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
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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
Nairobi showing a city, city views and a high-rise building

Nairobi Central

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

Nairobi Central
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Gigiri

Unique features of Gigiri include the shopping and restaurants. Make a stop by Village Market or Karura Forest while you're exploring the area.

Gigiri
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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
Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport

Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport

5 out of 5
Mombasa Road, Nairobi, Nairobi County
The price is AU$202 per night from 18 Oct to 19 Oct
AU$202
18 Oct - 19 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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 in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (545 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stayed and very comfortable with the accommodation and staff !"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport
Nairobi Serena Hotel

Nairobi Serena Hotel

5 out of 5
Kenyatta Avenue / Processional Way, Nairobi
The price is AU$327 per night from 24 Oct to 25 Oct
AU$327
24 Oct - 25 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Nairobi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (302 reviews)
"Excellent staff!"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Nairobi Serena Hotel
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$255 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
AU$255
3 Nov - 4 Nov
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,010 reviews)

Reviewed on 12 Oct 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.
Roma Courts Serviced Apartments

Roma Courts Serviced Apartments

3.5 out of 5
Timau Road, Nairobi, Nairobi County
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Nairobi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (50 reviews)
"Easiness to the location"

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025

Roma Courts Serviced Apartments
Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Nairobi

Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Nairobi

5 out of 5
Corner of Westlands Road & Chiromo Lane, Global Trade Center (GTC), Nairobi
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Nairobi. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Nairobi National Museum ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
"Highly recommend"

Reviewed on 10 Sept 2025

Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Nairobi
Skynest Residences by CityBlue, Nairobi Westlands

Skynest Residences by CityBlue, Nairobi Westlands

4 out of 5
Mkungu Cl, Nairobi, Nairobi County
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Nairobi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Sarit Centre and Oshwal Religious Centre ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (44 reviews)
"Understand the restaurant is not part of the apartment but don't get how they can't deliver food upstairs makes no sense.. Also the noise from the club outside especially at the weekend..! Otherwise a dope place loved it...!"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Skynest Residences by CityBlue, Nairobi Westlands
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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