Where to Stay in Nairobi
Kenya
|Pop. 4.4M
|4 neighborhoods covered
Nairobi at a Glance
8 categories
Top Tips for Nairobi
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
When using matatus (minibuses), always keep your valuables secured and out of sight. Be aware of your surroundings and don't flash expensive items. It's often better to use ride-sharing apps or taxis for convenience and perceived safety.
Getting Around
Always agree on a fare with taxi drivers before starting your journey if not using a meter or app. Download offline Google Maps for navigation.
Watch Out For
The 'friendly stranger' offering unsolicited help or tours, often leading to a request for money or a visit to a 'fixed' shop.
Solo Female Travel
Solo female travelers should be extra vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less populated areas. Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention. Stick to reputable transportation and well-trafficked areas.
Hidden Gems in Nairobi
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Marula Cellar
This cozy spot offers a fantastic selection of wines and craft beers in a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Kazuri Beads
Visit this social enterprise where women handcraft beautiful ceramic beads and jewelry. It's inspiring to see their craft and support a worthy cause.
Oloolua Nature Trail
Escape the city bustle on this serene nature trail featuring a beautiful forest and a dramatic gorge with a suspension bridge.
Utamaduni Craft Centre
Discover authentic Kenyan crafts, textiles, and artwork from various regions. It's a less crowded alternative to other markets, with high-quality items.
Nairobi Arboretum
FREEA beautiful green oasis in the city, perfect for a peaceful walk amongst diverse tree species and birdlife. Locals come here for picnics and relaxation.
The Talisman Restaurant
Known for its eclectic menu and charming garden setting, this restaurant is a local favorite for delicious food and a relaxed ambiance.
What It Costs in Nairobi
Daily budget per person in KES
💡Premium destination pricing
KES 5000/day
KES 15000/day
KES 40000/day
Where to Stay in Nairobi
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Yaya Centre15 min
- Adlife Plaza10 min
Pros
- +Abundant restaurants and cafes
- +Good access to amenities and services
- +Relatively safe and well-maintained
Cons
- -Can be congested with traffic
- -Some areas lack consistent sidewalks
Top stays in Kilimani
Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi, Hurlingham
$$$Modern amenities and a rooftop pool with city views.
Kilele Apartments
$$Spacious serviced apartments ideal for longer stays.
The Zetech Hostel
$Affordable and social accommodation with basic amenities.
Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence Nairobi Arboretum
$$$Offers both hotel rooms and residences with excellent facilities.
Best for
Walk to
- Sarit Centre5 min
- Capital Centre10 min
- ABC Place20 min
Pros
- +Wide array of dining and entertainment options
- +Good infrastructure and connectivity
- +Modern shopping centers
Cons
- -Can be noisy due to nightlife
- -Traffic congestion is common
Top stays in Westlands
Sankara Nairobi, Autograph Collection
$$$Upscale hotel with a focus on art, culture, and fine dining.
The Social House Nairobi
$$$Trendy boutique hotel with vibrant decor and a lively atmosphere.
PrideInn Hotel Westlands
$$Comfortable and modern hotel with good business and leisure facilities.
Hotel InterContinental Nairobi
$$$A long-standing city landmark offering classic comfort and amenities.
Best for
Pros
- +Peaceful and green environment
- +Proximity to wildlife attractions
- +Sense of exclusivity
Cons
- -Limited public transport
- -Requires transport to access most amenities and city attractions
Top stays in Karen
Giraffe Manor
$$$$Iconic luxury lodge famous for its resident Rothschild giraffes.
Karen Blixen Coffee Garden and Cottages
$$$Charming cottages set in beautiful gardens, once home to Karen Blixen.
The Emakoko
$$$$Luxury lodge located within the Nairobi National Park, offering a unique safari experience.
Palmgrove Hotel
$$Offers comfortable accommodation with a pool and restaurant in a serene setting.
Best for
Walk to
- KICC (Kenyatta International Convention Centre)5 min
- National Archives10 min
- City Market15 min
Pros
- +Central location for sightseeing and government buildings
- +Good public transport links
- +Access to historical sites and markets
Cons
- -Very crowded and noisy during business hours
- -Can feel less safe after business hours
Top stays in CBD (Central Business District)
Sarova Stanley Hotel
$$$Historic colonial-era hotel known for its grandeur and exceptional service.
Fairmont The Norfolk
$$$Iconic hotel with colonial charm, lush gardens, and a rich history.
Nairobi Serena Hotel
$$$Elegant hotel with a strong emphasis on Kenyan culture and art.
Hotel Time Square
$$Modern hotel offering good value and amenities in the CBD.
The Youth Hostel
$Basic and affordable accommodation for backpackers in a central location.
Areas to be cautious
- Some informal settlements/slums: While representing a significant part of Nairobi's reality, these areas can be unsafe for tourists due to lack of infrastructure, potential for crime, and the risk of getting lost. Unless on a guided, responsible tour, it's best to avoid.
- Isolated, poorly lit streets at night: Regardless of the neighborhood, any street that is dark, empty, and away from main thoroughfares becomes a higher risk for petty crime and muggings after dark.
Insider tip: When using matatus (minibuses), always keep your valuables secured and out of sight. Be aware of your surroundings and don't flash expensive items. It's often better to use ride-sharing apps or taxis for convenience and perceived safety.
Safety in Nairobi
Exercise cautionSolo Female Travel
Solo female travelers should be extra vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less populated areas. Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention. Stick to reputable transportation and well-trafficked areas.
At Night
Nighttime safety varies significantly by neighborhood. Well-lit, busy areas in Westlands and Kilimani are generally safer, but still require awareness. Avoid poorly lit streets and areas known for nightlife unless with a group or using trusted transport.
Emergency
112
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1The 'friendly stranger' offering unsolicited help or tours, often leading to a request for money or a visit to a 'fixed' shop.
- 2Overcharging by taxis, especially at the airport or tourist spots.
- 3Distraction theft: a common tactic where one person distracts you while another picks your pocket.
Getting Around Nairobi
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to city center: Taxis approx. KES 2,500-3,500 (45-60 min depending on traffic). Ride-sharing apps can be slightly cheaper. Airport shuttle services are also available.
🎫
Day Pass
Not applicable for most tourist transport methods; day rates for private hire taxis can be negotiated (approx. KES 8,000-15,000+).
Single: Matatu rides vary widely (KES 30-100). Ride-sharing app single trips start around KES 300-500 within central areas.
🚶
Walkability
Good TransitUber, Bolt
📶
WiFi
Good20-50 Mbps in cafes and hotels
Public Transport
Matatus (minibuses) are the primary mode of public transport, but can be chaotic for tourists. Taxis and ride-sharing apps (Uber, Bolt, Little Cab) are highly recommended for visitors.
Ride-share
Uber, Bolt, Little Cab are widely available and generally reliable. Typical cost for short to medium trips within the city is KES 300-800.
Transport Tip
Always agree on a fare with taxi drivers before starting your journey if not using a meter or app. Download offline Google Maps for navigation.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Most hotels, upscale restaurants, cafes (e.g., Java House, Artcaffe), and shopping malls offer free Wi-Fi.
Coworking
Nairobi Garage, iHub, Outbox Hub. Daily costs range from KES 1,000 - 2,500.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: Jul, Aug, Sep
Hotels & Accommodation in Nairobi
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Who Is Nairobi Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
Digital Nomads
Offers a good balance of modern amenities, cafes with Wi-Fi, and co-working spaces, making it convenient for remote work.
Families with Young Children
Provides a safe, spacious, and green environment with proximity to attractions like the Giraffe Centre and Nairobi National Park.
Solo Female Travelers
Offers a relatively safe environment with good amenities and a variety of dining options, and is easier to navigate than the CBD at night.
Luxury Seekers
Home to exclusive lodges and properties, offering tranquility and high-end experiences like Giraffe Manor.
Foodies & Nightlife Enthusiasts
This district is Nairobi's hotspot for diverse restaurants, bars, and clubs, offering endless culinary and entertainment choices.
Budget Backpackers
Provides access to affordable hostels and is the central hub for navigating the city and accessing public transport.
Nairobi on TripAdvisor
Read traveller reviews, tips, and photos
About Nairobi
Nairobi ( ny-ROH-bee) is the capital and largest city of Kenya, located in the south-central part of the country. As of 2024, it has a population of 4.8 million and a metropolitan population of 5.7 million, making it the 11th most populous city in Africa. Nicknamed the "Green City under the Sun," Nairobi is uniquely notable for being the only capital city in the world that hosts a national park within its boundaries.
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Nairobi Guides by Traveller Type
Tailored neighborhood picks for how you travel