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Nairobi

East Africa's most cosmopolitan city, Nairobi is Kenya's beating heart, an exciting, frenetic concrete jungle that counterpoints the untrammelled natural beauty to be found elsewhere in the country.

If you're interested in learning about Kenya's culture and history, the city is home to a number of great stops including the extensive National Museum, and it's also a great jumping off point for diving into the country's varied culinary traditions. Nairobi also harbors a thrumming nightlife scene and an established cafe culture.

And, believe it or not, the city has its own wildlife attractions, with a fabulous national park on its doorstep and several reserves dedicated to the wellbeing of elephants, giraffes, rhinos and more. 

With so many activities woven into its urban web, Nairobi will often come as a pleasant surprise.

Explore Nairobi

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Nairobi.

  • Wildlife Reserve

    David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

    Occupying a plot within Nairobi National Park, this nonprofit trust was established in 1977, shortly after the death of David Sheldrick, who served as the…

  • National Park

    Nairobi National Park

    Welcome to Kenya’s most accessible yet incongruous safari experience. Set on the city’s southern outskirts, Nairobi National Park (at 117 sq km, one of…

  • Museum

    National Museum

    Kenya’s wonderful National Museum, housed in an imposing building amid lush, leafy grounds just outside the centre, has a good range of cultural and…

  • Wildlife Reserve

    Giraffe Centre

    This centre, which protects the highly endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, combines serious conservation with enjoyable activities. You can observe, hand…

  • Historic Building

    Karen Blixen's House & Museum

    If you loved Out of Africa, you'll love this museum in the farmhouse where author Karen Blixen lived between 1914 and 1931. She left after a series of…

  • Arts Centre

    Kazuri Beads & Pottery Centre

    An interesting diversion in Karen, this craft centre was started by an English expat in 1975 as a place where single mothers could learn a marketable…

  • Arts Centre

    Go-Down Arts Centre

    The Go-Down Arts Centre, a converted warehouse in Industrial Area, contains 10 separate studios and is a hub for Nairobi's burgeoning arts scene, bringing…

  • Cultural Centre

    Bomas of Kenya

    The talented resident artists at this cultural centre perform traditional dances and songs taken from the country’s various tribal groups, including…

  • Museum

    Railway Museum

    The main collection here is housed in an old railway building and consists of relics from the East African Railway. There are train and ship models,…

  • Viewpoint

    Kenyatta International Conference Centre

    Nairobi’s signature building was designed as a fusion of modern and traditional African styles, though the distinctive saucer tower looks a little dated…

  • Notable Building

    African Heritage House

    Designed by Alan Donovan, an African-heritage expert and gallery owner, this stunning exhibition house overlooking Nairobi National Park can be visited by…

  • Monument

    Ivory-burning Site

    This is one the most important landmarks in the annals of conservation: it was here that Kenyan president Daniel arap Moi made a dramatic statement to…

  • Zoo

    Nairobi Safari Walk

    Just outside the main entrance to Nairobi National Park, off Langata Rd, this safari walk is a sort of zoo-meets-nature-boardwalk, with lots of birds as…

  • Art Studio

    Kitengela Hot Glass

    Brave the suspension bridge and enjoy a stroll around the quirky, colourful grounds of Kitengela Hot Glass. There are regular glass blowing demonstrations…

  • Gallery

    Red Hill Art Gallery

    The Red Hill Art Gallery is tucked away in the lush green hills of Limuru, just outside Nairobi. The space is devoted to African Art with a focus on…

  • Gallery

    Circle Art Gallery

    One of Nairobi's better exhibition spaces for contemporary art, Circle Art Gallery is, unlike some other Nairobi galleries, more a gallery aimed at…

  • Lake

    Hippo Pool

    Nairobi National Park's main concentration of hippos.

  • Park

    Uhuru Park

    An expanse of manicured green on the fringe of the central city, this attractive park is a popular respite from the downtown noise and bustle. It owes its…

  • Zoo

    Snake Park

    In the grounds of the National Museum, the Snake Park has some impressive snake species, including the puff adder, black mamba, Egyptian cobra, African…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Nairobi.