A Student City Guide to Nairobi

Just moved to Nairobi to start university or college? We’ve put together a list of ways to spend your time in your new city.

Explore the city centre

Get to know your new town with a quick trip to the city centre. Request a ride to take you right to the heart of the action, so you can spend a full-day exploring. It’s a great time to find out which shops are going to be your go-to, where the best places to go for a night out are, and where your new favourite coffee shop is. Keep an eye out for community centres, cafés and bars that host regular events as well as handy places like libraries and gyms.

Eat local street food

One of the best things about moving to a big city is discovering all the food options on offer. Take a trip to a street-food market and start sampling all the local cuisine. Try karoga, a traditional Kenyan style cookout that provides a unique outdoor dining experience. Food halls are also great places to check out, as well as small, family businesses where you’ll usually find fresh food at reasonable prices. Bonus tip: if you want to try out local food but you are too tired after all the studying, Uber Eats is your ally!

Immerse yourself in the culture

Make the most of Nairobi’s rich cultural scene by checking out the many museums, galleries and attractions the city has to offer. If you want to learn more about Kenya’s history and art, head to the Nairobi National Museum. It’s only 10 minutes from the centre, an easy ride away.

Discover new finds at markets

As a new student, thrift shopping is about to become your new favourite pastime. Get some practice in early and take a trip to one of Nairobi’s thriving markets. You’ll find different markets depending on what you’re looking for, with everything from handmade arts and crafts to fashion to food. Spend the weekend browsing the Maasai Market or take a trip over to the Utamaduni Craft Centre.