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Best Nightlife in Zanzibar City (2026)

Nightlife in Zanzibar City is relaxed and built around the sunset. The evening usually starts with a drink facing the sea, either on a rooftop in the old town or on the sand in Shangani, before moving on to dinner and live music. The 5th at Upendo House on Hurumzi Street has a rooftop infinity pool, cocktails and DJ evenings, while Livingstone's Beach Restaurant on Shangani beach advertises live music every day, with dance nights such as salsa.

For something more casual, Mercury's on Mizingani Road has a wooden deck over the water, pizzas and live bands at weekends, and it is a convenient stop near the ferry port. Zanzibar is a conservative, largely Muslim society, so nightlife is lower key than in many beach destinations, and some venues have dress codes in the evening. Check event listings before you go, carry insect repellent for beach bars and use a taxi or walk in a group when returning through empty lanes late at night.

3 places · Updated November 12, 2026

Our top 3 nightlife in Zanzibar City

  1. The 5th at Upendo House Rooftop cocktail bar and restaurant, Hurumzi, Stone TownFifth-floor rooftop bar and restaurant at Upendo House on Hurumzi Street, with an infinity pool, sunset cocktails, DJ evenings and a weekend brunch.
  2. Livingstone’s Beach Restaurant Beach bar and live music venue, Shangani, Stone TownBeachfront bar and restaurant on Shangani beach in a former British consulate building, with live music every day, salsa nights and sunset drinks.
  3. Mercury’s Waterfront bar and restaurant, Stone Town seafrontRelaxed waterfront bar and restaurant on Mizingani Road near the ferry port, named after Freddie Mercury, with a sea-facing deck, pizzas and live music.

Bar

3. Mercury’s

Waterfront bar and restaurant$$Stone Town seafront

Relaxed waterfront bar and restaurant on Mizingani Road near the ferry port, named after Freddie Mercury, with a sea-facing deck, pizzas and live music.

View details — Mercury’s