What are the best things to do in Nairobi?
Top picks in Nairobi include Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Centre, Elephant Orphanage (Sheldrick), Karen Blixen Museum. See the full list and itinerary on this Nairobi travel guide.
🇰🇪 Kenya travel guide
Africa · Eastern Africa
Nairobi Travel Guide
Things to do in Nairobi — Explore Nairobi
Photo: Daniel Case · CC BY-SA 4.0
Why visit Nairobi
The British presence led to the creation of big hotels primarily for the British hunters. After independence, some descendants of the British settlers remained in Nairobi and obtained Kenyan citizenship, and today form Kenya's white community. Nairobi also has an East Indian community, who are the descendants of the labourers who built the railway and the merchants who set up shop during colonial times. After independence, Nairobi airport became the principal entrance point to Kenya and it still is today, although… (Source: Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.)
Nairobi is a stop in Kenya, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 2 days. If time is short, prioritise Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Centre, Elephant Orphanage (Sheldrick) 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 Nairobi
1
Nairobi National Park
2
Giraffe Centre
3
Elephant Orphanage (Sheldrick)
4
Karen Blixen Museum
5
National Museum of Kenya
6
Maasai Market
7
Karura Forest walk
8
Day trip toward Amboseli or Hell's Gate
Budget travel
Free things to do in Nairobi
Nairobi National Park
Maasai Market
Karura Forest walk
Day trip toward Amboseli or Hell's Gate
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Nairobi itinerary (2 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit August 7 Memorial Park
- Visit Nairobi National Museum
- Visit National Railway Museum
- Eat at Hot dishes
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Nairobi Gallery
- Visit Village Market
- Eat at KK Restaurant
Prefer a full 15-day trip with costs and FAQs? Read the Nairobi itinerary guide.
Budget
Nairobi 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 Nairobi, 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 Nairobi
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 Nairobi 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
- $$
Carnivore
Nyama choma · Legendary all-you-can-eat game meats
- $
Mama Oliech
Fish · Tilapia institution — locals' pick
- $$
Talisman Restaurant
International / Kenyan · Karen garden favourite
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
Giraffe Manor
Karen · Breakfast with resident giraffes
- $$$$
Hemingways Nairobi
Karen · Colonial-style luxury
- $$$
Tribe Hotel
The Village Market · Design hotel tourist favourite
Shopping
- Haria's Stamp Shop
- Two Rivers Mall
- Garden City Mall
- The Sarit Centre Mall
- Westgate Shopping Mall
- Southfield Mall
Nightlife
- New Florida Clubs (F1)
- Pango (F3):
- Shooters & Dips Cocktail Lounge
- Mercury Lounge ABC
- Klub House 1 (K1)
- Choices Lounge and Restaurant
Museums & culture
- Nairobi National Museum
- National Railway Museum
- Nairobi Gallery
In pictures
Nairobi gallery
Photos: Daniel Case, Francis Akuka for the Wikimedia Foundation, Allan Kamaliki, Aliceinthealice, Jorge Láscar from Australia — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Nairobi travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Nairobi?
The dry season for the most comfortable travel.
How many days do I need in Nairobi?
Plan at least 2 days in Nairobi for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Nairobi?
Popular stays in Nairobi include Giraffe Manor, Hemingways Nairobi, Tribe Hotel. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Nairobi cost?
On the ground in Nairobi (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 Nairobi, Kenya. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
