Nairobi: Top 15 attractions in Kenya's capital city

Nairobi National Park

A unique place where a real safari begins just a few kilometers from the center of the capital. It is the only national park in the world located directly next to a metropolis: skyscrapers rise against the backdrop of the savannah, and lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and buffaloes can be seen among the acacia trees.

The park covers more than 100 km of open plains and is one of the best places in Kenya to observe black rhinos. The best time to visit is early in the morning or before sunset, when the animals are most active and the light makes the landscape particularly photogenic.

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is one of the most touching places in Nairobi, where you can see how orphaned elephants and rhinos are rescued and raised.

Founded as a conservation initiative, the center specializes in rehabilitating calves that have lost their mothers to poaching or human conflict and prepares them for release back into the wild. During daily open visits, guests can watch the elephants being fed milk formula, learn about their rescue stories, and find out more about Kenya's efforts to preserve wildlife.

Visits must be booked in advance, and it is best to plan your visit for the morning when the main presentation takes place.

Karen Blixen Museum

The Karen Blixen Museum, the former estate of Danish writer Karen Blixen, author of the memoir Out of Africa, is located at the foot of the Ngong Hills. It was here in the early 20th century that she ran a coffee plantation and described life in colonial Kenya, which later became a literary classic.

Today, the house preserves its original interiors, furniture, and archival photographs, and a walk through the garden allows you to feel the atmosphere of that era. This place will be especially interesting for lovers of literature and history, as it offers a more personal and controversial view of the country's past.

Karura Forest

Amidst the bustling city lies a green oasis where you can lose yourself among the trails and waterfalls, listening to the birds singing and the trees rustling.

Karura Forest is not just a nature reserve, but the true natural heart of Nairobi: here, old eucalyptus and palm trees stand alongside small caves, while monkeys and colorful birds give a sense of living Africa. A walk along these routes allows you to take a break from the city rhythm, enjoy a picnic or a bike ride, and information signs tell stories about the flora and fauna of the region, making your visit both educational and relaxing.

Nairobi National Museum

The country's main museum and the best place to understand Kenya in its natural, historical, and cultural dimensions.

The modern exhibition combines archaeological finds from the Great Rift Valley, ethnographic collections from different peoples, art exhibitions, and natural history rooms with stuffed animals and interactive materials on the biodiversity of East Africa.

The museum complex also includes a botanical garden and a space for temporary exhibitions, so you should allow at least two hours for your visit. It is the ideal starting point for getting to know the country before traveling on safari or to the coast.

Kozuri Bead Factory

Small handmade masterpieces come to life in the Kozuri workshop, where ceramic beads and jewelry are produced.

Visitors can not only watch the entire process—from shaping the clay to painting and firing—but also purchase unique souvenirs that carry a piece of Kenyan culture. This place combines creativity and social mission: most of the workers are local women for whom working at the factory has become an opportunity for a stable income.

Ngon Hills

It's easy to escape the city noise just a few kilometers away in the Ngong Hills, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the savannah and the distant silhouettes of Nairobi.

Here, the wind blows across the green slopes, and trails lead through open plains where antelopes and buffalo graze. The Ngong Hills are ideal for morning hikes or sunset picnics: the panorama of the Rift Valley and the mountains on the horizon makes every trip photogenic, and the feeling of space and freedom is truly unforgettable.

Nairobi Railway Museum

Old trains and steam locomotives come to life at the Nairobi Railway Museum, which tells the story of the East African Railway.

The exhibits show how cities were once connected and the role of the railway in the development of the economy and urban infrastructure. For lovers of technology and history, this place becomes a real time machine, where you can imagine the travels of the last century.

Bomas of Kenya Cultural Center

Kenya's traditional culture is on full display at Bomas of Kenya, where ethnic settlements have been recreated and dancers and musicians demonstrate folk rituals and celebrations.

A walk around the grounds allows you to see the diversity of tribes, their homes, and crafts, while performances add color and rhythm. Visitors can not only observe but also participate in master classes, immersing themselves in the living culture of the country.

You can book a hotel in Nairobi with a discount of up to 65% on the website.

City Market

The city market is a place where Nairobi reveals itself through smells, colors, and sounds. Here you can find spices, exotic fruits, fabrics, and souvenirs, and chatting with the vendors helps you get a feel for the rhythm of local life.

The colorful atmosphere and daily hustle and bustle make the market the perfect place for those who love authentic experiences and shopping with history.

Jamiya Mosque

The Jamia Mosque impresses with its architectural grandeur and the tranquility that reigns inside. It is one of the main religious centers in Nairobi and attracts tourists not only among believers but also those interested in culture and history.

The elegant arches, minarets, and decorative elements make a visit an aesthetic pleasure and a reminder of the city's multiculturalism.

Westlands

Westlands is a modern district of Nairobi, home to restaurants, cafes, and bars, which comes alive with nightlife in the evenings.

Here you can sample cuisines from around the world, listen to live music, or simply stroll through the streets, observing the rhythm of the metropolis. The district attracts tourists with its energy and the opportunity to experience the modern side of life in Kenya's capital.

Nairobi Snake Park

Hidden among the hustle and bustle of the city is a small but incredibly fascinating world—the Nairobi Snake Park.

Here you can see many species of local reptiles, from poisonous snakes to huge crocodiles, and learn about their behavior and role in the ecosystem. Visitors are treated to feeding demonstrations and short tours with stories about biology and animal conservation, making the trip not only entertaining but also educational. This place is suitable for those who are looking for unusual experiences in Nairobi and want to feel close to wildlife without leaving the city.

Nairobi Butterfly Centre

At the Nairobi Butterfly Centre, you can find yourself surrounded by a colorful living carpet: hundreds of African butterflies flutter around in a greenhouse among flowers and plants.

Visitors have a unique opportunity to observe their life cycle from caterpillar to adult, and the photos taken here are particularly vivid and impressive. It is a quiet and exciting place where you can feel the beauty of nature and understand the importance of protecting the local fauna.

Kenya National Archives

The National Archives of Kenya reveal the country's true historical treasure trove to tourists. It houses ancient documents, photographs, and materials that tell the story of the colonial past, the struggle for independence, and the formation of modern Kenya.