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 Market and City Hall 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 Karen Blixen Coffee Garden and Cottages.

Karen
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Eastleigh

While Eastleigh may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Muthaiga Golf Club and City Market.

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

Nairobi Central Business District

4/5(5 area reviews)

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

Nairobi Central Business District
Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport
Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport
5 out of 5
Mombasa Road, Nairobi, Nairobi County
The price is AU$193 per night from 1 May to 2 May
AU$193
includes taxes & fees
1 May - 2 May
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! (326 reviews)
"Super nice hotel - crazy that it’s just a random airport hotel. Automatic blinds, pretty good room service, and everything was super clean. Highlight was the shower - super luxurious for this (or really any) price point. Would stay here again."

Reviewed on 14 Apr. 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$237 per night from 18 Apr to 19 Apr
AU$237
includes taxes & fees
18 Apr - 19 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! (195 reviews)
"Great service as usual. Morning service as well as the breakfast spread were all on point. Loved my stay though brief."

Reviewed on 13 Apr. 2025

Best Western Plus Westlands
Joyous Guest House
Joyous Guest House
3 out of 5
Mwiki Kasarani Road, Nairobi, Nairobi
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Nairobi. Enjoy free breakfast, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Thika Road Mall and Moi International ...
Joyous Guest House
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
Cysuites Apartment Hotel
Cysuites Apartment Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Church Rd, Nairobi, Nairobi County
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Nairobi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions ABC Place and Sarit Centre are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (45 reviews)
"The only negative remark is that there were stains on the wall -like someone killed a mosquito or another insect on the wall. Also, it would be nice if the apartment had mosquito net on the windows. While there was some net around the beds only, it didn’t stop mosquitoes from being in the apartment ..."

Reviewed on 9 Feb. 2025

Cysuites Apartment Hotel
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.

Cities near Nairobi