Nairobi

Travel 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
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 The Hub Karen.

Karen
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Nairobi West

While visiting Nairobi West, you might make a stop by sights like Nairobi National Park and Nyayo National Stadium.

Nairobi West
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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 €144 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
€144
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
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! (300 reviews)
Good hotel with free airport pickup
"A nice modern hotel at a reasonable price. Friendly and helpful staff, good pool and restaurant. Airport pick up was efficient but the free drop off at the SGR station was late so allow plenty of time. Ideal for an overnight stay between flying in and catching the train to Mombasa"

Reviewed on 10 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 €140 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
€140
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
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! (189 reviews)
"Staff,Location"

Reviewed on 9 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 €143 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
€143
includes taxes & fees
24 Mar - 25 Mar
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! (919 reviews)
Great easy safe clean stay!
"Excellent comfortable stay! I felt safe and the staff was very nice and approachable. I'm so thankful for the shuttle from the airport that really relieved my stress after a very long flight!"

Reviewed on 6 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 Sarit Centre and Lucky ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 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 Yaya Centre and Thika Road Mall ...
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
Clarence House Nairobi
Clarence House Nairobi
3.5 out of 5
No. 8, School Lane, Westlands, Nairobi
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Nairobi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private hot tubs. Popular attractions UNHCR Kenya and Sarit ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (6 reviews)
"Nice"

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2024

Clarence House 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

Things to do

Reviews of Nairobi

3.8
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
20
5 - Excellent 24%
4 - Good
30
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
29
3 - Okay 35%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 2%

4/5 - Good

Shane

Everybody speaks English. Malls are just big with overpriced (non-Kenyan) stuff, you must visit the markets if you want to really explore Nairobi (but watch out for pickpockets and scammers)

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

National Park is worthwhile seeing

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Nairobi is a great place to visit and Uber can get you anywhere

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

I only stayed one night at the Crowne Plaza as a stop over between flights.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Moses accompanied me to supermarket & exchange bureau. I had to be picked up and there was a delay the hotel allowed me to stay until I was ready to leave. It’s close to all services. I recommend this hotel.but leave info in the rooms for guests.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Amazing and looking forward to going back