If you fancy a look at how democracy works in Kenya, it’s possible to obtain a free permit for the public gallery at Parliament House when parliament is in session. Visit the gate office to obtain a permit, and remember that applause is strictly forbidden. If parliament is out of session, you can tour the buildings by arrangement with the sergeant-at-arms; agree on any fee before you begin – start at KSh200 and see where it gets you.
Parliament House
Nairobi
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
6.76 MILES
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…
4.26 MILES
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…
1.17 MILES
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…
7.8 MILES
This centre, which protects the highly endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, combines serious conservation with enjoyable activities. You can observe, hand…
8.53 MILES
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…
17.8 MILES
This estate has been cultivating coffee since 1928, and its five-hour tours (which must be pre-booked) are outstanding, taking in an explanation of the…
8.87 MILES
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…
1.21 MILES
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…
Nearby Nairobi attractions
0.15 MILES
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…
0.2 MILES
The main Catholic church in the city, this is a key downtown landmark and one of Nairobi's most important churches.
4. Kenyatta International Conference Centre
0.26 MILES
Nairobi’s signature building was designed as a fusion of modern and traditional African styles, though the distinctive saucer tower looks a little dated…
0.27 MILES
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,…
0.37 MILES
An important landmark overlooking Uhuru Park, All Saints Cathedral is the city's premier Anglican house of worship.
0.45 MILES
Amid the clutter of downtown, Nairobi’s main mosque is a lovely building in typical Arab-Muslim style, with all the domes, marble and Quranic inscriptions…
8. American Embassy Memorial Garden
0.5 MILES
This well-tended walled garden occupies the former site of the American embassy, which was destroyed by terrorist bombings on 7 August 1998. It’s a lovely…