Things to do in  Nairobi

Nairobi is the capital of Kenya, a vibrant city with energetic nightlife, colorful markets, leafy suburbs, and the country’s finest museums. It’s also famed as a metropolis where African wildlife roams freely within view of downtown skyscrapers, as nearby Nairobi National Park is home to lions, giraffes, zebras, and more.

Yes, Nairobi is worth visiting. The city is one of East Africa’s most vibrant places, rewarding visitors with great nightlife, restaurant culture, galleries, and shopping ranging from upscale boutiques to Maasai markets. The National Museums of Kenya preserve history, while lions, zebras, and giraffes roam in nearby Nairobi National Park.

A week is enough time to see Nairobi’s top sites, including Nairobi National Park, National Museums of Kenya, Giraffe Centre, and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. You’ll have time for a few day trips, too—popular options include outings to Maasai villages, Lake Naivasha birdwatching, and nearby tea plantations.

With 24 hours in Nairobi, you can see some of the city’s most popular sites. The Karen suburb has access to both history and wildlife, so visitors can take in the Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and Nairobi National Park in just one day.

Yes, you can walk around Nairobi during daytime hours. However, the city’s sprawling geography means most tourist sites aren’t within easy walking distance of each other. For most visitors that means contending with regular traffic jams while getting around using licensed taxis, rideshares, buses, and budget-friendly matatus, or public minibuses.

Tranquil parks are popular destinations for Nairobi couples, with favorites including Oloolua Nature Trail, The Nairobi Arboretum, and Karura Forest. Wildlife lovers frequent the Giraffe Centre and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s elephant orphanage. Culture fans, meanwhile, can browse handicrafts at the Maasai Market or African art exhibits in Nairobi Gallery.