Nairobi Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Nairobi featuring city views, a high-rise building and a city
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

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 ₹8,083 per night from 22 Sep to 23 Sep
₹8,083
per night
22 Sep - 23 Sep
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Nairobi. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Tom Mboya Statue and American ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (931 reviews)
"Great staff. One of them camping running down the road after us to let us know that the market we thought was open was closed and that the area wasn’t safe to walk around. Above and beyond. We really enjoyed our meal (chicken and beef stew) in the restaurant."

Reviewed on 15 Sep 2023

Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel
Nairobi Serena Hotel
Nairobi Serena Hotel
5 out of 5
Kenyatta Avenue / Processional Way, Nairobi
Fully refundable
The price is ₹14,416 per night from 5 Oct to 6 Oct
₹14,416
per night
5 Oct - 6 Oct
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Nairobi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (225 reviews)
"Excellent property, bit pricy though."

Reviewed on 1 Sep 2023

Nairobi Serena Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport
Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport
4 out of 5
Mombasa Road, Nairobi, Nairobi
The price is ₹11,654 per night from 21 Oct to 22 Oct
₹11,654
per night
21 Oct - 22 Oct
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Nairobi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Popular attractions Nairobi National Park and Southfield ...
9/10 Wonderful! (650 reviews)
"Hilton Garden Inn is and has always been a favorite of mine when in Nairobi. The facility is very clean, safe a nd peaceful. A sanctuary"

Reviewed on 16 Sep 2023

Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi Airport
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.
Cysuites Apartment Hotel
Cysuites Apartment Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Church Rd, Nairobi, Nairobi County
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Nairobi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Popular attractions UNHCR Kenya and ABC Place are located nearby. Discover ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (22 reviews)
"Location Nice clean roos rooms in a Secure place. Nice Bar overlooking the pool"

Reviewed on 17 Sep 2023

Cysuites Apartment Hotel
Skynest Residences by CityBlue
Skynest Residences by CityBlue
4 out of 5
Mkungu Cl, Nairobi, Nairobi County
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Nairobi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions The Sarit Centre and Oshwal Religious ...
Skynest Residences by CityBlue
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, a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Nairobi National Museum and ...
Pan Pacific Serviced Suites 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

Reviews of Nairobi

3.8
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
20
" "5 - Excellent 24.096385542168676%
4 - Good
30
" "4 - Good 36.144578313253014%
3 - Okay
29
" "3 - Okay 34.93975903614458%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 2.4096385542168677%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 2.4096385542168677%

4/5 - Good

Shane
23 Feb 2020

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
21 Feb 2020

National Park is worthwhile seeing

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
15 Jan 2020

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

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
7 Jan 2020

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
27 Dec 2019

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
15 Dec 2019

Amazing and looking forward to going back

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