City Market
Know Before You Go
Quick IntelEstimated Cost
Entry is free; items vary from KSH 200 for small crafts to several thousand for large art pieces.
Best For
Best for budget-conscious souvenir hunters and travelers looking for an authentic, vibrant local shopping atmosphere.
Access & Logistics
Located in Nairobi CBD; use Uber for safe and convenient access. Cash and M-Pesa are the primary payment methods.
Operating Hours
Daily 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Editor's Review
The City Market is a historic and vibrant landmark located in the heart of Nairobi's Central Business District. It serves as a sensory explosion of local culture, featuring bright exterior murals and a bustling interior packed with wood carvings, textiles, and fresh produce. While entry is free, visitors should be prepared for the reality of a traditional market where price tags are non-existent and aggressive bargaining is the standard expectation.
If the main market area feels too overwhelming, head to the back sections to sample local Kenyan cuisine at the small food stalls, which offer a more authentic and affordable taste of the city compared to surrounding tourist-trap restaurants.
The Cost: Entry is completely free. However, bring plenty of cash or M-Pesa for shopping. Expect to pay anywhere from KSH 200 for small trinkets to KSH 5,000+ for high-quality art, provided you are skilled at negotiating the initial markups.
The Experience: Visiting the City Market is an active, walking-heavy experience. The terrain is flat and paved, making it accessible for most visitors, though the aisles can get narrow and crowded. You will spend most of your time standing and browsing, so wear comfortable shoes for navigating the concrete floors between stalls.
What you can get: You can find a vast array of Kenyan heritage items including intricate wood carvings, handmade beaded jewelry, traditional fabrics, fresh tropical flowers, and locally sourced aromatic coffee beans.
The City Market remains a quintessential Nairobi experience. While the negotiation process can be draining, it is the best place to engage directly with local artisans and find unique souvenirs at a fraction of the cost found in hotel gift shops.
More Details
Explorer Ken's Advice
"Head straight to the upper level for a more laid-back shopping experience away from the main entrance bustle."
Things to Consider
Prices are highly inflated for tourists; you must be prepared to negotiate aggressively to get a fair deal.
Feedback
Top Google Reviews
Majid Issapour
🛍️ City Market – A Must-Visit Local Experience in Nairobi ☕🚗 City Market in Nairobi is a lively and colorful place to explore local crafts, art, and culture. From handmade wood carvings and jewelry to beautiful paintings, fabrics, and fresh flowers, there’s a wide variety of items to choose from. Keep in mind that most items don’t have price tags – bargaining is expected, so don’t hesitate to negotiate and agree on a price that works for you. One pleasant surprise was the local coffee sold there – rich, aromatic, and full of flavor. Definitely worth trying or even buying some to take home. For transportation, it’s best to use Uber in Nairobi. It’s safe, affordable, and convenient, especially if you’re not familiar with the area. Overall, City Market offers an authentic shopping experience and a great way to connect with local artisans.
Fractional Stacker
Way less pushy than the masi market... Head in and goto the upper lever which was more laid back. Pretty decent prices but be prime pared for a high initial price and spend some time looking at things you want and things you don't... also bring cash.
Anar Gojayev
I stopped by to shop for souvenirs in Nairobi, if you negotiate a bit, the prices are some of the lowest in Africa. You can find almost anything you’re looking for. Lots of wood carving work, beads, shells etc.
Maryam A
Must visit market with low prices. Be ready to bargain a lot because once they see a foreigner they mark up the price but you can give much lower offer and it’s accepted.
The Imperfect Introvert
An interesting place to visit. Bright exteriors with colourful mural paintings. Walk around the souvenir shops (you have to bargain) or try out the local food at the back. There are lots of flower shops and butcheries. It's quite a vibrant and interesting marketplace.
Community Insights
Become a pioneer
Be the first community explorer to share an insight.