The Best Places to Visit and Fun Things to Do in Nairobi

January 10, 2021 Mustafa Natalwala 2753 Views

Nairobi is the national capital city of Kenya and also the largest city in the nation. It is also referred to as the Green City in the Sun. The most popular things to see Nairobi are the forests. But, the city has several other historical and cultural experiences to offer. The Nairobi National Museum is among the best places to visit in Nairobi to learn about history of the city, the country and its people. You can also explore culturally unique things to do in Nairobi at Bomas of Kenya village. This cultural village gives an insight into various aspects of history and contemporary life of the ethnic groups in the country. There are more Nairobi tourist attractions you can explore in the city which will give you an insight into Kenyan culture. If you are an admirer of art, you can visit GoDown Arts Center. This place is among top Nairobi attractions for artists, art collectors, and art admirers.

Though there are several places for Nairobi sightseeing, the main interest of tourists lies outside the city limits. People visit Nairobi to explore the wilderness and see wild animals such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, crocodiles and zebras in their natural habitat. There are other outdoor activities in Nairobi besides the National Park safari as well. There are many recreational parks and hike trails to explore aside from the National Park. One of the most popular and unique things to do in Nairobi is the Safari Walk. Here you can tour the jungle on an elevated wood platform and watch nature and wildlife.

Nairobi is also a great place to get some traditional Kenyan handicraft items as souvenirs. You won’t need to explore much either for it. There are cultural centers and markets all across the city. You can find specific names in the sections below. There are also sanctuaries of giraffes, rhinos and elephants which you can visit during Nairobi travel. You can interact with these animals and take away a special memory home with you.

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Table of Contents

The Best Things to Do and See in Nairobi in 4 Days

There are numerous places to visit in Nairobi as well as around it. It can be a bit overwhelming and difficult to manage all the major attractions in short time. Sometimes, it is difficult to plan your day during Nairobi travel. Hence, here is an itinerary of the most popular Nairobi attractions divided in a span of 4 days for convenience.

Day 1

1. Jamia Mosque

This arabic style architecture mosque is one of the most important religious structures of the country built in the 1900s. There isn’t much for things to see in Nairobi in this mosque, so you don’t need more than 30 minutes here.

2. Kenyatta International Convention Center

This building is an important cultural center of Nairobi hosting many events, exhibitions and conferences. Though it is most visited for tis revolving restaurant. You would need about an hour at this place.

3. Nairobi Gallery

The Nairobi Gallery exhibits art collection of the nation’s second vice president and his wife. The collection is quite unique and includes several items like art, books, stamps, jewelry, sculptures etc. It is among interesting Nairobi tourist attractions where you can easily spend an hour or more.

4. Nairobi Safari Walk

The safari walk is a unique walking tour of the jungle and among the most fun things to do in Nairobi. You get to walk on a protected and elevated wooden pedestal and enjoy beautiful sights of wildlife and the forest. You would need about 2 hours for this safari.

I suggest you should book a tour of Nairobi Safari Walk in advance.

5. Bomas of Kenya

This village offers a cultural experience of various ethnic groups of the nation. It gives you an insight into their history, lifestyle, traditions and art. It is an important stop during Nairobi sightseeing as you get to understand the people of the region. You will need 2 hours to experience the Bomas of Kenya.

I suggest you should go for half day cultural tour of Bomas of Kenya.

Day 2

1. Karen Blixen Museum

This museum is dedicated to the Danish Author Karen Blixen who lived here with her husband and wrote Out of Africa. It is popular among Nairobi attractions not only because of author’s fame, but also because many people desire such lifestyle of escape from city lives. You will need about an hour to explore this museum.

I suggest you should get your Ticket of Karen Blixen Museum in advance.

2. Oloolua Nature Trail

This beautiful forest trail is one of the best places for hiking during Nairobi travel. The trail runs along the banks of river Mbagathi and stretched for more than 5 kms. If you are looking a soft start to outdoor activities in Nairobi, this is where you should begin. You will need about 2 hours to complete this trail.

3. Giraffe Center

This place let’s interact with Giraffes. It is definitely among the most unique things to do in Nairobi, Kenya. The center is dedicated to endangered species called Rothschild Giraffe. You will need about an hour to explore this sanctuary.

I suggest you should Book a Guided Tour of Giraffe Center in advance.

4. GoDown Arts Center

This place can be considered the heart of the art scene in the city. For those who practice, understand or admire art; this is among the best places to visit in Nairobi. You will need about an hour to explore the place.

Day 3

1. Karura Forest Reserve

The Karura forest is just outside the city and is one of best hiking or trekking experiences in Kenya. It is considered a recreational forest with streams, small waterfalls and great camping locations. You will need about 2 hours to explore this forest.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Karura Forest Reserve in advance.

2. Nairobi National Museum

This museum takes you on a journey through the history of Kenya. There are several exhibits connected with history of the nation among things to see in Nairobi presented at this museum. You will need an hour and a half to explore it.

I suggest you should combine your visit of Nairobi National Museum with Snake Park.

3. Nairobi Snake Park

This reptile research facility is located adjacent to the National Museum. It is an addition attraction for people who visit Nairobi National Museum. You will need 30 minutes at this park.

I suggest you should merge your visit of Nairobi Snake Park with National Museum.

4. Kazuri Bead Factory

Beads and items made from them are among popular souvenirs people take home from Nairobi travel. Here you can see how they are made. You can also purchase several traditional handicraft items here. You would need 30 to 45 minutes for this factory.

I suggest you should Book Guided Tours of Cultural Shopping in Nairobi.

5. National Archives

This museum holds a collection of several records, documents and artifacts concerning the history of the country. You will need about an hour to explore the National Archives.

6. Uhuru Park

This park is located near Nairobi city center and is visited for recreational and outdoor activities in Nairobi. There is an artificial lake which is popular among locals for picnic. You would about half an hour to explore this park.

Day 4

1. African Heritage House

This heritage house holds many unique items and artifacts concerning traditional and cultural aspects of Kenyan people. It is also a beautiful architectural structure to explore among things to see in Nairobi. You will need about an hour to explore it.

2. August 7th Memorial Park

This memorial park honors the lives of people who were killed and injured due to the terrorist attacks on August 7th 1998. You will need about an hour for this memorial park.

3. Nairobi National Park

This is undoubtedly most popular among places to visit in Nairobi. The National Park is home to a variety of plants and animals. Some of the popular Nairobi attractions found in this National Park include Lions, Cheetahs, Buffaloes and so on. You will need at least 3 to 4 hours to explore the vast expanse of Nairobi National Park.

I suggest you should Book a Guided Safari Tour of Nairobi National Park in advance.

If you plan to visit Nairobi for more than 4 days or if you wish to add more places or outdoor activities in Nairobi to your tour, do check the section below. It is an exhaustive list of several fun things to do in Nairobi divided into categories.

Things to do in Nairobi

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Nairobi

Karen Blixen Museum
Britam Tower
Kenya Railway Museum
Kenya Museum Society
Nairobi Gallery
Kenya National Archives & Documentation
Jamia Mosque
Banana Hill Art Gallery
Matbronze Art Gallery & Foundry
One Off Contemporary Art Gallery
Citam Church
Nairobi Military Stone Monument
All Saints Cathedral
Red Hill Art Gallery
Khoja Mosque
Nyayo Monument
Holy Family Minor Basilica
East Africa Satsang Swaminarayan Temple
Jomo Kenyatta Monument
Safari Walk Children’s Museum
Murumbi Peace Memorial
War Memorial Monument

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Nairobi

Nairobi National Park
Giraffe Center
Ngong Hills
Nairobi Animal Orphanage
Uhuru Park
Hells Gate National Park
Oloolua Nature Trail
Mamba Village
Karura Forest
Mount Kenya
Mara Conservancy
Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary
Silole Sanctuary
Odniri Swamp
Hyena Dam

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Nairobi

Elephant & Rhino Nursery
Bomas of Kenya
Nairobi Arboretum
Uhuru Gardens
Snake Park
Sheldrik Elephant Orphanage
Kazuri Beads
Kenya Cultural Center
Diamond Plaza
August 7th Memorial Park
Ivory Burning Site
City Park
Karen Country Club
Central Park Nairobi
Panari Sky Center
Sheldrik Wildlife Trust
Splash Waterworld
Finix Casino
John Michuki Memorial Park
Mayfair Casino & Club
Nairobi NV Lunar Park
Sarova Stanley
Maji magic Water Park
Casino Flamingo
Club Captains Casino
Constant Gardener House
GoDown Arts Center

Shopping in Nairobi

Maasai Market
Sarit Center
City Market
Gikomba Market
K1 Klub House
Kazuri Beads
Biashara Street
Village Market
Utamaduni Craft Center
Kitengela Hot Glass
Two Rivers Mall
Toi Market

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Nairobi

Nairobi Safari Walk
Mount Kenya Climbing Expedition
Hiking
Trekking
Camping
Masikio Safari
Eastern Safari
Southern Safari
Aerocruise Airplane Safari

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Nairobi

Hashmi BBQ
Mama Oliech
Tamarind
Silk Noodles
Misono
Java House
Soi
Wasp & Sprout
Tatu
Arbor
J’s Fresh Bar
Mama Ashanti
Maru’s Bhajia Cafe
Abussinia
AA Mithaiwalla
Roadhouse Grill
Mambo Italia
Le Grenier a Pain
Talisman
About Thyme

Where to Stay in Nairobi?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Nairobi. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Nairobi.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Nairobi

How to Reach Nairobi?

By Air

The best and the fastest option for Nairobi travel is via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. There are many international flights connecting cities in Europe, Asia and Africa with the city. You can get direct flights to visit Nairobi from several cities in these continents, though the options are limited. Cabs are the only means of transport available from the airport to other places to visit in Nairobi. There have been several incidents of frauds, so pick your cab carefully. It is advised not to take recommendations for accommodation from the cab drivers. Some even claim to know unexplored Nairobi tourist attractions, such conversations are better avoided.

By Road

The only train you can get for Nairobi travel is from Mombasa. Tickets can be purchased from the station as well as online. The bus network is very widespread in Kenya. You can catch a bus to visit Nairobi from several cities, towns and villages in the country. Though it is advisable to avoid overnight travel in buses. There are also minibuses and hustle buses running between towns and villages. You can also get day tour buses for all the best things to do in Nairobi. But be careful that you pick a reliable tour agency.

If you are traveling by road for Nairobi sightseeing, then take route A104, C58 or A2. The first two routes run alongside Nairobi National Park, which is among the best places to visit in Nairobi. So you can check that out along the way.

By Water

As Nairobi is landlocked, there are no water routes to reach here directly. You can however reach Mombasa by water route and embark on Nairobi travel by road from there.

Image Reference

Jamia Mosque – Ruslik0 / Wikimedia Commons
Kenyatta International Convention Center – Daryona / Wikimedia Commons
Nairobi Gallery – Regina Hart / Flickr
Nairobi Safari Walk – Thomas Kriese / Flickr
Bomas of Kenya – Alexander Leisser / Wikimedia Commons
Karen Blixen Museum – Rod Waddington / Flickr
Oloolua Nature Trail –
Giraffe Center – Maria Hägglöf / Wikimedia Commons
GoDown Arts Center – Katy Fentress / Flickr
Karura Forest Reserve – Thoralf Gutierrez / Flickr
Nairobi National Museum – Mike / Flickr
Nairobi Snake Park – Mike / Flickr
Kazuri Bead Factory – Irene2005 / Flickr
National Archives – Wing / Wikimedia Commons
Uhuru Park – Carlos Fernandez / Flickr
African Heritage House – Rachel Strohm / Flickr
August 7th Memorial Park – Jorge Láscar / Flickr
Nairobi National Park – Alex Strachan / PixaBay