Haute hotelier, Anna Trzebinski shares her insider guide to Nairobi.
Fashion designer and Eden Founder, Anna Trzebinski shows us around the Kenyan capital.
Essential items to pack?
Nairobi lies at almost 6,000 feet, nights are cool, so bring layers. Dress like you would in Miami by day, LA by night. No safari khaki or hiking boots – smart casual, city chic.
The best time to visit Nairobi is…
Year-round. Rain or shine, the green city in the sun is a great year-round destination.
Our first day pitstops…
11AM: Stop by Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute.
1PM: Pause for lunch at Oyster Bar at The Village Market.
2PM: Visit the Circle Art Agency.
4PM: Head to the Karen Blixen Museum.
5.30PM: Enjoy cocktails on the deck.
Your favourite hotel to check-in at is…
Eden.
For an early morning workout head to…
Dojo Wellness Club is a state-of-the-art local gym. It has a smoothie bar, steam, sauna, and every class you could hope for.
Where should we go for breakfast?
Cultiva Farm Kenya.
How about for a long, lazy lunch?
Boho Eatery.
And for dinner with friends?
Talisman.
Your favourite restaurant in the area?
The Deck at Eden.
Where should we head post-dinner?
The Alchemist and the bar upstairs called Sinnerman; Diamond Club; Havana bar/restaurant; RE|VOLVER.
The drink to order at the bar…
Let award-winning Kenyan mixologists surprise you.
The best place for people watching…
Everywhere you go.
The culture spot to rave about…
Art and culture are very much divided into genres, parts of town, different communities, and venues; there is so much going on all the time. Good to check in at the time of travel to see what is going on. Stay away from mainstream or anything too institutional. There are book signings, screenings, art openings, and live music there on any given day.
The best place to treat yourself is…
Hemingways Spa.
For great shopping head to…
Anna’s Studio, the Eden concept store; Langata Link Shops; House Of Treasures; Downtown traders.
The one place only locals know about…
Geco Café for great live music and Nyama Choma (Kenyan BBQ meat).
For the best views, head to…
The Ngong Hills. A great hike – take a picnic or watch the sunset.
For a change of pace try…
Leaving town for the weekend, heading to Eden Lamu. Treat yourself to the best spa in the bush (Finch Hatton’s). Face Kilimanjaro at Ol Donyo Lodge.
A book to read before we go (or while we’re there)?
There is a great reading list by Kenyan authors for those who are interested in a deep dive into this extraordinary country available at Eden. I would say Out Of Africa is too much of a cliché. Black voices are far more interesting and run very deep.
What’s your Nairobi secret?
Manage the traffic – always go counter traffic. Stay in one part of town and do all that has to offer. Don’t cross counties in one day.
In a word, Nairobi is…
Incredible, multifaceted, vibrant, and exploding – that’s four words.
Any Questions or Tips to add?