Guide to Nairobi city: Discover the Places to visit and Things to do in Kenya's capital
Visiting Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya offers a blend of unique experiences. Whether it is wildlife safari, culture or the modern city life, you will love it here.
Within a few clicks in the Uber safari Kenya app, you can book your ride to Nairobi National Park, see the lions and giraffes near the city skyline. Explore the local markets, take a Nairobi historical walking city tour, visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for rescued elephants, museums and taste the diverse cuisines at some of the authentic restaurants.
What is the Nairobi City Tour experience like?
There's always excitement when you travel to a new destination. So, when you are visiting Kenya, don't miss the Nairobi city tour, which is usually a half-day or full-day guided tour that combines culture, history, wildlife, and local markets.
Starting in Nairobi’s city center
The Nairobi city tour starts in Nairobi’s city center, the downtown area of Nairobi. The tour operators, from whichever you have booked, will pick you u from your hotel, and takes you to visit landmarks like:
- Kenyatta International Convention Centre, from the top of the building you can enjoy a 360° view of Nairobi city.
- Khoja Mosque, a historic mosque which was built in 1922.
- Jeevanjee Gardens, a historic public park, located near Nairobi’s Central Business District.
Cultural and historical attractions
Full day Nairobi city tour, also includes visit to museums and historic homes such as:
- Nairobi Railway Museum, here know about the rail transport history of Kenya.
- Karen Blixen Museum, this was formerly the house of the author of the book “Out of Africa”.
Wildlife experiences inside the city
In the Nairobi city tour, wildlife experiences are also included, most of these places are located near the city like:
- David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, this sanctuary is a refuge for orphaned baby elephants.
- Giraffe Centre, watch up close the endangered Rothschild giraffes, in fact visitors are allowed to hand-feed them.
Markets and local culture
Full day Nairobi city tour generally ends in shopping centers or local markets like:
- Maasai Market, a traditional open-air market where visitors can buy handmade jewelry, crafts, and souvenirs.
- Kazuri bead workshop, a local craft center that has traditional handmade items.
Food and dining
Some Nairobi city tours also include restaurants where you can enjoy a delightful meal, for example the Carnivore Restaurant, this place is famous for its African barbecue and grilled meats.
Do you need a visa to visit Nairobi to explore?
Yes, you need a Kenya visa, even if you are visiting Nairobi as a tourist to explore, there is no visa on arrival facility available.
For the convenience of the travelers, the Kenya government has introduced the Kenya eTA, which is an electronic travel authorization. The travelers need to complete the entire process online without the need to visit the embassy for submitting the visa and getting a stamp on the passport. The applicant will receive the Kenya eTA online via email. Hence it is also referred to as Kenya online visa or Kenya evisa.
Since you are visiting Kenya for tourism activities, you will have to apply for the Kenya eTA for tourism or Kenya online visa for tourists.
What is the best time to visit Nairobi?
The dry season is considered the best time to visit Nairobi that starts from June to October and January to February. What makes these months the best? The weather is pleasant letting you engage in wildlife safari in Nairobi National Park and outdoor activities.
The monsoon season starts from March to May and November, it is advisable to avoid traveling during these months, as it may make wildlife safari and outdoor activities impossible.
How to reach Nairobi in Kenya?
As Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya, travelers can easily reach by air, road and train from nearby destinations.
By Air
The main international airport of Kenya is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which is in Nairobi city, with flights from many countries.
By Road
The capital city is connected to many other important towns and cities of Kenya like Mombasa and Kampala by road.
By Train
From Mombasa you can take the train (Madaraka Express) to Nairobi city.
What are the best places to visit in Nairobi?
Nairobi is a flourishing city; here is a list of the best places to visit in Nairobi that you must definitely include in your trip.
Nairobi National Park
If you are in Nairobi, don't miss to take a wildlife tour in Nairobi National Park located just outside the city. Get a chance to have a close encounter with the lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and buffaloes.
How to reach
- From Nairobi city center it will take only 15–20 minutes by car
- Visitors can take a tour vehicle, private car via Lang’ata Road or book through the Uber safari Kenya app.
Park Entry fee (as of 2026):
- International visitors: For adults approx USD 80, children approx USD 40
- East African citizens: For adults approx KES 1,000, children approx KES 500
Giraffe Centre
This is a conservation center, visitors can watch up close the endangered Rothschild giraffes, in fact visitors are allowed to hand-feed them
How to reach
- Situated in Lang’ata area, not far from the city
- Visitors can take a tour vehicle, private car or book through the Uber app. It will take around 40 minutes to reach from city center
Entry fee
- For Adults: estimated to be USD 15
- For Children: estimated to be USD 5
- For Kenyan citizens: estimated to be KES 400
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
This sanctuary is a refuge for orphaned baby elephants. They are being raised by the wildlife trust and when they become an adult, they are released back into the wild.
How to reach
- This sanctuary is situated near Nairobi National Park
- Visitors can take a tour vehicle, private car or book through the Uber app. It will take around 30 minutes to reach from city center
Entry fee
- Foreign visitors: estimated to be USD 20
- Kenyan citizens: estimated to be KES 2,000
Nairobi National Museum
Visitors should definitely take a tour of this museum, so that they are able to know about Kenya's history, art, culture and have a look at early human fossils.
How to reach
- Museum is situated near the city center
- Easily accessible by public minibuses, taxi, or Uber
Entry fee
- Foreign visitors: estimated to be KES 1,200
- Kenyan citizens: estimated to be KES 200
Karen Blixen Museum
Visit this museum, which was formerly the house of a Danish author of the book “Out of Africa”
How to reach
- Museum is situated in Karen suburb
- Visitors can take a tour vehicle, private car or book through the Uber app. It will take around 30 minutes to reach from the city center.
Entry fee
- Foreign visitors: estimated to be USD 12
- Kenyan citizens: estimated to be KES 200
Nairobi Safari Walk
The Nairobi Safari walk comprises elevated boardwalks, so that visitors are able to have a look at the wild creatures.
How to reach
- This park is situated near Nairobi National Park
- Visitors can take a tour vehicle, private car via Lang’ata Road or book through the Uber safari Kenya app.
Entry fee
- Foreign visitors: Approx USD 25 (adult)
- Kenyan citizens: Approx KES 300
Bomas of Kenya (Cultural Shows)
These large cultural centers are built in the form of traditional Kenyan homesteads (bomas), so that visitors have anenriching cultural experience.
How to reach
- Situated around 10 km away from south of Nairobi’s CBD
- It will take around 20–30 min by private car or taxi (Uber/Bolt).
- Public transportations are also available like shared minibus
Entry fee
- Foreign visitors: For adults it is approx KES 1000, for child/student it is approx KES 500
- Kenyan citizens: For adults it is approx KES 200, or child/student it is approx KES 50
Maasai Market (Handicraft Market)
The Maasai Market is a traditional open-air market where visitors can buy handmade jewelry, crafts, and souvenirs.
How to reach
- There is no fixed venue, so you will have to check with the locals or tour guides.
- The market keeps on switching between locations like Yaya Centre (Kilimani), High Court parking (CBD), Two Rivers Mall, Village Market (Gigiri), Capital Centre, and so on.
- It is easily accessible by private car or taxi (Uber/Bolt) and public transportation like shared minibus
Entry fee
- Entry to the market is free, you will have to pay for the items you buy.
What are the top things to do in Nairobi?
Nairobi is full of exciting things to indulge in, to ensure that you don't miss out on all the fun, we have listed the top things to do in Nairobi.
1. Visit Nairobi National Park: Take a wildlife tour in Nairobi National Park located just outside the city. Get a chance to have a close encounter with the lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and buffaloes.
2. Meet Baby Elephants: At David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust meet the baby elephants. This sanctuary is a refuge for orphaned baby elephants. They are being raised by the wildlife trust and when they become an adult, they are released back into the wild.
3. Feed Giraffes at the Giraffe Centre: This is a conservation center for the Rothschild giraffe, visitors can watch up close the endangered Rothschild giraffes, in fact visitors are allowed to hand-feed them
4. Explore Nairobi National Museum: Have an amazing experience learning about Kenya's history, art, culture and having a look at early human fossils.
5. Walk or Cycle in Karura Forest: Visit this large urban forest, taking you close to nature, offering one of the most incredible experiences, has walking trails, cycling paths, waterfalls, caves, and picnic spots. Visitors can take a breath of fresh air, enjoy birdwatching and admire the breathtaking views.
6. Visit the Karen Blixen Museum: This museum was formerly the house of a Danish author of the book “Out of Africa”
7. Shop at Local Markets: Shop like a local at Maasai Market, a traditional open-air market where visitors can buy handmade jewelry, crafts, and souvenirs.
8. Experience Nairobi’s Food Scene: There are many street food corners and restaurants in Nairobi. Visitors should try Kenyan dishes such as Ugali, Nyama Choma, and Sukuma Wiki.
9. Discover Nairobi’s Nightlife: Those who are eager to know what nightlife in Nairobi seems like. Visitors can visit evening entertainment areas like Westlands and Karen, here you will find clubs, live music venues, and rooftop lounges.
10. Visit Nairobi Railway Museum: Here you can learn about the rail transport history of Kenya, including the historic Uganda Railway, which was built during the colonial period.
11. Nairobi Walking Tour: One of the most immersive tour experiences, the tour guides will take you on a stroll around downtown streets, visiting renowned places like Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Jeevanjee Gardens, and local markets, artisan shops, and street food vendors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nairobi worth visiting?
Yes, Nairobi is worth visiting, as it is not only the capital city, but is known for its urban culture, business centers, and wildlife (Nairobi National Park).
How many days in Nairobi is enough?
If you are visiting Nairobi, 2-3 days are enough to explore this city, you can visit the local markets, cultural centers, museum, Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Centre, and David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
What to do in Nairobi in 1 day?
if you have only one day to explore Nairobi, you can start your day early in the morning by visiting at Nairobi National Park for wildlife safari, then visit Giraffe center, by David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (to see baby elephants), Karen Blixen Museum (for local cultural experience), and in the evening shop at the local market and enjoy delicious meals.
What are the best day trips from Nairobi?
The best day trip destinations from Nairobi include Lake Naivasha, Mount Longonot, Aberdare National Park, Nairobi National Park, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Ngong Hills, Kiambethu Tea Farm, Great Rift Valley Viewpoint.
What are the unique places to visit in Nairobi?
Some of the unique places in Nairobi that every visitor must visit are Nairobi National Park, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum, Bomas of Kenya, Maasai Market, Village Market, Karura Forest and Ngong Hills.
What are the unique places to visit in Nairobi for free?
Some of the unique places in Nairobi that are free to visit are Karura Forest, Ngong Hills, a walk around Downtown Nairobi, Maasai Market, Jeevanjee Gardens, GoDown Arts Centre, and Circle Art Gallery.
What are the Places to visit in Nairobi for fun?
Some of the places to visit in Nairobi for fun are Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, The Hub Karen, Village Market, Karura Forest, Ngong Hills, Bomas of Kenya, Maasai Market, Westlands area, meat experience at Carnivore Restaurant, etc.
What are the Unique places to visit in Nairobi at night?
Some of the unique places to visit in Nairobi at night are Westlands district (for rooftop bars, live DJs, and lounges), Carnivore Restaurant and Nyama Mama (for dining), Alliance Française Nairobi (for Live culture and performances), Ngong Hills and Rooftop lounges in the city center (for chill and scenic evenings), Village Market (for bowling, food courts, and events).
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Searching for a great holiday escape? If you are up for some thrilling wildlife encounters and untouched beauty, then Kenya would be the ideal holiday destination for you. Discover more at Best Places to Visit in Kenya: Complete Travel Guide
If you have any plans to enter Kenya for tourism, business or to transit, simply go for this hassle-free visa application process. But before that Check your eligibility for Kenya eTA and apply for Online Kenya Visa 4 days in advance of your flight.