Zanzibar Nightlife: A Guide to the Island's After-Dark Wonders
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Stone Town really comes alive after dark.
This UNESCO heritage city mixes Arabic, Swahili and Indian influences by day – and global vibes by night.
As the sun sets, narrow streets and rooftops buzz with live music, cocktails, and friendly locals.
From sunset cocktails to all-night dance parties, Stone Town has it all.
Get ready to explore Stone Town’s bars, lounges and clubs – 2025 style!
Stone Town’s nightlife is a melting pot of cultures and vibes.
Whether you’re in the mood for a laid-back sunset drink or a wild all-nighter, you’ll find it here.
Classic spots like Forodhani Gardens (the evening food market) offer local snacks under the stars, while sleek rooftop bars deliver panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
At the heart of it all is Stone Town’s famous hospitality – friendly bartenders, impromptu dance circles and live taarab music often pop up in unexpected corners.
Rooftop Bars & Cocktail Lounges
Looking for sky-high views and creative cocktails? Stone Town’s rooftops won’t disappoint.
6 Degrees South (236 Hurumzi St) is a perennial favorite – a breezy rooftop bar & grill with modern Afro-Continental cuisine. Locals and travelers flock here for sunset cocktails and live music.
The laid-back terrace overlooks the ocean, and the menu serves everything from flame-grilled steaks to fresh juices.
Try their signature “Dawa” (Zanzibar’s famous honey-lime cocktail) while watching dhows sail by. One recent visitor raved:
“We came in for drinks… The drinks were fabulous… They even invited us back for karaoke on the rooftop!” – Tonya, 2025.
The Sunset Bar at Africa House Hotel (Shangani St) is another must-see. Perched above the Indian Ocean, it offers “breathtaking sunset views”.
All cocktails are roughly $5, and the calm sea breeze makes it perfect for a pre-dinner drink. Locals head here early (around 5–6pm) to secure a table, then stay to watch the tangerine sky.
Don’t miss their classic coconut juice cocktail or a local seafood platter as night falls. (Don’t worry about a cover charge – it’s free to enjoy the view; drinks are $3–6.)
Other rooftop gems include The Fifth at Upendo House – a trendy new infinity-pool bar opened by the Emerson hotel group.
Its chic lounge and state-of-the-art sound system make it one of Stone Town’s hottest additions in 2024.
Weave it into your night: pre-book a sunset slot, sip craft cocktails (try the ginger-mango martini) and enjoy DJs spinning fusion beats till late.
Clubs and Live Music Venues
Ready to dance? Stone Town has a vibrant club scene too. Garage Club (Hurumzi Rd) is the epicenter of the party – a stylish underground disco that “keeps the crowd dancing until sunrise”.
Here you’ll hear house, hip-hop, reggae and Afropop spun by international DJs.
Weekend nights see a packed dancefloor (no entry fee most nights; beers ~5,000 TZS). It’s a local favorite for a reason: expect themed parties, bottle service, and a mix of tourists and Tanzanian university students.
Another popular spot is Bwawani Komba Nightclub (Salama Hall).
Located under the swimming pool of Bwawani Hotel, it hosts parties almost every night. The music and DJ are great, and the entry fee is very reasonable – roughly 5,000–10,000 TZS (about $2–4), with ladies often free.
The party typically kicks off around midnight and goes on till 3am.
They serve Safari or Kilimanjaro beer (~5,000 TZS) and simple cocktails, so it’s a fun, budget-friendly night out.
If you want live band music, check out Mercury’s Bar on the Shangani waterfront.
Named after Freddie Mercury, this open-air bar has a large terrace and often hosts live taarab or pop bands.
Drinks range $3–7, and they’re famous for pizza and seafood too. (Insider tip: stop here early evening to catch the sunset, then move on.)
Lastly, keep an ear out for pop-up DJ nights at hotels and lounges. Many boutique hotels (like Emerson on Hurumzi or Tembo) will host occasional beach parties or poolside DJ sets, especially on weekends.
Grab a Bloody Mary by the pool and join the impromptu fun – it’s all part of the Stone Town nightlife charm.
Beachside Bars & Unique Night Spots
For a change of scene, Stone Town’s Forodhani Gardens night market (Mizingani Rd) is a lively outdoor option.
Every evening from ~6pm, vendors light up grills and offer Zanzibar street food – think grilled lobster, sugarcane juice, Zanzibar pizza and spiced coffee.
It’s not a club, but sharing snacks with locals under the palms is a must-do experience. You won’t pay an entry fee (it’s a public park), but bring about 10,000 TZS per person for food/drink sampling.
Just offshore is one of Stone Town’s quirkiest hangouts: the Floating Bar (Dreamers Island).
Hop on a free 2-minute boat ride from Cape Town Fish Market pier and you’ll arrive at a wooden bar anchored over the water.
It looks like it’s floating! Guests can climb a ladder to dive off the deck or swing in a hammock.
During sunset, the atmosphere is magical – perfect for cocktails (rum punch, anyone?) and happy island tunes. Accommodations are even available on the boat if you want to extend your night into a unique sleepover.
Another hidden gem is Patamu (formerly Tatu) at the Old Dispensary.
It spans three floors: a street-level bar, a cozy pub on level 2, and a rooftop lounge on level 3. It’s often playing local taarab or R&B music, and drinks are very affordable (T-shirts 1,000 TZS, cocktails ~5,000 TZS.
They even close around midnight, so it’s perfect for a chill nightcap if you prefer a calmer end to the evening.
Tips for a Memorable Night Out
Cover fees & hours: Most bars open by 6pm and stay open until 11pm–midnight (clubs go later, often till 3am). Cover charges are generally low or non-existent – clubs like Garage or Bwawani Komba charge ~5–10k TZS (free entry for ladies on some nights), whereas rooftop lounges and restaurants typically have no entry fee.
Dress & currency: Dress is casual but neat – smart casual is common in lounges. Carry some local cash (Tanzanian shillings) – few places accept cards for small purchases. 5,000 TZS can buy a beer, ~10,000–20,000 TZS for a decent cocktail.
Stay safe: Stone Town is safe, but as with any city at night, watch your belongings and use taxis if you’re far from your accommodation. Many bars have friendly staff who can call a ride if needed.
Book ahead on weekends: Popular rooftops and dinner cruises can fill up on Friday/Saturday, so consider booking tables in advance (especially during peak season).
Sample local drinks: Don’t miss the Zanzibari Dawa (rum/honey-citrus cocktail) or Mango Lassi cocktail at India House Restaurant. For beer lovers, try Safari or Kilimanjaro lagers.
Call-ahead specials: Check Facebook pages for event nights (karaoke, ladies’ night, live bands) – many Stone Town spots publicize themed nights online.
Stone Town’s nightlife has something for everyone – whether you want to dance until dawn or sip wine under the stars.
With updated hotspots like The Fifth and Dreamers Island joining classic venues, 2025 is the year to experience Zanzibar’s capital by night.
Ready to plan your night out? Grab a waterfront table, strike up a conversation over a fresh seafood curry, and let Stone Town show you its magic after dark.
Cheers to your Zanzibar adventure!
