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You know that screensaver that everyone has seen with the white sand beach and clearest water you've ever seen. That is Zanzibar. Even the name sounds dreamy. This island off the coast of Tanzania is one of those places that feels like a postcard brought to life. But it’s more than just beaches, it’s history, culture, food, and a vibe all its own.

We visited Zanzibar as our last stop on our East Africa 13-day Babymoon, and we had a blast! We didn't go to explore the island as slowly as we'd like, but we hit a lot of highlights that we wanted to pass along plus a few that we've added to our list for our return.

Whether you’re here for honeymoon vibes, a post-safari wind down, or a family getaway with serious bucket list energy, here are the must-do’s on Zanzibar that make this island totally unforgettable:

1. Do Nothing on the Beach (Seriously)

Let’s be honest... you didn’t come all this way to not sit under a palm tree. The beaches in Zanzibar are next level, especially in places like Nungwi and Kendwa, where the tides don’t pull the ocean out for miles (yes, that’s a thing here). Powdery sand, crystal-clear water, and sunsets that’ll ruin you for life.

2. Set Sail on a Dhow Cruise

A traditional wooden dhow boat at sunset? Yes please. This was one of our favorite evenings on the island! There’s something magical about sailing along the Indian Ocean as the sky turns pink and the crew plays Swahili music while serving fresh seafood. Bonus points for spotting animals in the water!

3. Eat Your Way Through Stone Town

Zanzibar’s capital is chaotic and charming in equal measure. Wander the narrow alleys, admire carved wooden doors, shop for spices, and EAT EVERYTHING. Don’t miss:

Zanzibar pizza at Forodhani Night Market
Fresh seafood curry
Sugarcane juice with a squeeze of lime
And yes, you need to try the spiced coffee

Stone Town is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so take time to learn its layered (and complex) history, including the sobering legacy of the slave trade.

4. Visit a Spice Farm

This is one of the must do's we didn't get to experience last time, and we're adding to the top of our list for our return. We drove by multiple on our short trek from the West to East Coast of the island.

Zanzibar is nicknamed the Spice Island for a reason. Head inland for a guided tour of a spice farm where you can smell, touch, and taste everything from cloves and vanilla to nutmeg, turmeric, and cinnamon. It’s educational, sensory, and surprisingly fun!

5. Hang with Giant Tortoises on Prison Island

A quick boat ride from Stone Town gets you to Changuu Island, also known as Prison Island. Originally intended as a prison (but never really used that way), it’s now famous for its giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 150 years old. There’s also a nice beach and some snorkeling if you want to make a half-day of it.

6. Snorkel or Dive in Mnemba Atoll

If you love the ocean even a little, this one’s a must. The marine life around Mnemba Island is incredible. Think dolphins, tropical fish, sea turtles, and technicolor coral reefs. Even just snorkeling here feels like you’re inside a nature documentary. We weren't able to venture too far outside of Stone Town during our trip, so this is another top must-do for our return!

7. Dine at The Rock... Literally

One of Zanzibar’s most iconic dining experiences happens at The Rock Restaurant, perched on a small coral island just off the shore near Michamvi. It’s literally in the ocean — reachable by foot during low tide or by boat when the tide’s high.

The views are unreal, the seafood is fresh off the boat, and the vibe is unforgettable. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just soaking it all in, a meal here feels like a once-in-a-lifetime treat. Don’t miss the grilled lobster or the seafood curry paired with stunning ocean panoramas.

8. Visit the Zanzibar Slave Market Memorial

To truly understand Zanzibar’s history, a visit to the former Slave Market site in Stone Town is essential. This sobering place is now a memorial and museum honoring the thousands of enslaved Africans who passed through here.

Walking through the old chambers and hearing the stories gives deep insight into the island’s complex past and the resilience of its people. It’s a powerful, reflective stop that adds meaningful depth to your trip.

9. Embrace the Slow Pace

This isn’t a checklist destination, it’s a vibe. You’ll quickly learn the Swahili phrase “pole pole” (slowly, slowly), and you’ll start living by it. Because in Zanzibar, the best moments are unplanned:

a lazy afternoon nap in a hammock
watching the locals jump off the seawalls at Forodhani Gardens
marveling at the beautiful doors around Stone Town
mangoes so fresh you swear they were grown by angels

Zanzibar is more than just a beach escape, it’s a full-on sensory experience. The call to prayer echoing through Stone Town. The feel of warm spice-laced air. The taste of grilled octopus under the stars. It’s culture, calm, and color all in one.

If it’s not on your list yet, it should be.

Need help planning the perfect trip to Zanzibar, or tacking it on after a safari in Tanzania or Kenya? I’ve got you.

From Stone Town to Sunset Sails: Must-Do’s in Zanzibar