House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib)
The grandest building on the seafront, raised in 1883 as a ceremonial palace for Sultan Barghash: the first building in East Africa with electricity and an elevator, and Zanzibar's national history museum until part of it collapsed in 2020. Interior visits depend on restoration progress - the facade, terrace and cannons are still the town's most photographed corner.
Map preview needs internet — use Directions below if it stays blank.
CARVED DOOR
The great door at the front is said to be the largest carved door in East Africa - so wide the sultans could ride horses through it. Study the lotus-and-chain motifs flanking it; they are the signature of Zanzibar's Swahili-Indian carving workshops.