Thinking of exploring beyond the beach? You’ll want a car for that. Renting a car in Zanzibar is one of the easiest ways to get around, especially if you plan to visit the flea markets in Zanzibar or smaller local spots. Taxis can get pricey, and buses don’t always run on time. With your own ride, you can stop where you want, take your time, and even store your market finds in the trunk. Plus, parking near the best markets in Zanzibar is usually not a problem. If you’re serious about seeing the real island, having a car makes it more convenient.
Zanzibar's local markets aren’t all in one place. Some are packed into the narrow alleys of Stone Town, while others are spread out in beach towns like Nungwi, Paje, or even Makunduchi. Public transport doesn’t connect these spots well, and routes are limited outside major hubs. That’s why having a car makes a big difference. With a car, you can visit more than one market in a day, take coastal routes, and avoid waiting for dala-dalas, which don’t follow fixed schedules.
Most flea markets in Zanzibar don’t have exact locations on maps, so having a car lets you go off-route and follow local tips or signs. Just make sure to have offline navigation ready. Parking is available near most market streets, though it fills up fast on weekends. Still, with your own car, you won’t need to carry everything by hand between rides. You’ll shop more freely and reach places many travelers miss.
In the center of Stone Town, Darajani Market is the busiest and oldest marketplace in Zanzibar. This market was built in 1904 and is still active every day. You’ll find fresh spices, clothes, seafood, meat, and hand tools sold in different sections. Inside, the air is full of smells. Some sweet, others strong. Loud voices echo as vendors call out prices. This is one of the best places to buy cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. You can also find secondhand clothes and electronics. Traders come from other parts of Africa to sell and buy goods here. If you go in the morning between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m., you’ll see the market at its liveliest.
You’ll hear auctioneers shouting prices while people crowd around buckets of freshly caught fish. Octopus, tuna, and changuu are some of the popular catches you’ll see here. The fish auction starts early in the morning and is one of the most exciting parts of Darajani Market.
Forodhani Gardens near the Stone Town waterfront becomes a busy food market every evening. This is one of the top flea markets in Zanzibar for trying local street food. You’ll see chefs grilling seafood, making Zanzibar pizza, pressing sugarcane juice, and serving fried cassava. The market starts before sunset, so it’s a great place to end your day after exploring the town. Try the banana-filled sweet pizzas or the spicy meat skewers while watching the ocean nearby.
One of the most popular dishes here is Urojo soup, also called Zanzibar Mix. It’s made with potatoes, bhajis, and a yellow sauce full of spices like turmeric and garlic. You’ll also hear the crunch of samosas being fried fresh, and the smell of grilled octopus fills the air. You’ll also find vendors selling juice, tea, and sometimes small crafts. Families, locals, and tourists gather here every night. After eating, you can relax in the garden or walk along Mizingani Street. Nearby hotels like Tembo House Hotel and Dhow Palace Hotel are a short walk away.
If you’re driving to Zanzibar markets in the north, stop at Nungwi Market. Located in one of the island’s most visited beach towns, this market is smaller than Darajani but worth the trip. Local vendors sell fresh seafood, handmade crafts, beachwear, fruits, and paintings. It’s close to the shore, so you can shop, eat, and then walk straight to the sea. Early mornings are the best time to visit. This is when fishermen arrive with baskets full of octopus, snapper, and tuna. You’ll hear loud bargaining, see scales being checked, and maybe even watch a fish being cleaned on the spot. It’s busy, it’s loud, and it’s very real.
Some restaurants near the market will even cook your fish for you. The Corner Restaurant is known for its wood-fired pizzas like Diavola and Napoli. It also serves steak and avocado salad in a relaxed setting with indoor and outdoor seating. Mama Africa is a local restaurant located near the beachfront, offering affordable and delicious local dishes such as fish soup with rice, Pilau Samaki or Nyama (spiced rice with fish or beef), Mchicha (local spinach), and Makande (corn dish).
On the East Coast of Zanzibar, Paje Market is a great stop if you’re exploring beach villages by car. This small local market is best visited on Sunday mornings, when more vendors set up their stalls. You can shop for handmade jewelry, colorful sarongs, fresh coconuts, tropical fruits, and local paintings. The market has a laid-back beach vibe that matches the kite surfing scene around Paje.
It’s not as crowded or loud as Darajani or Forodhani, which makes it a relaxed place to talk with vendors. Many women from the nearby coastline sell seaweed products like soaps and body scrubs. You’ll find some of them near Mwani Zanzibar, a local company that supports female seaweed farmers and promotes sustainable skincare. Their stalls are small but full of natural handmade goods that make great souvenirs.
After shopping, head to Mr. Kahawa Café, a beachfront hangout known for smoothies, pastries, and strong Swahili coffee. The vibe is friendly and relaxed, perfect for people-watching or chatting with other travelers. While the market is small, it reflects the real rhythm of village life and gives you a closer look at Zanzibar’s coastal culture.
Just a short drive from Paje, Jambiani Market is a weekly highlight. Held every Wednesday, this market is where villagers sell everything from fresh vegetables to handmade crafts. You can also find beaded jewelry, fabrics, and prepared local food. Try dishes like pilau, chapati, or ugali, served hot by small food stands. Jambiani Market feels more personal than the bigger markets. People are friendly, and many will explain how their goods are made or grown. If you’re staying at Blue Moon Resort or Casa Beach Hotel, the market is a short drive away. The best time to go is between 10:00 a.m. and noon, before it gets too hot.
In the resort-heavy area of Kiwengwa Beach, this market is less crowded but still interesting. Local vendors sell bananas, spices, carvings, beachwear, and baskets. It’s a nice stop if you’re already staying in the area. The market isn’t large. You can take your time browsing without the pressure of large crowds. Vendors are happy to chat and explain how their products are made. Many of them also sell their items at larger markets but keep a presence here to reach nearby guests. Stop for lunch at La Base JungleKite, a small restaurant nearby, or relax on the beach after shopping.
Located in a quiet village inland, Konde Market is not on every tourist’s list, but it should be. Locals mostly visit this market and it has a calm, authentic atmosphere. People come here for daily groceries, street food, textiles, snacks, and affordable clothes. There are also a few stalls that sell small electronics and home items. The roads to Konde are paved but narrow, so driving in this area requires a smaller car. No big hotels are nearby, but it’s a great stop if you’re on a road trip or heading back from Nungwi.
When shopping in the Zanzibar local markets, carry small bills in Tanzanian shillings. Credit cards are not accepted in most stalls. Bring a bag to have your items and wear comfortable shoes. Morning visits are better for fresh goods, while evening visits are better for street food. Always ask before taking photos of people or their stalls. Bargaining is expected, so don’t be shy. Vendors enjoy a friendly back-and-forth, and it’s part of the culture.
Zanzibar offers more than fridge magnets if you're looking for something to bring home. The island is famous for its handmade souvenirs, local spices, and unique crafts that reflect its mixed culture. The best place to start is in Stone Town. Here, you'll find several shops tucked between narrow alleyways, especially around Gizenga Street and Kenyatta Road. Stores like Memories of Zanzibar, Zanzibar Curio Shop, and Hurumzi Henna Art Gallery are well-known for quality goods. They sell everything from wood carvings to kangas (traditional fabrics), jewelry, and leather bags.
If you're interested in spices, several good places are beyond the crowded Darajani Market. Try the Zanzibar Organic Spice Shop or 1001 Organic Spicery, where you can find well-packaged cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, and more. These are grown in farms across the island and sold fresh or dried. Some shops also offer spice tours, where you can see how the plants are grown and used in cooking.
Zanzibar’s markets are places to experience real island life, taste new foods, and meet people from different walks of life. From the lively Darajani Market to the peaceful Konde stalls, each stop adds a layer to your travel story. Final Rentals makes it easy to visit these markets by car. You can book a vehicle online, pick it up at Zanzibar International Airport or downtown. The process is simple and reliable for first-time visitors and returning travelers.
