjanam
If you're looking for a more secluded, private option or want to spend a few romantic days, Villa Juliana offers good value for money and a beautiful beachfront location.
Add to
Details
Restaurants/ Cafés
Chez Hassan
@tatjanam
It doesn't look like much, but I ate some of the best traditional food on the island here!
Add to
Details
Yellow Card Cafe
@tatjanam
Make sure to stick to the Swahili cuisine here, but then you will be delighted. Very authentic, delicious food!
Add to
Details
Gerezani
@tatjanam
A must for great seafood (try the rock lobster for example)! But even if you are graving something else, everything is very good here. Have a cocktail with your meal.
Add to
Details
German Bakery
@tatjanam
If you want to add a little variety to your food, this German bakery offers traditional German and Austrian dishes as well as baked goods that are very good.
It is also possible to rent e-scooters at a fair price here.
Add to
Details
What to do
ZANZIKITE - Kite school Jambiani | Kitesurfing Jambiani | Kite rental Jambiani
@tatjanam
A small kite school owned by an Italian with local teachers. The prices are comparable and the spot for surfing in front of the school is just perfect. So much fun when the wind cooperates - even if you just want to try it out.
Add to
Details
Panyopa Restaurant & Apartments
@tatjanam
Another kitesurfing school with friendly and knowledgeable instructors. The school is right next to the restaurant.
Add to
Details
Ocean Wonder Dive Center
@tatjanam
This diving school, owned by a German diving instructor, is well organized, has good equipment and feels safe. The dive sites are so beautiful and numerous, with many intact coral ecosystems and marine life. The diving site “Woo South” is my recommendation. With a bit of luck you can even see small sharks.
Add to
Details
Worth a trip
MAALUM
@tatjanam
A beautiful, crystal clear freshwater hole. A wonderful natural setting for a refreshing swim. You have to reserve and pay in advance, but this ensures that there are only a few people inside at a time, making it relaxed and peaceful.
Add to
Details
Mtende Beach
@tatjanam
In the very south, this beach is a must. It's so beautiful and just perfect. It changes greatly with the tides, so be sure to check beforehand. My recommendation would be to go at low tide to have a big, wide beach to walk and take photos on. At high tide it is better for swimming, but then the beach completely disappears. Rent a scooter or car to go here. There are also organized tours that can take you.
Add to
Details
Usumba Rock Restaurant
@tatjanam
If you are heading to Mtende Beach, stop here for a drink and enjoy the views of this magical place.
Add to
Details
Great Baobab
@tatjanam
As you drive towards Mtende Beach you will pass this large, impressive baobab tree that is hundreds of years old. It's definitely worth taking a look, paying for it and climbing the tree not so much though.
Add to
Details
Spice & Stone Town Tour
@tatjanam
You can't come to Zanzibar without taking a spice tour. This is a wonderful place for that. You will learn everything about the different spices and fruits. You can also try some of them and you will be surprised how some of them look and grow before you can get them in a store. However, buying spices there is expensive. Better buy them from the market in Stone Town or in local stores.
Add to
Details
Jozani Forest
@tatjanam
After a relaxing time on the beaches, come here to enjoy a walk through nature and greenery. The mangrove forest is really like a jungle. You can also find different types of monkeys.
Add to
Details
* * *
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tatjana M.
Available for hire
Ever since I was little, I have had a passion for travel and been curious to see the world. Originally from Germany, I have lived abroad, traveled to five continents and over 50 countries. My last trip has been to eight south and east african countries were I spent six months backpacking. I have a passion for adventure, food and nature, experiencing new cultures and meeting people.
I not only have the experience but also the talent to plan trips and adapt them as best as possible to the wishes of the person traveling. No matter whether you have questions about the best route and time management, uncertainties about traveling by public transport or traveling alone as a woman, what you need for a backpacking trip... I'm happy to support you with your planning. And if I don't know something myself, I'll help you research it.
I am happy to answer inquiries about the following countries I have recently been to or lived in: Germany, Greece, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia... and beyond.
Explore related destinations
Read more about places in this guide
Powered by Thatch
The home for unique & authentic travel
The home for unique & authentic travel
Powered by Thatch: Where great trips are made.
© Tatjana M. 2025 • Help • Privacy • Terms • Copyright • Become a Seller • Seller Academy • About • Careers • Blog • Explore Places
Ask ThatchGPT
Ask ThatchGPT
Suggest a local expert to plan my trip
Suggest an unique itinerary for my Paje, Tansania trip
What foods do Paje, Tansania locals eat
What are some true hidden gems in Paje, Tansania
Help me brainstorm trip ideas for Paje, Tansania
Help me plan a family-friendly trip to Paje, Tansania