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The best hostels in Zanzibar City

Some of the best backpacker spots in Zanzibar City

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Superb: 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.

The dorm was very clean, the bed comfortable and the room looked nice. Also the staff was very friendly and helpful. I also liked the option of having breakfast in the Shoki Shoki Guest House close by. Breakfast there was fantastic! The dorm I stayed in had two big fans and an AC. Also the location right in the old part of Stonetown was great.

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8.4
Very good
591 reviews
Price from
€ 13
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.

excellent place to stay in the heart of the city. very very clean and confortable. I highly recommend this place 😊

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8.6
Fabulous
355 reviews
Price from
€ 16
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
86 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.

Very nice people, tiny and clean rooms, very special, top location. Easy to connect with people. Definitely come back :)

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7.2
Good
1,050 reviews
Price from
€ 17
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.

Location in the center, helpfull and friendly staff, rooftop restaurant with nice views.

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6.6
Review score
725 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.

The stuff was so friendly and helpful. The room was excellent and quiet, A/C and Wifi were working perfectly and the whole place was clean. The location was great, Forodhani food market is just behind the corner. I would definitely recommend this place if you travel to Stone town and look for a budget-friendly place to stay.

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7.9
Good
558 reviews
Price from
€ 16
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 equipped with a TV. The private bathroom is fitted with a shower and slippers.

My stay at Rafiki Apartment was absolutely fantastic. From the moment I arrived, I was impressed by the cleanliness, comfort, and attention to detail in every aspect of the apartment. Firstly, the location was perfect for me. Situated in a quiet neighborhood yet still close to the bustling city center, Rafiki Apartment offered the best of both worlds. Whether I wanted to explore the local attractions or simply unwind in peace, I found everything conveniently within reach. The apartment itself exceeded my expectations. It was spacious, well-furnished, and beautifully decorated, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The bed was exceptionally comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep every night. I also appreciated the fully equipped kitchen, which allowed me to prepare meals at my convenience. What truly sets Rafiki Apartment apart, however, is the exceptional level of service provided by the staff. From the moment I made my reservation to the day of departure, the staff went above and beyond to ensure that my stay was enjoyable and hassle-free. They were always available to address any questions or concerns I had, and their warm hospitality made me feel right at home. Overall, I cannot recommend Rafiki Apartment highly enough. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, this is the perfect accommodation choice. I will definitely be returning on my next visit to the area.

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7
Good
68 reviews
Price from
€ 24
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.

Khasim the staff I interacted with was so good and always available for any help. He even took me to buy a local tea somewhere in the shops and helped with directions around the town.

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8.6
Fabulous
38 reviews
Price from
€ 20
per night

Looking for a hostel?

Budget travellers know that there is 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 bit more.
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Most booked hostels in Zanzibar City this month

Hostels that guests love in Zanzibar City

  • Avg. price/night: € 38.62
    7.2
    Scored 7.2
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,050 reviews
    It’s very traditional, great location, it’s cheap, great vibe, staff is nice
    Kristina
    People with friends
  • Avg. price/night: € 41.38
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 591 reviews
    Great location, very clean, lovely staff, comfortable beds in dormitory!
    Hannah
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: € 31.26
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 558 reviews
    Amazing location. Stayed in the women's dorm. Felt more like a summer camp bunk than a hostel. Was very clean and wifi worked. Felt safe the entire time I was here. If you're a budget travel it is one of the better hostels I have been to.
    Elizabeth
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: € 110.33
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 638 reviews
    Everyone was super friendly and ready to help! As soon as I booked I was contacted by an employee to ask if he could assist with anything. Immediately we arranged for a cheap airport pickup (20€) and a dinner that was awaiting us when we arrived since the kitchen closed before our arrival time. We had the rooftop terrace to ourselves! A great way to begin our Zanzibar adventure. Great location too. Close to beach and winding roads with shops!
    Christina
    Young couple
  • 8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 355 reviews
    Great location inside the medina. Super friendly owner who was always very helpful and full of advice. The fact that the dorms aren't bunk beds is a nice change as well!
    Jonny Sweet
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: € 78.78
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,506 reviews
    Great location, clean, safe, comfortable. Contact management if you are interested in Safari. I recommend this property.
    Tatiana
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: € 22.99
    6.6
    Scored 6.6
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 725 reviews
    Great location. Nice roof terrace (if you can be bothered to climb 7 flights of stairs). Cheap drinking water. Friendly, helpful staff. Comfy bed with mosquito nets. Felt safe at night. Quiet location.
    Laura
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: € 41.38
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 591 reviews
    As every youth hostel, it is quite cheap, so in this matter, it is as expected. The hostel is quite small, the bathroom is clean, the beds are made every day and you are given a clean towel at your arrival.
    Nolwenn
    People with friends
  • Avg. price/night: € 78.78
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,506 reviews
    The location is strategic in the old Stone town. A stone's throw from the enchanting alleys, near the mercury house, the old fort and the night market. In truth, only the location can explain the price of this place which is above all a dormitory youth hostel
    rootsartz
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: € 30.89
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,013 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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