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Kenya Nairobi travel guide
9 things to do in Nairobi, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Nairobi
- National Museums of Kenya — state corporation that manages museums, sites and monuments in Kenya (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Family — cathedral in Nairobi, Kenya (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Nairobi Railway Museum — national museum (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Nairobi National Museum — museum in Nairobi, Kenya (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Uhuru Park — park in Kenya (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Jamia Mosque — mosque in Nairobi, Kenya (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Jeevanjee Gardens — park in Kenya (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Uhuru Gardens — Commemorative park in Nairobi, Kenya (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Kenya National Theatre — theatre in Nairobi, Kenya (visit ≈ 20 min)
1-day Nairobi walking itinerary
Starting point: Westlands. The top 7 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 8.7 km · 11,750 steps · 1 h 57 min on the way): National Museums of Kenya → Nairobi National Museum → Kenya National Theatre → Jeevanjee Gardens → Jamia Mosque → Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Family → Uhuru Park
Where to stay in Nairobi
- Westlands: Hotels, restaurants and nightlife; safe and central.
- Kilimani: A calm area with cafés and serviced apartments.
- Karen: Green and quiet; near the Giraffe Centre and elephant orphanage.
- City Centre (CBD): Historic hotels and museums; avoid walking alone at night.
- Gigiri: Quiet, secure diplomatic area home to UN offices.
- Lavington: Leafy residential area with boutique hotels and cafés.
Getting from the airport to Nairobi
- Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO): Taxi, Uber or Bolt ≈ 30 min; faster via the Expressway.
Getting around
Use Uber or Bolt rather than walking at night; traffic can be heavy. Matatu minibuses are cheap but chaotic.
Classic places to eat
- Carnivore: Skewered meat feast since 1980; a Nairobi classic.
- Talisman: Garden restaurant in Karen with African-Asian fusion food.
- Mama Oliech: Fried tilapia and ugali; Kenya’s most famous fish eatery.
- Thorn Tree Café: A travellers’ meeting point at the Sarova Stanley since 1902.
- K’Osewe: Popular eatery for Kenyan-style fish, ugali and sukuma wiki.
- Java House: Local café chain built on Kenyan coffee.
- Brew Bistro: Bar-restaurant brewing its own beer, with a terrace.
Romantic views
- Karura Forest (Early morning): Forest trails and a waterfall make a nature escape inside the city.
- Nairobi Arboretum (Afternoon): A pleasant place to picnic in the shade of hundreds of tree species.
- Uhuru Park (Evening): A broad park with a lake looking toward the city skyline.
Day trips
- Nairobi National Park — 11 km from the centre
Good to know before visiting Nairobi
- Fine: Plastic bags are banned with very heavy penalties.
- Fine: Smoking in public places is banned.
- Fine: Photographing military sites, airports, bridges and government buildings is prohibited.
- Warning: Same-sex relations are criminalised; check official travel advice.
- Warning: Malaria is a risk; ask your doctor about prevention and use repellent.
- Warning: Traffic drives on the left.
- Emergency: 112 (police 999)
- Plugs: G, 240V
- Tap water: Don't drink tap water; use bottled.
- Tipping: About 10% is customary.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Kenya, Wikivoyage — Kenya, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Nairobi travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Nairobi?
- The top 7 places in the centre take about 1 day at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Add extra days for day trips (Nairobi National Park).
- What are the top things to do in Nairobi?
- Highlights: National Museums of Kenya, Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Family, Nairobi Railway Museum, Nairobi National Museum and Uhuru Park. The map has 9 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Nairobi?
- Westlands: Hotels, restaurants and nightlife; safe and central. Other options: Kilimani, Karen, City Centre (CBD), Gigiri and Lavington.
- How do you get from the airport to Nairobi city centre?
- Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO): Taxi, Uber or Bolt ≈ 30 min; faster via the Expressway.
- How do you get around Nairobi?
- Use Uber or Bolt rather than walking at night; traffic can be heavy. Matatu minibuses are cheap but chaotic.
- What is the emergency number in Nairobi?
- Emergency: 112 (police 999).
- Do you tip in Nairobi?
- About 10% is customary.
Nearby cities
Kampala · Dodoma · Zanzibar (Stone Town) · Kigali · Gitega · Juba · Mogadishu · Addis Ababa
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