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The 10 Best Hostels in Zanzibar City, Tanzania

Some of the best backpacker spots in Zanzibar City

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Review Score

Wonderful: 9+ Very Good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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Situated in Zanzibar City and within 400 metres of Stone Town Beach, Shoki Shoki Hostel has a shared lounge, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi. The property is around 800 metres from Old Dispensary, 200 metres from St Joseph's Roman Catholic Cathedral and 100 metres from Old Fort of Zanzibar. The accommodation features a shared kitchen and a tour desk for guests.

- nice and clean rooms - very good location - in the center but not loud - good wifi - enough toilets and showers for everyone

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8.4
Very Good
589 reviews
Price from
$15
per night

Situated in Zanzibar City, 300 metres from Stone Town Beach, Stone Town House features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and concierge services. Popular points of interest nearby include Sultan's Palace, Zanzibar, Hamamni Persian Baths and Old Dispensary. The property is non-smoking and is set 800 metres from Peace Memorial Museum.

At the hostel the rooms have bed linen and towels.

Very good location and most friendly and welcoming staff

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8.6
Excellent
356 reviews
Price from
$15
per night

Sanaa Hostel is located on the beachfront in Zanzibar City, 400 metres from Stone Town Beach and 500 metres from Peace Memorial Museum. This property is set a short distance from attractions such as House of Wonders, Sultan's Palace, Zanzibar, and Old Dispensary. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen, a shared lounge and currency exchange for guests.

Really nice host. Good, healthy breakfast with vegetables, fresh juice and cardamon coffee. Clean bathroom and AC.

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8.1
Very Good
85 reviews
Price from
$23
per night

Located in Zanzibar City, zLife Stone Town features a garden, shared lounge, terrace, and free WiFi throughout the property. The property is close to Old Fort of Zanzibar, House of Wonders and Sultan's Palace, Zanzibar. Certain units at the property include a balcony with a city view.

The area is popular for cycling, and car hire is available at the hostel.

Patricia did an excellent job cooking and replenishing the breakfast items for the hungry guests.

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7.2
Good
1,051 reviews
Price from
$16
per night

Featuring a shared lounge, terrace and views of city, Bottoms Up is located in Zanzibar City, 200 metres from Stone Town Beach. Popular points of interest nearby include Cinema Afrique, Hamamni Persian Baths and St Joseph's Roman Catholic Cathedral. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a shared kitchen and free WiFi.

At the hostel, the rooms come with a desk. At Bottoms Up each room is fitted with bed linen and towels.

Great location and value for money but lots of stairs. Amazing view from the rooftop. Helpful staff.

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6.6
Review score
730 reviews
Price from
$20
per night

Lost & Found Zanzibar features free WiFi and rooms with air conditioning in Zanzibar City. Popular points of interest nearby include Peace Memorial Museum, The Zanzibar Curio shop and St Joseph's Roman Catholic Cathedral. House of Wonders is less than 1 km away.

All rooms at the hostel are fitted with a seating area.

Lovely stay 😊, Very good breakfast

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7.9
Good
556 reviews
Price from
$6.30
per night

Situated in Zanzibar City, 500 metres from Stone Town Beach, Rafiki Apartment offers air-conditioned accommodation and a shared lounge. Boasting room service, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a shared kitchen and free WiFi throughout the property.

All rooms in the hostel are fitted with a TV. Rooms are equipped with a private bathroom with a shower and slippers.

air conditioner, fan, clean beds, hot water, relevant staff, good location.. performance is way above the price

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7
Good
67 reviews
Price from
$23.97
per night

Set within 600 metres of Stone Town Beach and 600 metres of Peace Memorial Museum, Serene Abodes provides rooms with air conditioning and a shared bathroom in Stone Town. This property is located a short distance from attractions such as St Joseph's Roman Catholic Cathedral, Old Fort of Zanzibar, and House of Wonders. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, a shared lounge and free WiFi.

Popular points of interest near the hostel include Hamamni Persian Baths, Cinema Afrique and Old Dispensary. The nearest airport is Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, 7 km from Serene Abodes.

The host is very nice and make breakfast every morning. It is clean, the airconditioning is perfect, location perfect. Enough space and places to put your stuff in the room.

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8.5
Very Good
37 reviews
Price from
$20
per night

Looking for a hostel?

Budget travelers know there's no better way to make the most of their trip than by staying at a hostel: Save money for exploring during the day, and swap stories with fellow backpackers in the shared kitchen or bar in the evening. Dorm-style bedrooms with shared bathrooms are standard hostel fare, but private rooms are also available for those willing to pay a little more.
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Hostels that guests love in Zanzibar City

  • Avg. price/night: $45
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 589 reviews
    Probably best hostel in Stone town, everything well repaired and great staff.
    Olafs
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $112
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 4,691 reviews
    Great location! All the staff were so welcoming and friendly. A special mention to Salim Richard who served us a dinner. He was so kind and up for a chat. Made us feel so welcome. Our room was nice. We stayed in building across from main building but felt it was very private and we always had the pool to ourselves. Easy and safe to walk to main building for food or any needs.
    Jess
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: $45
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 589 reviews
    It was ok. Most importantly clean ! ☺️ So recommended from me! Ok budget hostel.
    Mustafa
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $74.88
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,142 reviews
    It’s a great budget hotel. Great location, clean, and did the job if you’re just looking for a place to sleep and get around in stone town. My favorite part was the breakfast, good food and an excellent view at the top.
    Yophtahe
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: $34.20
    7.2
    Scored 7.2
    Good
    Rated good
     · 38 reviews
    Amazing staff, comfortable bed and pillows, hot water with good pressure, safe building. This place is in a great location close to everything. Highly recommend.
    Gabriella
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: $14.45
    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 722 reviews
    It is 100% value for money if you want a cheap stay at a very convenient location. Beds were comfortable. The breakfast was really nice and the ladies cooking it were very friendly!
    ELENI
    Travelers with friends
  • Avg. price/night: $25.50
    6.9
    Scored 6.9
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 68 reviews
    The location was great to see stone town. The rooms was what you expect from a budget hostel. The host was nice. There were mosquito nets on each bed and a small kitchen. I also washed my clothes for free.
    Luciana
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $21
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,011 reviews
    Charming hostel in the historical center of Stone Town. Cheap and good value for money.
    Michal
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: $45
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 589 reviews
    Cheap, great location
    Jan
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $21
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,011 reviews
    The hostel is a great location and the staff were keen to help with suggestions of where to go. It's very useful to have the cooking facilities also, as we are travelling on a budget! The balcony is a great place to sit.
    Lucy
    Young couple

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