Although much of Montevideo’s architecture is a vivid reminder of the major European impact on the country’s culture and legacy, the city’s skyline is dominated by a diverse collection of Colonial, Neoclassical, and Postmodern-style structures.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Montevideo

Park Battle, Park Prado, and Park Rodo are just a few of Montevideo’s many parks; each one features a unique set of amenities, from man-made lakes and outdoor exhibits to sports fields and performance venues.

The city’s many museums and galleries provide another excellent resource for gaining insight into its dynamic history and contemporary culture. Read on for some of the best tourist attractions in Montevideo, the city of Uruguay.

1. Plaza Independencia

There is a tomb and monument to José Gervasio Artigas, a military leader who fought hard for Uruguay and Argentina during the Independence War in the early 1800s, on Montevideo’s main square, which was originally designed in 1937.

There is an urn containing Artigas’ bones inside the mausoleum, along with various plaques honouring his life and military service that can be accessible through a staircase leading beneath.

The plaza is bordered by some of Montevideo’s most notable structures, including the Puerta de la Ciudadela (City Gate), which dates back to the 18th century and is all that remains of the city’s original fortress walls.

Across the street from the square is the Estevez Palace, which today houses a museum, as well as the Palacio Salvo. The plaza’s 33 palm palms represent the 33 men that fought alongside future Uruguayan president Juan Antonio Lavalleja y de la Torre during the country’s War of Independence.

2. Mercado del Puerto

The Mercado del Puerto in the city’s historic port district is the ideal place to sample authentic Uruguayan fare, particularly the country’s famed asado barbecue. Matambre (stuffed beef roll) and grilled morcilla can be sampled at one of the many eateries lining this expansive marketplace.

Everything is prepared over open flames, in full front of the diners, utilising time-honored techniques and authentic seasonings. Dishes in Uruguay are a delicious fusion of Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese influences.

Since the indigenous people of Uruguay were not permitted to fully mix with the majority European population, very few of their traditional foods made it into the cuisine of the country.

During the weekends, local artists, musicians, and makers gather outside the building to sell their crafts and liven up the neighbourhood.

3. Salvo Palace

The Salvo Palace was constructed in the 1920s without any predetermined function; however, early plans called for its adaptation into a hotel. Instead, the building became a commercial and residential hub under the ownership of the Salvo brothers.

The palace was the highest structure in South America for a while. The Salvo Palace is still privately owned, with the exception of the Tango Museum’s level just across from Plaza Independencia.

While both Argentina and Uruguay contributed to the development of tango around the same time, one of the most famous tangos in history, La Cumparsita, was written in a structure on the grounds of Salvo Palace in 1917. The palace’s tiny tango museum is a terrific spot to learn about the dance’s rich history and culture and catch impromptu live performances.

4. Pocitos

Pocitos, a resort district in Montevideo, is a famous tourist destination every summer because of its beach. The Rambla, a broad street with the longest continuous pavement in the world, runs parallel to Pocitos beach on the other side.

Biking, running, and socialising with friends over a mate (a traditional herbal drink served in a hollow calabash gourd) are all popular year-round activities, as is relaxing on the expansive beach in the warmer months.

Playa Pocitos is known for its magnificent waterfront hotels, villas, and vacation rentals, as well as the many nautical activities held there year-round. The Plaza Tomás Gomensoro, with its covered pergola and plentiful benches to rest on on hot days, and the Church of Saint John the Baptist, both from the 19th century, are both located in Pocitos.

5. Museo del Gaucho and Currency

This one-of-a-kind museum, located in the former neo-Renaissance Heber Jackson castle, celebrates the gaucho (a South American cowboy), his culture, and his traditions, including his special bond with his horse.

Clothing, horse equipment, and silver and gold spurs take up the bulk of the displays, but there are also many statues and handmade silver and leather products (both traditional crafts) to peruse.

On a different level of the palace is a modest collection of items having to do with bookkeeping and money. There are samples of bills and coins from different decades, in addition to counting devices, safes, and handwritten ledgers.

6. Prado Regional Park

Tree-lined alleys and grand homes from the turn of the century surround Prado Park in the neighbourhood of the same name. Prado, with 106 ha, is Montevideo’s largest urban park, with plenty of room for barbeques, strolls, and resting in the shade. In this park, you can take a dip in the Miguelete Stream.

Located inside the park’s boundaries, the Botanical Gardens feature two kilometres of trails for running and strolling, a stunning rose garden filled with blooms imported from France, and several options for photography under garden arches, inside greenhouses, and alongside the creek.

There are further opportunities to see Prado Park’s stunning landscaping and well-maintained pathways at the Blanes Museum. As there is no cost associated with visiting any of these places of interest, you are welcome to spend as much or as little time there as you like.

7. Mobile Carnival Museum

Uruguay’s Carnival celebrations, which begin in the middle of January and extend for 40 days, are the longest in the world. Although parades take place in many cities across the country, the largest celebrations are held in Montevideo and feature candombe drumming and dancing with an African influence, musical parody in the form of Murga, and a number of other cultural events held both on the street and in smaller plazas and outdoor venues.

There is a museum in Montevideo that traces the history of the Carnival, from its origins among African slaves a century ago to the present day, complete with displays of masks, costumes and other accoutrements.

At a special exhibit, visitors may learn about the history of candombe, from its roots in the rituals and dances of slaves carried to Uruguay to the wide variety of drums used in contemporary performances. There are also photographs and archival records from the 1930s, a time when carnivals were as popular as Broadway shows.

8. Stop by the Pittamiglio Castle

This contemporary structure that evokes a castle appears vary differently depending on your vantage point. Pittamiglio Castle is a reddish-brown castle tower with a massive reproduction of the Winged Victory of Samothrace sculpture affixed to the bow of a half ship, which is visible from the street where the main entrance is located.

Contemporary apartment complexes flank the main entrance. When you finally make it inside, you’ll find that the castle has twenty-three towers and fifty-four rooms, as well as a number of peculiar architectural features, such as short corridors, doors that lead nowhere, and chambers with odd layouts.

The architect Humberto Pittamiglio bequeathed his home to a friend in his will with the stipulation that it be restored to him “when he came back.” The building is currently home to a museum, a café, and an exhibition space.

The building itself is intriguing, but the mythology surrounding it are even more so, with tales ranging from the architect’s alleged involvement in witchcraft and satanic rites to allegations that alchemy was practised there and that the Holy Grail was hidden there.

The best way to see all the rooms and hear more about the building’s unique history is to take a guided tour.

9. Museo Juan Manuel Blanes

Museo Blanes is housed in a historic palace that is itself a Uruguayan National Historic Site, and it is entirely devoted to the works of Uruguay’s most well-known painter, Juan Manuel Blanes.

Realist painter Blanes was born in 1830. In his early twenties, Blanes had his own atelier and was working as an artist for a local newspaper. As his career progressed, he was commissioned to paint portraits of prominent Uruguayan and Argentine figures from the political and military elite.

Blanes’ designs were used to produce a statue of Artigas, the father of Uruguayan independence, which now stands in Washington, DC, in front of the National Museum of Visual Arts.

The grounds of the home include both formal gardens and a network of hiking trails. A Japanese garden complete with ponds, bridges, and plenty of secluded spots can be found directly behind the museum.

10. Fortress General Artigas

Overlooking Montevideo Bay, the fortified hill of Fortaleza del Cerro rises 134 metres above sea level. Although it was built in 1809 to fend against maritime assaults on the city, the white Spanish fort never saw action and was eventually turned into a museum.

The Military Museum, which includes a jail and a small collection of uniforms, weaponry, pictures, and documents, draws visitors nowadays. The lighthouse itself dates back to the 19th century. There is a military boat with beautiful views of Río de la Plata outside on the grounds.

The Military Museum, which includes a jail and a small collection of uniforms, weaponry, pictures, and documents, draws visitors nowadays. The lighthouse itself dates back to the 19th century. Outside, you may see the River de la Plata and check out the military boat on the premises.

The Cambodian capital is well-known for both its recent turbulent history and its stunning architecture from ancient times and the French colonial era. Phnom Penh was dubbed the “Paris of the East” prior to the war that broke out in the 1970s, and its picturesque white buildings and ancient temples (wats) earned it this nickname.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Phnom Penh

Although the Khmer Rouge dictatorship has been toppled for quite some time, Phnom Penh is only now beginning to lose its harsh edges.

One of its main draws is that, unlike some of its neighbours, it has not been Westernized to the same extent, so visitors may get a more authentic taste of Southeast Asia. See some of Phnom Penh’s most popular sights below.

1. Wat Ounalom

Almost forty structures make up what is essentially the Buddhist capital of the country. This fascinating complex of Pagodas and relic-filled stupas dates back to 1443 and is a joy to explore. Many orange-robed monks, including the leader of the Cambodian Buddhist fraternity, make their abode there.

Better access allows more people to enjoy the beautiful views of the Mekong that are often overlooked. Damaged by the Khmer Rouge, the temple has been rebuilt to its former glory and is still a popular destination for religious tourists. The stupa that holds the Buddha’s eyebrow hair and an inscription written in Pali are both significant.

2. Independence Monument

To mark the fifth anniversary of Cambodia’s independence from French colonial rule, this tower was built in 1958. It is a representation of a lotus-shaped Stupa dedicated to Cambodia’s war dead, and it was designed to resemble the central tower of Angkor Wat, the country’s most famous ancient temple.

There is a park with several other significant statues commemorating war heroes and international agreements, such as those signed with Vietnam. Festivalgoers flock there to celebrate national holidays, decorate the area with flowers, and enjoy concerts, outdoor martial arts sessions, and other park activities.

3. Russian Market

Despite the fact that the French are more widely known for their rule over Phnom Penh, the city also has a sizeable Russian population that arrived in the early 1980s as a result of the cold war. Several inexpensive (but frequently not legitimate) designer items can be found at the Russian Market for a tenth of the American cost.

Its handicrafts, including as jewellery, silk and other fabrics, woodcarvings, musical instruments, and much more, are equally outstanding. There is a fantastic opportunity to practise haggling here because the initial offer is rarely the asking price.

4. National Museum of Cambodia

The National Museum of Cambodia is the country’s largest architectural and historical museum and houses the best collection of Cambodian cultural artefacts.

Visitors are met by beautiful, lush gardens and a bright terracotta pavilion that extends into four wings, each of which houses a different type of treasure. The artwork of the Khmer people, Cambodia’s most populous ethnic group, is highlighted in this exhibition. There are also several very important Buddhist and Hindu statues there.

5. Choeung Ek Genocidal Center

The most well-known of the Khmer Rouge’s killing fields, this site today serves as a memorial to those who perished there during Cambodia’s tragic past.

In memory of the nine thousand victims who were killed here between 1975 and 1979 and the one million persons who were killed across the country, it has been turned into a Buddhist Stupa, or spire-peaked memorial of relics.

Around five thousand of the skulls found here are displayed in an acrylic glass exhibit within the building, which is not a sight for the weak of stomach.

6. Wat Phnom

The city takes its name from this sacred hilltop shrine. According to legend, a widow named Penh discovered four holy sculptures of Buddha inside a tree on the riverbank and built a shrine there to preserve them.

The park is a nice green space and a favourite gathering spot for people, but the temple itself is more famous for its historical significance than its physical structure.

Many Cambodians pray for prosperity in business and other endeavours, therefore doing so might be beneficial for people who are seeking to imitate the country’s fortunate.

7. Royal Palace of Cambodia

The Royal Palace, with its traditional Khmer roofs and ornate furnishings, is easily visible from everywhere in Phnom Penh. It is strikingly similar to its Bangkok namesake and is conveniently located near the water.

Since 1860, when the capital city was relocated from Oudong, the palace has served as the peaceful residence of the royal family.

There are four major buildings in this complex: the Silver Pagoda, the Khemarin Palace, the Throne Hall, and the Inner Court.

The Silver Pagoda and Throne Hall compounds are popular tourist destinations in Phnom Penh, and while half of the compound is off-limits as the king’s palace, the other half is open to visitors.

8. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Formerly a high school, Tuol Sleng was transformed into Cambodia’s worst prison by the Khmer Rouge Regime in 1975. Only a small number of the more than 17,000 inmates who were held at Tuol Sleng during its four years of operation are still alive today.

Tuol Sleng Prison, discovered in 1979 by the Vietnamese army, is now a museum commemorating the atrocities committed there by the Khmer Rouge. The museum is easily reached by anyone curious about the atrocities committed in Cambodia’s past.

9. Sisowath Quay

This stretch of riverbank has served as a vital public business district for generations. The region between the Mekong River and the Royal Palace is dense with restaurants, hotels, and street sellers.

During the Buddhist New Year celebration in mid-April, Phnom Penh has a world-famous water festival, and this is one of the greatest places to witness the boat races.

Several western-style buildings and embassies can be seen along Sisowath Quay, giving the area a decidedly international and western feel. Ferry terminals depart from here for people headed to Siem Reap by water.

10. Phsar Thmei (Central Market)

Under a gleaming golden dome, four pearl-white wings filled with bustling sellers spread out into mazelike passageways and a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and smells. Built in 1937, this art deco relic of French Colonial architecture was originally thought to be the largest market in Asia, and it has been open ever since (with the exception of wartime).

Shoppers can find a good deal on just about anything at this store. You can find anything from burned CDs and DVDs to cheap t-shirts, from opulent batik and brocade textiles to gold and diamonds.

Bucharest is the administrative centre and commercial hub of Romania. It’s unfortunate and fortunate that most tourists haven’t heard of this place yet.

It’s too bad, because Bucharest, formerly known as the “Little Paris of the East,” has beautiful buildings, fascinating attractions, cosy inns, and a lower cost of living than Paris or London.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Bucharest

It’s a boon for those who do decide to visit Romania, as the country has avoided the overtourism that has plagued other once-underrated holiday destinations like Croatia. Below are a handful of Bucharest’s top tourist destinations.

1. Grigore Antipa Natural History Museum

The Grigore Antipa Natural History Museum, opened in 1834, is a great place to spend a few of hours in Bucharest for anyone with a curiosity for learning or for families with young children.

There are about two thousand displays in this museum honouring Romania’s most famous biologist, including specimens of dinosaur bones, minerals, and flora and fauna unique to the country.

It also houses Europe’s greatest collection of butterflies. The museum was recently refurbished to make it more accessible for visitors with visual, auditory, or physical impairments, and it now features a number of hands-on and interactive displays.

2. Victoriei Street

This is the main street of Bucharest. Cantacuzino Palace, home to the George Enescu Museum and the National Museum of Art of Romania, the Odeon Theatre, Revolution Square, and the Kretzulescu Church are all conveniently located here.

This street also features numerous lodging establishments, dining venues, and retail establishments. From Piata Victoriei in the north to Piata Natiunilor Unite and the Dambovita River in the south, that’s where you’ll find Victoriei Street.

Calea Victoriei (Victory Avenue) replaced the previous name of Podul Mogosoaiei on October 12, 1878, the day Romania declared independence from the Ottoman Empire.

3. Cismigiu Gardens

The tranquilly of these gardens is a welcome respite from daily life. These gardens, which date back to 1845, were the first public green space in Bucharest. There are around 30,000 trees and plants, as well as a children’s playground, fort remains, and a rowing and skating lake at Cismigiu Gardens.

The busts of numerous well-known Romanian authors decorate the Roman Garden, one of the attraction’s outstanding attractions. A picnic here would be fantastic. If you’re not in the mood for a picnic, the park also has a number of cafes, pubs, and refreshment booths.

4. Hanul Manuc

Before its recent closure for renovation, Manuc’s Inn, which was built in 1806, was Bucharest’s oldest hotel. The hotel’s restaurant, however, has reopened after its own refurbishment. Many historic events have taken place at Manuc’s Inn over the years. The 1812 peace treaty between Russia and Turkey, for instance, was signed here.

The three-story Manuc’s Inn is an architectural marvel and important cultural relic. This old inn was frequently featured in Romanian television folklore shows before it was closed for renovation. It is hoped that Manuc’s Inn, once restored, would regain its former splendour.

5. Spring Palace

Former Romanian president Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife Elena lived in the Spring Palace before they were overthrown during the Romanian Revolution. On Christmas Day of 1989, they were put to death. After being closed for a long time following the executions, the mansion was reopened in 2016 as a museum.

This Communist politician and his wife lived in opulence in their 80-room palace, which is now open to the public. The Communist era in Romania’s history is also illuminated during the Spring Palace tour.

6. Romanian Athenaeum

The majestic neoclassical domed edifice that opened in 1888 and today houses the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra is one of Romania’s most recognisable landmarks. The George Enescu Music Festival, the largest international cultural event in Romania, is held there every two years.

Over 800 people can be seated within the Romanian Athenaeum, whose interior features a circular wall with a mural depicting significant events in the country’s history. Visitors should try to see a show if they can, but if that isn’t possible they should at least see the structure and its beautiful grounds.

7. Village Museum

Several hundred mediaeval homes, farms, and other structures have been relocated from all around Romania and reconstructed at this open-air museum on the shores of Lake Herastrau.

Most of the buildings of the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum were constructed in the middle of the nineteenth century and were presented to the public in 1936.

A select number, though, are even more ancient. Several buildings in Berbesti, a district in central Romania, have been dated to the year 1775, for instance. Anybody without time to get out of Bucharest and experience the Romanian countryside should visit the Village Museum.

8. Stavropoleos Church

Stavropoleos Church, located in the Old City, is a modest but lovely church that was constructed in 1724. Its distinctive Brancovan style and exquisitely carved doors have made it famous. Lord Nicolae Mavrocordat’s throne is just one of the fascinating items housed in Stavropoleous Church

Both the inn and the monastery adjacent to the church were destroyed in the nineteenth century. The Great Fire of Bucharest, which happened in 1847, destroyed a huge area of the city, although the Stavropoleos Church in the Old Town was spared.

9. Herastrau Park

The Village Museum can be found in this park as well as Herastrau Lake, making it Bucharest’s largest green space. Herastrau Park, which has been welcoming city dwellers since its opening in 1936, is a beautiful place to take a break from the hustle and bustle.

There are hiking paths, a Japanese garden, and an outdoor theatre where shows can be seen. Rent bicycles to pedal around the park, or take a boat excursion on the lake. Herastrau Park is also home to a wide variety of dining options. While many locals frequent this park, its size ensures that visitors will never feel suffocated.

10. Palace of Parliament

The Palace of Parliament is the second largest government structure in the world, after the Pentagon. The idea for this vast, opulent structure originated with Romania’s dictator Nicolae Ceausescu in 1984. But, it has not been finalised as of yet.

Built during a time when most Romanians were terribly poor, this neoclassical palace with more than 3,000 rooms serves as a reminder of the excesses of the communist past. Tourists should plan ahead and get tickets in advance because this is one of Bucharest’s most popular destinations.

Jerusalem, one of the most hotly contested cities on Earth, is rich in historical, theological, and cultural treasures, including some of the holiest shrines in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.

Jerusalem, which is now a part of Israel, has been contested territory for millennia. Each of the Mamluks, Ottomans, Christians, and Muslims who dominated the region at some point left their own unique imprint on the area.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Jerusalem

The Old City may have more outstanding tourist attractions than many countries despite its small size. There are many wonderful landmarks to see in Jerusalem, including the Dome of the Rock, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Western Wall.

Wandering through its historic alleyways is a hypnotic experience, made all the more so by the religious pilgrims who fill the narrow alleys. Jerusalem is a one-of-a-kind destination with seemingly limitless historical sites and activities to explore.

1. Western Wall

Seeing Orthodox Israelis rocking back and forth in prayer at Judaism’s holiest place, the Western Wall, is a fascinating sight to behold.

The site presently serves as a de facto synagogue and provides support for one side of Temple Mount. It’s commonly referred to by its nickname, “The Wailing Wall,” because it’s where Jews have congregated to lament the loss of the Temple in 70 CE.

Stopping by the numerous places of worship to soak up the entrancing atmosphere is a must for anybody visiting Jerusalem. You can also slide a prayer note between the crevices between the massive white granite wall’s stones.

2. Israel Museum

The Israel Museum opened in 1965, and its impressive collection of art and archaeology spans more than five thousand years.

At the many galleries devoted to local archaeology, you can see objects from the Islamic world, the Near East, Italy, and Greece, among others. Seeing at the ancient biblical texts, including the famous Dead Sea Scrolls, is awe-inspiring.

Similarly captivating is the museum’s Jewish Art and Life Hall. Several aspects of Jewish customs, such as wedding and burial rituals, are explained in detail here.

3. Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre houses two of the holiest locations in all of Christendom: the tomb where Jesus was crucified and the empty tomb where he resurrected from the dead. When in Jerusalem, you must go inside to experience the dark and foreboding atmosphere.

The various Christian groups reluctantly share care for the church, despite its popularity among visitors and pilgrims. The church, which was dedicated in A.D. 335, has been damaged, demolished, and rebuilt multiple times since its original construction.

After exploring the church’s historic stone courtyard, entering the building is a moment to remember. There are a lot of people there, but it’s quite quiet. Visiting the Edicule shrine where Jesus’ empty tomb is located is guaranteed to give you the creeps.

4. Yad Vashem

Yad Vashem is a must-see when in Jerusalem, and for good reason: it will move you to tears. This memorial honours the Israeli government’s official recognition of the Holocaust as a genocide.

The Holocaust Memorial Museum, which details the Nazis’ atrocities, may be found at the memorial site, which is located on the lower slopes of Mount Herzl. You won’t soon forget your visit to “the Hall of Names,” where you may view photographs of all the victims.

Several of the audio, film, and things on show are startling; however, others represent renewal, as seen in the “The Eternal Flame” display.

5. Temple Mount

Temple Mount, located in the centre of the Old City, is one of the most hotly contested areas due to its historical significance and veneration by all three Abrahamic religions.

It is the holiest site in Judaism and the third most important site in Island due to the presence of the Al Aqsa Mosque. Both the original and the new Temples were built on this spot.

Notwithstanding the millennia of violence that has plagued the massive cypress tree-fringed complex, a stroll through the old limestone pavings is a serene affair. Seeing the Dome of the Rock’s famous golden dome shine in the sunlight is a pleasure.

6. The Garden Tomb

Some Christians believe that Jesus was buried in this magnificent rock-cut tomb, which dates back to the eighth or seventh century BC.

Even though it attracts a lot of visitors, the gardens it’s situated in are nonetheless a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of the Old City’s cobblestone streets.

Whether or not Jesus was actually buried here is hotly debated, but the location near to Skull Hill makes it well worth the trip.

7. Western Wall Tunnels

Most of Jerusalem is constructed on top of and around the ruins of older structures due to the city’s long and turbulent history of destruction and reconstruction.

As a result, there are a network of tunnels running beneath the historic district. Visitors can get into a time machine and travel back to the days of the Second Temple when they take a guided tour of the tunnels beneath the Western Wall.

There is a network of tight, claustrophobic tunnels running parallel to the Western Wall that is well worth exploring for the depth of history it contains.

8. Dome of the Rock

The Dome of the Rock, which sits atop Temple Mount, is a worldwide icon due to its dazzling reflections in the sun. It is a well-known symbol of Jerusalem.

The temple was constructed between 688 and 691 CE, and it is here that Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad went to heaven.

Although only practising Muslims are permitted inside the Dome, the structure itself is a sight to behold. The walls are covered in bright blue mosaics, and the renowned gold-plated dome sits atop it, both overlooking Jerusalem.

9. Tower of David

Some people refer to it as the Jerusalem Citadel, but whatever you call it, the Tower of David is an interesting and worthwhile tourist destination due to its prime location above the Old City. There are artefacts that are older than two thousand years old.

The existing citadel, which has been remarkably preserved, was constructed on top of ancient defences and dates back to Mamluk and Ottoman eras.

The Tower of David Museum, conveniently located nearby, features exhibits, holograms, and maps that provide a fascinating glimpse at the history of Jerusalem, which spans over 4,000 years.

10. Mount of Olives

The Mount of Olives, located on the city’s outskirts, provides a breathtaking panorama of Jerusalem. Incredible panoramas of the Temple Mount and the glittering Dome of the Rock may be seen from its hilltop.

It’s not just a pretty place to visit; there’s also a significant Jewish cemetery and other churches, including the stunning Russian Orthodox Cathedral.

Mount of Olives is the oldest continuously used cemetery in the world and is well worth visiting if you find yourself in Jerusalem.

Nairobi, the capital and largest city of Kenya, is a popular starting point for trips across the continent. But, there is enough of fun to be had in this bustling city before you embark on your safari.

The exceptional museums in Nairobi bring the city’s history and ethnic culture to life. Many visitors to the Ngong Hills, where the museum is located, are fans of the Out of Africa book and film and want to see the coffee farm where the Danish novelist who shares her name worked.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Nairobi

Wildlife is nevertheless very popular in such a busy metropolis. Nairobi is one of the few urban areas in the world that contain a safari park. Nairobi National Park provides a classic African animal experience while still being only a 15-minute drive from the city’s skyscrapers.

The savanna is home to lions, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, rhinoceroses, and buffalo; visitors can also interact with young elephants and giraffes at nearby sanctuaries.

For more than a century, visitors seeking adventure have been drawn to Kenya’s safari parks, and Nairobi serves as their entry. Find out what to see and do in this modern city by reading our guide to Nairobi’s best attractions.

1. Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park, Kenya’s first national park, is conveniently located just seven kilometres from the city’s high-rises. The park is a safe haven for animals, and more than 50 endangered rhinos call this place their home.

In addition to rhinos, the wetlands are home to lions, gazelles, buffaloes, warthogs, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and ostriches, and they play host to more than 400 kinds of birds.

Ivory is traditionally burned at Nairobi National Park. To improve his country’s conservation reputation, President Moi of Kenya burned 12 tonnes of elephant tusks and rhino horns here in 1989. A memorial now stands in its place.

Trails wind through the Hippo Pools area, making the Nairobi Safari Walk a popular destination for those interested in seeing wildlife up close.

2. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

This orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation programme is a highlight for visitors to Nairobi National Park. Daphne Sheldrick, whose late husband David was a warden at Tsavo East National Park, started the project in his honour in 1977.

The centre helps prepare young orphaned elephants and rhinos for return to the wild. You may get near to these cute animals as they play in the dirt and guzzle water from enormous baby bottles. The best part is that your entry money goes towards protecting the environment.

Adopting an orphaned elephant, rhino, or giraffe is a great way to continue making a difference long after you’ve left the park.

3. Giraffe Centre

Visitors can get up up and personal with endangered Rothschild’s giraffes at the Giraffe Centre, located on the outskirts of Nairobi National Park. The Giraffe Manor Conservation Education Center is a non-profit organisation whose major goal is to teach kids about wildlife preservation.

Visitors may learn all about the elegant creatures on display and feed them pellets at eye level from a high platform at the centre of the exhibit.

The photos of wet, grey giraffe tongues licking young faces are priceless, and this is one of the most unusual things to do in Nairobi, especially with children.

After sharing some time with these eye-catching creatures, take a 1.5-kilometer walk into the woodland at the adjacent nature reserve.

4. Karura Forest Reserve

Need some peace and quiet on the outskirts of town? You’ve struck it rich. Only a short distance from the hustle and bustle of the city is the magnificent Karura Forest.

One of the world’s largest urban woods, this verdant area is home to a wide variety of attractions. Go to a 15-meter waterfall with several levels. The gardens are perfect for a picnic. Sit quietly near Lily Lake and observe the monkeys as they swing through the trees. Bike riding is also common on the red clay paths that are clearly signposted.

The local wildlife is also thriving. You may also observe duiker (a tiny antelope), butterflies, and a wide variety of birds, in addition to the monkeys. Stop by the riverside café for a bite and a drink after a day of exploring the woodland.

5. Karen Blixen Museum

The Karen Blixen Museum, located in the author’s former house at the base of the Ngong Hills, is one of Nairobi’s most popular tourist destinations. Isak Dinesen, as Karen Blixen, maintained a coffee plantation out of this house between the years 1917 and 1931.

The colonial farmhouse has been meticulously kept, and it now serves as a college for agriculture. Other buildings on the property include a kitchen and a coffee drying plant in the woods.

Photographs and literature belonging by Karen Blixen and her lover, Denys Finch Hatton, are on exhibit, along with furniture that belonged to Karen and her husband. Guides who are clearly passionate about Karen Blixen and colonial Kenya help make the history come to life.

6. Nairobi National Museum

When in Nairobi, stop by the National Museum for an informative and entertaining way to pass a few hours. More than 900 stuffed birds and mammals, fossils from Lake Turkana, ethnic displays from several Kenyan tribal groups, and exhibits of local art are just some of the many cultural and natural history exhibits on display at the museum.

The Geology Gallery houses an extensive collection of rocks and minerals, as well as information on tectonic plates and the volcanic life cycle. The fossil of an extinct elephant is among the many ancient remains stored in the Hominid Vault.

Admission to the nearby Snake Park, showcasing some of Kenya’s most prevalent reptiles in the wild, can be purchased as part of a package deal at the museum. Take some time after your visit to the bustling city of Nairobi to relax in the quiet botanical gardens.

7. Bomas of Kenya

Bomas of Kenya, located about 10 kilometres from Nairobi, is a living museum showcasing the vibrant cultures of Kenya’s many different tribes. Discover the traditions, customs, and ways of life of several indigenous groups at this museum.

The complex is built around a replica of a traditional village, complete with bomas (traditional dwellings) decorated in the style of many prominent ethnic groups. A group plays folk music and dances in the evenings at the main theatre. The performances are always more fun when the audience gets involved.

8. Kazuri Beads Factory Tour

Trying to find some one-of-a-kind presents for your loved ones back home? Shopping at the Kazuri Beads Factory is a fantastic experience. The best part is that you’ll be assisting underprivileged local women in the process.

Kazuri, which means “little and beautiful” in Swahili, perfectly describes these dazzling, multicoloured beads. See how local women (including many single mothers) produce beads and other clay items from scratch by signing up for a free tour of the factory.

After your tour, you’ll have the option to buy some to take home with you, secure in the knowledge that they are produced by a member of the Global Fair Trade Organization. The costs are manageable for the most part.

The factory is conveniently located close to the Karen Blixen Museum, making the two an ideal day trip. It’s also one of the best free things to do in Nairobi, though you probably won’t want to leave without picking up a few strands of the colourful beads sold here.

9. Kenyatta International Conference Centre

The Kenya International Convention Centre (KICC), named after Kenya’s first president, Jomo Kenyatta, features a rooftop observation deck with a 360-degree panorama. The facility has gained worldwide recognition as a premier location for conventions, trade shows, and other large-scale events.

It’s not the highest structure in Kenya, but its 28-story tower overlooking a massive amphitheatre certainly makes an impression. The central plenary hall is reminiscent of the ancient Roman Senate, while the building’s pale terra cotta exterior is reminiscent of traditional African huts.

You can take images of the expansive city below from the rooftop viewing platform and then eat at one of the eateries.

10. Ngong Hills

These gorgeous green peaks got their Maasai name from the word for “knuckles,” and the term is apt because they seem like the back of a fist raised to the sky. They are a popular destination for those looking to escape the heat of Nairobi.

Many early colonial white immigrants made their homes and farms in the Ngong Hills, a ridge overlooking the Great Rift Valley. Despite being in Africa, the remaining half-timbered cottages and floral gardens look more at home in southern England.

The hills are laced with walking paths that lead to breathtaking vistas of the lowlands below. There is also much wildlife to be seen. Animals including buffalo, gazelles, giraffes, bushbuck, the rare klipspringer, and baboon troops can frequently be seen grazing by the side of the road.