Stone Town is the old city and cultural centre of Zanzibar Town, the capital of Zanzibar Island. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, Stone Town is one of the best-preserved examples of a Swahili trading city in East Africa — a living, breathing fusion of African, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European cultures. The town’s characteristic narrow alleyways, carved wooden doors, crumbling coral stone mansions, and bustling fish markets have remained largely unchanged since the 19th century. Key sights include the House of Wonders, the Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe), the Old Slave Market and Anglican Cathedral, Forodhani Gardens waterfront night market, and the birthplace of Freddie Mercury. Stone Town is the natural starting point for any Zanzibar visit, typically combined with a 2-3 night beach stay on the north or east coast.