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

4.5/5(6 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 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 Square are top sights worth seeing.

Nairobi Central
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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 Karen Blixen Museum or Nairobi National Park.

Lang'ata
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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
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Nairobi. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (445 reviews)
"Breakfast should have been included with the hotel booking"

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport
Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel

Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel

3.5 out of 5
6 Murang'a Road, Off Moi Avenue, Nairobi
The price is Rp1.143.527 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
Rp1.143.527
Rp1.349.392 total
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Nairobi. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
"Patrick, Mary and all the bar attendants were very good"

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel
Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands

Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands

5 out of 5
38 MUTHITHI ROAD, WESTLANDS, Nairobi
The price is Rp1.810.160 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
Rp1.810.160
Rp2.235.548 total
13 Aug - 14 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Nairobi. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Nairobi National Museum and Oshwal ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (41 reviews)
"I like very kind and friendly staff in this hotel."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Hyatt Regency 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.
Skynest Residences by CityBlue, Nairobi

Skynest Residences by CityBlue, Nairobi

4 out of 5
Mkungu Cl, Nairobi, Nairobi County
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Nairobi. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Sarit Centre and Oshwal Religious Centre ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (40 reviews)
The feeling of home, while away.
"A great find that replicated the feeling of home while away. Large comfortable bedrooms with multiple full bathrooms and a fully furnished kitchen. Access to a good gym, so good a colleague at another hotel sought to use it for its squat rack. Great location with access to Westgate Shopping, several ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Skynest Residences by CityBlue, Nairobi
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (45 reviews)
"The staff at Roma Courts make this place amazing! Grace, Annipur, Patrick and Ismahan are fabulous! They are attentive, caring professionals. This was my second stay at Roma, and because of the kindness of the staff, I will revisit the property. It’s my home away from home! The access to shopping ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Roma Courts Serviced Apartments
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Lucky 8 Casino and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (13 reviews)
"The living area space the tv sound quality and overall amenities"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Maskan Suites
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.

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