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Hurumzi Quarter

4.5
·697 reviews·Zanzibar, Tanzania

Historic 1800s villa in Stone Town offering chic rooms and a renowned rooftop restaurant with stunning ocean views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunset evenings

Magical views & atmosphere

CrowdHigh
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la terrazza

Hurumzi Quarter

Best Time

Sunset evenings

Magical views & atmosphere

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic 1800s villa in Stone Town offering chic rooms and a renowned rooftop restaurant with stunning ocean views.

4.5
(697 reviews)

"The rooftop restaurant was one of the best meals I had in Zanzibar, with the best views over Zanzibar City."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Rooftop Dining Early

Secure your spot for sunset dinner, it's popular! 🎟️

🚶‍♀️ Pack Light, Staff Helps

Narrow streets mean porters help with luggage. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 697 reviews

Type

Hotel

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rooftop Sunset Dining

Rooftop Sunset Dining

Rooftop Restaurant

Magical sunset views over Stone Town, accompanied by live music and Swahili cuisine. A truly unforgettable experience.

TikTokReddit
Historic Architecture

Historic Architecture

Hotel Interior

Explore a captivating 1800s villa filled with character, history, and authentic Zanzibar charm.

Reddit
Swahili Culture & Music

Swahili Culture & Music

Various locations within Hurumzi

Immerse yourself in local culture with Kidumbaki music and vibrant street performances.

TikTok+1
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Planning Your Visit

Rooftop Dining & Views

Experience the magic of Stone Town from above! Emerson on Hurumzi's rooftop offers stunning sunset views and a unique Swahili dinner. Book ahead, especially for sunset slots, to secure your spot for this memorable experience. TikTok

Historic Charm & Accessibility

Emerson on Hurumzi is a beautifully preserved 1800s villa, offering a glimpse into Zanzibar's history. Be prepared for narrow streets and no elevators; staff will assist with luggage. Reddit

Best Times

When
Sunset evenings
Why
Magical views & atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds for exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Make your self happy life too short #zanzibar #kidumbaki #swahili #hurumzi #street #tourist
@dcmazanzibar
248K likes • 4M views

🎯 Book Rooftop Dining Early

Secure your spot for sunset dinner, it's popular! TikTokReddit 🎟️

🚶‍♀️ Pack Light, Staff Helps

Narrow streets mean porters help with luggage. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

EMERSON spice In Zanzibar #Destinationdepop #blackcreatives #28XTREMES #fyp #NightDoneRight #traveler
@cedtripping
39.8K likes • 202.9K views
If you are looking for a cool restaurant in Stone Town Zanzibar then I found you one. Probably the best place to have lunch, the best views over Zanzibar City, and honestly great food! The Emerson on Hurumzi in the middle of Stone Town is a hidden gem but an iconic place to eat! #restaurant #zanzibar
@traveltomtom
4.7K likes • 169.3K views

🎶 Enjoy Live Music

Experience Kidumbaki music for an authentic vibe. TikTok+1

📸 Capture the Views

The rooftop offers incredible photo opportunities. TikTok

Kidumbaki music …unplugged concert at hurumzi street #zanzibar #kidumbaki #swahili #hurumzi #street
@dcmazanzibar
4.1K likes • 195.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Rooftop Dining Early

Secure your spot for sunset dinner, it's popular! TikTokReddit 🎟️

🚶‍♀️ Pack Light, Staff Helps

Narrow streets mean porters help with luggage. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

🎶 Enjoy Live Music

Experience Kidumbaki music for an authentic vibe. TikTok+1

📸 Capture the Views

The rooftop offers incredible photo opportunities. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.5
(697 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Emerson on Hurumzi is celebrated for its breathtaking rooftop views, historic charm, and exceptional staff hospitality, offering a unique cultural immersion. While the food receives mixed reviews, the overall experience, especially the sunset dining and live music, is highly praised as unforgettable. Some guests note the lack of elevators and narrow streets as minor inconveniences.

"We did the evening rooftop dinner experience. The food was nice enough and the views were okay, but the presentation and building was beautiful and the hotel staff so helpful. We were able to leave out luggage at the hotel while we explored the town and they helped us arrange a taxi to the airport afterwards.

I understand as a hotel the services might be lacking, but as an experience it's certainly worth considering."

Michael Rose

"We just had dinner on the rooftop for our final night in Zanzibar, but it was the perfect experience to cap off our honeymoon. The view from the rooftop is magical - especially watching the sun go down and hearing the call to prayer.

The dining experience is very unique and intimate, and while the food wasn’t our absolute favorite, the live music, singing, and location made it 100% worth it. The staff at the hotel and restaurant were also very kind of helpful, ensuring we were able to leave promptly at 8:15 for our flight."

Melissa Kolano

"I was completely blown away by this charming, one-of-a-kind hotel in Stone Town that far exceeded its 2-star rating in every possible way. What was meant to be a simple stay turned into one of the most memorable experiences of our trip.

The hotel is not just a place to sleep—it’s a piece of history. Converted from a monument once owned by the British, tied to the abolition of slavery, it now stands as a semi-attached three-building hotel filled with character and soul. The architecture is absolutely captivating, full of old-world charm with a touch of Zanzibar magic.

Our room was magnificent, spacious, and unlike anything you’d find in today’s trendy, cookie-cutter hotels. The bathroom, too, had its own distinct style—refreshingly unique and reflective of the local design rather than the sterile sameness of modern chains. Every corner of the hotel is decorated with thoughtful, culturally rich details that give it life and authenticity.

The staff? Incredible. Truly some of the warmest, most helpful people we’ve encountered. They went above and beyond, not only in their hospitality but in arranging tours for us at very reasonable prices—we even cross-checked them online and found their rates to be more than fair.

And then there’s the rooftop restaurant. Hands down one of the best places to eat in Stone Town, and for good reason. The food was excellent, and the view from the rooftop patio was nothing short of spectacular. Whether for breakfast or a sunset dinner, it was always a highlight.

Overall, this hotel may only be rated two stars, but it delivered a five-star experience from start to finish. If you’re looking for a place with character, history, amazing service, and incredible views, this is it."

Paige Glazier

What People Like

Spectacular rooftop views
Historic building charm
Helpful and warm staff

What People Dislike

Mediocre food reviews
No elevators

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Hurumzi Quarter is located in the heart of Stone Town. Since streets are narrow, taxis can only drop you off nearby. Porters are available to help carry your luggage to the hotel. Reddit

No, the streets within Hurumzi Quarter are too narrow for cars. You'll need to walk a short distance from where taxis can drop you off. Reddit

Yes, the hotel staff at Emerson on Hurumzi can help arrange a taxi to the airport for your departure. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Hurumzi Quarter is a historic area and a hotel. Entry to the public areas like the rooftop restaurant does not require a specific ticket, but reservations are recommended for dining. TikTok

The rooftop restaurant is typically open for lunch and dinner, with sunset being a particularly popular time. It's best to check their specific hours or make a reservation. TikTok

While the building itself is a hotel, experiencing its historic charm is part of the stay or dining experience. There isn't a separate entrance fee for exploring the common areas. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Explore the historic 1800s villa, enjoy rooftop dining with stunning views, and experience local music and street life. TikTokReddit+1

No, there are no elevators in the historic buildings of Hurumzi Quarter. Staff will assist with luggage. Reddit

Expect a charming, historic atmosphere with vibrant local culture, especially with street music and performances. TikTok+1

Absolutely! The architecture, rooftop views, and vibrant street scenes offer fantastic photographic opportunities. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Emerson on Hurumzi's rooftop restaurant is highly recommended for its views and Swahili dining experience. TikTokReddit

The restaurant offers Swahili cuisine, with a special evening dining experience. Reddit

Reviews suggest the food is good, though some highlight the experience and views as the main draw. Reddit

Yes, the rooftop dining experience at sunset is often described as magical and perfect for couples. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The rooftop offers panoramic views, especially at sunset. The historic architecture within the hotel also provides unique photo opportunities. TikTok

Always be respectful and ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals. TikTok

Golden hour, around sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful light for both the architecture and the city views from the rooftop. Reddit

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