Forodhani Gardens Night Market
Bustani ya Forodhani
A seaside garden in Stone Town that turns into an open-air food market every evening. Zanzibar pizza, seafood grills, and sugarcane juice are served while the Indian Ocean sunset unfolds.
Forodhani Gardens sit on the western waterfront of Stone Town, directly in front of the Old Fort and the House of Wonders. During the day, locals cool off here, and children dive off the seawall. From about 6 p.m., dozens of food stalls set up, making it the island's most famous night market. Must-tries include Zanzibar pizza (actually a pancake filled with minced meat, vegetables, egg, and cheese, with a sweet banana-chocolate version also available, about TZS 5,000 to 8,000), grilled lobster, octopus, tuna and prawn skewers (priced per skewer or by weight, so always ask the price before ordering), coconut rice, Urojo (Zanzibari soup), and fresh sugarcane juice pressed with ginger and lemon. Arrive about half an hour before sunset to watch the sun go down and the sailboats drift by, then explore the market. Note that the seafood is not always fresh that day, so choose stalls with bright, iced seafood, and those with a sensitive stomach should opt for food that is cooked fresh on the grill. Some vendors inflate prices, so check the price boards. Keep an eye on your belongings when it is crowded.
Opening hours
Nightly approx. 18:00–23:00
Nearby sights
- Old Fort of Zanzibar
- House of Wonders
- Palace Museum (Beit al-Sahel)
- St. Joseph's Cathedral
- Freddie Mercury Museum
- Hamamni Persian Baths
- Christ Church Cathedral & Old Slave Market
- Darajani Market