Things to do in Nairobi

Best Things to do in Nairobi

Planning a trip and wondering about the top things to do in Nairobi? From historic landmarks to modern experiences, the city offers something for every traveller, making it a perfect getaway in 2026.

With over 3580 activities in Nairobi, there is plenty to explore. Visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in , including iconic sites, vibrant neighbourhoods and cultural hubs. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, sampling local delicacies or relaxing at scenic spots, every corner has something new to discover.

With experiences starting at INR 358, it’s never been easier to plan your perfect trip. Make the most of your visit to Nairobi in January and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Discover the Best Things to Do in Nairobi for Culture, Wildlife and City Life

About Nairobi

Nairobi is a city where modern life and the wild sit side by side as you can see skyscrapers rise across the skyline, yet just a short drive away you’ll find open savannah with giraffes and rhinos. It’s one of those places where you don’t need to choose between city buzz and outdoor escapes, you can have both in a single day.

You can wander through local markets, learn history at the museums, or head out to green parks and wildlife reserves. For travellers looking for balance, there are plenty of things to do in Nairobi that mix nature with culture and still leave time for a good meal in the city.

Whether you’re here for a stopover, a weekend break, or a longer holiday, the variety means you won’t run out of experiences and Nairobi makes it easy to move between relaxed afternoons and big adventures.

Unique Experiences

Coffee farm tour, coffee roasting and tasting experience

This tour walks you through the coffee-making process, from bean to cup, with roasting and tasting on-site. It’s one of the most relaxing things to do in Nairobi, perfect for slowing down and savouring a local flavour.

• Where: Near Nairobi
• Pricing: It starts from INR 3,100 per person
• Timing: Around 2 hours; slots available at 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM
• When to Visit: Year-round, pleasant mornings are ideal for cooler air and better light

Kibera Slum Tour with a Local Guide

Kiberas Slum Tour isn’t your typical sightseeing stop, but one of the most impactful activities in Nairobi. A local guide shares life stories, community initiatives, and daily rhythms in East Africa’s largest informal settlement. It’s a powerful, human way to connect with city life beyond the surface.

• Where: Kibera, Nairobi
• Pricing: It starts from INR 1,800 per person; slots available from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Timing: About 3 to 4 hours
• When to Visit: Mornings are best, quieter, cooler, and give time afterwards to reflect

NAI NAMI: Nairobi Storytelling Tour

Here’s one of the most uniquely moving things to do in Nairobi. A storytelling walk led by youth who know the city’s heartbeat. They guide you through neighbourhoods, share their stories, and reopen the idea of who a guide can be. It’s insightful, respectful, and deeply human.

• Where: Nairobi city neighbourhoods (Nai Nami route)
• Pricing: It starts from INR 4,000 per person
• Timing: Around 2 hours 30 minutes; slots available at 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM
• When to Visit: Year-round; contact tours tend to feel more personal in the cooler seasons (June to October)

Top Attractions

Nairobi National Park

This is the only national park in the world that borders a capital city, making it one of the most unique things to do in Nairobi. You’ll see lions, rhinos, and giraffes roaming with the city skyline in the background. It’s a reminder of how close the wild sits to everyday life here.

• Where: Just 7 km south of Nairobi city centre
• Pricing: It starts from INR 3,000 per person
• Timing: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
• When to Visit: Early mornings or late afternoons, year-round, for the best chance of spotting wildlife

Giraffe Centre

Feeding giraffes by hand is one of the more interactive 10 things to do in Nairobi. It’s a favourite for both kids and adults, where you can learn about conservation and get surprisingly close to these gentle giants.

• Where: Lang’ata, about 20 km from Nairobi city centre
• Pricing: It starts from INR 1,500 per person
• Timing: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
• When to Visit: Anytime, though mornings are less crowded and cooler

Karen Blixen Museum

Set in the former home of the Danish author of Out of Africa, this museum gives you a glimpse of colonial life and the stories tied to the Ngong Hills. Visiting here is one of the more relaxed things to do in Nairobi with family, as it combines history, gardens, and lovely views.

• Where: Karen suburb, about 10 km from Nairobi
• Pricing: It starts from INR 1,200 per person
• Timing: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM daily
• When to Visit: All year round; late afternoons are especially pleasant for the gardens

Sightseeing Tours

Half-Day Nairobi City Tour

This tour covers the city’s must-see spots in just a few hours, like the Nairobi National Museum and a viewpoint for great skyline photos. It’s a neat choice when you want to kick off things to do in Nairobi today with context and easy transport.

• Where: Hotel pickup within Nairobi
• Pricing: It starts from INR 5,500 per person
• Timing: About 5 to 7 hours total; tour starts at 8:30 AM
• When to Visit: All year, though mornings give clearer light and calmer crowds

Nairobi City Walking Guided Tour with Lunch at Carnivore

For a slower pace, this walking tour moves through local markets, green spaces, and key landmarks, all capped with a classic Kenyan lunch. It’s a warm introduction to activities in Nairobi that bring food, history, and life together.

• Where: City centre walking route, markets, mausoleum, Kenyatta Tower, lunch stop
• Pricing: It starts from INR 17,600 per person
• Timing: Around 7 hours total; tour starts at 9:00 AM
• When to Visit: Weekdays are quieter and brunch time makes lunch feel like a reward

Day Trips

Lake Naivasha & Hell's Gate National Park Day trip using safari minivan

Escape the city for a great day out and start with a walking safari among wildlife, then take a boat ride on Lake Naivasha. It’s one of the most refreshing Nairobi day trips things to do, combining nature, animals, and water action.

• Where: Pickup in Nairobi. Then, head for Hell’s Gate walking safari and Lake Naivasha boat ride
• Pricing: It starts from INR 8,200 per person
• Timing: Around 1 day; tour starts at 6:00 AM
• When to Visit: Spring through autumn, when the days are dry and wildlife walks are comfortable

Amboseli National Park Full-Day Safari

If you want iconic wildlife and dramatic views in a single stretch, this full-day safari to Amboseli delivers elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. It’s one of the richer choices among things to do in Nairobi, perfect when you’re keen to see Africa’s nature all in one go.

• Where: Pickup in Nairobi and then, head to Amboseli National Park
• Pricing: It starts from INR 43,300 per person
• Timing: About 2 days; slots available at 7:30 AM and 2:00 PM
• When to Visit: June to September for clearer skies and stunning views of Kilimanjaro

Boat Tours

Lake Nakuru Park With Optional Boat Ride on Lake Naivasha

Gliding across Lake Naivasha is a peaceful highlight among things to do in Nairobi this weekend. You’ll spot hippos, birds, and waterside wildlife while the air cools under open sky.

• Where: Lake Naivasha shoreline
• Pricing: It starts from INR 19,000 per person
• Timing: Around 11 hours; tour departs at 6:00 AM
• When to Visit: Year-round, but early morning gives you the clearest view and softer light

Getting Around

Matatus: These colourful shared minibuses are part of daily life. They’re noisy, fast, and not for everyone, but they give you a true local flavour. If you’re mixing several things to do in Nairobi into one day, they’ll get you across town quickly.

Buses: Larger and slower than matatus, buses are an inexpensive option. They’re useful if you’re working through your list of 10 things to do in Nairobi that span different neighbourhoods.

Taxis: Easy to find near markets, hotels, and malls. They’re practical if you’re short on time or travelling with bags, especially when squeezing in evening things to do in Nairobi.

Private cars: Hiring a driver makes sense if you want day trips beyond the city. On longer rides, like safaris, this gives you comfort and flexibility. It’s also a good choice for families tackling several things to do in Nairobi on Sunday together.

Walking: Some central areas, like parts of downtown and Uhuru Park, can be explored on foot. Walking lets you take in food stalls, craft shops, and corners you’d miss otherwise.

Cycling: Growing slowly in Nairobi, but certain parks and outskirts are good for biking. It’s a relaxed way to cover short distances while mixing in some light exercise.

Traveller Tips

• Plan for early starts: Go early if you’re heading to the park. Animals move more in the cool of the morning. By midday, lions are usually stretched out in the shade and rhinos hard to spot.
• Keep cash for small stops: Keep some small notes in your pocket. Street snacks, quick rides, or market bargains often come easier when you pay cash.
• Balance the city and the wild: Mix your days. A morning with giraffes or elephants, then back in town later for a busy market or a quiet museum. It keeps the pace steady instead of overwhelming.
• Weekends get busier: Weekends feel different. Markets are louder, parks fill up quicker, even the Giraffe Centre can get crowded. Give yourself a little more time and don’t expect it to be quiet.
• Dress light but modest: The sun can be strong, but lightweight clothing that covers shoulders and knees is more comfortable in cultural spots. It also makes long walks between different things to do in Nairobi easier.