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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.

Very good stay experience. Our flight arrived in the morning, but they could check us in if there were rooms available. At the same time, the hotel provides reliable laundry service, which can be completed 24 hours a day. The location of the accommodation is also very good, very close to the beach and pier. The two receptionists at the accommodation are very friendly and will answer any questions patiently. The air conditioning in the room was good enough which is important in the hot summer. The sanitary conditions of the room are also very good, the bathroom and toilet are clean, and the bedding is also very clean.

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8.4
Very good
595 reviews
Price from
Rp 227,484
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.

The house itself is beautiful, everything is done up very nicely and even the beds in The “dorms” are very spacious single beds. The staff were exceptional! We arrived at 6am the morning of check in after travelling through the night, and one of the members of our group was sick. They had no problem letting us up to a room that early and did not charge us any extra. The same thing happened on the last day with a sick member who couldn’t leave the bed and again they were so accommodating and kind. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a nice spot in stone town!

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8.6
Fabulous
354 reviews
Price from
Rp 276,231
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
89 reviews
Price from
Rp 389,973
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.

Staff at extremely kind and helpful. The place was clean and quiet. The breakfast was yummy!

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7.2
Good
1,050 reviews
Price from
Rp 292,480
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.

Thanks the hostility and friendly works there

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6.5
Review score
720 reviews
Price from
Rp 357,476
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.

Staff were lovely, Beds were comfy, Great location

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7.9
Good
560 reviews
Price from
Rp 281,106
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
69 reviews
Price from
Rp 356,988
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 personnel is all in with you

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8.6
Fabulous
39 reviews
Price from
Rp 357,476
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: Rp 682,453
    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
  • 8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 595 reviews
    Great location, very clean, lovely staff, comfortable beds in dormitory!
    Hannah
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: Rp 113,742
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 560 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: Rp 1,949,867
    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
  • Avg. price/night: Rp 731,200
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 354 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: Rp 2,115,606
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,510 reviews
    Great location, clean, safe, comfortable. Contact management if you are interested in Safari. I recommend this property.
    Tatiana
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: Rp 406,222
    6.5
    Scored 6.5
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 720 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
  • 8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 595 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: Rp 2,115,606
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,510 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: Rp 477,717
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,022 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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