BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN NAIROBI

Kenya, with its twenty three national parks and pristine azure beaches, is the ultimate travel destination in Africa. And so is Nairobi, the country’s largest and capital city. On this article on the best places to visit in Nairobi you’ll find all Nairobi’s wonders.

Here’s all you need to know about the top things to do in Nairobi. If you’ll spend more days in the country, check out this post on the best things to do in Kenya.

And if you’re looking for a beach break afterward, read about the best things to do in Zanzibar and best things to do in Maafushi Maldives. Both make awesome beach holidays and it’s so possible to travel to Zanzibar on a budget and travel to the Maldives on a budget if preferred.

Best places to visit in Nairobi for animal lovers 

1. Nairobi National Park

Nairobi is the only city in the world with a national park home of all big five. Can you imagine being on a safari and seeing skyscrapers as the backdrop? That alone is reason enough to visit Kenya’s capital.

The Nairobi National Park is the first national park in Kenya and one of the oldest in Africa. Here you can spot lions, buffalos, rhinos, leopards, elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, hippos, over 300 bird species, and much more. 

The park is 7km from downtown Nairobi and is easily accessible by car and on public transportation. It’s open daily from 6am to 6pm and can be visited on half day, full day, and multiple day game drives. Prices start at $40 per adult per day. 

The park also contains a Black Rhinos Sanctuary, an animal orphanage, and offers guided safari walks, a unique way to discover. If you’d rather visit with a guide, check out these guided tours of Nairobi National Park.

2. Nairobi Elephant Sanctuary

Officially David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, this is a sanctuary for orphaned elephants. Here elephants are cared for before being released back into the wild. And visitors get to directly interact with these magnificent creatures and see them up close. 

You will see how elephants undergo their morning cleaning routine and are fed fresh milk by the careers. Be careful not to get too close or you’ll end up covered in elephant milk! After the feeding, it’s time to get to know each animal’s story while petting them. If they feel like coming down to you, of course.

The orphanage is only open for an hour a day, between 11am and 12pm, when the cleaning and feeding happen. The admission fee of 1,500 shillings ($12) goes entirely to the preservation of the orphanage. It’s possible to visit the orphanage independently or with a guided tour.

I highly recommend visiting the orphanage, and pairing it with a visit to the Giraffe Centre. I find this is something really unique to see and a great way of rescuing and reinserting animals into the wild. You can see more of my visit on my Instagram and Tiktok pages.

3. Nairobi Giraffe Center

The Giraffe Center is a giraffe sanctuary located within the famous Karen neighborhood in Nairobi. And near the Nairobi Elephant Sanctuary and the Nairobi National park which are must visit spots in Nairobi for every animal lover. 

Nairobi’s Giraffe Center has the largest herd of Rothschild giraffes in Kenya and is dedicated to breeding, raising, and liberating them into the wild. This is one of the world’s most endangered species of giraffe so the center definitely does a job worth supporting. 

The Center opens daily from 9am to 5pm and the adult entrance fee is 1,500 shillings ($12). It can be visited independently or with a guided tour. You can see more of my visit on my Instagram and Tiktok pages.

The place features an information center with a large collection of pictures, medical records, and even skeletons of Rothschild giraffes. Afterwards, you’ll get access to an elevated platform to see these majestic creatures roaming around on their own. 

Some giraffes will approach you looking for a hand-feed. Despite their very different personalities, they are all quite friendly and I recommend feeding them as the touch of their tongue on your fingers is something you will never forget. Plus it makes for a great photo opportunity. It’s hands down one of the best fun places to go in Nairobi.  

Best places to visit in Nairobi to take in local culture

4. Kibera, the biggest slum in Africa

Kibera is the biggest slum in Africa and one of the biggest in the world. It’s safe to visit if accompanied by a local guide and it certainly makes sense to visit if interested in learning about the contrasts of the city and how is life on it roughest site. You’ll also be of help to the local community if shopping in the area, visiting a school or orphanage, and paying for a tour to the local guides. 

On our visit we walked along several alleys, visited the railway and medical centre, and stopped at several local shops. We also visited an orphanage, which we felt was of great help to the children as they hardly ever see tourists. 

During our visit we got the see the bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen and dining room, and meet some of the kids who had come back from school. Chatting with them was such a learning experience on both ends. If you go, make sure to encourage kids to be the best versions of themselves and bring along some food, games, or school books as they can certainly use them all. 

5. Bomas of Kenya Cultural Village 

Bomas of Kenya is a cultural village 15km from Nairobi. It’s a great spot to experience the rich diversity of Kenyan culture, traditions and values.

There are daily shows demonstrating traditional local costumes and practices. These include music, dance, cuisine, vernacular architecture, and animal displays. The Bomas have also been used as an exhibition space for local artisans and artists who show and sell their products here.

It’s open from Monday to Saturday from 8am to 5pm. The entrance fee is 1,000 shillings, around $8. You can drive or take a taxi over, or join a guided tour to Bomas of Kenya.

6. Downtown Nairobi

There are several walking tours of Nairobi that are great to learn about the city’s history. Downtown Nairobi attractions include the National Museum, Uhuru Park, City Hall, Parliament Building, and Kenyatta International Conference Centre.

There are also local companies such as Nai Nami which offer paid tours around Nairobi guided by former street kids. These tours target travellers looking for real local experiences that result in unforgettable stories.

They’ll show you around Nairobi and share how they ended up and survived on the streets, who they were, and who they’ve become thanks to this tour agency.

7. Kenyan Coffee Farm 

If you’re a coffee lover, visiting a Kenyan coffee farm is one of the best things to do in Nairobi. And it will make the perfect place to buy the ultimate souvenir for yourself and any fellow coffee lovers. 

Coffee is one of Kenya’s biggest exports and there are many coffee farms in Kenya. To the point over 250,000 Kenyans nowadays still being employed in the production of coffee. Kenya grows Coffee Arabica, which has a delightful aroma and intense flavour thanks to its high acidity and rich body. 

Visiting a Kenyan coffee farm is a great way to learn about the culture and history of this beautiful country. There are several coffee farms around Nairobi that can be visited independently or on a half day tour, and I am pretty sure they all include a coffee tasting.

8. Kenyan Tea plantation 

Do not worry if you are not into coffee. Tea in Kenya is also really nice and abundant and there’s many tea farms one can visit when in Nairobi. In fact, tea has for long being the major exchange earner product for Kenya with 450,000 tonnes exported annually. 

Most of the tea produced in Kenya is black tea, green tea, yellow tea, and white tea. It is brisk and powerful, as it contains significant amounts of caffeine. Likewise, it is believed to have many health benefits and a taste that won’t disappoint. 

Visits to Kenyan tea plantation can be done independently or joining a Tea Farm Tour. The top tea plantations to enjoy near Nairobi are Kiambethu team Farm and the Limuru Tea Factory. Both can be considered must visit places in Nairobi for tea lovers. 

Best places to visit in Nairobi to picture the city’s landscape 

9. Nairobi Central Park 

Central park is one of the biggest parks in central Nairobi and makes the perfect place for a relaxing walk in the middle of the city. 

Expect to see many families enjoying a picnic in the park on weekend. And workers relaxing while on a break during weekdays. 

In the middle of the park you’ll find a huge pyramid-shaped monument commemorating the 10^th ruling anniversary of former Kenyan president Moi. Access to the park is free, yet the public toilets are only available at a fee.

10. Nairobi’s financial district 

Nairobi is the leading financial hub in East Africa, providing the best getaway to the African market to investors and businesses. Therefore, there’s a financial district in Nairobi that will surprise anyone not expecting skyscrapers and modern buildings in Kenya. 

Here you’ll find the Nairobi International Financial Centre, the Ministry of Finance, the National Treasury, and many trade oriented organisations, all based in beautiful modern, and high-enough buildings.

Walking around Nairobi’s financial district, which is right beside the Central Park and Nairobi’s City Market, is among the best things to do in Nairobi as it will only surprise you for the best. Plus it’s totally safe and free.

11. Churches and mosques

About 80% of Kenyans are Christian, while over 10% identify as Muslim. Therefore, there are a few churches and mosques worth a visit in Nairobi.

Among the churches, the most relevant are the All Saints Cathedral and the Holy Family Basilica. The former is the main Anglican Church in Nairobi, heritage of its years under British ruling. The latter is catholic. 

Regarding mosques, make sure to visit Jamia Mosque, an important centre for Islamic practise in the region and a major architectural masterpiece. 

Best places to visit in Nairobi for shopping lovers

12. Maasai Market

The Maasai Market is one of the oldest and most popular markets in Nairobi. The market is located on Namanga Road, along the Ngong Road highway, in Nairobi Central. It’s open daily and free to visit. Since it’s not too big the visit shouldn’t take more than an hour.

You can find everything you need here: clothing, fabrics, paintings, jewellery, arts and crafts and souvenirs. If you want to get a henna tattoo or meet the Maasai people while they are selling their animals or crafts, this is the place to do it. Just make sure to bargain a bit before agreeing to a price.

13. Nairobi City Market

This is not a market aimed for tourists but a local farmers market where Kenyans trade meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, species, sweets, and anything they may need. Therefore, Nairobi City Market is a Nairobi must see for those interested in people watching and taking in the local lifestyle.

Since it’s in the city centre, there’s also a few stalls selling traditional clothing, painting and souvenirs. It’s open daily from 5am to 9pm, yet it is best to visit in daytime both to enjoy it bustle and hustle and to avoid the typical pickpockets that wonder every big city at nightfall.

14. Gikomba Market

This is the largest open-air market in Kenya and the most well-known flea market in Nairobi. And one of the oldest, as it was established by the English colonial government in the 1960s as a market for Africans. 

Here you’ll find tonnes of second hand clothes, shoes, accessories, and jewellery. Thus, if you are looking to buy souvenirs and gifts, there is no better place than the Gikomba Market.

Due to its vastness and abundance of stores, it’s one of the most exciting spots in Nairobi. Rumour has it the best days to explore the market and get awesome deals are Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Nevertheless, it is open every day.  

15. Karen Shopping Center 

The Karen shopping centre is nothing like the traditional markets inNairobi. Notwithstanding, this shopping centre is a must see when visiting Nairobi. Because It’s only by visiting the city centre, the wealthy and the humble neighbourhoods that one can get the full picture of a city.

And Karen Shopping Centre is definitely the showcase of wealth. Or, in other words, your usual shopping centre in any major western city. 

Here you’ll find plenty of international restaurants serving the finest pizza, sushi ,and tacos. Cinemas, theatres, bowling alleys, and gyms. Supermarkets such as Carrefour and sports brands such as Decathlon are also in the area.

Must see museums in Nairobi 

16. Karen Bixen Museum

The Karen Bixen Museum might well be the most famous museum in Nairobi and definitely a must see for Out of Africa fans. The museum is the former African home of the Danish author Karen Blixen, a worldwide famous writer thanks to her book Out of Africa. 

The Karen Bixen Museum features rooms designed in both the original decor and propos from the Out of Africa film. There’s also a gift shop that fans will love. It’s open from 8.30am to 5pm daily and the entrance fee is 1,200 shilling ($9.5).

17. Nairobi National Museum

The Nairobi National Museum is a natural museum. And the perfect place to learn about the natural past of the country, Africa, and humankind as a whole.

It’s permanent collection is divided into the cradle of human kind, the story of mammals, the history of Kenya, the cycles of life, numismatics, and Asian-African Heritage. The museum is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm and the entrance fee is 1,000 shillings ($8). 

Best places to visit in Nairobi for foodies  

18. Carnivore

Carnivore is the most famous restaurant in Kenya. The one serving game meat specialities most tourist look to try. If you would like to go, make sure to book a table in advance to avoid disappointment or join a dining tous at Carnivore.  

The restaurants is in a beautifully decorated venue, with some areas in open-air. The menu includes several dishes a la carte and an all you can eat charcoal grilled meat buffet. Lamb, pork, ostrich, beef, and crocodile are among the most popular meats available in Carnivore. 

Prices are high in comparison to Kenyan standards, yet the place is affordable on western budgets. It’s open from midday till 11pm daily.

19. Local eateries

When In Nairobi, you’ll find local food in every corner. There are many street vendors, cafes, bars and restaurants serving fresh dishes to delights anyone looking for local foods. 

Among the must-try dishes you’ll find plenty of meat-based and vegetarian curries, stews made with coconut milk, and different types of fried rice and noodles. 

If you are in the search for the best restaurant serving Kenyan dishes add the following to your list: Amaica, Mama Shanti, and Mama Oliech.

Cool places to visit in Nairobi for nature addicts

20. Hells Gate National Park

Hells Gate National Park is a spectacular natural wonder in Kenya’s Rift Valley. It is a one-of-a-kind wildlife reserve famous for its narrow break cliff and wide variety of wildlife.  

The park is 100km form Nairobi and reachable in 2.5 hours. Therefore, despite being a bit far from the city it can be explores on a day trip. Either independently or with a guided tour to Help Gate National Park. There’s an entrance fee of 3,000 shelling ($25). 

Visitors can go hiking, cycling, motorcycling and camping within Hells Gate National Park. There is also a Maasai cultural centre in the area of Hells Gate National Park.  

21. Karuna Forest

Karura Forest in an urban forest home to over 200 species of birds, several types of monkeys, and plenty of squirrels and small mammals. 

The forest has over 50km of trails for visitors to walk, run or bike on and is packed with locals and tourists alike. It’s a great place to mix with locals and relax from the tourist life. There is an entrance fee of 600 shillings per person, less than $5. 

22. Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park 

Nairobi’s Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum is a museum-park commemorating Kenya’s independence from the British. In fact, “uhuru” is Swahili for “freedom”. 

Uhuru Gardens are the largest memorial park in Kenya. And definitely one of the best spots to visit in Nairobi for those interested in history, architecture and the outdoors. The gardens are open daily from 8am to 6pm and there is no entrance fee. 

Recap on the best places to visit in Nairobi Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, is one of the most interesting cities in Africa. With so many things to do and fun places to visit, you’ll have no trouble keeping busy in Nairobi. Plus it’s a great place to learn about the Masai cultures that also inhabit Tanzania and to depart for a broader trip around Kenya.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. And check out my Instagram and/or Tiktok pages for additional information and insights on my travels. Have a wonderful trip to Nairobi Kenya.