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Nairobi, Kenya

Destination Guide

Nairobi

Kenya

Best things to do in Nairobi

35 curated attractions in Nairobi, Kenya. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

June - October

Average temp

19°C/66°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Take care

About Nairobi

Nairobi, Kenya's capital, is both a tech hub and a financial center, with a rapidly expanding skyline that reflects its ambitions. The city sits next to Nairobi National Park, so you can find both high rises and the occasional wandering zebra in the same frame. It is a place where global corporations set up shop, and startups are fueled by a youthful, tech-savvy population trying to shake off the shadows of its colonial past. The culture is as diverse as its economy, with markets like Maasai Market offering local crafts, while the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust draws visitors keen on conservation. People come for the unique chance to experience urban life alongside wildlife, which, let’s be honest, is not something you see every day.

Who it's for

Those who enjoy a blend of modern city life and nature will appreciate Nairobi. If you dislike traffic, this isn’t your place: crossing town can take longer than expected, and the public transport is rated only moderate. Not ideal for anyone looking for a quiet retreat or conventional tourist attractions.

Getting around

Public transport: Moderate

  • The city is quite large, so plan on at least an hour to get from downtown to the airport
  • Matatus are the most common public transport but expect adventure and delays
  • Walking is fine in some areas, but you might want to avoid it after dark
  • Ride-hailing apps are popular and generally safer
Karura Forest

Karura Forest

Forests & jungles
Nairobi Arboretum

Nairobi Arboretum

Botanical gardens
Nairobi Gallery

Nairobi Gallery

Art museums & galleries
Sheldrick Trust Elephant Orphanage

Sheldrick Trust Elephant Orphanage

Wildlife Experiences
Nairobi Railway Museum

Nairobi Railway Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Uhuru Park

Uhuru Park

City parks
Elephant Museum

Elephant Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Ewaso Nyiro River

Ewaso Nyiro River

Rivers, canyons & gorges
Museum of Illusions Nairobi

Museum of Illusions Nairobi

Entertainment
Bomas of Kenya

Bomas of Kenya

Traditional villages
Sadu House

Sadu House

Specialty & quirky museums
Karen Blixen Museum

Karen Blixen Museum

Historic houses & mansions
Arboretum

Arboretum

Botanical gardens
Kazuri Beads Factory

Kazuri Beads Factory

Breweries, distilleries & food makers
Nairobi Safari Walk

Nairobi Safari Walk

Wildlife sanctuaries
The Hub Park

The Hub Park

Nature
Mamba Village Crocodile Farm

Mamba Village Crocodile Farm

Wildlife sanctuaries
Lang'ata Botanical Gardens

Lang'ata Botanical Gardens

Botanical gardens
Ngong Hills

Ngong Hills

Mountains & volcanoes
Matbronze Wildlife Art

Matbronze Wildlife Art

Art museums & galleries
Exitorium Escape Room

Exitorium Escape Room

Arts and Entertainment Venues
The Village Market

The Village Market

Local & craft markets
Pins Entertainment

Pins Entertainment

Sports and Recreation Venues
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Wildlife sanctuaries
Giraffe Centre

Giraffe Centre

Wildlife sanctuaries
KICC Helipad

KICC Helipad

Observation decks & city views
National Museum of Kenya

National Museum of Kenya

Science & natural history museums
Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park

Safaris & game reserves
Kenyatta International Convention Center

Kenyatta International Convention Center

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Jockey Club of Kenya

Jockey Club of Kenya

Entertainment
Luna Park

Luna Park

Entertainment
Maasai Market

Maasai Market

Local & craft markets
Golden Eagle

Golden Eagle

Food and Drink Destinations
Uhuru Gardens

Uhuru Gardens

City parks
Prestige Mall

Prestige Mall

Shopping and Markets

Where to eat in Nairobi

The places worth planning a meal around.

Nairobi Street Kitchen

Nairobi Street Kitchen

Kenyan Street Food · $5–$15

★ 4.5 · 3,255 reviews

Upepo

Upepo

Contemporary Kenyan · $20–$40

★ 4.5 · 193 reviews

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