If you're doing a safari in Kenya, there's a good chance you will be flying into and out of Nairobi. Don't miss the chance to explore this bustling African city that Lonely Planet ranked as the world's best city to visit this year. To get you started, here are 13 of the best things to do in Nairobi, before and after your Kenya Safari.
For more about Kenya's lively capital, see our free Nairobi Travel Guide.
A must-see for animal lovers in Nairobi, this is one of our favourite things to do in Nairobi. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, located in the Nairobi National Park is most famously known for its elephant and rhino orphanage. The trust has done incredible work in African wildlife conservation, since 1977. They have successfully hand-raised over 150 orphaned elephants!
Once the baby elephants ‘graduate’ from the nursery, at about two to three years old, they are reintegrated into the wild in Tsavo East National Park.
A visit to the wildlife centre is well worth it, not only to support their great work, but the cuteness factor of these li’l elephants is off the scale! The main highlight of any visit is their daily feeding and mud-bath session. Watch the ellies being fed by their dedicated keepers, and then frolic in the mud to cool off, play, and bond with one another.
Check out the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust before you go, to find out feeding times etc and book in advance.
This 15-day 15-Day Kenya and Tanzania Lodge Safari is one of our tours that includes a visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi.
One of the top things to do in Nairobi - drink a cuppa. Kenya is known for both its coffee and tea plantations, with the first crop harvested in 1896. So where better could you be to sample them?
There are a number of branches of the Java House coffee shops across Nairobi. They specialise in coffee, tea and fresh, light meals. There’s nothing quite like reading the morning paper with a steaming hot cup of fresh coffee, grown locally.
If you’re looking for something to take home as a gift, Dormans offers a wide range of ethically sourced Kenyan and Tanzanian coffees. Visit one of their coffee houses and try them out. You’ll probably find yourself popping in at regular intervals, it’s so delicious.
Be sure to check out the Nairobi institution, Gibson's Coffee House, in the CBD. It's been a well-known brand for over 50 years. They serve fantastic coffee, lovely teas and good food.
Spring Valley Coffee has been roasting coffee since 2009. Located in Spring Valley, the neighbourhood historically renowned for its coffee estates, they are passionate about roasting coffee at source and creating opportunities for small-scale farmers to thrive.
Opened in 1983, the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi has made a huge impact on protecting the endangered Rothschild Giraffe. The centre focuses on teaching the local community about conservation and they provide free conservation workshops to local school groups.
The centre allows you to see these gorgeous creatures close up, and learn a bit about their habits and habitat. Giraffe conservation is vital to protect these beautiful, gangly, creatures from extinction. After you’ve met the giraffes, relax in the tea room for a cup of tea and take in the beautiful surroundings.
If you like to shop Nairobi will delight you with its treasure trove of shopping options. This is one of the fun things to do in Nairobi, probably best saved for after your Kenya safari, especially if you are taking domestic flights between lodges in a light aircraft.
The Masai Market is held each day (except Mondays) in a different place in Nairobi. See the 'About' section on their FB page for where it is on the day you want to go and check with your hotel reception. The market is a bustling, colourful, loud and busy experience and is the place to go for truly African pieces to take home for yourself, or as gifts. Buying gifts from locals helps support the local economy directly, so it's a win-win situation.
Remember some basic rules, though:
Alternatively, the West African Market in Nairobi's CBD is a hidden gem for authentic African handcrafts. Located in a two-storey apartment block, it features about 15 studio apartments arranged around a courtyard, each packed with unique masks, carvings, beads, statues, and fabrics sourced from across the continent. Vendors live on-site and cater primarily to international dealers, but they welcome all buyers with their friendly and knowledgeable service, particularly at standout shops like Abu Bakr's and Madi’s. Though tricky to find—look for the faded "Safety Line Curios" sign near Safety Line Lodge—it’s well worth the effort for the high-quality, diverse selection and cultural charm.
What started in 1975 as a tiny workshop experimenting with making ceramic beads is now a ceramic bead and pottery factory employing over 300 women. Many of these women are single mothers and employing disadvantaged communities was one of the driving forces behind Kazuri.
The beads are made from scratch and hand-painted, creating beautiful, colourful pieces. The factory is situated in what used to be part of Karen Blixen’s estate. Contact Kazuri to organise a factory tour and stock up on beautifully handmade gifts to take home. There is an onsite coffee shop to relax with a cup of Kenya coffee or tea and tasty pastries from a local bakery. Open Monday to Saturday.
Spinners Web on Kitisuru Road is a must-visit destination for high-quality African crafts and unique finds in Nairobi. Unlike the Maasai Markets, it offers a hassle-free shopping experience with reasonable, fixed prices and an incredible selection of handmade items from over 500 designers across Kenya. Set in a spacious, greenhouse-style showroom, Spinners Web features an unmatched variety of furniture, clothing, pottery, jewellery, art, and home decor, making it a true one-stop shop. Open daily except Mondays, it’s the perfect place to spend a leisurely morning discovering authentic and beautifully crafted goods.
Village Market, located on Limuru Road in Gigiri, is Nairobi’s premier mall, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment, dining, and shopping. With over 20 restaurants, 200 shops, two hotels, a trampoline park, a bowling alley, and a soft play area, it’s a family-friendly destination where kids can have fun while adults explore. The mall features unique boutiques, antique shops, art studios, craft stalls, and essential stores like Woolworths and a supermarket. Open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, it’s also a dining hotspot, with standout options like Harvest, known for its organic, locally sourced ingredients, and The Local Grill, one of Nairobi’s top steakhouses.
Check out our Nairobi Tours for affordable safaris starting, ending or stopping in Nairobi.
‘I had a farm in Africa, at the foot of the Ngong Hills.’
Who doesn’t remember that line, spoken by Meryl Streep in the opening scene of the Oscar-winning film, Out of Africa? No longer is the house part of a farm, Nairobi having spread since Karen Blixen’s times, but it has been turned into a museum.
Karen Blixen, a Danish author, moved from Denmark to Kenya with her husband and lived in the house from 1917 to 1931. Her husband insisted on trying to farm coffee. After they divorced, Karen continued fighting for the farm and the locals and fell in love with an Englishman.
The museum allows you to relive the romanticism of those years, and the hardships endured by Karen Blixen. Tea in the beautiful, serene gardens, and a view of her beloved Ngong Hills, will make you feel like you’ve been transported back to those colonial days. A firm favourite on the list of things to do in Nairobi for young and old alike.
Do you think just because you’re in the middle of a bustling city, you can only do city things? Think again. One of the best things to do in Nairobi is visit Nairobi National Park, a mere 7 km away from Nairobi’s centre. It boasts four of the Big Five – lion, rhino, leopard and buffalo – along with over a hundred other African mammals.
Besides the animals, the scenery is pretty spectacular, with varying vegetation, from open grass plains to highland dry forests and riverine forests. Dams have been made in the park and have added further habitats for the animals and over 400 species of birds that call the park home.
You can explore the small park on a self-drive or book a half-day or full-day guided game drive. There is also a shuttle to the park and designated walking trails for those wanting to stretch their legs.
Boho Eatery, just next to the Nairobi Park and the Giraffe Sanctuary, is a popular cafe known for its sustainable, locally sourced menu with vegan, vegetarian, and meat options. Tucked away in a serene, bird-filled garden, it offers a peaceful setting perfect for relaxing while spotting vibrant wildlife like sunbirds, butterflies, and chameleons. With beautifully presented dishes that taste as good as they look, it’s an idyllic spot for breakfast or lunch.
Situated on Museum Hill, a ten-minute drive from Nairobi CBD, lies the Nairobi National Museum. It was opened on this site in 1930 and closed in 2005 to undergo major renovations.
The museum and its surroundings link to the four pillars of Kenya’s national heritage – nature, culture, history and contemporary art. The museum precinct includes not only the actual museum but also an art gallery, botanical gardens, snake park and shopping/eating facilities that appeal to more than just the history buffs.
Learn about the rich cultural heritage of Kenya and the archaeological origins of man, see the animals and birds of Africa in the galleries, appreciate contemporary Kenyan art, and then go for a stroll through the beautiful botanical gardens, one of the most scenic things to do in Nairobi. If you’re brave, visit the snake park and get up close and personal with some of Africa’s favourite reptiles.
The museum is open 365 days a year, from 8:30 to 17:30. It is advisable to buy tickets in advance and print them out. The onsite ticket sales are a source of much frustration and time-wasting for visitors.
The KICC (Kenyatta International Conference Centre), in the heart of the CBD, offers a unique opportunity to take in the spectacular views of Nairobi’s skyline from its rooftop helipad. Standing 105 meters tall with 32 stories, this iconic building was once Kenya's tallest when it was completed in 1974. From the top, you can enjoy stunning 360-degree panoramic Nairobi city views, including landmarks like Uhuru Park, the Parliament buildings, and Nairobi National Park in the distance. This is one of the top things to do in Nairobi when the weather is good.
Open daily, the helipad is accessible for a modest fee. Professional cameras attract a higher fee, though phone photography is included in the basic ticket price. Reaching the rooftop involves passing through multiple security checkpoints (passport required) and taking an elevator, followed by a spiral staircase leading to the helipad. Once at the top, you are rewarded with unobstructed views and a fresh perspective on Nairobi’s bustling cityscape.
Need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city? Head to the Karura Forest and be amazed by its cool serenity, right in the city. With a gorgeous waterfall and many walking and cycling trails through cool forest glades, it’s easy to forget you’re in the city at all. Take a picnic basket and enjoy your lunch in the shade. Just beware of the naughty monkeys – they’ll steal your lunch if you turn your back for a second.
As in any 'isolated' place, it's preferable not to walk alone. Guided tours are offered.
The Nairobi Arboretum is located along State House Road in Kilimani, a serene escape from the city bustle with over 300 species of trees, both native and exotic. Founded in 1907, this 30-hectare wooded landscape features well-laid paths, picnic areas, and benches, making it one of the best places for casual strolls and family outings in Nairobi.
Fitness enthusiasts flock to the arboretum for the popular Fit Kenyan Bootcamp, a dynamic group workout that takes place Monday to Friday 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, and Saturdays 10 am to 11:30 am. These sessions, held at the main field, are a fantastic way to meet locals while staying active. Drop-in classes are available and cater to all fitness levels, providing a fun and challenging hour of callisthenics.
What’s a trip to a new country without sampling the local food? Different communities in Kenya have different ‘signature dishes’, and there several good restaurants in Nairobi that specialise in traditional Kenyan dishes. The focus is on locally sourced, fresh ingredients. One tip: skip breakfast and go hungry!
The Westlands branch is situated overlooking the beautiful Karura Forest, providing a tranquil environment in which to enjoy your meal.
As its name suggests, Carnivore is known for its meat and is a big hit with meat lovers. The meat is cooked over coals in the pit at the entrance to the restaurant. Referred to as the ‘Ultimate Feast of Beast’, a wide array of meat is served, from beef to goat to crocodile.
The set price includes soup, the meat feast with a vast selection of salads and vegetables on the side, followed by coffee and dessert, which only comes once you admit defeat by lowering the white flag on your table. Until then, the servers keep coming with food.
It certainly is an experience and one of the most memorable foodie things to do in Nairobi. The restaurant has a rustic atmosphere created with rough-hewn beams, local wood and tropical gardens (including streams!) A vegetarian menu is also offered.
For something more upmarket, the Talisman Restaurant is a beloved Nairobi institution known for its exceptional food, extensive wine selection, and charming Lamu-style décor. Located in the Karen district, it was originally the house of renowned wildlife photographer Alan Root but has grown into one of Kenya's top dining destinations. It blends fine dining with a laid-back, convivial atmosphere, complemented by stunning décor and warm service.
Roadhouse Grill is a popular local spot in Nairobi with an authentic nyama choma (Kenyan BBQ), offering charcoal-grilled meats like chicken, beef, and goat cooked to perfection. Known for its lively, barbecue-like atmosphere, it attracts locals and businesspeople enjoying great food and drinks even during workdays. While the fresh preparation means a long wait, the high-quality, affordable dishes, including sides like fries and greens, make it well worth the time.
Swahili Plate is a go-to restaurant in Nairobi for authentic Swahili and African cuisine, with branches at Sarit Centre Food Court and Muindi Mbingu Street in the CBD. Open daily from 7 am to 10 pm, it offers a variety of flavourful dishes that capture the essence of Swahili culture. Perfect for dining in or takeout, it’s an excellent spot to savour traditional tastes.
Africa is a continent of extremes, and this applies to living conditions as much as anything else. In an area of approximately 2.5 km2, live over 1 million people, which is approximately one-third of Nairobi’s population. This is Kibera, about 3 km southeast of Nairobi CBD.
With no permanent residential buildings and minimal urban services – on average, one pit toilet per 50 to 200 residents – the area is a busy hive of shack dwellings and people. The people of Kibera come from all the ethnic backgrounds of Kenya, and the railway runs through the slum.
And while living conditions are atrocious, life goes on for these people and they’re friendly and welcoming and more than ready to chat with visitors. Get a glimpse of all sides of Africa and go on an organised tour of Kibera in Nairobi. This is one of the best things to do in Nairobi to get a sense of what life is like for many locals.
There are many companies offering tours, including Kibera Tours and Explore Kibera Tours.
Africans love their beer. There’s nothing nicer than a cold ale after a day in the hot sun. Whether you’re a fan of Tusker, Kenya’s most well-known lager, or like to try out craft beers, Nairobi has something for you.
The Brew Bistro and Lounge is a stylish, vibey bar on Ngong’ Road. It has various sections and prides itself on providing a feast for the senses. With an in-house brewery creating craft beer, it’s the place to go if you’re a beer connoisseur.
And if beer’s not your thing? Go anyway, they have an extensive drinks menu - including some mighty fine cocktails - that’ll delight every taste. And the food is good, too.
For a taste of Nairobi's vibrant nightlife, visit the Alchemist Bar in Westlands. It is a vibrant outdoor venue offering the best in entertainment, street food, drinks, and music. Open daily from 12 pm until late, it brings together local and global entrepreneurs in food, fashion, art, and music. This is one of the most exciting things for young travellers to do in Nairobi. With nightly events, diverse food options, and great vibes, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed drink or an energetic night out with hip-hop and Afrohouse beats.
Matatus, or taxis, are the privately owned (or taxi company-owned) vehicles that predominate Nairobi’s public transport system.
It looks chaotic, it sounds chaotic, it is a little chaotic, really, but it’s a great way to experience Nairobi as the locals do. Brightly coloured and often with slogans that’ll keep you grinning throughout the trip, these taxis are like nothing you've seen before.
A couple of warnings, though:
Know where you’re going. Preferably take a local with you.
Find out what the trip should cost, before you go, so that you don’t get fleeced.
Leave your valuables behind. You’ll find yourself jostled and squashed. There are pickpockets. Keep your wits about you.
Enjoy the trip. It could get wild!
Now you know some of the best things to do in Nairobi when you visit. As you've seen, Nairobi is a vibrant and modern African city with plenty on offer to make a longer stay worthwhile. For help planning your stay and advice on what to do in Nairobi before or after your Kenya or East Africa Safari, contact our travel experts.
This blog post lists a selection of the best budget-friendly Kenya Safaris from Nairobi to Masai Mara.
Or browse our excellent value-for-money Kenya Safaris, filtered by tours departing from Nairobi or view all our African safaris that visit Nairobi
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