Nairobi Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Kenya Tourism Board
Photo provided by Kenya Tourism Board
Photo provided by Kenya Tourism Board
Photo provided by Kenya Tourism Board
Photo provided by Kenya Tourism Board
In the “Green City in the Sun”, you can enjoy a safari with giraffes, elephants, lions and other wildlife, all within the city limits.

Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, offers cultural displays, historical and ethnographic museums, craft markets and delicious local coffee and beer. Although the city is known for its high crime rate and recurring terrorism threats, people still book a trip to the “Green City in the Sun” for one big reason: An amazing wildlife park set amid reserves of forest and grassland is located right within the city limits.

See lions, leopards, rhinos, wildebeest and more than 400 bird species at the Nairobi National Park, just 10 kilometres (6 miles) from the heart of the city. Don’t miss The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, located within the park, where you can visit orphaned baby rhinos and elephants. Nairobi is also home to the AFEW Giraffe Centre and an arboretum. 

Immerse yourself in Kenya’s art, history, culture and natural history at the Nairobi National Museum. This museum is part of the National Museums of Kenya, which also manages the Nairobi Snake Park and the Karen Blixen Museum.

Experience tribal culture at Bomas of Kenya where you can tour traditionally crafted huts and enjoy a dance and acrobatics performance. Maasai crafts such as jewellery, carvings, beadwork and fabric can be found at the Maasai Markets, which rotates its location daily. Ask a local for the whereabouts of the market.

After a day of sightseeing, try local food and drink, such as Tusker beer and nyama choma, a meal including barbecued meats. If you’re looking for things to do at night, the suburb of Westlands is known for its more secure bars and cocktail lounges. Even so, it’s best not to go out or use public transport at night in Nairobi. 

Taxis and minibuses known as matatus are a cheap way to get around, but allow for plenty of extra time to arrive any where on schedule. Nairobi is best to visit during the drier seasons, from January to March and July to October. Check your government’s official travel advice for the latest updates about the events in Kenya and possible safety warnings.

Where to stay in Nairobi

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Westlands

The restaurants, shopping and spas are just a few things travellers enjoy about Westlands. If you want to experience more of the area, check out Sarit Centre or Westgate Shopping Mall.

Westlands
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Kilimani

4/5(3 area reviews)

Kilimani is noteworthy for its bars, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Yaya Centre and Arboretum.

Kilimani
Nairobi featuring city views, a high-rise building and a city

Nairobi Central

If you're spending some time in Nairobi Central, City Square and City Market are top sights worth seeing.

Nairobi Central
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Karen

You'll enjoy the restaurants and spas in Karen. You might want to make time for a stop at Karen Blixen Museum or The Hub Karen.

Karen
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Parklands

Visitors to Parklands enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, Diamond Plaza II is worth a stop.

Parklands
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Lang'ata

You'll enjoy the gardens and parks in Lang'ata. You might want to make time for a stop at Nairobi National Park or Karen Blixen Museum.

Lang'ata
Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport
Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport
5 out of 5
Mombasa Road, Nairobi, Nairobi County
The price is AU$242 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
AU$242
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Nairobi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (311 reviews)
"Dinner meals services are only fast food. Service is very slow"

Reviewed on 29 Mar. 2025

Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport
Best Western Plus Westlands
Best Western Plus Westlands
4 out of 5
Karuna Road behind Sarit Centre, Nairobi
The price is AU$241 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
AU$241
includes taxes & fees
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Nairobi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (191 reviews)
"Lovely hotel and staff. The food portions are massive which is awesome. We were there during the holiday season so the vibes were really good."

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2025

Best Western Plus Westlands
Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport by IHG
Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport by IHG
5 out of 5
First Freight Lane, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi
The price is AU$246 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
AU$246
includes taxes & fees
17 Apr - 18 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Nairobi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (932 reviews)
Overall Good
"Friendly reception; food for late nights arrivals not so good please very poor selection; rates are higher. They could provide a few Asian Indian dishes since the chief chef is an Indian. Overall it’s pretty good and we plan to return"

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2025

Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Maskan Suites
Maskan Suites
4 out of 5
Wood Ave, Nairobi, Nairobi County
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Nairobi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Lucky 8 Casino and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"Great hospitality!"

Reviewed on 16 Feb. 2025

Maskan Suites
Diamond Plaza Apartments
Diamond Plaza Apartments
3 out of 5
Masari Road, Parklands, Nairobi
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Nairobi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a casino. Popular attractions Thika Road Mall and Diamond Plaza ...
6.6/10 (39 reviews)
"The place is very good, the staff is cooperative, the breakfast is great, they have grocery and everything thing within the place. The place is very safe and well secured."

Reviewed on 15 Feb. 2025

Diamond Plaza Apartments
Somerset Westview Nairobi
Somerset Westview Nairobi
4.5 out of 5
LR NO 1 1376 NYANGUMI ROAD, OFF LENANA ROAD KILIMANI, Nairobi
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Nairobi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
"Friendly and very modern."

Reviewed on 5 Mar. 2025

Somerset Westview Nairobi
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Nairobi

3.7
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 11%
4 - Good
9
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
7
3 - Okay 39%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Sally

Unfair to comment- certain places were great- the 2 hotels we stayed at the Karen Blixen museum and the Kenya museum were great and the bead factory was very special also

3/5 - Okay

Vas

5th time here and still very run down and under developed.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Chaotic & busy city; Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Centre are must see attractions.

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