Kenya · 2026 itinerary
Nairobi 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Nairobi: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
Nairobi's largest park, site of Kenya's independence celebrations. Has a towering monument with three figures representing Kenya's history, struggle and future. Good for picnics and people-watching.
🕐 Open 24 hours
Free entry💡 Go late afternoon when the heat drops and locals gather for football and jogging. Keep valuables hidden – pickpockets work the crowds near the entrance. Free public toilets by the monument.
Hotels near Uhuru Gardens →A women's pottery cooperative producing handmade ceramic beads and jewellery. You can walk through the production area and see each stage from shaping to firing.
🕐 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM Sat
Free entry💡 Free entry but you'll want to buy something – prices start at about 200 KES for a small pendant. The factory shop has better prices than city souvenir stalls.
Hotels near Kazuri Beads Factory →China Plate · ££
The Blues · ££
Deeper Into Nairobi
The spiral tower in central Nairobi. The rooftop viewing deck gives 360-degree views of the city, the surrounding plains and on clear days, Mount Kenya.
🕐 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily
💡 Entry is 200 KES for adults. Go just before sunset for the best light. The lift only goes to the 27th floor; last three flights are stairs. Combine with a walk through nearby City Park for free.
Covers Kenya's history, culture and natural history with exhibits on early man, tribal artifacts and wildlife dioramas. The grounds have a snake park and botanical garden.
🕐 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM daily
💡 Entry is 600 KES for residents, 1200 KES for non-residents. Go on a weekday morning to avoid school groups. The museum cafe serves good cheap mandazi.
Shanghai Restaurant
New Beijing Restaurant
Final Favourites & Departure
A large urban forest reserve with marked walking and cycling trails, a waterfall, caves and bird hides. Much quieter than Nairobi National Park.
💡 Entry is 200 KES for residents, 600 KES for non-residents. Bring insect repellent – there are tsetse flies near the Mau Mau caves. Cycle rental available at the gate for 500 KES per hour.
Barizi
Habesha II Ethiopian
Getting Around Nairobi
Modern, safe, and scenic option. Direct booking at airport terminal. Comfortable seats and on-board facilities. Service occasionally delayed; confirm schedule on arrival.
Book via app for safety and fixed pricing. Avoid unmarked taxis. Evening traffic can extend journey to 90 minutes.
Most secure option for first-time visitors. Arrange via hotel email/phone before arrival. Professional drivers with name placards meet guests at arrivals. Premium pricing justified by convenience and reliability.
Budget-friendly option with scheduled departures. Purchase tickets at airport terminal desks. Limited luggage space; travel during daylight recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Nairobi?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Uhuru Gardens and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Nairobi?
See our full best time to visit Nairobi guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Kenya Comfort Suites, Nairobi Serena Hotel, Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.