10 Best Things to Do and See in Nairobi
Exploring Nairobi on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Nairobi, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Nairobi. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Uhuru Park
Uhuru Park is a large urban park in Nairobi, loved for its greenery, peaceful paths, and open spaces in the heart of the city. People come here to take a walk, relax in the shade of the trees, or enjoy a quiet moment away from the bustle of the city center. The park also features an artificial lake, welcoming lawns, and pleasant viewpoints for admiring the urban landscape. It is a simple and popular spot, ideal for an outdoor break during a visit to the Kenyan capital.
2. Giraffe Centre
The Giraffe Centre in Nairobi is a tourist attraction dedicated to discovering the Rothschild’s giraffe in a natural and educational setting. Visitors can observe these majestic animals up close, feed them from an elevated platform, and learn more about their protection as well as Kenyan wildlife. The site also offers pleasant areas for a peaceful stroll, with lush surroundings that make it a popular stop for families, travelers, and animal lovers.
3. National Museum of Kenya
The National Museum of Kenya in Nairobi is a must-see for discovering the country’s natural, cultural, and historical richness. Its galleries feature a wide range of collections on wildlife, geology, archaeology, art, and the traditions of Kenya’s diverse communities. The museum also offers a deeper understanding of the region’s evolution and the exceptional biodiversity of East Africa. With its permanent exhibits and well-curated presentation, the visit provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of Kenyan heritage, ideal for better understanding the country before exploring Nairobi and its surroundings.
4. Nairobi National Park
Nairobi National Park offers a surprising experience just a stone’s throw from Kenya’s capital, with its vast open plains where you can observe many wild animals in their natural habitat. Visitors often spot lions, giraffes, zebras, rhinos and many bird species, with the urban skyline in the distance. It is an ideal place for a safari near the city, nature walks and wildlife viewing in an accessible, well-preserved savannah landscape.
5. Maasai Market
Nairobi’s Maasai Market is a popular artisan market where visitors can discover Kenyan art and craftsmanship in a lively atmosphere. It offers a wide variety of handmade items, including beaded jewelry, wooden sculptures, colorful textiles, clothing, bags, and souvenirs inspired by local cultures. It is also an ideal place to watch artisans at work and chat with vendors. People come here both to browse and to buy authentic pieces to bring back from their trip to Kenya.
6. City Market
Nairobi City Market is a lively market where visitors can get a great glimpse of local life and Kenyan craftsmanship. It is often a good place to find souvenirs, jewelry, sculptures, fabrics, decorative items, and sometimes fresh produce depending on the stalls. The atmosphere is usually vibrant and colorful, with vendors offering a wide variety of goods in a setting ideal for browsing. It is an interesting place to explore local creations and bring home a typical item from the Kenyan capital.
7. The Nairobi Arboretum
The Nairobi Arboretum is a large, tree-filled park located in the heart of Nairobi, offering a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city. Visitors can discover many trees and plants, pleasant paths for walking or jogging, and a setting that is popular for nature and birdwatching. It is an ideal place to relax, enjoy a picnic, or simply take in the greenery. Easy to access, the arboretum appeals to both locals and visitors looking for freshness and tranquility.
8. Nairobi Safari Walk
The Nairobi Safari Walk is an attraction in Nairobi that offers an elevated boardwalk trail in the heart of a space dedicated to discovering Kenya’s wildlife. Visitors can observe wild animals in an environment designed to reflect different habitats across the country, with close-up views of species such as large mammals, birds, and other iconic savanna animals. The site is appreciated for its educational value and for providing an accessible glimpse of Kenya’s biodiversity right in the city, in a pleasant setting for families and curious visitors.
9. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nursery
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nursery in Nairobi is a sanctuary dedicated to protecting and caring for young wild animals, especially orphaned elephant calves. Visitors discover a place committed to conservation, where the animals are fed, cared for by handlers, and prepared, whenever possible, to return to their natural habitat. The visit offers a better understanding of the efforts being made in Kenya to save endangered wildlife and raise public awareness about living alongside nature. Altogether, it provides an emotional and educational experience, up close to animal protection work.
10. Bomas of Kenya
The Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi offer an immersive look into the country’s cultural diversity through reconstructed traditional villages and exhibits dedicated to Kenya’s different ethnic groups. Visitors can discover the architecture, everyday objects, ways of life, and artisanal skills that reflect the traditions of several communities. The site is also known for its folk dance and music performances, which showcase the energy and richness of local cultures in an educational and accessible setting.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
