City Market
A bustling Nairobi marketplace alive with vibrant crafts, colorful flowers, and authentic local flavors. A must-visit for souvenirs and cultural immer...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wholesale flower market buzz
City Market
Best Time
Wholesale flower market buzz
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling Nairobi marketplace alive with vibrant crafts, colorful flowers, and authentic local flavors. A must-visit for souvenirs and cultural immersion.
"It's a truly vibrant and interesting marketplace with low prices and a kaleidoscope of colors."
🎯 Bargain Like a Pro
Haggling is expected! Start low and negotiate respectfully for the best prices on souvenirs.
🚗 Use Ride-Sharing Apps
Uber is recommended for safe and convenient transport around Nairobi.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Artisan Crafts
Souvenir Stalls
Discover unique wood carvings, jewelry, paintings, and textiles crafted by local artisans. Perfect for unique souvenirs.
Vibrant Flower Market
Koinange Street Side
A kaleidoscope of colors with fresh flowers of all varieties, especially vibrant in the early morning wholesale rush.
Local Delicacies
Food Stalls at the Back
Sample authentic Kenyan dishes like ugali and nyama choma, or try the rich local coffee.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Bargain
Transportation Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bargain Like a Pro
Haggling is expected! Start low and negotiate respectfully for the best prices on souvenirs.
🚗 Use Ride-Sharing Apps
Uber is recommended for safe and convenient transport around Nairobi.
☕ Taste Local Coffee
Don't miss the rich, aromatic local coffee sold at the market. A perfect souvenir!
🌸 Admire the Flowers
The flower section is a vibrant spectacle, especially in the early morning.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bargain Like a Pro
Haggling is expected! Start low and negotiate respectfully for the best prices on souvenirs.
🚗 Use Ride-Sharing Apps
Uber is recommended for safe and convenient transport around Nairobi.
☕ Taste Local Coffee
Don't miss the rich, aromatic local coffee sold at the market. A perfect souvenir!
🌸 Admire the Flowers
The flower section is a vibrant spectacle, especially in the early morning.
💰 Be Aware of Tourist Pricing
Prices can be marked up for foreigners; be prepared to haggle firmly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
City Market is a vibrant and authentic Nairobi experience, praised for its diverse crafts, colorful flower stalls, and local food options. While bargaining is expected and can be intense, visitors appreciate the opportunity to connect with local artisans and find unique souvenirs. Some find the tourist-focused pricing a bit high, but the overall atmosphere is lively and engaging.
"🛍️ 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."
Majid Issapour
"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."
The Imperfect Introvert
"One side of the City Market, facing Koinange street is full of florists displaying their ware.
The flowers are fresh and beautiful comes in countless varieties and all colours.
The place is a kaleidoscope of colours.
All kinds of flowers including summer flowers, roses, ferns, chrysanthemums, delphiniums, gypsophila, sunflower water lilies, carnations.
Even what ordinarily looks like wild bushes turns out to be very expensive flowers. All the bushes I thot were wild when I was growing up are now very expensively on sale here.. . What can I say. . .
Early in the morning, around 2am, wholesale florists display their wares and the retailers get their pick. While the rest of the City is asleep, City Market is teaming up with human activity.
Shortly after 8 am, the wholesalers leave and then the retailers take the floor.
It a truly floral sight.
The tail end of the market facing Moi Avenue has every kind of meat, pork, chicken including kienyeji, broiler and improved.
In addition, there is all kinds of fresh fish at affordable prices.
Furthermore, fish, chicken and butchery traders are here before first light of day to collect what they need to sell."
Julie wanjohi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The City Market is centrally located in Nairobi. Many visitors opt for ride-sharing services like Uber, which are convenient and affordable. Taxis are also available, but agree on the fare beforehand.
Parking can be challenging in the busy city center. Using ride-sharing services or public transport is often more practical than driving and finding parking.
For seamless travel, ride-sharing apps are highly recommended. They offer a reliable way to navigate Nairobi and reach other points of interest.
City Market is situated in the heart of Nairobi, close to other city landmarks and business districts. Its bright, colorful exterior makes it easily recognizable.
Depending on your hotel's location, walking might be an option. However, it's advisable to check the distance and safety of the route, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to City Market is generally free. You only pay for the items you choose to purchase from the vendors.
City Market is typically open daily, with vendors starting their day early. The wholesale flower market is active around 2 AM, while retail operations usually begin by 8 AM and continue through the evening.
There is no separate admission fee for the flower section. You can browse the vibrant displays freely and purchase flowers directly from the florists.
City Market is generally open seven days a week. It's advisable to check for any public holiday closures, though it's a bustling hub most days.
While official guided tours might not be common, you can often find local guides offering their services. Alternatively, exploring independently allows for spontaneous discoveries.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
City Market offers a wide array of souvenirs, including intricate wood carvings, Maasai beadwork, jewelry, paintings, textiles, and leather goods.
Bargaining is a customary practice at City Market. Vendors expect you to negotiate prices, so don't hesitate to offer a lower price than initially quoted.
Handmade crafts like wood carvings, colorful fabrics, and unique jewelry make excellent gifts. Local coffee is also a popular and appreciated item.
Most items at City Market do not have fixed prices. Bargaining is the norm, so be prepared to negotiate to find a price you're comfortable with.
Explore different stalls and compare prices. The earlier you visit, especially for wholesale flower purchases, the better the deals might be. For crafts, be ready to haggle across various vendors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can sample authentic Kenyan dishes like ugali (a maize porridge) and nyama choma (grilled meat). Many stalls offer delicious local snacks and meals.
Yes, the local coffee sold at City Market is often described as rich, aromatic, and full of flavor. It's a great option to try or buy as a souvenir.
While meat dishes are common, you can often find vegetable-based stews or sides. It's best to ask vendors directly about their offerings.
Food prices at City Market are generally affordable, offering a budget-friendly way to experience local cuisine.
Yes, the market has dedicated sections for butchers and fishmongers, offering a variety of fresh meats and fish at competitive prices.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always polite to ask vendors before taking close-up shots of their products or them.
The vibrant flower stalls, colorful exterior murals, and the bustling activity of the market offer great photographic opportunities.
Be respectful of people's privacy and ask permission before photographing individuals. Avoid intrusive photography, especially in crowded areas.
For commercial or professional photography, it's advisable to inquire with market management about any specific permits or guidelines.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities or a versatile camera will work well. The vibrant colors and dynamic scenes are great for any lens.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Haggling at City Market
Remember that prices can be higher for tourists, so knowing how to haggle effectively can save you a considerable amount. Engaging in polite conversation before diving into negotiations can also build rapport with the vendors, making the process more enjoyable. Look for Fiona if you're seeking authentic local food recommendations, as she's known for her delicious ugali and nyama choma.
A Feast for the Senses: Food and Flowers
For food enthusiasts, the market's rear section offers a culinary adventure. You can savor authentic Kenyan dishes like 'ugali' (a staple maize porridge) and 'nyama choma' (grilled meat). Don't miss the opportunity to try the rich and aromatic local coffee, which makes for a perfect pick-me-up or a delightful souvenir to take home. The market also features butchers and fishmongers selling fresh produce, adding to the sensory experience.
Navigating Nairobi: Transportation to City Market
When planning your visit, consider that parking in the city center can be difficult. Therefore, opting for ride-sharing or public transport is generally more convenient than driving your own vehicle. This allows you to focus on enjoying the market's vibrant atmosphere without the stress of finding parking.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit