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City Market Nairobi

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City Market Nairobi (Kenya)

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City Market Nairobi is a historic commercial landmark located in the Central Business District of Kenya's capital. Built in the early 1930s (circa 1932), the market features a distinctive Art Deco architectural style, with its vaulted concrete roof giving it the appearance of an aircraft hangar. This design was revolutionary at the time, providing excellent natural lighting and ventilation for the vendors inside. Historically, it served as the city's primary hub for fresh produce, but today it is equally famous for its animated flower market and extensive collection of African curios. Inside, visitors can find high-quality wood carvings, beaded jewelry, and traditional textiles alongside stalls selling fresh meat and fish. The market is situated on Muindi Mbingu Street and remains a focal point for daily social and economic interaction. It is an essential stop for anyone wishing to experience the authentic atmosphere of Nairobi while discovering the craftsmanship of local artisans. Despite surrounding modernization, City Market retains its colonial-era charm and functional significance.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212122211919191920212020
Rain mm3929641147325162220538165

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
City Market Nairobi is a historic market hall open daily to visitors. Entry is free, and you can wander through stalls selling fresh fruit, flowers, handicrafts, and meat.
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Typical hours
The market is typically open Monday to Saturday roughly 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, Sundays often shorter or closed. Best shopping time is in the morning when goods are freshest.
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Photography
Photography is allowed inside the market, but ask vendors before taking explicit portraits. The colorful stalls and market hall architecture make great subjects.
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Time needed
Allow about 30-60 minutes for a stroll around the market, depending on how much you want to browse. If you plan to buy, budget more time.
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Combine with
The market is downtown, near the Kenyatta International Convention Centre and All Saints' Cathedral. The Dedan Kimathi Statue is also within walking distance.
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Getting there
City Market is located on Muindi Mbingu Street, easily walkable from the central business district. Numerous buses and matatus stop nearby.
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Insider tip
Haggling is common - barter friendly, especially for handicrafts and souvenirs. Keep an eye on your valuables as the market is very busy.

Geography

Population
4,397,073 (2023)
Coordinates
-1.28210, 36.81970

Facts

  • The market building was completed in 1932 during the colonial period.
  • Its architectural style is Art Deco, characterized by a vaulted roof.
  • It is located on Muindi Mbingu Street in the Nairobi CBD.
  • The market is a major destination for tourists seeking African curios.
  • The facility provides natural cooling due to its high-ceiling design.
  • It houses dozens of stalls selling fresh produce, meat, fish, and crafts.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Jamia Mosque NairobiJamia Mosque Nairobi<1 km · NExplore →
UAP Old Mutual TowerUAP Old Mutual Tower2 km · WExplore →
Global Trade Centre NairobiGlobal Trade Centre Nairobi2 km · SEExplore →
Heller GardenHeller Garden4 km · SEExplore →
Le'mac TowersLe'mac Towers4 km · SEExplore →
Karura Forest NairobiKarura Forest Nairobi5 km · EExplore →
Nairobi Industrial AreaNairobi Industrial Area5 km · NWExplore →
Uhuru GardensUhuru Gardens5 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town City Market Nairobi (1)

Jevanjee Gardens🎡 recreation

This landscaped urban space functions as a tranquil theme park featuring shaded benches and historic statues.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What can you buy at City Market Nairobi?
There is a wide selection of crafts, souvenirs, as well as fresh meat, fish, and flowers.
What are the market's opening hours?
The market is open daily from approximately 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Should you haggle at the market?
Yes, especially for souvenirs and crafts, haggling is common and expected.
Are there food stalls there as well?
Yes, there are sections where you can try local dishes like Nyama Choma (roasted meat).
Is the market safe for tourists?
Yes, but watch your valuables in the crowds and politely decline persistent sellers.
City Market Nairobi: where is it located?
City Market Nairobi is located in Kenya.
City Market Nairobi: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Sep.
City Market Nairobi: why is it worth visiting?
City Market Nairobi is a historic commercial landmark located in the Central Business District of Kenya's capital.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
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History & landmarks

Jamia Mosque Nairobi — City Market Nairobi (Kenya)
Jamia Mosque Nairobi
The most important Islamic center and one of the most prominent religious sites in the heart of Nairobi.
Macmillan Memorial Library — City Market Nairobi (Kenya)
Macmillan Memorial Library
The oldest library in Nairobi, housed in an impressive neoclassical building.
I&amp;M Bank Tower — City Market Nairobi (Kenya)
I&M Bank Tower
A distinctive building in Nairobi with its unique sloped roof and blue glass facades.
Dedan Kimathi Statue — City Market Nairobi (Kenya)
Dedan Kimathi Statue
A bronze monument honoring one of the key leaders of the Mau Mau uprising.
Kenya National Theatre — City Market Nairobi (Kenya)
Kenya National Theatre
The premier center for performing arts in Kenya, hosting cultural and theatrical performances.
All Saints&#39; Cathedral Nairobi — City Market Nairobi (Kenya)
All Saints' Cathedral Nairobi
The national cathedral of the Anglican Church of Kenya, known for its Gothic architecture.
Holy Family Minor Basilica — City Market Nairobi (Kenya)
Holy Family Minor Basilica
A Catholic cathedral and minor basilica in the center of Nairobi with striking architecture.
Supreme Court of Kenya — City Market Nairobi (Kenya)
Supreme Court of Kenya
A historic colonial-era building serving as the seat of the highest court in the country.

Nature

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Lake Magadi
An extreme soda lake.
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Lake Bogoria
A volcanically active soda lake.
Lake Ol Oropil — City Market Nairobi (Kenya)
Lake Ol Oropil
Small lake in the Rift Valley.
Lake Ole Nado — City Market Nairobi (Kenya)
Lake Ole Nado
Small soda lake.
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Lake Baringo
A freshwater lake in the Rift Valley.
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Lake Kamnarok
A lake in the Kerio Valley.
Kerio River — City Market Nairobi (Kenya)
Kerio River
Flows through Kerio Valley.
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Athi River
A major river in Kenya.

More places

Uhuru Gardens — City Market Nairobi (Kenya)
Uhuru Gardens
The largest memorial park in Kenya, marking the exact spot where the Kenyan flag was first hoisted on December 12, 1963.
Karen Blixen Museum — City Market Nairobi (Kenya)
Karen Blixen Museum
The former farmhouse of Danish author Karen Blixen, famous for her book 'Out of Africa', which now provides insights into the colonial era.
Amboseli National Park — City Market Nairobi (Kenya)
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park lies at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro and is famous for its huge herds of elephants and spectacular views of Afric…
Great Rift Valley — City Market Nairobi (Kenya)
Great Rift Valley
A geological phenomenon of global importance.
Kerio Valley — City Market Nairobi (Kenya)
Kerio Valley
Deeply incised Rift valley.
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Kacheliba Plains
Flat landscape in the northwest.