Zanzibar National Museum of History & Culture

The multi-storey Zanzibar National Museum of History & Culture is also known as the The House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib) by the local population. Built in 1883 as a ceremonial palace for Sultan Barghash, the museum has exhibits displaying artifacts from the Swahili civilization, dhow culture of the Indian Ocean, and 19th century Zanzibar. All displays are labeled in English and Swahili.

Cool fact: Just outside the entrance is a live-sixes mtepe (traditional Swahili sailing vessel made without nails).

Call ahead to verify the museum is open as it has been undergoing major renovations.

Enjoy the local art scene