Forodhani Gardens
Zanzibar's iconic night market, a vibrant culinary and cultural hub by the sea, offering delicious local food and lively atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Transforms into a lively food market
Forodhani Gardens
Best Time
Transforms into a lively food market
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Zanzibar's iconic night market, a vibrant culinary and cultural hub by the sea, offering delicious local food and lively atmosphere.
"A vibrant food market with amazing local food and a great social experience."
Taste the Zanzibar Pizza
A must-try! It's a unique savory crepe filled with meat and egg. Delicious and affordable! :pizza:
Try Fresh Juices
Epic taste! From sugarcane to exotic fruits, these juices are incredibly refreshing. :tropical_drink:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Night Food Market
A vibrant evening spectacle of local flavors. Taste grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizza, and fresh juices.
Seafront Promenade
Enjoy refreshing sea breezes and sunset views along the historic waterfront. A perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.

Local Delicacies
Savor iconic dishes like Urojo mix and Shawarma. Don't miss the legendary Zanzibar Pizza!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Evening Foodie Paradise
Daytime Strolls & Excursions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Vibrant streets in zanzibar at night
Taste the Zanzibar Pizza
A must-try! It's a unique savory crepe filled with meat and egg. Delicious and affordable! :pizza:
Try Fresh Juices
Epic taste! From sugarcane to exotic fruits, these juices are incredibly refreshing. :tropical_drink:
Which food is safe to eat?
Looking for reasurtants , cafe and things to do in Zanzibar.
Organize Excursions Here
Beach boys offer good deals on island tours. Compare prices and book your adventures. :ferry:
Walk from Ferry Terminal
Just a 5-10 minute walk from the Kilimanjaro ferry station. Easy to find! :walking:
Staying in Zanzibar for a week
Tips
from all over the internet
Taste the Zanzibar Pizza
A must-try! It's a unique savory crepe filled with meat and egg. Delicious and affordable! :pizza:
Try Fresh Juices
Epic taste! From sugarcane to exotic fruits, these juices are incredibly refreshing. :tropical_drink:
Organize Excursions Here
Beach boys offer good deals on island tours. Compare prices and book your adventures. :ferry:
Walk from Ferry Terminal
Just a 5-10 minute walk from the Kilimanjaro ferry station. Easy to find! :walking:
Experience Local Culture
It's a social hub where locals and tourists gather. Soak in the vibrant atmosphere. :people_hugging:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Forodhani Gardens is celebrated as a vibrant hub, especially at night, offering an authentic taste of Zanzibar through its diverse food market. Visitors praise the lively atmosphere, delicious local delicacies, and the convenience for organizing island excursions. While the crowds can be significant in the evening, the overall experience is highly recommended for cultural immersion and culinary exploration.
"A lovely place to stroll around, especially in the evening. At night, the gardens transform into a lively food market where you can taste a variety of local dishes, from freshly grilled seafood to Zanzibar pizza. The atmosphere is vibrant and authentic, making it a great spot to experience local culture.
You’ll also find many beach boys here offering excursions, which can actually make organizing your trips around the island easier."
Nafissa
"A more traditional section of the beach with stone walls. The local guides do a fantastic welcome to Zanzibar video. A short walk to the market and amphitheatre were local artists perform."
kayode Adewumi
"I liked the place they have very welcoming people. For one not to get confused it is just on your right downtowns from the Kilimanjaro ferry ⛴️ station and it is just a 5-10 min walk. It’s not that far here you get to experience part of stone town. And also the different food 🥘 cuisine that are there. I heard there are 3types and one is Swahili food arabic food and I can’t remember the other one😅. It s was such a lovely experience you also get to do welcome to Zanzibar video at a few of course. But I would recommend this place again and again 🙏🥂👍👌"
grace wanjugu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Forodhani Gardens is conveniently located just a 5-10 minute walk from the Kilimanjaro ferry station. Simply head downtown from the station, and you'll find it on your right. It's very easy to access and a great starting point to experience Stone Town.
Yes, Forodhani Gardens is centrally located in Stone Town, making it easily accessible on foot. It's a great place to start exploring the historic area or to relax after a long walk.
As it's in the heart of Stone Town, walking is the best way to reach Forodhani Gardens. Taxis can also drop you nearby if you're coming from further afield on the island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Forodhani Gardens is a public park and night market, so there is no entrance fee to wander through the gardens. You only pay for the food and drinks you purchase.
The gardens are accessible during the day for strolling and enjoying the sea views. However, the main attraction, the vibrant night food market, typically opens after sunset and runs late into the evening.
No, booking in advance is not necessary for visiting Forodhani Gardens. It's a public space, and the night market operates on a first-come, first-served basis for food vendors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The night market offers an incredible variety of local delicacies. You can find freshly grilled seafood, the famous Zanzibar Pizza (a savory crepe), Urojo mix (a flavorful soup), Shawarma, and an array of fresh fruit juices.
The food at Forodhani Gardens is generally very affordable, offering great value for money. It's an excellent place to try authentic local cuisine without breaking the bank.
Zanzibar Pizza is a unique local specialty. It's a thin dough base, often filled with minced meat, vegetables, and egg, then folded and fried like a pizza or crepe. It's a savory and delicious experience!
While many popular dishes feature seafood or meat, you can often find vegetarian options like vegetable skewers, fruit juices, and some variations of local snacks. It's worth asking vendors about their offerings.
The absolute must-tries are the Zanzibar Pizza and the fresh juices. Urojo mix and grilled seafood are also highly recommended for an authentic taste of Zanzibar.
📸 📸 Photography
The most photogenic time is during the evening when the night market is in full swing, with colorful food stalls and vibrant activity. Sunset also offers beautiful light over the sea.
Generally, photography is allowed, especially of the food and the lively atmosphere. However, always be respectful and ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals.
You can capture stunning shots of the bustling night market, delicious local food being prepared, the sunset over the Indian Ocean, and the general vibrant street life of Stone Town.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
During the day, it offers a safe space for kids to run around a bit after exploring the historic streets of Stone Town. The proximity to the sea also adds to the appeal. Just keep an eye on them in the evening crowds and ensure they are comfortable with trying new foods.
💰 Budget Travelers
It's also a great place to get information and potentially book excursions at competitive prices. By comparing offers from different vendors, you can secure good deals for island tours, making your Zanzibar adventure more economical.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Forodhani Gardens Night Market Experience
Beyond the food, the atmosphere is electric. Locals and tourists mingle, sharing tables and stories. You might even catch young acrobats performing spectacular dives into the ocean nearby, adding a thrilling visual element to your dining experience. It’s a fantastic place to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy a casual, yet unforgettable, meal. Remember to haggle politely for prices, especially if you're buying multiple items.
Daytime Charm and Excursion Hub
Forodhani Gardens also serves as a convenient hub for organizing excursions around Zanzibar. You'll find numerous 'beach boys' here who offer a wide range of tours, from spice tours and prison island visits to snorkeling and diving trips. While it's wise to compare prices and be clear about what's included, this can be an efficient way to arrange your island adventures directly from the heart of Stone Town.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit