Ibis as seen from the Kenya Continental courtyard
ibis Styles (Saturday Night Live Band)
Ibis Styles across from our hotel hosts a live band that draws a loyal local crowd. The energy is infectious, the drinks are cold and the setting is relaxed enough to stay late and crawl back to your room.
Al fresco dining under the pergola
Beit e Selam
Food and drinks like their name are a reflection of Nairobi and influenced by the many culinary accents of the African continent. Great place to have a coffee, work or catch up with friends.
The garden courtyard with its iconic giraffe sculpture
Furusato Japanese Restaurant
One of Nairobiโs longest-running Japanese restaurants, known for its authenticity. The sushi is fresh, the teppanyaki is theatrical, and the menu runs deep enough to reward repeat visits. A favourite among the Japanese expat community, which tells you everything.
Rooftop vibes with Westlands skyline views
Unseen Nairobi
An independent rooftop cinema screening art-house, African, and global indie films under the stars. The cocktail bar is excellent, the crowd is creative, and the programming is thoughtful. Check their schedule โ screenings sell out quickly.
Beautifully plated small bites by candlelight
Gochi Sake
A refined sake bar and small-plates restaurant offering a curated selection of Japanese sakes alongside inventive bites. The atmosphere is intimate and the staff are knowledgeable enough to guide you through unfamiliar pairings. A standout for date nights.
Pizza, cocktails, and long conversations on the garden terrace
A Little Bit of Everything (A.B.O.E)
A trendy gastropub that lives up to its name with a menu spanning burgers, sushi, tacos, and more. The craft cocktails are creative and well-made, and the atmosphere is lively without being overwhelming. Great for groups who canโt agree on a cuisine.
A fresh sandwich in the sun-drenched garden
Pickled
Pickled has a vibe. When you walk in it's calm, it's green, it's very very nice. You end up staying longer than you planned without noticing. You will visit more than once. Highly recommend the hot honey halloumi, the Burrata Pesto, Bagel & Lox and Granola bowl.
Live band in full swing at Geco's intimate stage
Geco Cafรฉ (Kingara Road)
An intimate venue on Kingara Road known for live jazz and acoustic band performances. The setting is warm and unpretentious, the musicianship is high, and the cocktails are good. Check ahead for the performance schedule โ it fills up on popular nights.
Padel (Chandarana Rhapta Road)
Popular indoor/outdoor padel tennis courts at Rhapta Square, just down the road from the hotel. Courts are well-maintained and bookable by the hour. A great way to start the morning or burn off a long lunch.
Drunken Lectures (Beer District)
Every Monday night at Beer District, someone brilliant stands up and gives a talk while the audience drinks craft beer. Topics range from astrophysics to Kenyan hip-hop history. Itโs free, informal, and genuinely one of the most interesting things happening in Nairobi on a weeknight. Walk to the venue and take a bodaboda back.
Siha Yoga Place
A calm, well-run yoga studio tucked inside ABC Place on Waiyaki Way. They offer a range of classes from gentle Hatha to power Vinyasa, suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. A welcome reset after a day of exploring the city.
Monday Movie Nights at K1 Klub House
Every Monday, K1 sets up an outdoor screen and projects a film for the crowd. Itโs free. Be there by 6pm to get a good seat. They have complimentary blankets and offer free popcorn but you buy your food and drinks.
Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant
Traditional Ethiopian dining in a peaceful garden setting. The injera is spongy and sour in all the right ways, the tibs are richly spiced, and eating with your hands from a shared platter makes the whole meal feel communal. Manager's recommendation: the mixed dish, Tej (honey wine), Ambo spring water, and don't leave without experiencing the coffee ceremony.
Nargis Restaurant Lavington
A cozy neighbourhood spot in Lavington thatโs earned a devoted following for its Masala Chips and Tandoori Chicken. The portions are generous, the spicing is bold, and the prices are reasonable. Perfect for a flavour-packed casual dinner.
Improv Nairobi
A creative event space and community initiative putting on live comedy, spoken word, and variety shows. The performers are local, the energy is electric, and youโll see a side of Nairobiโs arts scene that most visitors miss entirely. Check their IG for upcoming shows.
Birds of Paradise
A unique, well curated studio offering aerial art, pole dance, aerial silks, hammock and hoop. The facilitators are warm and skilled, and the community around it is genuinely welcoming. Worth checking their schedule for upcoming workshops.
Hashmi Barbeque
Fresh, hot, yummy Indian food.
The Good Grain
A specialty coffee and pastry shop on the Slip Road off Waiyaki Way with carefully sourced beans and freshly baked goods. The space is small and focused, the baristas know their craft, and the pastries disappear fast โ go early.
Suave Restaurant & Lounge
A contemporary dining spot that doubles as a cultural venue, hosting live music, art events and a hub for standup comedy. The food is solid, the interiors are designed with local artists' work, and the overall vibe feels like Nairobi's creative class at home.
Afrofit Gym
A well-equipped gym at Delta Chambers in Westlands, just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Great for keeping up your routine while travelling.
Quiver Lounge
A stylish lounge in Kilimani with craft cocktails, great music, and a crowd that knows how to have a good time. Perfect for a Friday or Saturday night out.
Bar Next Door (BND)
A cozy neighbourhood bar on Othaya Road in Kileleshwa with a laid-back atmosphere, solid cocktails, and a crowd that feels like regulars even on your first visit. The kind of place where one drink turns into three.
Nairobi Matatu Tour
You've probably seen colourful, vibey buses along the road that look like they come out of a sci-fi film โ well, we call them nganya, and you can experience one. Nairobi's first audio-guided private matatu experience happens every Saturday. Booking is required.