Weekend in Nairobi

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 an

Tip: 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.

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.

Tip: 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.

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.

Tip: 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.

Tip: 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.

A large urban forest reserve with marked walking and cycling trails, a waterfall, caves and bird hides. Much quieter than Nairobi National Park.

Tip: 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.