What are the best things to do in Mombasa?
Top picks in Mombasa include Fort Jesus, Fort St Joseph, Old town, Holy Ghost Cathedral. See the full list and itinerary on this Mombasa travel guide.
Photo: Leo Hempstone · CC0
Why visit Mombasa
Travel guide for Mombasa, Kenya — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Mombasa is a stop in Kenya, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 4 days. If time is short, prioritise Fort Jesus, Fort St Joseph, Old town instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 40–120 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: The dry season for the most comfortable travel. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
The dry season for the most comfortable travel
Weather
Largely warm year-round with distinct wet and dry seasons
Experiences
Things to do in Mombasa
1
Fort Jesus
2
Fort St Joseph
3
Old town
4
Holy Ghost Cathedral
5
Hindu temples
6
Shri Kutch Satsang Temple
7
Wild Waters Amusement Park
8
Mombasa Marine National Park and Marine Reserve
Budget travel
Free things to do in Mombasa
Old town
Holy Ghost Cathedral
Hindu temples
Shri Kutch Satsang Temple
Wild Waters Amusement Park
Mombasa Marine National Park and Marine Reserve
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Mombasa itinerary (4 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Fort Jesus
- Visit Fort St Joseph
- Visit Old town
- Eat at Cafe Mocha
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Holy Ghost Cathedral
- Visit Hindu temples
- Visit Shri Kutch Satsang Temple
- Eat at Pistacchio Café
- 3
Day 3
Markets, parks & hidden corners
- Visit Wild Waters Amusement Park
- Visit Mombasa Marine National Park and Marine Reserve
- Visit Mama Ngina Park
- Eat at Ratna shopping mall
Budget
Mombasa trip cost
Budget
USD 20–40
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 40–120
per person / day
Luxury
USD 140–230+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Mombasa, Kenya. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Mombasa
Estimated total (USD)
$2,040
≈ $1,020 per person · $291 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $80/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Mombasa mid-range ground costs (budget 20–40 · mid 40–120 · luxury 140–230+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Cafe Mocha
Tea salon, pastries, ice cream and free Wi-Fi.
Pistacchio Café
Ice cream and coffee bar that also serves buffet lunch.
Ratna shopping mall
City Mall
Large mall with a Carrefour Hypermarket.
Kongowea Market
Kongowea market is one of the largest in Kenya with over 1500 stalls and an area of 4.75 ha. Worth visiting for its ambiance, colors and sme
Forodhani Restaurant
Very nice, on the edge of the old town directly overlooking the creek
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Hotel Sapphire
110 rooms and suites, catering providing food from various traditions and cultures, health club and gym.
Lotus Hotel
Singles, doubles and triples, all with bathroom and A/C. Simple but high quality restaurant. Calm hotel with colonial ambiance.
PrideInn
Singles, doubles and triples equipped with kitchen. Conference room.
Evening Guest House
clean fan Single room with outside bathroom. Free breakfast. WiFi in reception. Free soap. Can put your own padlock on room door.
Marigold Guest House
Fan single/double room with own bathroom, free Wi-Fi.
Shopping
- Bombolulu Workshops & Cultural Centre
- Akamba Handicraft
- City Mall Nyali
- Naivas Supermarkets
- A One Supermarket Ltd
- Chandarana Food Plus Supermarket
Nightlife
- Jahazi Coffee House
- Casablanca Club
- Cheers
- Pirates Beach Club
- Bob's Bar
- Big Tree
Museums & culture
- Holy Ghost Cathedral
- Hindu temples
- Shri Kutch Satsang Temple
In pictures
Mombasa gallery
Photos: Leo Hempstone, Bahnfrend, Joseph Muchoki, CT Cooper — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Mombasa travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Mombasa?
The dry season for the most comfortable travel.
How many days do I need in Mombasa?
Plan at least 4 days in Mombasa for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Mombasa?
Popular stays in Mombasa include Hotel Sapphire, Lotus Hotel, PrideInn. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Mombasa cost?
On the ground in Mombasa (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 20–40 per person per day, mid-range about 40–120, and luxury about 140–230+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Mombasa, Kenya. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
